Camp at Jill's House

Morgan had a busy weekend. She went to camp again, the Jill's house camp that she went to last June. She had a good time again, but a little more struggle the first day because of the rain. The bus was late to pick them up and she was stuck to wait inside the building while it was raining. Her frustration mounted an she banged her head, causing a nose bleed. However, the rest of the weekend was ok because she was able to go outside with her own child care specialist who was with her the whole time. They went on walks, played chase, and went on the swing. There was also some painting involved. While she was a camp, we all went to Horseshoe Bay for some lake activities. It was fun, but we all agreed, we weren't complete because Morgan wasn't with us. We are praying for her behavior to get under control where we can take her places without the major melt downs. She has been banging her head a lot at school. She is adjusting to the new place, new schedule, and new teachers. The behavioral therapist will start with us next week. She will come to our home on Mondays for a two hour session. I spoke with the therapist on the phone last week. She was very encouraging. She said we were already on the right track with a lot of what we have been doing with Morgan. We will be working on finding rewards that motivate her to do good behavior and then making consequences for the bad behavior. I am looking forward to our session next week.

Fun at Four Winds Horse Farm! A couple of weeks ago, Morgan was invited by our neighbors to come ride in the horse carts. She loved it! They have a horse specialist that helps with special needs children. So blessed to have such wonderful neighbors!

School Days

Morgan had a good first week back to school. It was an adjustment the first couple of days. However, by the end of the week, Morgan had smiley faces and a "great day" report. We had to get the times worked out for meeting the bus in the mornings. Today went a lot smoother. Morgan has been doing great riding the bus. The driver said "she's doing awesome!" So proud of her. We had a good weekend, but am worn out from chasing Morgan. We went to my parents, and right now, she tends to be a little more hyper and gets in trouble more when not at home. However, she does understand, but is just in the "testing phase". She did do great in the car which is huge progress! So I am very thankful for that. And still very thankful for the good nights sleep every night. I do not take this for granted at all because I remember the many sleepless nights. So I am very thankful she sleeps through the night now, even when we are out of town.

Back to school again!

Morgan and Will started back to school yesterday. Morgan attended her new school at Bertram Elementary. I took her yesterday morning, but she rode the bus today. She did well. Everyone at the school was looking forward to her coming and greeted us. They were all very excited to have her. I was able to meet with the director of special needs and discuss goals for Morgan this year. She was very encouraging and positive. She kept saying how wonderful Morgan did over the summer and how far she has come since surgery. So thankful for all the wonderful staff past and present that have cared for Morgan. They are all instrumental in her learning and development. God is so good!

Going out and about, little at a time

So part of Morgans therapy will be taking her out places to help socialization. We had made the mistake of just telling ourselves we couldn't take her out places right now, that it was too difficult. It was just easier to stay at home. Therefore, our family always split up. Usually Will going with Billy and me staying with Morgan. However, it was revealed to me, that it is time to get her out, so that she can learn how to act in public. How will she learn if we never take her? But the outings can be very short at first. However, on Monday, I prayed about it and then went for it. I took her to the lake for five hours! We weren't actually in the lake, but at a nice cabin with a pool and a swingset. Only one big meltdown for a few minutes, and the rest of the day was great. Ask me if I would have even attempted going for one hour a few months ago! Also, this past weekend we went to Elgin to see Billy's parents. It was a two hour drive. She did great in the car both ways!! This is a huge step. Car rides use to be a big problem. So thankful and praising God for all His goodness as He shows us how to enjoy each other as a family!

Encouraging and working toward goals!

On Friday, I met with Morgans summer school teacher to discuss Morgans strengths, interests, and goals for the new year. She was very positive and encouraging. She focused on what Morgan is able to do, her strengths, and then set goals to reach the next level. It was so good to see her strengths on paper. I definitely must focus on this and how far she has come since the surgery. It's hard to believe it's only been a year and a half since her surgery, because she has come so far and done so much since then. So I continue to focus on this. I have connected with another mom with a child similar to Morgan. We were matched through Texas Parent to Parent, an organization that provides information and guidance for families with special needs children. It is run by volunteers who themselves have special needs children. Great organization! Through visiting with this mom, I have been able to discuss how to find dependable attendant care. Basically, the attendant would be able to assist with whatever I needed, and I would be the manager. The agency would just be there for the financial aspect. So thankful for all the resources out there. Morgan qualified for this through her MDCP, which is the medically dependent children's program.

Happy at home

Last week, Morgan got to stay at home with Billy's parents and some with her nurse while Billy and I went on vacation. It was a good set up because Morgan does better with being in her home, in familiar territory. Everyone reported she did good, slept good at night, and behaved well. She was glad to see us when we got back. She finished up her last week of summer school last week. She did so good riding the bus to and from our house last week. For the next three weeks, until school starts, we will just have our nurse during the time that I am at work. Our nursing hours got reduced because she isn't having seizures anymore. Therefore, I won't have extra help on weekends or evenings. However, when school starts, our nurse can just do evenings again since Morgan will be at school during the day. This really helps me in the evenings, before Billy gets home so I can help Will with his homework. We are looking at getting an attendant or home health caregiver to assist us. Eventhough she may not qualify for as much nursing care, she will still qualify for assistance with daily activities. However, finding the right person is the hard part. God has provided every step of the way. I continue to give it all over to Him and have peace about it.