My Bitin' Baby

Shortly after Adrion hit his 8 month mark, he cut his second tooth. His first seemed to make no difference in any way, but when that second one came through--man! All of a sudden he was a biter! One of his favorite snacks now is pretzels. He likes the stick kind to hold in his little fists and gnaw into stubs.

Other things he's doing--sitting, waving hi and bye (shocking to me b/c Tori was so much later doing that), constantly saying "bwap", and GROWING! He's 19 1/2 pounds now.

Something he's NOT doing anymore--nursing. I'm proud we made it to 8 months, but when in came the biting, out went the nursing! :)

Here's my sweet little man! This pic was actually taken right at 7 months, so I'll have to post a two-toof pic next time...

Restless

So we're working on the best direction for Tori. Because of that, I'm waiting on a few different things to happen:

• UAMS in Lowell is supposed to be calling to schedule an EEG (hope I got that right--it's the brain scan) to make sure she isn't having petit mal seizures when she "zones out".


• I'm waiting on the OT at County Line to re-evaluate.


• I'm waiting on UAMS in Little Rock to schedule a developmental eval. (Right now, Tori's diagnosis is educational only, but I want a medical diagnosis as well for the sake of some extra things that necessitate the medical community's involvement.)


• I'm waiting for December so that I can send Tori to Alma where there is extensive knowledge/training/implementation of services for kids on the Autism spectrum. Because of school laws from the state and district, that's the soonest I can move her. (I won't elaborate on why because it infuriates me and I'll get mean.)

Needless to say, all of the waiting has me restless. Meanwhile, I have to try to focus on the 80 students that file in and out of my door each day and try to keep a heart for that purpose, too. After having to deal with my district on this whole new level special-ed-wise with Tori, I have become very discontent. There are major holes in the system, and students are falling through the cracks.

I'm trying, though, to be still. All of these things are out of my control. I have done all that I can for the moment, so I have to practice patience--a fruit of the spirit that was not built into my DNA...and not only that--I have to keep serving the kids I've been given the very best that I can.

I'm just trusting God to show us the way. Wherever he leads, I will follow. And Garon is my rock. We love each other, and we love our kids, and that's all that matters in the end. I'm so thankful for my life and all of its blessings, so I'm done worrying for the moment. One of my students made me a picture last week that said "There are plenty of things to think about, but nothing to worry about". :) To end tonight, here's a picture of our Gabby with not a care in the world...

Tori Pants

My Tori Pants is my precious gift from God. How incomprehensible is it that where once there was a void, now there is Tori. (I haven't forgotten the same miracle who is her little brother...I'm just marvelling at my oldest for the moment.) The light God has given her is blinding in its intensity, and I am humbled to be her mother.

My sweet Tori Pants, I love you, and I will be your warrior, your protector, your shelter for as long as you'll let me. You are amazing.

Don't Blink

Adrion turned 7 months old on the 9th. That same day he got his first tooth...and now one week later he's army crawling. My little man is growing like a weed!! He really looks JUST like Tori, too. Same-age pics of the two of them are uncannily similar. I'm so in love with my kiddos! (Not to mention their baby daddy...) Thank you, God, for my family.

Tori...

Adrion...



Tori...













See Adrion below!

Preview of Halloween 2008

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Mr. Core

I lost a good friend today. Mr. Core passed away early this morning, evidently from a blood clot resulting from his recent foot surgery. Mr. Core was the music teacher at County Line, and he was wonderful. He is absolutely irreplaceable, and he will be sorely missed.

I think what meant the most to me about Mr. Core was his love for Tori. He accepted her and loved her for her quirkinesses. He loved every student that way. It's so hard to understand God's timing, and I don't presume to try, but this world is a lonelier place without Mr. Core in it--especially at County Line Schools.

Thank you, Mr. Core, for your example of love and excellence. Thank you for your Christian values and your vivacious spirit. You were an amazing human being, and I'm so sad that you're gone. Thank you for the life you lived.

Dancin' Machine

Tori went to her first ballet/tap/jazz class tonight, and she LOVED it! She has turned into such a girlie girl! She stayed focused the whole time, and Ms. Dot was wonderful! Here are Tori and Lauren ready to dance!