[tri-med] Hi All! An update on Caroline and our family!

I haven't been around much over the last months, but I still lurk and try to
keep up with everyone's news.
Over here, things are really good.  Caroline finished preschool and will be
starting Kindergarten in September.  She will only be going for a half day,
although school is all day.  I just don't think she is ready to be in school
that long.  Her sleep patterns are random and she often needs a nap during
the day.  Luckily, since she has an IEP, I can pretty much set her school
schedule.  I am not even sure she would be ready for all day school next
year - but we will see.

Health wise - she is doing really well.  We haven't had many issues at all.
(KNOCK on wood!).  Her seizures come and go, but have been mostly gone this
past year.  She is on Keppra for them, but I am not sure it does anything.

Therapy wise - she seems to be doing well.  We are back to taking her to
horseback riding this summer.  It isn't technically hippotherapy, because
they don't have a therapist, but she still gets most of the benefits.  She
is doing so well, so much better than last year.  She sits well, usually is
happy and just seems to be having a good time!

Last year I mentioned that Caroline was going to be getting a wish from Make
a Wish.  Well, we got a swimming pool installed this year.  Let me tell you,
it has been the BEST thing ever for her.  I was worried about what to use
with her in the pool, but I got a float from Walmart for my other daughter
and it ended up being perfect for Caroline.  She can float around without us
constantly holding her.  And she can kick and get some propulsion all by
herself!  She absolutely LOVES it.  She kicks and smiles and literally will
float around for hours without complaining!  It truly brings tears to my
eyes.  Now I plan on making it a point to taking her to our local Y during
the winter months so she can continue to swim.  What a wonderful wish!  And,
of course, the rest of us love it too, but now she has something where she
can be right in the middle of us having a good time too!

Christina is 6 1/2 and finished Kindergarten.  She loves it.  She seem smart
and is eager to go back to school.  Let's just hope that continues!

Kallie is 3 and is crazy.  She is truly a comedian.  She can Christina have
become the best of friends.

I have become an obsessed photographer.  I have discovered photography late
last year and got my first SLR camera early this year.

I also started a blog last year.  I really enjoy writing about my family,
general observations and, of course, my photography.  It has been a fun
outlet for someone like me, who lives in a rural area and doesn't have as
much opportunity to meet new people.  I have met a lot of people, and even
met a bunch of women who are fairly local.  We got together for dinner and
are planning another in August.  It was great.

If anyone wants to read my blog or see any of my photos here are the links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenesphotos/   (I have some photos of Caroline
in her pool in my flickr account which are so sweet!)

http://ourpieceoftheworld.blogspot.com/

I also try to keep updates on Caroline's site:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolinesmith

Well, that is it for now.  I know this list is has been quiet, but I am here
and reading and hope you are all doing well!

Take care,
Irene


                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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