Uninvited and unwanted guests

Remember the last post when I said there was a hint on something brewing in Gabriella and myself? Well, Mr. and Mrs. Virus have come to visit us this week. We've had and still have chest congestion, runny noses, fevers, and tummy troubles . Never underestimate how awful a night really can go when there is a virus in the house-ask Paul how much he likes being awoken to clean up puke-poor guy never thought to turn on a light and stuck his hands right in it or how much he likes doing laundry in the middle of the night. Welcome to my world is all I have to say about that. Thankfully God's mercy and grace is allowing us to get a reasonable amount of sleep and to maintain some bit of sanity. I guess God wanted us to start off Lent right- penitential.

Busy anyone?

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted; finding time to stop and take a breath is hard to come by sometimes. It's such a cliche to say life is busy, but it is. Thankfully, we are maintaining good health, although Gabriella and I have a hint of something brewing. School is going well for all the kids; the teacher would welcome a substitute, but so far no such luck.

The big excitement a couple nights ago was Pauly loosing his first tooth. It has been lose for quite sometime, but he hasn't been ready to part with it. Well, when I saw that his gums were turning black and blue, I made the decision for him that it was time. To his dismay, I pulled out my mom hold on both him and the tooth which came out with minimal effort. Thankfully, he handled it really well and was quite proud of himself. Another milestone in his life- we made it.

Once Gabriella saw me take the camera out, she insited on me taking her picture. Who can pass up an opportunity to see her smile. Let's just say she's being a little turkey lately- a loud, defiant, independent turkey. Good thing she's so cute.

Red Envelopes

Here is a very grass roots attempt at fighting FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) that was sent to me. I know the kids and I will be making a Valentine's Day project out of it. It's a small act, but an act of love that could make a huge impact toward saving the lives of our precious unborn.

*Feel free to forward to as many as you like!An interesting idea I'm passing along to all who are against abortion on-demand, especially so-called "partial-birth abortion" which would be reinstated if FOCA is passed. An empty red envelope will be a quiet, but clear message to the President.Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores.

On the front address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message...

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Maybe send more than one! Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send an envelope with that message on the back. Imagine him receiving 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president. Someone suggested to put a copy of that baby's hand coming out of the womb and holding onto the surgeon's finger as a powerful reminder of whose life ends when an abortion takes place. Or an ultrasound picture of your own child and a note about how you COULD have aborted this baby (not that you WOULD have - just that it would have been a legal "option"!), but you CHOSE to see the child as a blessing and gift from God. And include some good things about the child, like, "He wants to be a teacher. She wants to be a scientist" or whatever. And since Obama seems to be so concerned about money, remind him that it is these children who will be paying their taxes for his care when he is older!Or.... just send an empty envelope.

A full day

Today has been a very full day for us, so I'm keeping this short. Pauly did great going it alone to school today. He pretty much jumped out the door and into the van and headed off to school without looking back. He was back before we knew it, and he ran up the sidewalk and busted through the door immediately taking off all his stuff eager to get busy playing with the girls. He had that bright eyed face I was hoping to get a glimpse of. He said he had a great time and seems eager to go back tomorrow; phew! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers; they're working. Here's a couple pictures of him waiting for his van.

The weather turned warmer today, so I took advantage of it and got them outside. George wasn't too sure about the whole thing and preferred to stay in my arms and just watch the kids play. He laughed at them sledding down the hill. Gabriella wasn't into the sledding either, but really enjoyed playing restaurant in the snow bank with the other kids.

Pauly's first day

A success! The van picked both Pauly and me up, and we headed off to school. One of his teachers met us for curbside pick up; that's service. Today he met with the school social worker and a small group of boys. He detached from me nicely and seemed very eager especially once he saw the boys coming into the room. They had their time introducing themselves and discussing the topic of the day; to my surprise he was very talkative, and then they got free time. She encouraged the boys to pick out something they could all do together. One boy seemed to take a liking to him, and they drew pictures together for their time. I think this will be the same boy that is in his speech group. After a bit a para came to pick Pauly up to take him to the sensory room for his activity time; they call it "ready bodies learning minds." She was so sweet, and Pauly seemed to really take to her and really enjoyed his time working his body. Then before we knew it, it was time to go home. He even said "already." There was a mix up with the van pick up, for some reason she didn't realize she had to pick him back up. We waited patiently in the office, and then headed home. He says he is excited to go back tomorrow, thank goodness. Let's hope he still feels that way tomorrow when I buckle him in and say good bye. I'm looking forward to seeing his face light up when he comes in the door; it's so sweet to hear his first words which are usually, "Hi girls I'm home."

Pauly let me snap a few pictures before he headed off. He loves his new backpack. He's a little awkward as to what to do with it,but he'll get the hang of it.

Meeting of the teachers

Pauly and I went this morning to meet his 3 teachers and classrooms. He made very little eye contact and had his head buried into my hip most of the time, but he did talk to them a little. He seems a little more excited, well less nervous since meeting the teachers. I'm not so worried about tomorrow since I will be with him, but I'm pretty nervous about Thursday. Not sure what I'm going to do if he doesn't want to get on the van. Hopefully he loves it so much tomorrow that it won't be an issue. I'll keep you posted.

Another Pauly Update

Pauly continues to be in occupational, speech, and vision therapy. He was just reevaluated by his OT, and he has made amazing progress over the last 6 months. He has gained 2-3 years developmentally in most of the categories; we are very proud of him. Because of his progress, he will be graduating probably the end of March, so we have begun to make the transition to a more home based program. His remaining time will focus on self-education or teaching him the hows and whys of his "engine." Speech is also going very well for him, but he will most likely be discontinuing with her because of the services he will be receiving from school. Vision therapy is also going well; he's not a fan of the homework, but he is making good progress. The big news is that Pauly is starting school this week. He will be going everyday for a short amount of time to focus on improving his social language/communication skills and his social skills. He will be working one on one with teachers and will also work with a group of boys who have similar struggles. He will also get some time in their sensory room to work his engine however he chooses. He is pretty nervous to be away from home without mommy, but I am taking him for a tour tomorrow and will meet his teachers. Wednesday is his first day, and I plan to be with him for his first bus ride and school time. Please offer up a prayer for him; this is going to be a big transition for him and transitions are tough on him and the rest of us as well.