Hardly a Moment

I feel like such a slacker!  It has been just about 2 and a half months since I last posted.  Things have been so hectic since I started my new job.  I come home exhausted and go to bed as soon as Presley is alseep. 

But enough about me.....

Presley is doing fantastic.  He is 8 months old today!  The time has been flying by....


......so this is what I was beginning to write the last time I logged on.  Unfortunately I never sat back down to finish writing.  ugh .....

Well a lot has happened since my last attempt at posting.  Presley 9 months old now and is doing amazing. 

Early Intervention is still only coming once a month just to check on his progress.  He is still not sitting up on his own yet and is in the early stages of crawling.  I think once he SLOWS DOWN he will do them both.  He is always in motion.  Even when sitting my lap, he is constantly moving around checking out his surroundings.  He is so observant!  I think that is why he loves his exersaucer so much!  He gets a full 360* view of the room!  

Everyday Presley amazes me with the new things he learns!  He picks up his snacks all by himself and is beginning to show interest in his spoon when he is eating.  He keeps trying to grab it out of my hand.  I give him a clean one to play with and he is actually getting the spoon part in his mouth after a few tries.  I am still a bit hesitant to actually give him food to feed himself with!  It has just been too hot outside to bring him out there with his highchair to let him try.  Hopefully a cool day is coming so he can try!!

We had a very relaxing 4th of July here at home.  We stayed inside and just enjoyed our time as a family.  Just the 3 of us!  It was the first time in a while that we had no where to be.  We sat and watched TV all day and stayed out of the heat.  When it got dark, we turned on the Macy's Fireworks.  Presley was attached to the TV.  He loved watching the colorful fireworks and listening to the music.  He thought it quite hysterical when Don and I would try to sing along.  Check out Presley sporting his patriotic diapers!

So a few weeks ago I tried getting Presley to go in the pool.  Me, Presley, Aunt Rosie, Aunt Eileen and cousin Casey were over by my parents house to go swimming.  We all went in the pool and I was confident he would love it....boy was I wrong!  After being in the water for a few minutes, I think the vastness of the pool began to set in and he began to cry!  Aww my poor baby!  I just couldn't help but laugh! (I know, I know it mean but it is so funny).  My Aunt Rosie couldn't take him crying so she "rescued him from those meanies" in the pool.  A few days later while I was at work, my dad decided to take Presley into the pool.  And again, the tears began to flow... What was I going to do?  We are gong on cruise soon and Presley needs to go in the water.  How am I going to take him in knowing he is scared??  So on a suggestion, I went out and bought an infant tube that looks like a fish.  I can tell you....he LOVED it!!!!  And here is the smile to prove it!

I am looking forward to all the smiles and memories we will be making this summer.  And I look forward to sharing each one!!



Big Changes

So for the first time in a long time, I turned on my laptop to write.  A lot has happened in the past few months.  My little boy is getting bigger before my eyes. 

He is a little over 5 months old and moving all over the place.  He rolls from front to back then back to front.  He just never stops moving and I know once he figures out how to crawl, there will be no stopping him.  That makes me nervous.

                                                               Rolling over in my crib

Ok, so lets see what else has been happening....

Early Intervention has officially begun.  The physical therapist has come 2x and just can't believe the progress Presley has made in a few short weeks.  I of course have to thank everyone who watches him while I am at work.  They are the ones who work with him on a daily basis to make sure his "therapy" is being done.  And of course with their help, while on his belly, Presley pushes himself up on his arms.  We are now working on him getting his legs under his butt to he can push himself up on all 4's. 

At 4 months old the pediatrician had said that I could start Presley on cereal.  We did the usual rotation of 3 days of rice, 3 days of oatmeal, then 3 days of barley two times a day (breakfast & dinner).  To our surprise the Dr. didn't want me to mix the cereal in the bottle.  So we bit the bullet and mixed cereal and formula in a bowl and fed him with a spoon.  HE LOVED IT!!!  He took to the cereal so well that on his 5th month birthday the pediatrician said I can start feeding him vegetables for dinner in place of his cereal.  And to my surprise he enjoyed it.  He has had peas, carrots and green beans so far and LOVES each and every one of them!  He actually opens his mouth and says "aaahhh"!  And when he doesn't, I sing to him! HAHA Who would have thought that singing a song (happy birthday) would get him to finish his dinner!   I can't wait for him to try fruit!

                                                    Eating cereal for the first time.....

                                                                          Peas - Day 1

                                                                       Peas - Day 2

LOVING THEM!!!

