About Kenneth

When are you gonna update your BLOG??

2010-06-09T20:39:00.005-05:00

Okay, so you know how we all say, "I don't have time. I can barely keep up with my emails." Yes, we are all busy. Yes, we are all overscheduled. And yes, many of us mothers would choose sleep over sex--but we must remember to take care of ourselves--or someone or something WILL take care of you. And it may not be a pleasant experience.

Without going into great detail, I have had my share of difficulties these past 8 months--in relationships, in work, and yes, as a parent of a special needs kid. With that said, I think I have done an amazing job pulling myself out of the rubble that surrounded me in the last quarter of 2009. I can literally BREATHE again. Oh and appreciate the little things (for they may wind up being the big things when I'm 64).

I can directly attribute the 'spring in my step' to the following:
1- Faith
2- I hired a part-time nanny.
3- I started taking care of myself first. (After all, if mama ain't happy, no one is happy.)

I still have many hurdles to jump but now I have help and motivation.

Oh and BTW, Kenneth is doing AWESOME. Will write more on him later. This is "About Kenneth" after all...

Love,
G.

Welcome to Holland -- A Reminder on the eve of Kenneth's 6th birthday

2010-06-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

http://www.pptasage.com/MHT%20files/Holland.mht

09.09.09 How Much Longer?

2009-09-09T01:58:00.001-05:00

Today, September 9th 2009, the National Autism Association will be holding the 09.09.09 campaign to ask those responsible for serving children how much longer we will have to wait until the disaster of the autism epidemic is admitted to, addressed, stopped and our children are given the care and protection that they are due.

The autism rate is no 1 in 100, and rising. The time has come for us all to demand that those in power stop the corrupt practices that have created this public health epidemic and undo the damage that has been done. The canary in the coal mine has become hundreds of thousands of canaries. Our governments and medical institutions are watching our children drop like flies and their response is to commission do nothing committees to make sure lots of busy work is being done while no actual change is effected.

Please set aside a little bit of time Wednesday and participate in the 09.09.09 campaign. Do it for Kenneth and do it so that no more children have to struggle like Kenneth.

Offline for now --

2009-07-15T09:04:00.005-05:00

I'm temporarily offline on the blog.... will be back after July 20th.

Highlights This Month --
- Kenneth had his annual MRI yesterday and no significant changes since last one! The doctor wants to spread out visits now, so we won't see him for another 2 years. YEAHHH! Kenneth was very tired Tuesday and we've all been trying to catch up on our rest. I feel especially blessed at the moment. I didn't think we'd have any major news; I'm just reflecting on all we've/he's been through the last 5 years. Thanks be to God for our health.

- Kenneth finished Callier summer session last week; awesome stuff. I'm looking into some of their other options for supplemental therapy during the fall when regular school starts.

- We're embarking on the gluten-free diet (all of us; yikes!)

- We've started some initial supplements and getting some tests run so we can get a custom vitamin started before the fall. Our nutritionist thinks he has yeast overgrowth that may be a contributing factor with his digestion (apparently common in ASD kids).

- We're taking 2 weeks in August to focus on intense potty training (again). PRAY FOR US...

Kenneth starts Callier UTD speech program

2009-02-05T17:17:00.000-06:00

We got IN!! Thanks to all who prayed and waited with us over the holiday as I anxiously awaited a call from Callier (University of Texas at Dallas). It's an intensive 1:1 speech program for toddlers and they made an exception for Kenneth since he's over the usual age limit (3.5). He works 1:1 with a speech language pathology graduate student M-Th mornings. He still attends Lakewood in the afternoons and Fridays.

So far, he loves the program and has adjusted extremely well to the transition. I thought he'd be disappointed about the bus not coming in the mornings, but he is just fine. I'll try and keep you posted regularly on his progress. We are so excited about this opportunity; it is a blessing.

http://www.callier.utdallas.edu/

Steelers Pull Through with a 6-Pack

2009-02-02T08:00:00.004-06:00

Kenneth witnessing one of the most exciting super bowls yet. The Steelers pulled through for us again. My gift to Ken is taking him to another 'celebration' party in Pittsburgh this summer.

...STEELER NATION...

Kenneth's first wave bye-bye

2008-12-11T12:06:00.002-06:00

I almost fainted and no I did not have the camera ready. As Kenneth got off the bus today, he did what he always does -- he said bye-bye to the driver, Ms. Brenda, and watched as the bus drove away (we have to wait until it is completely out of sight). Only this time he WAVED!! He held his left arm up and moved his hand up and down at the wrist; something he has NEVER done before.

Life is good. God is good.

