Monday morning we were up, getting dressed for the ride and putting last minute items into the van. Out to Lehigh to pick up Ms. Linda (an adult with a disability not able to drive) The wheelchair lift was properly installed so a few adjustment and we get Ms. Linda ready for the ride. We are on the road by 9 am. The ride up was uneventful. The van has two flat screens to the DVD player so Ms. Linda brought a couple of her movies the kids hadn't seen and we had our case. I have no idea what I would do without the van's DVD player. All the kids talked about was the pool at the hotel.
We got to Tallahassee by 4pm so plenty of time to get down to the pool. The kids go for an hour swim, a much needed energy release...we go to dress for dinner and it dawns on me I have left the children's medications at home and have none on me.... I am sure all but Jordan will be ok. I pray we can use all the Behavior mod to help him through...I pray.
We head over to dinner all dressed up, stop by the happy hour lobby party. They have soda, chips and finger foods for the kids and bubbly for mom. More local ladies are here although no one brought their children. I miss my good friend from Ft Laurdale dale but for the reason children's fares were not covered from the PIP council she was not able to make the trip. The presentation at dinner was the same as last year prep to meet with the officials in the morning. The kids were restless after eating so we headed back to the pool cutting the presentation short. Ms. Linda stayed to get details and collect handouts.
In for bed by 9 to get good sleep. The girls fall right out. Steven and Jordan are up still at 11 pm, my two on meds to help them calm for sleep....Up at 6 am, Tuesday, Developmental Disabilities Day in Tallahassee. The kids are excited they are going to the Capital. They get dressed, we pack the room take it to the van and head for breakfast. I am feeling the hyperactivity in Jordan. He is moving quick and being very impulsive. With Jordan off center the others are pushing limits slightly. Tressa throws her empty bowl of cereal in the garbage and runs to try and get another while I am helping Jordan.. I catch her, so she runs spilling items. I take an apple for snack and put it in the bag on the back of Ms Linda's wheelchair. Tressa is now Ms. Linda's best friend, Jordan is not eating well and it means he is going to be more off balanced as the morning goes but the shuttle is here and they tell us we must go... Kaitlyn takes her half eaten bagel and boards the shuttle.
Once at the Capital Jordan sprints like he knows where we are going. I try to stay calm so he will return and remember rules.. not happening. He is sprinting everywhere moving quickly and checking out everything. He is on EVERY ONE'S nerves. We keep working through although Ms. Linda's wheel chair seems to be the biggest issue. It is a new "toy" to my kids and everyone wants a part of it or Jordan fins it hysterical to walk up and push the handle to make it move, which would run into people or things. Instead of taking time to allow Jordan to understand the chair and possibly try it to get past the curiosity it is getting escalated to the point I had to separate and have the children to myself. I notice Jordan is now finding marble columns and slamming his back into them in a rocking motion. He is miserable with out his medication, fighting the self stem issues and him being in a place with little routine and no structure. I have nothing to offer him but direction. We decide to go up and down some stairs outside. The natural wildlife presentation is going on so Jordan takes on animal like actions.. We would have a moment of calm, he would visit the bald eagle and the next minute he was screeching to scare the bird by being a lion.. the bird screeches back and Jordan is in heaven so it escalates. I distract him by pointing out how tall the Capital building is and moving away from the bird display. We go over to talk to another display to get teacher supports and Jordan is gone in a flash.... no he is not gone he is scaling the Capital building wall.... you know the tall building I just pointed out to him... The police are running as he is going quickly very high. No one seems upset, must be he isn't the first. They coach him down and explain that isn't safe..... and invite us to lunch.... We continue to visit displays and wait for our 11 am meeting. I can not figure out why we needed to be at the Capital at 8 for an 11 meeting. At 11 we entered the Capital. The kids keep thinking it is airport security and take off their shoes...lol They have metal buttons on that have to come off, their bags are growing heavier so they go through the machine... the kids go through with out it beeping so security doesn't need to "scan" them and they cry because they want scanned (manually) so they scan them, and show them their radio, belt, handcuffs. ect..Jordan begins to take down the security rope around the emblem in the lobby. I keep correcting him and the security officer says HE'S OK... HELLPPPPPPP so now Jordan climbs on the structure.. I go get the security office to please get him off. He now understands. We head up to the meeting. The reporters are wanting to film and interview. Jordan is having a melt down and low and behold the film crew is there... nice. I talk to the women and ask Jordan to sit on my lap. He then takes her mic and will not return it and she doesn't make him. He sings twinkle twinkle little star, the whole song. As he does that I explain why services are needed to parent children with special needs and what it means for them to have more normal events in their everyday life. The kids are calm and I am sure on camera we do not come off as frazzled as I really was. I just kept taking deep breaths that this was my issue since I left the meds at home. Jordan still didn't want to leave and it is now time for the Gov to come out to speak. Jordan and the children are sitting in the front quietly. The speaking went ok, some up and down and Steven makes a couple comments on the pamphlets he is looking at but they were really good considering. Remember not one of the children have their medications so their little bodies are all off kilter.
