Patient Advisory Council At CCHMC

There are no coincidences and Big Girl happened to be in the right place at the right time (and I should mention a place she did not want to be just then at all) and a single spontaneous conversation led to her being invited to participate in the Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center Patient Advisory Council.  After some consideration and with a healthy dose of her typical skepticism, she decided to join if for no other reason than to obtain 20 hours of community service for the Community Service Seal as part of the Ohio Graduation Requirements.

Last night was Big Girl's first meeting as a PAC member and she couldn't have enjoyed it more.  In this particular meeting, the Council was taste testing a full buffet of potential new menu items for the patient menu and also undergoing and evaluating the food ordering process from in-patient rooms.  We were told Big Girl suggested a picture menu for patients who cannot read or visualize the food choices via print.  She also noted that most kids she knows (herself not included) don't want broccoli or other veggies to touch their spaghetti and recommended serving the vegetables in a separate dish.

We're so proud of our Big Girl and thrilled for all the new opportunities that have come her way in 2024. She is working hard and her efforts are paying off.

Service Project 2024

We had not done a home school service project in far too long and this year felt like it needed it, so the kids organized a food drive.  Little One and Middle Kiddo collected in our neighborhood and Big Girl at her school.  The food drive allowed each of our children to participate at their individual capacity from creating and distributing flyers to making calls to picking up and sorting donations.  It was also an opportunity to learn about hunger and food insecurity.  Next week, we will drop off 162 pounds of donated food  at our local food pantry. 

Thanks to our village, including our in-home teachers, neighbors, and the community at the home school school, for making the food drive a success.

IAC Sessions 614 to 623 Results

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 614 on August 1, 2024:

1) French dossier from February 2026 referred a male child aged 2 years and 2 months with a family history

2) French dossier from February 2018 referred a female child aged 8 years and 5 months with features in health status and a family history

3) US dossier from May 2023 referred sisters aged 10 years and 7 months and 7 years with features in health status

4) US dossier from June 2023 referred brothers aged 9 year and 4 months and 8 years and 1 month with features in health status

5) US dossier from July 2023 referred a female child aged 13 years and 2 months

6) Canadian dossier from April 2024 referred a female child aged 3 years and 2 moths with features in health status and a family history

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 615 on August 8, 2024:

1) US dossier from October 2019 referred a sister and brother aged 9 years and 2 months and 7 years and 7 months

2) US dossier from August 2024 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 616 on August 22, 2024:

1) Finish dossier from January 2015 referred a female child aged 1 year and 4 months with features in health status

2) Italian dossier from June 2020 referred a male child aged 8 years and 9 months

3) US dossier from May 2023 referred a female child aged 3 years and 7 months with features in health status and a family history

4) Canadian dossier from September 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 8 years and 11 months and 6 years and 7 months with features in health status and a family history

5) US dossier from December 2023 referred a male child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status

6) US dossier from May 2024 referred a male child aged 4 years and 5 months with features in health status and a family history

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 617 on August 29, 2024:

1) German dossier from January 2015 referred a female child aged 7 years and 3 months

2) Italian dossier from December 2022 referred a sister and brother aged 8 years and 8 months and 6 years and 5 months

3) Italian dossier from August 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 11 years and 9 months and 10 years and 2 months with features in health status

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 618 on September 12, 2024:

1) Cyprus dossier from December 2015 referred a male child aged 1 year and 6 months

2) French dossier from October 17 referred a female child aged 5 years and 7 months with features in health status

3) Spanish dossier from February 2021 referred a male child aged 5 years with features in health status

4) Italian dossier from June 2023 referred brothers aged 7 years and 1 month and 8 years and 2 months with features in health status

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 619 on September 19, 2024:

1) French dossier from September 2018 referred a male child aged 3 years and 7 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from April 2019 referred a brother and sister aged 3 years and 2 years and 3 months with features in health status