Presley also has been spending time in his exersaucer while home and at my mothers house.  Every day he gets stronger and jumps more and more and seems to be having fun..... What do you think???

Now a little bit about what has been going on with me.....I have been back to work full time since January.  And the transition was really difficult.  I was having a really tough time and cried a lot.  But of course as the days went on it got easier and easier.  Sometimes, because of the length of my commute and my mother watching Presley on Mondays and Tuesdays, I would stay by my parents house to make it easier on me.  Of course he doesn't sleep as good there as he does at home, but who can really complain.  I enjoy my quiet time with him and when I wake up to this face, my day is made :o)

 

Now for a little secret.....that's not so much a secret anymore.  While on maternity leave I got a call for an interview to teach 7, 8 & 9 year old Autistic children in a public school.  I went on the interview at the end of December not really expecting anything.  A few days later I received a call back for a 2nd interview with the Superintendent!  I found out that the job came down to myself and another woman.  Ultimately they chose her for the position, but liked  me so much they offered me a job with a new Pre-School ABA program within the school.  Of course I immediately accepted!  I was going to be teaching preschoolers! But that quickly changed in an odd twist.....Something happened with the other woman and she was no longer going to be teaching in the district.  So, now, instead of Pre-K, I will be teaching the children I initially interviewed for.  After four and a half years, yesterday was my last day at IEA.  It was so bitter sweet.  I am sad to leave my students but am happy that I have the opportunity to work with new kids.  I am really sad to leave the friends I have made.  It was really strange walking out the door yesterday at 5pm knowing that it was the last time.  But I look forward to Monday to when I will walk through the doors for the first time at my new job with new co-workers and new students.  I think the best part of this job is the hours...Instead of leaving work at 4:45, I get to walk out the door at 3:30!!!  Which means I get to spend so much more time with my baby.  And that makes me happy about these big changes

A Tough Day

After a long few days of being off from work, I had to go in yet again today.  I woke up before my alarm went off at 5:30 with the anticipation of Presley waking up any minute to eat (he finished eating last night at 10:30pm).  I knew that when he woke up he would be starving so I wanted to get up, eat and get ready before he woke up and I had to stop to feed him.  Fortunately I got to finish everything I needed to do, and even then he wasn't awake.  It was time for me to leave so I picked him up out of the crib, put him in the car seat, put him in the car and headed to my mom's where Presley would spend the day.  He slept the entire ride!  He actually slept until around 8am when I was leaving there to head to work. 

Today was a hard day for work.  I cried the whole way.  I don't know why I cried.  I just couldn't stop.  It's not like I haven't left him before and it's not like today was my first day back.  As soon as I pulled in the parking lot of school I calmed myself down and walked inside.  It wound up that a teacher in Module A (pre-k) was out sick and they needed help and asked if I would.  Of course I said I would.  I got to work with 2 of the 5 kids all day and had a blast.  It's such a different world working with the Pre-K kids than it is working with the 16-18 year olds.  Let me tell you, these little ones are SMART!!!  They knew how to play me .  They knew I wasn't familiar with their programming and tried to get away with whatever they could!  At one point I was walking thru the atrium and fellow teacher asked me how it was going and I said that "he's been trying to pull the wool over my eyes"....would you believe he turned and looked at me and said "I don't know what you mean by that".  I almost lost it.  I had to explain to him that I knew he knew what he was supposed to be doing and that he wasn't.  I told him I knew he wouldn't be acting this way if his regular teacher was there.  So I just reminded him that it was important to be a big boy when he is in school and to do the work he is supposed to....hahaha BUSTED!  Once the kids left, I felt like my head was spinning.  I was mentally and physically exhausted.  All I wanted to do was leave and go see my baby.  I wanted to just hug him and kiss him and not let him go.  I know it will get easier to go to work once the new year comes, but for tomorrow, I just hope I don't cry as hard.

I can't believe we are halfway thru December!

So I finally have an opportunity to sit and write tonight and I am upset with myself that I have not posted anything in the past 2 weeks!  I feel like I failed an assignment! LOL  The past few weeks have been so hectic!  A lot has happened since then so I am going to try to catch everyone up with what is going on with us.....

The day following Presley's 2 month birthday our neighbor Chris took some pictures of our little man.  He asked if he could take them because he wanted to practice taking photographs of a baby as he and his wife were expecting their first together in January.  Of course I was more than happy to let him take the pictures.  Presley was a good boy and even seemed to enjoy having his pictures taken....He is such a handsome boy!  Here are just a few of my favorites....  ***Thanks Chris and Zack!! & Congrats to Chris and Megan on their beautiful baby boy who was born this morning!

