I have a lot to say...

Today, was Lillian's 2 year Early Intervention evaluation. (2 years being in the program) She will be 28 months old next week. I do not have a copy of her evaluation just yet, because the PT and speech therapists, and the case worker had to finish writing it all up so, I am grabbing it from my memory.

Lillian was assessed at 24 months for her Fine and Gross motor skills. (4 month delay... last year she was assessed at 12 months so she has maintained this amount of delay over the course of the year) We discussed a sensory processing issue and issues with motor planning. I can't say that I am surprised by either. We have known that she is an "intense" and active little girl and that she still tends to over stimulate. She is not 25% or more delayed so she will not qualify for services. They did suggest ways to help her become more aware of her body and her surroundings. They also recommended a book called "The out of sync child." I reserved a copy at our local library. They also recommended that we NOT get her involved in group sports (soccer or basketball) that more individual activities like dance and gymnastics will be better suited for her. She is very social with adults but tends to sit back and watch other children play. She watches what they do and how they respond. The therapists said that it may take her longer to learn a skill but once she has her mind set on it she will master it and be efficient at it. As I stated in my previous post, Lillian is going to be approved for the speech therapy program at the public schools in September. The speech pathologist has asked when she was due to follow up with EI and was waiting to hear back what they reported and has not recommended further assessments at this time. When speaking with her EI caseworker today, we did briefly discuss preschool and we agreed that at this time we do not think that it would be in her best interest to place her in a "mainstream"  class. It could lead to greater anxiety and frustration for her. However, I would really LOVE for her to be able enroll in the early preschool through the public schools. (same program as the speech therapy) Initially, she did not qualify however, her caseworker is going to discuss this with the speech pathologist. I am praying that Lillian will be able to have further testing and will eventually be able to attend. (Even though I have mixed emotions about her leaving me..lol) I am fearful that I alone will not be able to accommodate and supply her with all that will be needed to prepare her for kindergarten.

I am also trying to get her scheduled with a pediatric ophthalmologist. We have been noticing that her right eye is turning in. I called her pediatricians office today for the referral and when the nurse returned my call she said that the doctor was booked through October! Really!? She said that she explained Lillian's situation and past medical history and they are supposed to look over the cancellation list and see where they are able to fit us in.

On top of that, our only Children's hospital, the same facility that her pediatrician and Neurosurgeon are affiliated with are in a all out battle with Anthem (just so happens to be our health insurance provider) and they may end their "relationship" effective June 1st making all care "out of network." Sigh............ Praying that will be resolved!

We decided to bump up her CT scan and annual visit with her Neurosurgeon just in case they are moved into the out of network provider. Her appointment is scheduled for Monday...I am eager to see how everything looks in there. Our zero balance at the children's hospital was short lived!

And... I BROKE my toe this past Monday night. Yeah... I tried to rip it off with Lillian's high chair. Quite literally... I ended up going to the urgent care only b/c it was about 70 degrees sticking out away from my other toes and when I pushed it back in... it just bounced back to where it was! I wanted to have an xray and make sure that I didn't break it further down into my foot. But, I'm happy to report it's just the toe... but at a diagonal across the first joint! UGH... Needless to say, it's been an eventful week around here!

Looking at the broccoli and lettuce in the garden.

A...hem! *clears throat*

Where to begin? So much has happened in the last month... Let me begin with, Lillian had a labial adhesion, UTI, and an ear infection. We went through a 20 days worth of antibiotics, over a month of Estrogen cream. We  were also referred to a Urologist. He instructed us to continue the estrogen cream (safely) for the next month and ordered a renal and bladder ultra sound. We returned for a follow up last week; the adhesion has been resolved AND Lillian's Kidneys and Bladder and healthy and in perfect working order! :D We have been dealing with MANY tantrums. These have not been simple throw down on the ground tantrums, they have been very forceful and Ken and I been fearful that she is going to hurt herself. Thankfully we have been working around them while "picking our battles." An example; sitting in her car seat is not negotiable, nap or quiet time not negotiable and bedtime is not negotiable. At bedtime we "used" to read her a couple or several books while she sat on our lap in the rocker. This last month she has decided that she will sit on the floor beside the rocker for the first two books and then, I have to remind her that we are starting the last book and if she wants "rocky-rock" that she needs to sit on my lap. There are been several instances that she has refused and in turn has gone to bed with-out equaling a unhappy Lillian... (Mommy and Daddy too) She is learning the fine art of bedtime procrastination! :)

This past Wednesday we met with Dr. Bill, the gentleman that did Lillian's speech evaluation for the public school system. He did note a few reasons for concern, He said that she still has a lot of  "Echolalia" going on. Echolalia is where toddlers repeat back what is said. He went on to say that she should be starting to come out of it more than she is. He also noted that she is a bit wobbly. He said that he is going to recommend her for the speech therapy program this coming September with the public school system. I will take her once or twice a week for 30 minutes. He went onto say that he does not think that she will be in the program very long. He also asked when she follows up with Early Intervention. Ironically, they are coming out this coming Friday for her annual evaluation. The speech therapist that came out last year (and got her walking on her own) is coming again this time. He asked us to mention his concern of her unsteadiness. I am eager to hear what they have to say.

In the midst of all of this, I have been working part time from home from the corporation that I resigned from the Friday before Lillian was born, I interviewed for a full time in office position. My mom is in the position to be able to come to our home and watch Lillian while I return to work. Part of me is very excited about the thought of returning to work, the income, the income, the income... did I say the income? LOL Seriously, I loved my job, it was difficult for me to walk away. Then there was this part of me that is very sad about the thought of returning to work full time outside the home. It has been an amazing experience being home with Lillian for her "entire" life. We have really learned about our Faith. There have been many months where I have wondered if we were going to be able to make our bills. We are not extravagant people. We do not have credit card debt, NO car payments. My student loans have been paid off. I am SO thankful that we were able to get all of this in line before conceiving Lillian. Otherwise, I have no idea how we would have done it with those extra burdens. Back to the job.... I applied, made it to the 2nd interview and totally put it in Gods hands. I was unsure if now was the right time. So, I got that news last week as well... they selected another internal applicant. I'm totally "ok" with this. While the job was exciting and an additional income would be nice... there are definitely sacrifices. So, I am excited at the thought of being able to be home at least one more Summer with Lillian. Being able to "update" her nursery into a toddler room and most likely moving her into her older sisters room. (Tori will be 18 in June and will be gathering her bedroom furniture and etc) Sooooo..... thats pretty much our month.