Trials are not enemies of faith but are opportunities to prove
God's faithfulness. -- Author Unknown

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one
to say 'thank you?' -- William A. Ward

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Lately

Here lately, I've been so busy mentally and physically. With summer upon us for several weeks now, we are finding a new normal routine. No more therapy at school everyday. I don't have to crawl out of bed and I'm taking advantage of it. August will come all too soon and it will be back to therapy.
Prasun finally got to see the orthopedic doctor and neurologist. He had his first round of botox and got to wear casts for 2 weeks. He had to learn how to crawl all over again. Actually he is still learning to move around again. I'm so happy to see the muscles that were so tight be loose now. We are trying to make the most of the time we have until the botox wears off. We also aren't doing new injections until January so that gives us time.
I've been trying to figure out where to get physical therapy for both of the kids this summer and it isn't working so well. 6 weeks and we haven't had a formal therapy session. I'm trying to make some schedule commitments to the kids so I'm doing the therapy on a regular basis. We do various things all day, but I need to be more consisitent. I want to show the school that I can do alot if left to my own devices. I feel the need to prove that I can homeschool the little ones. We'll see how it goes over the summer.
Prasun's language skills are definitely going great. He is using 3-4 word sentences at times. He has just started to call himself "Prasun". Yesterday he called himself "Prasun Elijah". He can answer some questions. I'm amazed at how much he picks up. He is watching Dora and Diego alittle now. I am almost encouraging it because he is repeating things. Once school starts again the TV will be off all day.
Ananya is starting to talk alittle. She will say momma, dada, Anthony, I Love You, and Pepsi. She is repeating signs we show her alot more. She is doing well in her walker, even walked into the doctor's office the other day. She did moderately well. Her problem is she wants to stop and talk to all the people she passes.
Ananya is scheduled for hip surgery September 17th. She will be in the hospital for about 3 days and will be in a cast for about 6 weeks. That ought to be a fun experience, sigh :*(. I hope it goes well for her. We'll be by her side the whole time, so Mom and Dad will do our best to make it ok.
The day of her surgery is our last day of foster care classes.
This is what has held my mind most lately. We have decide to start another adoption and will be adopting an older child (children) from foster care. I've found a great agency that places high risk children. We are looking for 1 or 2 children from 5 to 10 or 11. One of them definitely over 8. I have felt a huge burden lately to pray for the children God has for us. I just feel like something is happening in their life right now and they need some extra prayer. Time will tell how this will work out. In the mean time, I'm about driving myself crazy making plans without any real information.
I'm planning (so far in my head) for homeschool next year. I'm trying to think of new and interesting ways to teach Anthony. What field trips we will go on. New ways to teach writing skills. I'm thinking I'm going to increase the amount of reading we do as well as journaling. I think I'll use a combination of assignments and free writing. I also need to be more strict about getting the Spanish lessons done. We may switch to Japanese after his birthday as well.
Anthony had a week of Soccer camp. I was very pleased with how it was run. I was going to send him for the second week but he hurt his wrist Thursday, missed the last day Friday, and we went to Urgent care to make sure he didn't break his arm. All is well now and I'm hoping he can go both weeks next year. Any plans for next summer now include, will I be sending 2 or maybe 3 next year.
I'm also looking for a new van. Maybe not immediately, but we will need a new one. I'm looking at 9 passenger conversion vans. I'm just looking right now and expecting to buy late this year maybe early next year. Patrick wants a big van right now. I'm being patient. The right van will appear at the right time. In the meantime, I'm drooling over pictures on Ebay of these vans.
Anyways, I'm going to get my day started for real. I'm going to take the kids swimming today for a little while. I bought some floaties that they can sit in so I can manage 2 at 1 time. We haven't gone swimming yet. Well Prasun hasn't because Patrick took them to Grandma's and he had casts on still. He got to play with Grandma while Ananya was in the pool.
I'll try to drop by later. I think I have some thoughts on non verbal children (or those with severe language delays) as well as some thoughts about special needs families going out. I hope it will come out later today.

4 comments:

Julie & Patrick said...

'Lately" has been busy for you for sure!

I hope that Prasun and Ananya continue to have great strides from their Botox treatments and hip surgery. It sounds as if you and their doctors have a clear path as to where you are headed in regard to their mobility and progress.

Great news about the foster classes and upcoming adoption. I will anxiously follow along with your latest journeys.

All the best...
Julie

The Labontes said...

So good to hear from you! I've been waiting for news about your "plans." We will be praying for Ananya's surgery.

I'll definitely be looking for the next post. Two topics I'm anxious about.
Kristy

Peter and Nancy said...

You inspire me, Amanda! I love hearing about how you manage the medical stuff, home schooling, planning for the next ones, and more. Your love and care for your children are so awesome. Thanks for the update!
-- Nancy

Pam said...

Girl, you are awesome. I can't wait to share this foster/adopt journey with you. :) Makes it less scary to me.
There's a chance I may be coming down that way later this summer. I would love to try to meet you!