3) Italian dossier from March 2022 referred a female child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status and a family history

4) Italian dossier from August 2024 referred brothers aged 10 years and 2 months and 12 years and 6 months

5) US dossier from September 2024 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 620 on September 27, 2024:

1) US dossier from September 2018 referred a female child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status

2) French dossier from April 2023 referred a male child aged 7 years with features in health status and a family history

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 621 on October 3, 2024:

1) Italian dossier from November 2023 referred an identified waiting child

2) Italian dossier from February 2024 referred a female child aged 10 years and 10 months with features in health status and a family history

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 622 on October 11, 2024:

1) French dossier from June 2020 referred a male child aged 9 years and 5 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from July 2024 referred a male child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history

3) US dossier from September 2024 referred a female child aged 4 years and 9 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from October 2024 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 623 on October 18, 2024:

1) Canadian dossier from June 2017 referred a female child aged 4 years and 7 months with features in health status

2) Maltese dossier from September 2022 referred a male child aged 2 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history

3) Italian dossier from November 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 11 years and 11 months and 10 years and 4 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from August 2024 referred an identified waiting child

Under One Roof 2024

Big Girl once again submitted an art panel to the annual Under One Roof exhibit at our local JCC.  This year, she was chosen for one of the Superlative Category awards.  Congrats to our resident artist.  She worked hard on this piece and it was recognized.

Busy October

I don't know why but sometimes you live through a month that seems busier than the rest and also busier than you had expected.  October was that for us this year.

We had...

1) Two IEP meetings

2) One driver's test

3) One long weekend vacation with friends

4) One art show opening with dinner

5) Three ballet classes

6) One visit to the zoo

7) One school open house

8) Two blood draws

9) One medical appointment

10) Two neurofeedback appointments

11) One photography class

12) One Daddy Daughter Dance

13) One performing arts event: Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque

14) Halloween

15) Blink Cincinnati

16) Two dental appointments

And you know what we did after all of this?  We made November 1 a vacation day and gave ourselves a long weekend to rest... except, of course, for that additional blood draw and the impossible to miss ballet class because Little One keeps her own calendar.  Life is good.

Home Schoolers Don't Get Out Much...

 .... ummmmmm...

Just this week we had an art dinner/reception for an exhibit in which one of our kids has a piece on display, one community photography class through Artswave, two therapy appointments, volunteering, ballet class, a father/daughter dance, a teen hang-out party, a trip to the library, and we went to see a performance by Cirque Kalabante.

If only these home schoolers would get out more...

Girls' Birthdays 2024

The girls' birthdays have come and gone for the year.

We had a big surprise Sweet 16 party for Big Girl and I can still hardly believe that we were able to pull it off amid the renovations here.  I planned everything in secret and then we took Big Girl out to breakfast and to get a haircut and second ear piercings.  Meanwhile at home, grandma and auntie put up the decorations, helped the caterer set up, and welcomed in the guests.  It takes a village, of course, so we were thankful to our neighbors for letting the guests park in their driveways and to our Ms, Rie for watching Little One and Middle Kiddo before the party.

We kept it much smaller for Little One who was still reeling from the year-long construction here and invited only a few valued teachers and friends.

What are they like right now?  

Little One loves Dutch conductor Andre Rieu and opera singers Kimmy Skota and Montserrat Caballe (yes, she listens to opera for fun several times a week) as well as all kinds of music and dance from the latest releases to classical.  She dances daily at home and continues to take ballet at the Cincinnati Ballet where she has also announced her plans for future employment.  She has made great progress with self-help skills and communication.  She showers all of us with hugs, kisses and exuberant declarations of her love.  At her own insistence, she now sleeps in her own bedroom and sits with the family for dinner.

Big Girl is into all the trends in fashion, hair, make-up and contemporary music. She continues to pursue her interests in drawing and painting and has also added photography to that list.  She writes poetry, prepares her own lunches and breakfasts, and takes self-care rather seriously with long baths and yoga.  She makes her own spending money via regular babysitting.  Friendships are front and center now with sleepovers and hang-outs/outings and communication throughout the day.