Once through the interview, the kids fed I take them back to the hotel. It is too cold to swim, we put on a movie and wait for Ms. Lindo to finish and be ready for the ride home. Jordna is struggling. He is miserable and will not allow himself to sleep. The ride home was om other than Jordan loosing it completely. I fealt so bad for him and just knew the answer was to get home to get him his medication and back on the routine. Home at 10 he didn't get to bed until 11 although he has his medication in him. He needed lots of extra attention and off to sleep he went.
No school this morning for Steven he is vomiting, and Jordna will not even begin to wake up so the boys are home. Kaitlyn was unsettled this morning but wanted to go to school and Tressa was up at the crack of dawn going through her loot to take to her teaches friends and he easter bag for the party. I am blogging and going back to bed for a little bit as I am tired.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Week of March 17th Trip to Tallahassee
We are packing today to prepare our van for the 7 hour trip to Tallahassee Monday. The four children not taking FCATS will make this years trip. Kaitlyn (13) Steven (11) Jordan (7) and Tressa (6) with mom.
I, tonight am going out to a singles gathering I have managed to put together in the past few days for a night out for mom... multitasking at it's best...lol My favorite rock and roll band will enhance the evening. I picked up a new pair of jeans (smaller size.) the trip to Russia/lack of eating was not all bad.
I will post and keep you posted about our trip to talk to Gov Crist about services and the Pringle family. I met with him last year and we had a goal.... it isn't met. So I will inform him.
Everyone take a moment for yourself tonight. We all need some me time.
I, tonight am going out to a singles gathering I have managed to put together in the past few days for a night out for mom... multitasking at it's best...lol My favorite rock and roll band will enhance the evening. I picked up a new pair of jeans (smaller size.) the trip to Russia/lack of eating was not all bad.
I will post and keep you posted about our trip to talk to Gov Crist about services and the Pringle family. I met with him last year and we had a goal.... it isn't met. So I will inform him.
Everyone take a moment for yourself tonight. We all need some me time.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Feb 2008 in Russia
I started a new blog for the month of Feb 2008 as it was a journey on it's own. www.capeangelsinrussia.blogspot.com it will journal the time I spent going to Russia visiting an orphanage, making the children with Down syndrome abroad a part of SW FL PODS Angels mission to help.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Our Adoption Journey
Our story begins many years ago. Upon realizing he would not have a younger sibling my son asked me for a little brother. Being single and not in any relationship which could transform into the producing of a little brother I thought about adoption.
I was working for the state of Florida human services. I went to the foster care program and applied to become a foster parent. After several months of classes and home study process paperwork we were a licensed foster home in 1990. After no placements for a six month period I get a call during my lunch break that a little boy about 1 1/2 needs a placement. I went after work to meet with the counselor and this little boy became part of our family. That little boy is now 19 years old, living on his own in Ohio. I loved the foster care environment, their staff had a high turn over so there was always opening, I applied to work in the foster care program and was hired.
