IEP Update

This Thursday we will have Colin's IEP meeting to discuss his current progress on his goals this year, his test results from all of the tests he has had done (reevaluations and educational/academic testing), and to discuss possible placement for next year.  Prior to the meeting we decided to keep his current IEP in place for the remainder of the school year so that following the meeting I can look at placement options in the district before we actually decide on a placement.  

 

This meeting has been on my mind for a long time now as I have been spending a lot of time reading educational law, researching  the pros and cons for inclusion, talking with other parents in the same situation,  and looking at the curriculum for next year.  I have gone over everything in my head on a daily basis and have even played devils advocate with myself about what Chris and I feel is the best option for Colin.  While I am feeling some relief that while placement will be discussed, nothing will be decided on yet nor will we have to discuss what plan we want in place FOR his placement for next year (the biggest stressor for me out of them all). 

This is what Chris and I are feeling right now.  We truly believe (and have backed this up with research) that inclusion in a typical kindergarten classroom is the best option for Colin (with pullouts/resource for more challenging subjects like math and possibly literacy).  I have a couple of reasons for this.  First of all, despite the fact the curriculum for Kindergarten is a rigorous one, we won't know what Colin is capable of until we try (this in itself is scary but we work so hard with Colin that we feel he can be successful).  We KNOW what his limitations and challenges are but that doesn't mean with the right assistance he can't accomplish the goals that we set forth for him (that are set for ALL kindergarteners).  Second, Chris and I expect that Colin will grow up to be an independent young man with a job working with his typical peers in the future.  In order to successfully plan for that future, we need to expose him to the same society that we expect him to live in and that means working with his typical peers now.  There are SO MANY benefits for Colin that include positive peer modeling and working constructively together in an inclusive classroom that that in itself is a reason to put him in the classroom. 

It is Chris and my responsibility to make a decision that will positively impact Colin's educational experience and success in school and hopefully limit his frustrations; this is in itself scares me so much that I can't help but cry at the stress of this decision.  We feel strongly about inclusion, but are scared at times that we can be making the wrong decision. 

We practice with Colin at home with so many things and know that when Kindergarten approaches, we will do the same things for him next year as well.  I also know that we currently work with a great team and will work together to decide on what's best for him. 

I will keep you posted after Thursday....wish us luck!

Monmouth Hawks Basketball

This past Friday was the Monmouth Hawks' last home basketball game of the season, which also means that our "rough" season of the year with Chris working and traveling is coming to a close.  I try to take the kids when I can because they love it so much and because it is often a way for them to work off some energy before heading home to bed.  Most nights it's more exhausting for me but given that they love it so much, I enjoy myself as well.  One of the best parts of going to a game is watching the kids' reaction (and vice versa) to seeing Daddy.  

 

 

They are really good with the rituals like the National Anthem...

 

...and even have to copy the way the players are standing with their hands behind their back (I was instructed to do so as well).  

 

Colin actually really enjoys watching the game.  He cheers when baskets are scored, he points out specific things during the game, and also likes to get up and dance with the cheerleaders (did I just say that?).  

 

Kailey, on the other hand, is content as long as she has her popcorn.  

Despite the fact they always want to know where he is to wave to him, they are NOT a fan up close of Shadow, the Monmouth Hawk.  It is legitimate fear whenever he comes close (they were both shaking like a leaf when he tried to say hi). 

 Another season comes to a close...

Honoring my Dad

Last weekend after the plunge, we had the opportunity for my whole family to celebrate the fact that my dad has been at his company for 35 years.  It was a milestone for all of us to celebrate together because it was a way to honor the person that has worked hard for our family for many years.  My dad is one of the most selfless people I know and has sacrificed a lot for us through the years so that he could be at sporting events, support us financially, send us to college, etc. 

 

 

We are so grateful for all that you have done for us through the years dad and for working so hard to support us.  We love you so much!

2014 Polar Bear Plunge

2014 marked the 5th annual Special Olympics of NJ Polar Bear Plunge as a unified team CAT Crew.  This weekend has been particularly amazing for many reasons, but mostly because I can't even begin to tell you the emotions I have been feeling as I look back at the people that were a part of our "crew".  Through the years, we have had a core group of friends and family who have plunged in honor of Colin and continue to do so every year.  On top of that, we always are so lucky to have new members to join each year and I always love to see the connections that cause them to join. 

 



 

As we currently stand for 2014, CAT Crew (all 55 members) have raised an amazing $39,580 for the Special Olympics making our grand total for the past 5 years just over $201,000.  I am humbled, I am grateful, and I think it's pretty darn awesome.   When Colin was born, Chris and I were so scared of the unknown and we had no idea what the future would hold but we could never have imagined at that time what Colin has been able to do in such a short period of time. 

 

 

 We were so lucky this year as the weekend was absolutely beautiful, especially considering the kind of winter we have had so far.  Off the beach, the temperatures were in the 50s and the sun was shining.  The ocean water was around 34 degrees which was definitely felt even just as you made your way onto the beach.  After registering and gathering our incentives, some of our family and friends were actually able to tailgate in a parking lot and enjoy the beautiful weather. 

 

 

 



 

 





 

In years past, we have always been able to gather as a team in a spot for breakfast, but due to the fire in Seaside Heights this year on the boardwalk, our usual location was not open.  A lot of our team took advantage of some of the festivities that were going on and we met some of the team members in a spot just off of the boardwalk. 

 



 

Eventually, we made our way to the beach to set up in our usual spot.  It is an amazing sight to be on the beach and just look around.  This year brought record numbers once again as there were over 5,000 plunger and 25,000 spectators on hand.  Because of some of the repairs that have been ongoing to the roads in and out of Seaside Heights as a result of Hurricane Sandy, there were actually tons of people who never made it in time because of the massive traffic backup into the town. 

 

 

 

Some of my most favorite moments surrounding the plunge comes on the beach as the team starts to arrive and gather together.  It is a mix of people that makes up our family, friends, friends of friends, friends of friends of friends, coworkers, past and present STUDENTS of mine (and THEIR friends...and one girl's mom even plunged!), and this year included a special group of people, Colin's "team" from school.  Colin's former case manager, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist (who actually couldn't attend the plunge) all joined the team this year and many more from his school helped to raise money for our team.  That just goes to show you  how lucky we are to have such a group of people who love Colin and support us in many ways. 

 



 

 

The Special Olympics of NJ Polar Bear Plunge was another amazing year because of amazing people inspired by a pretty amazing little boy that Chris and I are honored to call our son.  

 

  

 

 To every single person that has supported us along this journey, we thank you.  We truly are blessed. 

** Photo credits belong to one of my closest friends, Jorie, whose idea created CAT Crew.  Thank you Jorie! We love you! **

Valentine's Day Post

Last night, the kids and I celebrated Valentine's Day by having a date night at the ice cream store.  This is a treat they are always super excited for and for a change, they were both really good at pickup after school.  Unfortunately, Chris was working so we were on our own, but it was still fun nonetheless!

 

They had to bring their naked babies with them.

Kailey felt like sharing lots of personal information to other customers, including the fact that she goes pee pees on the potty.

 

We tried to have a little photo shoot last night but it was extremely challenging to get both of them to cooperate at the same time. 

Little Miss Sassafrass.

Little tough guys who think they are SO funny!

 

Hope you all had a very love-filled Valentine's day!