On Sunday December 4, 2011 Presley was christened at St. Anthony's Church in Hawthorne by Msgr. Kupke....the same priest who married Don and I.  It was important to us to have him christen Presley as he was such a big part of Don's young life (Don went to catholic school).  There were 3 other babies there that day, and out of the 4 of them, Presley was the best behaved.  When Msgr. Kupke anointed his chest with oil, Presley reached out and grabbed his finger and would not let go.  It was such a special moment.  I felt this was Presley's way of saying that he was ready to be welcomed into the church.  Then of course it was time for the holy water to be poured over the heads, and you can see the nervousness sneak onto the faces of the parents of the other children.  Of course as soon as the water ran over their little heads, they began to cry... Then it was Presley's turn....Msgr. Kupke called us up and began pouring the holy water over his head, and he didn't make a sound.  He actually seemed to enjoy it! (which I knew he would since he LOVES his tubby). 

Then came the most stressful part to me....the after-party!  I can honestly say I will NEVER throw another party like that again.  I think it was harder and more stressful than planning my wedding!! 

The day after the christening Early Intervention finally came.  They asked a ton of questions and attempted to "play" with Presley.  Unfortunately he was in no mood to play.  He was so tired and just wanted to sleep (which was my fault because I gave him a bath right before they arrived because he still smelt of the oils).  He fussed and cried and was angry, which was completely atypical for him.  Thankfully they didn't mind at all.  The meeting lasted about 2 - 2 and 1/2 hours and when all was said and done they were extremely impressed.  They said he has fantastic muscle tone and was showing strengths that most typical infants don't.  The speech therapist commented on how well his mouth tone was and how he kept his mouth closed and how (after he took a cat nap) he was "talking with me".  They actually even questioned if his Down Syndrome was a true Trisomy 21 diagnosis or if the genetic test had shown mosaicism.  The test shows a true Trisomy 21.  When they left Don and I were feeling extremely positive.

The next day I got the call from my work that we had miscalculated my maternity leave and that it was actually ending that FRIDAY and I was expected to be in work MONDAY!!!  I had a panic attack! My baby sitters were all set for my return January 3.  So I spent the next few days scrambling to set up someone to watch Presley. Fortunately my work was understanding that I could not get a sitter for everyday until December 23 and are allowing me to work 2 days this week and only 2 days next week. Thankfully my mother and sister-in-law were able to help Monday and today while I went to work.  And I know it didn't take too much convincing lol


Saturday Presley got to meet Santa again (this Santa is my favorite).  He and his cousin Victoria got a chance to take a picture with Santa at Fairfield Gardens.   With a bit of hesitation, Victoria sat next and held Presley's hand like she promised...

After a great weekend (which went too fast) I had to get ready for my first day back at work....which I was not happy about.  With much hesitation I awoke Monday morning and got ready for work.  My drive was a quick one since Presley and I stayed at my parents the night before (my mom was watching him).  I actually kept myself composed and didn't cry at all on my drive.  I felt good and thought maybe I was ready to go back. I walked in the door and saw the surprised look on my co-workers faces to see me there.  As soon as Joanne put her arms around me I began to cry.  I thought wrong.  I was not ready to be back...and I definitely did not want to be there.  Fortunately for me, I had to leave at 1:30.  Early Intervention was coming for the IFSP meeting at 3:30 and I needed to pick up the baby and then drive the hour home.  I made it right on time.

The IFSP meeting went well.  We reviewed my pregnancy history to make sure everyone had been on the same page and the therapists recommended the services they believed he needs.  I was relieved to find out they only recommend a physical therapist come to the house once a month for the next 3 months.  We set a few goals which I know Presley will meet in time.  I am looking forward to setting up the first appointment in January!  Hopefully he will be sitting on his own by the time the 3 months is up!

Today was my second day back to work and was a lot easier than I had anticipated.  I seemed to fall back into the groove of things and actually kind of remembered the programming of my students!  I just hope I remember everything when I go back next Thursday!

OK so with all of that finally written, I can hope that I will be updating more frequently before the end of the year (OMG!)  I still have yet to decorate for Christmas and finish my shopping....Hopefully I can get everything done without losing my mind!! If by some chance I do not get to write again soon....Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!!!

Days Fly By

The past few weeks have been so busy around here.  Between seeing the geneticist, visiting my work friends, Thanksgiving, going to Long Island to visit my family, and planning Presley's Christening I barely have had any time to sit and write.

Since I last posted, Presley turned 2 months old.  He is getting so big and his personality is beginning to show.  He smiles at me all the time now and is starting to "laugh" at my silly faces.