A couple years went by and many many placements in our home. Many short term, with a couple long. Some nightmares, many memories with sweet blessings. We were able to adopt the little boy after about five years of long trying foster care years. The following years brought a rule at the department that foster care counselors can no longer work in the field and take in children as foster parents. They did not appose adoption. I decided to adopt a pre-teen from another state. She had resentment and had institutional behaviors she couldn't seem to get past. I felt compelled to take the task of making her a part of our family. This was a journey of patience. She is a beautiful Woman with a young daughter now living in the same town as I do.
In 1997 I met a man who seemed to love me, with the children, as a gift of family which he had never experienced. We married after a very short dating period. I retired from the state in the year 2000 to be a full time mom. We, together adopted four children; one little girl I had fostered off and on for years since she was a newborn and three who came to us through the work of a higher power and they all have very special needs. The marriage ended after many trials with his Bipolar management unsuccessful. Unfortunately, it is not possible for him to be a part of the children's lives or help in the support of their upbringing.
As a single mom since February of 2003, I focused all my efforts on raising the children in our community with their services in place and the support of friends. I have been appointed to the board of the Family Care Council by Gov. Crist, sit on the advisory board for the school district by invitation from Dr. Browder and continue to run SW FL PODS Angels Family Support Group, Inc. The children thrive today from being in natural settings whenever possible. It is heart warming to watch each of them reach goals in their development many said they could never reach. Much of what I have learned in raising my children is never say can't or won't. JUST DO IT!
Today I am the single parent to:
A 14 year old girl, (joined our family at one week of age).. with all the challanges teens bring to a family. She has ADD with teen hormones ...LOL what a combination. Her likes are the computer, her ipod, movies, the mall, make-up, THE PHONE, and everything an active teen girl wants..
A 13 year old girl, (joined our family at 3 years old) who loves school, she enjoys sports, music/singing, movies about monkeys and happens to have Down syndrome. She is a pretty typical teenager and has raging hormones at times although can be turned around and never holds a grumpy mood too long. She loves to travel and is always asking to go on an airplane and HOTEL. She has an over active thyroid so is thin and petite. http://www.ndsccenter.org/
An 11 year old son (joined our family at 2 years of age) I have perm legal custody.... He is a funny guy with many ball caps as his desire to collect ball caps. He loves magazines and books. His bedroome is all about space with the orbit hand painted on his walls and stars all over his ceiling. He giggles like no one else I know, loves to pour water and sand. He has Down syndrome. He loves to eat so we have to watch his weight-food intake. http://www.ndss.org/
A 7 year old fireball...(joined our family at birth, 5 hours old) He is the active guy with a personality to steal your heart. His smile is contagious with missing teeth and a giggle which comes from his toes. He likes to be physical, cllimb, swing high, climb to the top of what ever he can. He likes Scoobie do movies and sucks his thumb when he is tired. He also has Down syndrome http://www.podsangels.org/
A 6 year old girl, (joined our family at 2 months) who is smart as a whip and doesn't miss a thing. She has a great memory and loves to pretend. Her room is her favorite place as it has her baby dolls, kitchen set and TV. She likes music although tend to watch too much TV. Her "boyfriend" is Handimany form the Disney show. She is a bit lazy when it comes to sports and physical activity so has to be motivated and that is easy with praise. She has a rare genetic disposition called Prader-Willi syndrome, which has also brought on insulin reistance. http://www.pwsausa.org/
and today we consider adding to our family, we have found a home in the Cape that will be wonderful for us to grow and blossom.....so our journey continues and we will keep you posted on homes and family.
