Changes

As time continues to move on, I am realizing that with that theory, decisions about Liam's future are starting to become a reality. I haven't written much about Down Syndrome lately and I can't say I am bothered by that. For the most part we go about our day to day lives and the craziness that is just a part of our every day the way most other parents would describe their own.

Therapy is part of our lives-each of our lives. Our therapists, each one of them, are a part of our family. They show up each week, some bearing tools to try with Liam, others bearing coffee for me;) but each week they are here...they are present. I have learned to lean on these women-some having been with us since Liam was 4 weeks old prior to his OHS, around throughout his recovery, and during the most difficult transition of weaning him off a feeding a tube and learning how to drink/eat real food. I love these women for being pseudo moms/grandmoms to my kids, huge supports to us, and treating our family with nothing but the upmost respect.

They are beauties I tell ya.

I want to keep them.

Unfortunately this is where the "decisions about Liam's future" comes in. Liam is done with early intervention when he turns 3--in June. How do I send my little guy (no seriously, really little...he's the size of a one year old) to school? Shouldn't he just be home with me? I can protect him from the harsh world that might not take kindly to Liam or his disability. It's so scary. I don't know if we should chose an IU classroom or a "typical" preschool or a combination of the two. We met today, his whole team, to address new goals and IU testing, possible scenarios/settings that could work- in less than 5 months.

Part of me is excited that Liam will get to be in school a couple days a week...he loves his class that he is in on Thursdays, he barely even notices when I leave;). I hear nothing but positive feedback from his teacher. He cooperates, he sits down and participates, he follows simple 1 and 2-step directions. Liam communicates with signs and few words. He has many sounds he uses for words, but they are still just approximations. He is a full-time walker, really gaining confidence and speed! He has a little personality, giggles at Grover and is the friendliest little guy. Last week at school we passed Maeve's-(a little girl in his class who Liam really took too)-mom in the hallway and said "Hi," and Liam waved excitedly. I thought Maeve would be back in his class but she moved on to a preschool room since she is already 3. When we talked about Maeve that night at dinner and how she was in a new class, Liam got super bashful and covered his face-the way he does when we tell him how handsome he is...So it's official. Liam has his first crush, and let me tell you, she's adorable. A little reminder that above all, Liam is 2 1/2 years old. Maybe we just need to be reminded of that more often...

I believe Keith and I will make the right decision. We are leaning towards 2 mornings of " typical" preschool and 2 in an IU classroom and where he can continue with his therapies. Soon this blog will be detailing our little man's new chapter, and our hope is that like every new chapter, every new challenge Liam will continue to do what he's always done... Make us overwhelmed with pride.