Category Archives: Milestones!

This is the Moment.

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In 7 hours and 40 minutes (give or take a few seconds), my little girl will get on her first school bus and head off to her first day of preschool at P.G. Chambers School in Cedar Knolls, NJ.

I AM FREAKING!!!  And I haven’t gone to bed yet!

I have been so excited for this moment and played it out so many times in my head.  I imagined celebrating after Josephine rides off into the sunrise.

Instead, I will be following her bus, most likely in tears, to make sure she is all settled and adjusting to her new school.  After all, Josephine will be there every day from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, so should be comfortable and happy.

Butterflies are racing around my stomach as I type.  Don’t know if I will be able to sleep.  Not what I expected.  I thought I was stronger than this.  Then it hit me…I am a MOM whose daughter is going to school for the first time.  Why wouldn’t I cry?  Why wouldn’t I be nervous?  I am a mom who’s had a companion (no matter how loud the cries or how frustrating the days) since August 27, 2008.  And now she’s leaving.

Wow!  It’s a lot to take in and process.

I’ll check in with ya once I am back home from school, as long as I can type through my tears of happiness, sadness, nervousness and most of all, PRIDE.

My little girl is going to school.  Wow!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Josephine!!!

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Three years ago, you brightened our lives with your tiny smile and large spirit.

Two years ago, our world changed up again and we didn’t know what to expect or when.

One year ago, we continued to wonder, hope and dream.

Today, our dreams are coming true and our little principessa is our miracle!

You can stand on your own, slowly walk to get a toy, tell us what you want (maybe not in complete sentences, but we get ya!), laugh at silly things, shine your gorgeous smile whenever you see fish, scoot around teasing our dog and generously give tons of hugs and kisses with the most amazing warmth and love.

Thank you, Josephine Betty Joy.  Thank you for shining in our life.  For teaching us how to get through the rough patches.  For showing us the world through your beautiful brown eyes.  For being you.

I love you, Darling Jos-a-Bean!

Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere!

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It might seem a bit odd that blowing bubbles is during a PT session, but most of the session start with bubbles, which helps calm down Josephine upon first sight of Lana (poor PT is gonna get a complex!).

Josephine still has trouble rounding her lips (well, she doesn’t do it at all, actually), so the fact that she is able to blow bubbles TWO separate times is certainly a milestone in my mind.  While standing independently no less!

Mixin’ It Up!

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Another posting of Josephine and food – two of my most favorites!  Can’t live without either one!

This brownie-making moment was during a speech therapy session – learning how to follow instructions, learning about different foods, learning about different textures (not a huge favorite considering her sensory disorder), and the best part of it all, EATING THE BROWNIES!!!!

The Love Affair of Josephine and MEDEK

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Get ready for the premiere of Josephine, MEDEK and Azriel: The World Tour.  Yes, folks!  After many long days and nights of wishing for more MEDEK videos, the producers of Josephine are proud to show off the stunning successes from Sessions 21-27.  PREPARE TO BE AMAZED (I know I am EVERY day)!

Session 21 (The Ramp)

Session 24 (The Balancing Thingy – the technical term)

Session 25 (The Steps)

Session 26 (Out of the Boxes INDEPENDENTLY!!)

AND FINALLY…

Session 27 (Up and Down the Ramp ALL ALONE!):  I would recommend watching this one and then watching the video at the top of this post to see the fabulous progress Josephine made in 6 sessions.  Tell me this little gal isn’t INCREDIBLE!

Josephine’s School Announcement!

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I know, I know…Where have I been? What has been happening with Josephine? Where is she going to school? When is she going to school? So many questions. And all will be revealed in due time…Well, maybe not. How about now? Do you have your coffee and doughnuts ready for a nice read???

SCHOOL

I am proud to announce Josephine is the latest addition to P.G. Chambers School in Cedar Knolls, NJ!

First day of school is September 8 and that is the first day I will be a mess!  I know this is best for Josephine and for me, but my heart is still all aflutter at the thought of my J-Bean being in school.  Yes, I am counting the days until she can start this new chapter in our lives, but I also know I will be wishing for her to be back at home for the first few days…or at least first few hours…teeheehee!

I WILL be following the bus on the first day, as suggested by the head nurse and Josephine’s teacher.  And I WILL be bringing my husband along because I know I will not be able to drive to and from the school, unless I can somehow manage to hold back the tears (both of joy and sadness).

Regarding the services received at P.G. Chambers, Josephine will be getting 3 sessions PT, 3 sessions of ST, 2 sessions of OT, a bus aide, a personal aide and air-conditioned transportation in her wheelchair to and from school.  We will also continue with MEDEK privately with Azriel 2x a month.

WOW!  I really can’t believe that day is almost here.

I truly have to give major props to the caring and patient staff in the West Orange School District Student Support Services Department.  I was honestly prepared for a battle like no other after hearing about other parents’ horror stories with their districts.

From start to finish, Josephine’s placement process was top notch!  Our Case Manager, Alexis, was outstanding and went out of her way to give Josephine the schooling she needs and deserves.  The Student Support Services Director, Connie, is caring and treated us like people, not a number in the district.

Will we always have great success every time an issue appears?  Maybe, maybe not.  But I hope this thoughtful approach continues on, even if we DO have to butt heads a bit.

A Little BONK on the Face

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Oops!  Guess who found out that concrete and faces don’t mix too well???  It seems our little Josephine decided to get ahead of herself during her PT session and got a bit too close to the ground…2 bloody lips and 1 possible broken nose later…

She’s fine, by the way.