Our New Driver

Big Girl has worked hard since February and jumped through many extra hoops that non-disabled teens in our state do not have to face, but she persevered and passed her driving test this morning on first try.  We're very proud of her and looking forward to the expanded opportunities that driving will afford her.

Next up, we have to get Big Girl's car adapted with hand controls, so she can hit the road.

New School Year - New Adventures

And just like that our middle kiddo is off to his first volunteer shift at a local food bank.  This is a trial and error endeavor, so wish him luck.

Update!  He did great and will return next week for another shift.

MOJ Referral Session 610-613 Bulgaria

  The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 610 which was held on June 6, 2024:

1) Canadian dossier from June 2017 referred a brother and sister aged 4 years and 7 months & 3 years and 9 months

2) US dossier from April 2024 referred a female child aged 3 years with features in health status and a family history

3) US dossier from June 2024 referred an identified waiting child

  The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 611 which was held on July 7, 2024:

1) US dossier from August 2023 referred an identified waiting child

2) US dossier from June 2024 referred an identified waiting child

3) US dossier from June 2024 referred an identified waiting child

4) US dossier from June 2024 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from July 2024 referred an identified waiting child

  The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 612 which was held on July 16, 2024:

1) Spanish dossier from May 2016 referred a female child aged 10 years and 4 months

2) US dossier from November 2021 referred a female child aged 1 year and 1 month with features in health status

3) US dossier from March 2023 referred a female child aged 1 year and 2 months with features in health status

4) Italian dossier from March 2023 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from April 2023 referred a male child aged 4 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history

6) US dossier from July 2024 referred a female child aged 4 years and 6 months with features in health status

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 613 which was held on July 18, 2024:

1) Spanish dossier from October 2014 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from November 2021 referred twin girls aged 7 years and 6 months with features in health status

3) Swiss dossier from February 2024 referred a brother and sister aged 5 years and 3 months & 11 years and 3 months

4) Canadian dossier from June 2024 referred a male child aged 12 years and 8 months

First Day Of Tenth Grade

Big Girl is off to her homeschool co-op today to begin tenth grade.  She will be taking geometry, biology, ancient history and a painting/drawing class there.  In April, she will take the state's standardized high school assessments in Biology and Geometry.  Last April she took them in US History and Algebra 1.

At home, I am teaching Big Girl one of her Language Arts electives: The History of Western Drama.  We started in June and plan to have the 130 required hours completed by the end of 2024.

Big Girl is not a morning person and does not like to eat breakfast which she usually prepares for herself.  Often, we have to remind her to take a little something at least to avoid getting hangry before lunch.  Today, I treated her to a blast from the past with a small piece of Fairy Toast and was happy that this elicited a rare teen smile and an "Aww, like when I was little."

I was glad to see that she packed herself a hearty school lunch (ham, cheese, arugula, hummus sandwich with a side of sliced apples and bell peppers).

Here's to a great sophomore year!

On Loss and Grief

Our next door neighbor lost her husband unexpectedly several months ago.  We have always been friendly with this family since we moved here in early 2015, but now we are taking even more special care to check in on her.

Since our neighbor has a quiet house, Big Girl will occasionally visit to chat or do homework there.

Big Girl has had her share of loss and grief in her life and I know it impacts her to see the gargantuan daily effort our neighbor is making to move forward alone.  Since it's challenging for Big Girl to talk face to face about feelings, one day she gave kindness and support in the best way she knew by leaving an encouraging note in the kitchen which our neighbor shared with me.

MaOma Was Here

My Mama aka the kids' Oma was visiting for most of this summer and while it does feel like summer passed us by in a haze of home renovation, we did try to put some fun into her stay.

