Lucy's swallow study

We took Lucy for her swallow study at the university hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, she does aspirate. She will continue to be on thickened liquids indefinitely and we will be given further instructions. 

Lucy continues to grow and can roll over and sit up briefly leaning on her short little arms. She seems to have an "old soul", being serious much of the time and watching. She is so wonderful. She smiles at me and the love just wells up in my heart!

Dual diagnosis

To those of you who know Joel only by brief association, this may come as a surprise. For those of you who know him well or work with him in church or other capacities, it will not surprise you.

Along with Down syndrome, Joel has autism.

We have suspected it for a long time. We had the school autism team test him at the end of this school year and they came back with the result that he is "moderately autistic". However, it did not change anything in his IEP. I don't completely understand that. But they had already chosen a different placement for him for next year, before the testing, so that's probably why.

Here is an article sent to me and many others in our local Down syndrome group. I found it immediately helpful and interesting. Click on the title: "Autism in children and adults with Down syndrome"

I wish I'd had that article before the testing was done. The people involved could find little evidence that this type of dual diagnosis is even common.

After all of the evidence we've seen in him and heard about his behavior in class... and reading this article, I now know in my heart that Joel probably does have autism. I'm sorry and relieved at the same time, these things are always like that. But it helps us --and hopefully others who work with him-- to understand him better.

I love him just as much! He is a joy to us. Very challenging and oh, so interesting! But most of all, he is our son.

Wilson is safely home in Hong Kong

Our borrowed son went home yesterday. He called this morning to let us know he was safely home. Wilson said he will come see us again someday. He also said "Maybe I will call every day to talk for an hour." ;o) It was funny to hear him say to his dad about something in the background, "I don't think she'll understand that." The shoe is on the other foot now. Isn't life interesting? It was sweet of him to call.

Welcome Baby Garrett

Milly and Ben the day before their son was born.

Milly is our firstborn. 

Milly and Ben sharing a little bonding time with Garrett, soon after this long-awaited baby's birth.

Our grandson Garrett weighed in at 8 lbs, 14 ozs. Isn't he CUTE?!

Milly's Baby BORN TODAY!!!

Milly and Ben just moved into their new home last week, and now... we have a new grandson! The baby was born this evening, the day after his due date. They say he is fine and we'll learn what his name is as soon as they choose one. That's all I have for now, we're expecting pictures! I'll be flying out there this coming Saturday, trading places with Mikelle who is there right now. 

School symphony

Here is a piece from the high school spring concert, Wilson and two of my nephews were in the wind symphony. Dallas is playing cymbals, Wilson the marimba, Taylor the trumpet.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wilson's exchange nears end

Wilson has been busy all year with band, church and basketball activities. He has been a part of our family for nearly ten months. We've had our good times and bad. He knows our faults but seems to have enjoyed himself in spite of them.

He is much like an American teen. Wilson loves to practice hip-hop dancing, play basketball, sing with popular music, chat on the internet, buy jeans, shoes and fix his hair. He enjoys going out with friends, sleeping in and eating lots of food which he also doesn't mind cooking for himself when needed. If I were to guess, I would say he liked the various kinds of meat best, but still favors chicken wings. ;o) Oh, and bacon.

We have learned a lot. I hope he has learned some positive things that will help him throughout his life. We will miss him.

Wilson's graduation/farewell party is tonight from 7 -9 pm. We are spending the day assembling photos for a scrapbook he can take home. I will post some photos here too, as soon as I can.

He will fly home to Hong Kong in one week.

This has been one amazing year for our family!