I was working for the state of Florida human services. I went to the foster care program and applied to become a foster parent. After several months of classes and home study process paperwork we were a licensed foster home in 1990. After no placements for a six month period I get a call during my lunch break that a little boy about 1 1/2 needs a placement. I went after work to meet with the counselor and this little boy became part of our family. That little boy is now 19 years old, living on his own in Ohio. I loved the foster care environment, their staff had a high turn over so there was always opening, I applied to work in the foster care program and was hired.
A couple years went by and many many placements in our home. Many short term, with a couple long. Some nightmares, many memories with sweet blessings. We were able to adopt the little boy after about five years of long trying foster care years. The following years brought a rule at the department that foster care counselors can no longer work in the field and take in children as foster parents. They did not appose adoption. I decided to adopt a pre-teen from another state. She had resentment and had institutional behaviors she couldn't seem to get past. I felt compelled to take the task of making her a part of our family. This was a journey of patience. She is a beautiful Woman with a young daughter now living in the same town as I do.
In 1997 I met a man who seemed to love me, with the children, as a gift of family which he had never experienced. We married after a very short dating period. I retired from the state in the year 2000 to be a full time mom. We, together adopted four children; one little girl I had fostered off and on for years since she was a newborn and three who came to us through the work of a higher power and they all have very special needs. The marriage ended after many trials with his Bipolar management unsuccessful. Unfortunately, it is not possible for him to be a part of the children's lives or help in the support of their upbringing.
As a single mom since February of 2003, I focused all my efforts on raising the children in our community with their services in place and the support of friends. I have been appointed to the board of the Family Care Council by Gov. Crist, sit on the advisory board for the school district by invitation from Dr. Browder and continue to run SW FL PODS Angels Family Support Group, Inc. The children thrive today from being in natural settings whenever possible. It is heart warming to watch each of them reach goals in their development many said they could never reach. Much of what I have learned in raising my children is never say can't or won't. JUST DO IT!
Today I am the single parent to:
A 14 year old girl, (joined our family at one week of age).. with all the challanges teens bring to a family. She has ADD with teen hormones ...LOL what a combination. Her likes are the computer, her ipod, movies, the mall, make-up, THE PHONE, and everything an active teen girl wants..
A 13 year old girl, (joined our family at 3 years old) who loves school, she enjoys sports, music/singing, movies about monkeys and happens to have Down syndrome. She is a pretty typical teenager and has raging hormones at times although can be turned around and never holds a grumpy mood too long. She loves to travel and is always asking to go on an airplane and HOTEL. She has an over active thyroid so is thin and petite. http://www.ndsccenter.org/
An 11 year old son (joined our family at 2 years of age) I have perm legal custody.... He is a funny guy with many ball caps as his desire to collect ball caps. He loves magazines and books. His bedroome is all about space with the orbit hand painted on his walls and stars all over his ceiling. He giggles like no one else I know, loves to pour water and sand. He has Down syndrome. He loves to eat so we have to watch his weight-food intake. http://www.ndss.org/
A 7 year old fireball...(joined our family at birth, 5 hours old) He is the active guy with a personality to steal your heart. His smile is contagious with missing teeth and a giggle which comes from his toes. He likes to be physical, cllimb, swing high, climb to the top of what ever he can. He likes Scoobie do movies and sucks his thumb when he is tired. He also has Down syndrome http://www.podsangels.org/
A 6 year old girl, (joined our family at 2 months) who is smart as a whip and doesn't miss a thing. She has a great memory and loves to pretend. Her room is her favorite place as it has her baby dolls, kitchen set and TV. She likes music although tend to watch too much TV. Her "boyfriend" is Handimany form the Disney show. She is a bit lazy when it comes to sports and physical activity so has to be motivated and that is easy with praise. She has a rare genetic disposition called Prader-Willi syndrome, which has also brought on insulin reistance. http://www.pwsausa.org/
and today we consider adding to our family, we have found a home in the Cape that will be wonderful for us to grow and blossom.....so our journey continues and we will keep you posted on homes and family.
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