Big Julianna news

Well, today was a very interesting day. We took Julianna to the Inland Regional Center evaluation--her appointment was at 9. My mom came with Blake because we planned on going to Ontario Mills afterward. So, I thought the eval was only going to be an hour long or so. Well, the Dr. comes out and calls us in. He is an older man, a psyhologist, and acts very much like a psychologist would (in my opinion). He started by getting to know Julianna a little bit, then started going over her file (it's pretty big now) and then asking me questions. I told him all about my potty training concerns, because that's the real reason I want their services. He listened, but didn't give it much attention. He then asked about her language skills, because I feel like that's the one thing keeping her from getting the services--her language is too good to qualify her--she has to qualify in all three areas to get the help. So he decides to give her an IQ test (she's never had this before). And of course Julianna is surprising me the whole way through--the whole time I'm saying, I didn't know you could do that! She was able to answer most of the questions and identify what's missing in a pattern or series, etc. Then he pulled out these red and white blocks and had her imitate the way he stacked them. She did pretty well, until he mixed the colors in different ways, and she couldn't do it, although she tried (he told me she might have a visual perception/processing problem). Well, halfway through the IQ test, he says, let's take a break. Did you bring snacks? I said, yes....how long is this evaluation? He said, well, I have her down from 9 to 12. WHAT?? No one told me this. So we went out and told my mom and she took Blake to Sam's Club. After a snack break, it was back into his office for more tests. He took notes like crazy, really trying to figure her out. He did an autism test, one she's never had before. I would say he conducted about 5 tests over 2 1/2 hours. Then at 11:30 he gave me one to fill out as we waited for him to compile his scores. So around 12, he comes out and tells me something I'm not expecting. He said, I think your child doesn't have full autism--I think she has PDD-NOS, and possibly ADHD. WHAT????? Now, I've considered PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) but NEVER ADHD. But as I watched her take these tests, I've never seen her wiggle and squirm and lose focus so much. It made me wonder if she acts this way in school as well. And why hasn't the school district ever mentioned PDD or ADHD? But the good thing about PDD is that it's really just a delay, not a disability. She may have autistic traits (PDD is under the umbrella of the autistic spectrum) but kids with PDD have a MUCH brighter future than those with autism. And it all kind of made sense to me, considering her history--she was pretty much delayed on everything, except language, which she's behind in now, and the potty training could just be another delay. So anyway, now I have to work it out with the school district to get this all straightened out before kindergarten. Oh, and the interesting thing is, the neurologist she saw recently also said the same thing--he said, I can diagnose her with high-functioning autism (he did it mostly for this eval I had today) but I would place her more in the PDD-NOS category. So, two people have used that label with her lately. Anyway, a LONG post, sorry, but it seems like my journey with Julianna has taken a little turn, but it will all get resolved. No matter what, she's Julianna and she is great and special! (By the way, we still went to Ontario Mills--it made for a LONG day).

Piano Bench Makeover

Before...

After...

The piano is finally complete!

Thanks for all your help, Mom! And thanks to Grannie for finding this great piano bench for me!

Julianna update

Today was a big day for Julianna--she saw a neurologist for the first time since she was 2 1/2. I took her there to get a medical diagnosis in addition to the school district's diagnosis of autism. He asked a lot of questions and observed her and determined that she indeed does have autism, but high functioning, or mild. (The school district placed her in the moderate range). He said she has great potential for her future and will overcome a lot, and told me to keep doing what I'm doing. He was impressed at how well she's talking and communicating, although she still has a long way to go. I am just grateful for all the progress she has made, just in this last year. She really has improved in so many areas. It's nice to have a medical diagnosis now. Next step--get her behavioral services through the inland regional center (or potty training people, as I call them). She has to qualify for services according to their specific criteria mandated by the state (and as we all know, the California state budget is a MESS), so unfortunately it's affecting programs like this that I desperately need for her. So May 4th is the day she's evaluated there. Other than that, she is doing GREAT and we couldn't be happier. Kindergarten starts August 17th!

Blake finally pedals his bike

Not much to post about this week, except a video of Blake pedaling his bike for the first time (maybe, unless I missed his first time.) He still has to reach really far to get those pedals, but he doesn't give up. Maybe he's grown just enough since I got him the bike 4 months ago. And I noticed he runs on the ground first to gain momentum, and then quickly puts his feet on the pedals. It's too funny. Also, Julianna had a big first today--she went up to the stand in Sacrament Meeting all by herself and sang with the Primary for the FIRST TIME! And she didn't cry or scream after she got up there. We were very proud of her today.

And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mom! I'm sorry that you're in the middle of a move, but I hope you still get to have a nice birthday tomorrow and do something fun. We love you and will see you and Dad later this week!

Easter pics and more

My whole family (except Cliff, the Elder now, and Craig, Callie's husband.)

Family shot after Sacrament meeting in Corona...it was windy.

Four sisters together on Easter! (Thanks for the great food, Callie!!)

Grandpa and Blake enjoying some TV together

The big cousins searching together

"Let's see what you got, Will."

Blake did well finding eggs

Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's house with cousins

Yeah for Easter...don't they look happy? Mom, don't make my take a picture, I want to eat my candy!

Julianna found hers!

Blake found his basket!

Ward Easter picnic!

I let Blake play in the rain...he had too much fun.

Fun visit with Callie, Mom, and her kids. We will miss you, Callie!

Trampoline fun with Will

Pictures! ...Camping, Farm Trip with Preschool, Julianna's Haircut, etc.

Time to play catch up! Here's some pics from our Spring Break. I'm sad it's over!

10 Things that made my 27th birthday HAPPY!

1. Getting a nice card from Joel, and the 2nd Twilight book (yeah, I'm a little behind).
2. Getting calls from all my family and a dear friend
3. Getting my first Disney Movie Club delivery in the mail! Yeah!
4. Going to the gym--yes, on my birthday! It was nice!
5. Finding out from Callie that today is Autism Awareness Day as well, and then reading a great article she sent me.
6. Getting new glasses! They are cute, and I've put off getting glasses for 6 years now!
7. Buying new makeup.
8.Eating Panda Express for dinner and getting a great fortune: "Be careful not to overspend." I needed to hear that right now.
9. Watching "Twilight" (tonight) with Joel and eating candy, popcorn, cake, and ice cream.
10. Being with my family and enjoying the day together!

Thanks for making my birthday great!