Yesterday was Elisabeth's IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. That's where I go and meet with her team and we talk about where Elisabeth is at and where we want her to be one year from now.
Speaking of her team, I am so grateful for them...all of them...her teacher, her aide, her physical therapist, her occupational therapist, her vision therapist, and last - but not least - her speech therapist. Whew...that's a lot of therapy. But how wonderful! How wonderful that she was born in a time where there are abundant resources and people ready and willing to help her achieve her fullest potential; people who have been trained specifically in the areas that she is lacking.
So back to the ol' IEP:
A week or two ago they evaluated Elisabeth so they would have a good idea of where she is at right now. Basically, she is in the 0-6 or 6-12 month age bracket in every area tested. But that's okay, because that means she is my forever baby. That's what I like to call her, my forever baby.
I was quite pleased with the objectives that they have set for Elisabeth in the coming year. They are goals that seem challenging, yet not unreachable.
Here are a few:
1. Elisabeth will begin to play with toys with pieces that she can take apart and put together (i.e. magnet toys) four out of five play sessions.
2. Elisabeth will demonstrate the desire to be picked up or attended to by raising her arms or making a sound or gesture four out of five play sessions.
3. Elisabeth will activate a switch to indicate cause/effect.
4. Elisabeth will use 2 hands to hold a medium sized toy for 1 minute for 3 separate therapy sessions.
In other news...
Elisabeth and I are hitting the road again today, you know, to make that 150 mile drive to Spokane.
Today's appointments involve x-rays, a CT scan, and a visit with her neurosurgeon to check up on her shunt. Her shunt has been plugging along perfectly since she was 1 day old. Let's hope it's still in good working condition. Fingers crossed!
In other news (again)...
While Donald and the girls were at soccer practice yesterday evening, Elisabeth and I went on a delightful walk. Here's a sampling from our stroll:
In other news (as if this post wasn't long enough already)...
Happy 1st Day of Autumn!!!
My favorite season!!!!
Now we get to watch all that greenery in the pictures up there turn to beautiful shades of yellow and red and orange. Oh boy, oh boy!
