Firsts--- an overdue update

We've been pretty busy the last couple of weeks. For lack of pictures, I have been procrastinating an update. We have had some firsts around here so I figure I had better update before I forget! Pictures still to come.
Two weeks ago, Marisol and Mattea started back to school Mattea had participated in the summer program which was half a day three days a week but now she is a full-time second-grader! We had her IEP update and what do you know, they figured out it wouldn't work having her in with the regular second graders! No surprise there. We live in a small, rural town and our public school doesn't have any actual self-contained classes for special ed so they "built" Mattea an area all her own in the resource room. She has a full-time aide plus the resource teacher working with her one-on-one then she goes out to the playground with the other kids. They are doing short periods of interactions with her right now, plus her PT, OT and speech sessions. She has a set of drawers that they put different things in for her to explore, lots of cause and effect toys, a bean bag chair and a wagon for long trips. They are giving her two snacks plus lunch and they are toileting her. So far things seem to be going well but we will see how it goes. They said she is too old to integrate with the preschool. I will be watching closely to make sure she is getting services.
Marisol has a new teacher to get to know, but her teacher for the visually impaired is still the same, and has lots of new things for her to learn. As always, she enjoys school and has lots of friends.
This week, Kory and Estuardo both started their new schools in Albuquerque. Kory is going to Menaul School and initially he seems a little overwhelmed (5 subjects of homework on the first day) but I think the challenge is doing him good. I like that they are not "teaching to the test" like they were in public school.
Estuardo started Montessori preschool at La Escuela del Sol Montessori in the Primary group. He will be going half-a-day, five days a week to start with. He cries when I drop him off but they say he is doing well the rest of the day and excited about everything there. He is wearing big boy underwear to school, and also his light-up Spiderman SHOES instead of his cowboy boots.
We had Onnolee's evaluation, now next week is her IEP for preschool, which will be two full days a week, plus she will continue with her hippotherapy, hopefully.
The fun part is figuring out transportation and getting everyone where they need to be when I am at work. The girls will ride the bus, but Dad has to leave before 7 a.m. to get to Albuquerque with the boys, and the bus doesn't come until 8:30 or so. I think he's going to be driving EVERYONE until we get a better plan figured out. Thursdays and Fridays are not so complicated because I am home those days.
Stew has been gardening this summer, and we had some fresh grown squash, beans and potatoes. He had a little better luck than last year, so he's planning even more for next summer.
As for me, I broke down and bought us an X-Box 360 that came bundled with Guitar Hero 3, so Mom has been rocking....
I also signed up for a sewing project class next week. If it turns out nice, I will post pics.
As soon as I get caught up I will also post a whole bunch of family pictures.

NO MORE TONSILS

We made it to Denver Children's by ten this morning to check in for surgery, a little early. Mattea's surgery was scheduled for 1:45 and we were told this doctor usually was pretty much on time, so we hung out in the playroom after being assigned to a pre-op room and changing Mattea into some hospital pajamas. Estuardo and Mattea played, played and played some more. The ENT doc came out around 1:45 to tell us they had to wait on the cardiac anesthesiology team and they wouldn't be free till 4 p.m.(!!!!!). Meanwhile, Jesse and Estuardo were HUNGRY (and I am sure Mattea was too). The good thing was they found a volunteer to come sit with Mattea while we went to get something to eat. Finally, at 4, they took her in to surgery. About 2 hours later, she was transferred up to the cardiac intensive care unit where she would spend the night. Since they don't currently allow children into the ICU, again they found us a volunteer, this time to play with Estuardo while I went in to see Mattea. He cried and clung to me but I passed him to her anyway and he eventually did fine. Mattea came through with flying colors!! By the time I got in to see her she had already eaten FOUR popsicles!! They gave her grape ones, and the ENT team were a little concerned when they came in because her lips were purple, too funny. She was awake and alert and upset because they had restraints on her arms so she would leave stuff alone. And a little froggy voice came out when she tried to hoot and holler. All in all, she did great! So I left her in good hands and went after my little man. He was on the floor playing with the volunteer and giggling. After we left, he asked about the "doctor mommy" who was playing with him. He said "I am going to miss her so much!"
Back at Ronald McDonald House, we were treated to a prepared meal by volunteers then headed out to Super Target for berries and cherries for Mom (me). Estuardo, of course, found another superhero "guy" for his action figure collection, and fell fast asleep before we got back. He's sleeping soundly next to me right now.
Jesse is doing great too. He has made some teenage friends here who come after him to play foosball with them, so he's in his glory.
No pics till we get home. I actually remembered the camera but I left the battery in the charger at home...

"MOM!!!"

Just a cute story...After a major meltdown, Estuardo finally fell asleep for his nap at about 3:30 this afternoon. I went out to cook dinner around 4:30. The rest of us went to the dining room to eat at 5:30. I cracked the door open in case he woke up, but he didn't. Finally around 7:00, when we were finished and cleaning up, he came bursting out the room door. "MOM!!!" "Yes?" "I thought you lost me!"

Life at Ronald McDonald House

I am in Aurora, CO, at the Ronald McDonald House across the street from Denver Children's Hospital. I am here with Mattea, Estuardo and Jesse. Mattea had her preliminary ENT appointment on Saturday, and her tonsil surgery is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The ENT doc says she can do anywhere from "fine" to "intubated." She's got a good track record so far, so I am hoping we are only here for a few days. Ronald McDonald House is wonderful, for anyone who has not stayed at one. This one is huge, three stories high, with three communal living areas, a huge kitchen and dining room, tv and computer room, laundry room and sitting areas on every floor. There is a big playroom on the first floor and a play area outside. There is a DVD lending library, and lots of board games. Almost every day people come in and bring or fix meals for the guests. It's truly a home away from home. We've been just relaxing "in" for two days. Tomorrow we may go exploring.

Jordyn and Jolene in Alaska!

Here is my new little granddaughter Jordyn! She weighed over 9 pounds when she was born.
Here is her proud mama, my daughter Jolene. Jolene and her husband are living out in the wilderness in Alaska right now.

What a cutie pie!!!