June 22 - Inside Out 2 Matinee

June 29 - Graduation/anniversary party with our Indiana cousins

July 6 - Fourth of July party and fireworks with our other Indiana cousins

July 12 - Birmingham Oratorio by Cincinnati Opera at Music Hall

July 13 - Family Dance Day at the Cincinnati Ballet

July 15 - Lunch at the historic Golden Lamb for our moms and one of Craig's aunts

July 21 - Visit to our new state park, Great Council State Park, dedicated to the Shawnee people

July 27 - Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

July 28 - brunch at our lovely neighbor's house

IAC Sessions 599 to 609 2024

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 599 which was held on January 11, 2024:

1) Canadian dossier from FEB 2019 referred twins, male and female, aged 1 year and 10 months with features in health status and a family history

2) Canadian dossier from MAR 2023 referred a male child aged 7 years and 7 months with features in health status

3) Canadian dossier from JUN 2023 referred a female child aged 10 years and 8 months with features in health status

4) Italian dossier from OCT 2023 referred a male child aged 11 years and 7 months with features in health status

5) US dossier from DEC 2023 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from JAN 2024 referred an identified waiting child

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 600 which was held on February 9, 2024:

1) US dossier from FEB 2024 referred an identified waiting child

2) US dossier from FEB 2024 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 601 which was held on February 15, 2024:

1) Spanish dossier from OCT 2014 referred a male child aged 7 years and 4 months

2) US dossier from MAR 2019 referred a male child aged 2 years and 2 months with features in health status

3) French dossier from FEB 2022 referred a male child aged 3 years and 6 months with features in health status and a family history

4) Canadian dossier from DEC 2022 referred a female child aged 5 years with features in health status and a family history

5) Spanish dossier from JUN 2023 referred a male child aged 3 years and 11 months with features in health status and a family history

 The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 602 which was held on February 23, 2024:

1) Spanish dossier from DEC 2015 referred a male child aged 8 years and 10 months

2) Italian dossier from FEB 2019 referred a brother an sister aged 6 years and 11 months and 5 years and 11 months

3) Italian dossier from APR 2019 referred a female child aged 8 years and 8 months

4) Italian dossier from MAR 2023 referred sisters aged 9 years and 1 month and 4 years and 8 months

5) Italian dossier from MAY 2023 referred brothers aged 8 years and 10 months and 7 years and 8 months with features in health status

6) US dossier from JUL 2023 referred a female child aged 1 year and 9 months with features in health status

7) Italian dossier from MAY 2019 referred sisters aged 10 years and 2 months and 6 years and 7 months with features in health status

8)  US dossier from FEB 2024 referred an identified waiting child

9)  US dossier from FEB 2024 referred an identified waiting child

10)  US dossier from FEB 2024 referred an identified waiting child

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 603 which was held on February 29, 2024:

1) Spanish dossier from MAR 2017 referred a female child aged 8 years and 1 month

2) Italian dossier from SEP 2022 referred siblings aged 4 years and 11 months and 8 years and 4 months and 5 years and 10 months with features in health status

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 604 which was held on March 12, 2024:

1) Italian dossier from AUG 2014 referred a female child aged 12 years and 3 months

2) Canadian dossier from SEP 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 9 years and 11 months and 8 years and 3 months with features in health status and a family history

3) Canadian dossier from FEB 2024 referred a male child aged 12 years and 6 months with a family history

4) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred a male child aged 2 years and 9 months with features in health status and a family history

5) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

7) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 605 which was held on March 28, 2024:

1) Italian dossier from SEP 2017 referred a female child aged 8 years and 2 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from DEC 2022 referred a female child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history

3) US dossier from JAN 2023 referred a male child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status

4) Italian dossier from FEB 2023 referred a male child aged 11 years and 10 months with features in health status

5) Italian dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

7) US dossier from MAR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 606 which was held on April 25, 2024:

