I’ve had two really good college friends since about sophomore year at UC (DAAP); 1999. Both of their spouses were dating them at the time. Once we all graduated, we all stuck in Cincinnati and made a point to get together every couple months or so ... it’s now 20 years later (!!!) and we still keep this up. I love it.
Last Saturday the six of us went out - without children - for the first time since college. Mindblowing.
My friends had suggested a tour at New Riff with Stephanie - I worked out everyone’s schedules and we made it work! A really neat tour with Stephanie and she let us hang out in the Sensory Room where we sampled the goods!
Afterwards, we went to La Mexicana in Newport - crazy good authentic Mexican food.
Tim and I were first to leave at 8:30pm - five hours gone with a first-time sitter!
Such a fun evening!!
A good friend in the Ds community wised me up to an amazing program put on by the Cincinnati Ballet. Ballet Moves is an inclusive dance/movement program for kids with specific needs.
The kids are in classes with similar ages. Each child is paired with a physical therapy student - !!! How. Awesome.
The first class was a little chaotic for Hannah; it’s her first organized class and with mirrored walls, well, she was more interested in watching herself than sitting in the group circle. The PT was super helpful and they understand it’s Hannah’s 1st time.
I’m hopeful that with each week Hannah gets more comfortable and understands the group setting and participates : )
*Jack Barlow is a couple years older than Hannah and has already made quite an impression at the Cincinnati Ballet 💗
Man, we got too comfortable with Hannah’s behavior...
Literally right after she turns 5, the school reports trickle in...
First were some concerns from her therapists:
- Hannah was chewing her fingers which is new behavior – and is a health risk (germs)
- Hannah has been toe-walking – not great, we want her to have a typical gait
We were able to look into Hannah’s mouth and found that one of her missing incisors (#3 in the top row) was coming in finally - ouch! That may explain the finger chewing.
Her therapists gave her a “chewy” – it’s super common for kids with sensory needs. The most common one looks like a silicone lego that kids chew on to keep busy.
Hannah sort of uses it, but we need to make it more regular to see if she really needs it or it’s a temporary “teething” need.
Then there were some reports of just plain ornery-ness; taking shoes off, throwing glasses off and darting out of the classroom. What the heck Hannah! I followed up with the best we can try; distraction, redirection and praise for good behavior. Reprimanding Hannah and reacting to negative behavior only reinforces the bad behavior.
There was a 3rd report, but I don’t want to publish it for Hannah’s future privacy sake. Let’s just say it was more sensory exploration that should be done alone in her bedroom - sheesh. Actually quite common at this age for kids with Ds. I’m just not sure if she understand it’s not a public activity. 🙈
Hoping this phase passes quickly - !!
Wow - blogging is becoming a past time - life is busy with work, two kids in school, and housekeeping all wrapped up in a bow!
Our Little Warrior turned 5 on September 1st. We had a large birthday party since we decided to chill out on the Buddy Walk this year; the two events always butt up to each other which overwhelms me.
We had family and friends over. Probably the last BIG party for Hannah - I want to reduce to just a few friends next year 😀
I steered away from gifts - mainly b.c she has most of what she needs and doesn’t really take to toys – Hannah prefers playing with you or just being plain active.
The appointments and procedures have slowed down as age five is on us. Therapies happen at school. Hannah is ultimately potty trained which I’m thrilled and proud of.
She is mostly a happy kid but definitely gets frustrated when she doesn’t get what she wants - like any typical child.
We love you Hannah Banana!