Yea, I know he looks like a prisoner in that outfit, but I swear the stripes are blue and not black! LOL

The day before Thanksgiving, Don, Presley and I went to see the geneticist.  We had some questions that we needed answered.  The geneticist was fantastic and so super helpful. It was confirmed that Presley does have a true Trisomy 21 and that his Down Syndrome was just a fluke happening.  We also found that when we decide to have another baby, there is only a small percent chance that our next will have it.  Another Dr. had come in to see Presley (I think she was a respiratory doctor, or ear, nose & throat doctor) and she said he had no breathing trouble and looked great....well everything except his belly.  She had said it was hard and a bit distended due to him not pooping in a day.  Wouldn't you know the minute she left he went and his belly was soft again.  They were all very impressed with his overall strength and were commenting how they think he is going to roll over before we know it!!

After the appointment, I stopped by my work to visit my students then went to lunch for a bit with a few of my co-workers.  All of the girls just absolutely adored him.  He was passed around from one to the next,  and I assure you he didn't mind......I really think he enjoyed it!  I even think we was flirting with them!  By the end of the day he was exhausted!

Thanksgiving was a busy day too.  We went with Don's family for dinner and dessert.  It was the first time some of his family got to meet Presley.  And of course they loved him....

This past weekend we went to Long Island to visit my cousins for their birthdays.  It was a long car ride from home and Presley slept the ENTIRE way! I was so thankful that he did!  He woke up just as we arrived at the house and was greeted with smiles and everyone fighting over who would be the first to hold him.  He loved every minute of it.  He barely cried all day and really only did when he was hungry.  Napping was not an option for Presley as he was too interested in what was going on around him.  He wanted to be with the adults and see what was going on.  I tired to put him down in his travel bed for a nap when he had fallen asleep at one point in the early evening, and this is what we found when we checked on him a few minutes later...

Hello Mommy :o)

Today I spend the day shopping with my mom to get everything we need for Presley's Christening on Sunday.  He spent the day with his cousin Victoria (and my brother and sister-in-law, too).  She must have tired him out because he slept all the way home....we even stopped along the way to pick up Don from work. 

Don, Presley and Halo

This was the longest Halo stayed near Presley since he was born!  I think she is finally starting to get used to him being around.... and of course loving him too!

With all that has been going on I haven't had the opportunity to say how thankful I am for the unconditional support of my family and friends.  THANK YOU!  And a special thank you to my husband for being my everything....I LOVE YOU DON!

Presley's First Visit with Santa

This past weekend Don and I decided to get away to the Poconos.  On Saturday we met up with my sister-in-law, Kim, and niece, Alexa, at the mall to get Presley his christening outfit.   Kim bought him this adorable Santa outfit so we decided to take him to see Santa.   I took this picture while we were waiting on line to see the big man.  I just love that face!!!

And of course we had to get a picture of Presley and Alexa with Santa!

Unspoken Moments

So you know when you are looking at your baby and they look you in the eye for the first time and really seem to recognize you....or when they look at you and smile?? These are unspoken moments of love.  I witnessed a moment like this between Presley and my dad last night. 

I was at my parents house visiting while Don was at work.  I had an opportunity to run out and get some needed shopping done (babys r us & toys r us).  I didn't want to drag Presley along because he is sick and it was raining so I left him with my mom.  I got back to their house just about an hour later and Presley loudly informed me that it was time for him to eat.  Once he finished, he took a quick nap then woke up once the house started bustling with people.  I decided to put a blanket on the floor and do some tummy time.  Within moments of laying on his belly he fell fast asleep and didn't wake up until 4pm!  I guess he was able to get some relief from the congestion and coughing...yea yea I know the Dr's say "back" to sleep, but I couldn't bring myself to disturb him so I let him be.  Once he woke up, I knew he would be hungry, so I made sure to have his bottle ready quickly.  I was right.  He was starving.  Just as he finished his bottle, my dad came home from work.  I immediately handed Presley off to him so I could quickly pack up the car to leave.  And of course, the moment I stepped away he started crying.  I ran to the car bringing the first batch of stuff and quickly ran back into the house to get the next.  Presley was still crying...so my dad began singing to him (and my dad can sing very well)....

"Wise men say, only fools rush in. For I can't help, falling in love with you..."  Presley calmed down, opened his eyes and looked right at my dad.  As my dad kept singing, Presley kept staring at him....it made me smile and brought tears to my eyes knowing how my dad felt... I know it has been a while since my dad has had a moment like this...and I know it won't be his last...