1) US dossier from MAY 2023 referred an identified waiting child

2) Italian dossier from OCT 2023 referred a male child aged 11 years and 9 months

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 607 which was held on May 16, 2024:

1) US dossier from AUG 2023 referred an identified waiting child

2) US dossier from APR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

3) US dossier from APR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

4) US dossier from APR 2024 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from MAY 2024 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from MAY 2024 referred an identified waiting child

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 608 which was held on May 22, 2024:

1) French dossier from DEC 2021 referred a male child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history

2) US dossier from MAR 2023 referred a male child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history

3) Italian dossier from APR 2023 referred siblings aged 5 years and 2 months, 8 years and 7 months, and 6 years and 1 month

4) Canadian dossier from NOV 2023 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status and a family history

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 609 which was held on May 30, 2024:

1) Italian dossier from AUG 2023 referred brothers aged 11 years and 6 months and 7 years and 8 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from MAR 2023 referred brothers aged 13 years and 6 months and 11 years and 1 month

3) Canadian dossier from MAR 2024 referred siblings aged 8 years and 3 months, 10 years and 11 months and 9 years and 10 months with features in health status and a family history

Home Reno Update

I haven't posted much about the home addition/reno that's been going on for over six months because by now, we all feel like this about it (captured aptly by Little One).  The mental health toll is real and we're struggling.

The entire project, phases 1 and 2, was supposed to have been finished at the beginning of June.  The addition is relatively complete at this point and we have occupancy of our beautiful new kitchen and dining room plus the adjacent family room. The landscaping around the addition is taking shape, too.

However, the other side of the house looks like this as of today and there's no end in sight yet to the reno.

On the upside, we were able to donate our old kitchen and bay window to Habitat for Humanity which made us really happy.

To be continued...

School's (Sort Of) Out For Summer

The 2023/24 school year has come to an end and we're all very excited for summer.  At the same time, unlike in years past, we're also already prepared for the lessons of the next academic year which alleviates quite a bit of stress for me.  Under Ohio's new home school law that went into effect last October, there's less of a bureaucratic burden on home schooling families and the requirements are more flexible.  Accordingly, the level of materials I need to prepare are much fewer particularly since we have learned that less is more with two of our students here and that a fairly interest-based approach works best.  This is why some of us now know all about poop and MRI scanners.

With me our 8th graders will work on Science (the water cycle, landforms, vertebrates) and History/Social Studies/Government (presidential elections, US presidents, kids who made a difference plus culture of Armenia/Bulgaria).  Language arts and math will be covered through their other teachers that meet with them multiple times a week.  I have prepared about ten laminated info sheets by topic and a couple of sets of flashcards and that's all we need to start.  Any other materials will be located and provided throughout the school year based on the kids' progress and interest.

Our sophomore will be taking Geometry, Biology, Ancient History and an art class at her home school school and a History of Western Drama class here with me at home.  I have already selected the plays we will read and will formulate my lessons plans as we go.  Big Girl and I have agreed that we will try to complete this class with the required 130 hours by the end of December 2024 (we have started the class already and will go through the summer), so that she can focus on Biology and Geometry in the spring and prepare herself for the state testing.

Big Girl will also continue to work on obtaining her driver's license. She has completed all required education and passed all theory tests and will begin her lessons behind the wheel in an adapted car on June 18.

PSA: Iron Deficiency

We just experienced the results of undiagnosed, severe, long-term iron deficiency in a very scary scenario, so I want to mention some lesser known symptoms of iron deficiency here that may go unrecognized especially in individuals with complex support needs.  I am also adding details about how some of these symptoms were expressed in our case verbally or physically.

1) Whooshing in the ears: "My ears are humming."

2) Rapid heart beat: "My heart hurts."

3) Poor sleep: waking up multiple times per night and walking around

4) Poor growth

5) Restless legs: legs drumming on the mattress multiple times per night while asleep

6) Ulcers/cracks in the mouth: "I have sores in my mouth."

7) Sore tongue: moving tongue around the mouth vigorously

8) Brittle nails

9) (Increased) anxiety

10 (Increased) depression

11) (Increased) symptoms of ADHD

12) Itchy skin or rash: "All the clothes are itchy."

13) Poor temperature regulation: "I have a little fever."

We saw multiple specialists to address certain isolated symptoms, but until this week, there was no cohesive interpretation of what may have been underlying a slow physical and mental health deterioration, presenting itself in all 13 symptoms above over time.

In addition, if you take SSRI or SNRIs, please have your doctor do complete blood cell counts with some regularity and test for iron/ferritin levels etc. specifically as well.

Temps

Big Girl passed her BMV Knowledge Test today on first try and now has her temporary instruction permit identification card - well, the card is coming in the mail soon, so for now it's a print out.  She's ready to begin her driving classes with the help of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.  She studied hard and earned this next step toward independence.  We're proud of her.

British Fairy Cakes

Big Girl's group of closer friends includes several teens whose parent/s are first generation immigrants (Sweden, Colombia, UK, Pakistan) which has prompted an ongoing joke this winter in our family about pastries from other countries.

After a sleepover with her BFF last weekend Big Girl and her friend surprised me with British Fairy Cakes in response to the joke.  Such a sweet gesture of them and yum.

Pathological Demand Avoidance

As our children develop, sometimes we recognize that certain aspects of their individuality can be classified into a diagnosis which does not change who they are but gives us fresh approaches to parenting and teaching.  We recently realized that one of our children has Pathological Demand Avoidance.  You can google it if you want the scientific details, but said child's teacher found a great summary from a book by a writer that has PDA (Calendar Girl by Sally Cat).

IAC Results Sessions 595-598

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 595 which was held on November 16, 2023:

1) US dossier from May 2016 referred a male child aged 1 year and 11 months with features in health status

2) Italian dossier from July 2017 referred a female child aged 8 years and 9 months with features in health status

3) Canadian dossier from December 2022 referred a female child aged 10 years and 7 months with features in health status and a family history

4) US dossier from November 2023 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from November 2023 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 596 which was held on November 23, 2023:

1) Canadian dossier from September 2015 referred a male child aged 1 year and 8 months with feature sin health status

2) Dutch dossier from September 2021 referred a female child aged 2 years and 9 months with features in health status and a family history

3) Italian dossier from February 2022 referred a male child aged 11 years and 6 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from October 2022 referred a male child aged 3 years and 8 months with features in health status and a family history

5) US dossier from November 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 8 years and 4 months and 7 years and 2 months with features in health status

6) US dossier from November 2023 referred an identified waiting child

7) US dossier from November 2023 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 597 which was held on December 5, 2023:

1) French dossier from October 2020 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status

2) Italian dossier from February 2022 referred a male child aged 11 years and 11 months

3) Italian dossier from January 2023 referred sisters aged 5 years and 2 months and 8 years and 6 months with features in health status and a family history

4) Us dossier from March 2023 referred a female child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status

5) Italian dossier from April 2023 referred a sisters aged 10 years and 2 months and 9 years and 2 months with feature sin health status

6) US dossier referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 598 which was held on December 20, 2023:

1) Spanish dossier from July 2013 referred a male child aged 10 years

2) Italian dossier from September 2022 referred four siblings (three girls, one boy) aged 5 years and 9 months, 8 years and 11 months, 4 years and 6 months, 6 years and 9 months

3) Canadian dossier from June 2023 referred a brother and sister aged 6 years and 5 months and 5 years and 4 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from December 2023 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from December 2023 referred sisters aged 11 years and 1 month and 13 years and 2 months

6) US dossier from December 2023 referred an identified waiting child

Richtfest

Growing up in Germany, I remember from my childhood the occasional Richtfest which is a celebration that takes place when the outer shell of a new structure has been erected.  Traditionally, this involves a gathering with food and drink that includes both those who commissioned the building and their family/friends and those who actually built the structure.  A crown of greenery, flowers and ribbons is raised into the rafters as well as a visual representation of gratitude and joy.

With the completion of our home addition framing on Friday, today we had our own abbreviated version of a Richtfest.  I made the crown and we hung it and we left breakfast treats for our work crew that was returning to finish up another aspect of the project today.  Then the five of us went into our new addition to write our wishes for the space onto the walls.  Middle Kiddo carried out a very liberal interpretation of Hillebille which traditionally is a rhythmic beating of hammers and axes by the craftsmen to drive out any negative energies and bad spirits from the new space. 

It'll be a while, but we're so excited for the things to come.

Never Say Never

When you have neurodivergent kids, there are some things that professionals will tell you your children will never do and others you are realistic about yourself in terms of your child's perceived ability to accomplish them or not.  And there are times where you accept it and make your peace with it and other times when you push and work against the predictions.

Middle Kiddo has strong communication about things that are important to him, but for years I have told people not to expect him to make small talk.  My usual example in such discussions has been, "He's never going to talk about the weather."

Well, last week Middle Kiddo was on a nature walk with his therapist and she mentioned the next day's forecasted snow. And sure enough, Middle Kiddo responded (and I am paraphrasing here), "I'm over the snow and cloudy days and ready for blue skies and heat."

So, it looks like I was wrong and I'm glad for it.  It's been a good reminder to never say never.

IAC Results Sessions 590-594

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 590 which was held on September 13, 2023:

1) Spanish dossier from September 2016 referred a male child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status

2) Italian dossier from July 2022 referred two sisters aged 4 years and 7 months & 7 years and 4 months with features in health status

3) US dossier from August 2023 referred a male child aged 4 years and 3 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from September 2023 referred an identified waiting child

5) US dossier from September 2023 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from September 2023 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 591 which was held on September 28, 2023:

1) Spanish dossier from May 2015 referred a female child aged 2 years and 5 months with features in health status

2) US dossier from April 2019 referred twins, male and female, aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status

3) US dossier from December 2020 referred three sisters (twins and single child) aged 2 years and 11 months & 3 years and 10 months with features in health status and a family history

4) US dossier from August 2023 referred a male child aged 1 year and 10 months with features in health status

5) US dossier from September 2023 referred an identified waiting child

6) US dossier from September 2023 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 592 which was held on October 5, 2023:

1) Italian dossier from January 2015 referred a female child aged 10 years and 6 months with features in health status and a family history

2) Italian dossier from March 2016 referred a female child aged 8 years and 8 months with features in health status

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 593 which was held on October 19, 2023:

1) Italian dossier from April 2014 referred a male child aged 4 years and 9 months with features in health status

2) Italian dossier from February 2016 referred a female child, age not disclosed, with features in health status

3) US dossier from July 2022 referred a male child aged 3 years and 3 moths with features in health status and a family history

4) Canadian dossier from December 2022 referred a female child aged 1 year and 4 months with features in health status

5) Italian dossier from February 2023 referred sisters aged 6 years and 10 months & 8 years and 10 months with features in health status

6) US dossier from September 2023 referred three identified waiting children

7) US dossier from October 2023 referred an identified waiting child

 The following referrals were issued in IAC session 594 which was held on October 26, 2023:

1) Cyprus dossier from January 2016 referred a male child aged 7 years and 2 months, healthy

2) Italian dossier from April 2016 referred a female child aged 1 year and 3 months, healthy

3) French dossier from March 2021 referred a male child aged 7 years and 4 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from February 2023 referred a female child aged 6 years and 1 month with features in health status

5) US dossier from July 2023 referred a male child aged 1 year and 11 months with features in health status and a family history

6) US dossier from October 2023 referred an identified waiting child

7) Italian dossier from October 2023 referred three identified waiting children