Family Photos - Fall 2008

2008-11-15T08:15:00.000-06:00

We took a much needed respite from Dallas and went to see the family in the Arbuckle mountains in southeast Oklahoma. This is our third "fall reunion" and it was wonderful. As you know, our summer was unbearable, so fall is always welcome in my world. Blessings, Gina

Bathtime with Abuelito

2008-10-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Back to school - Fall 2008

2008-10-22T08:08:00.002-05:00

Kenneth returned to Lakewood and we are so happy with his progress to date. He really blossomed over the summer months; his teacher aide even said, "Kenneth is a different kid now." I think she is grateful for less tantrums and crying. So are we :)

This is Steeler country

2008-10-22T08:06:00.001-05:00

Go Steelers

2008-10-22T08:02:00.003-05:00

Okay so I haven't ordered a bigger t-shirt for him, but Kenneth was in full swing with his "Terrible Toddler" towel as he watched the Steelers with daddy. Don't they look cute?

Our little sweet potato

2008-08-11T08:24:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorites from the summer. I don't even want to say how long I held down the shutter to get this one great picture.

Having fun in Speech

2008-05-19T13:06:00.005-05:00

Kenneth's First Word

2008-05-05T11:06:00.003-05:00

Well it's official. Kenneth's first word last week was "Hi." If you are wondering, "why didn't she call us?", it's probably because I was waiting to make sure he used it multiple times and it wasn't just a one-off. So an entire week has passed and he is saying "hi" to everyone. Life is good :)

Reflections

2008-04-23T11:55:00.006-05:00

The last few weeks and weekends have been filled with activities. Two more support groups have found their way into our lives and I'm feeling more connected to the local Autism community. Amidst the meetings, workshops, and therapy days, I find quiet pockets of time to reflect on how far we've come. Kenneth is blooming like all the beautiful spring flowers around us. We are so fortunate. His fourth birthday is around the corner and like every parent, we naturally look back over those early days. What a blessing. What a gift. What a joy he is.

Brightening the day

2008-04-07T11:49:00.006-05:00

March 31, 2008

Mrs. Waterman,

Would you mind if I commented on Kenneth and his general social behavior
in the school? I would love to mention how he brightens everyone's day,
and the comments the principal has made (she loves walking him in from the bus because he's so eager to get to class, and it's the best way to start her day).

Ms. Young
Special Education Teacher
Lakewood Elementary

Kenneth and "Ollie"

2008-03-31T09:10:00.003-05:00

He got this owl from Highland Park United Methodist Church. We were on the waiting list to get into their "NightOwls" program; basically respite care. So they gave him this owl and he loves it. He has never shown interest in stuffed animals for fun... it is very cool.

World Autism Day - April 2nd

2008-03-30T21:56:00.003-05:00

CNN is broadcasting "Autism - Unraveling the Mystery" on Wednesday. This broad, deep examination of autism is being featured online and on CNN, CNN International and Headline News.

Check it out at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/autism/
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We know Kenneth will lead a productive and independent life. Pray for him and all who are affected by this condition.
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Sand table

2008-03-30T07:56:00.005-05:00

Kenneth loves his sand table. We had it in storage for months since he wasn't really interested. Then I filled it with rice to see if he'd like it. We are now in sand-land. I tell him "it's just like Galveston."

Happy Spring!

2008-03-30T07:45:00.006-05:00

Well I finally got a weekend where I could focus on planting my pots on the porch. Kenneth was supposed to be helping me water the flowers, but instead kept trying to drink from the pitcher.

We've been busy the last two months and I hope my pictures can catch you up. We took a short trip over spring break to San Antonio. I love that place. I always feel so relaxed down there. Anyway, Kenneth did fantastic with all the stairs along the riverwalk; he did not cry or whine once! He had a more difficult time with sleeping at night. Two out of the three nights were a loss. We came back exhausted.

So it's good to be back home...sweet...home.

Kenneth in enjoying church and all the activities. We just had a date night this Friday and he loves going. We drop him off with dinner at 6:30, mix with the other parents, then go off on our own until 9:30. It's a great chance for us to not only get some downtime from Kenneth's routine, but reconnect with each other. I am really grateful to have this.

Kenneth sings a new song

2008-03-28T10:12:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure the exact date since I'm writing this in late March, but Kenneth had me reeling when I asked him to repeat a song I just sang. It was "Ring around the Rosie" - a song he's always loved. Here is a video clip of him singing...

Valentine's party

2008-02-22T12:05:00.000-06:00

Nose, Head, Tummy, Feet

2008-02-22T09:06:00.001-06:00

I am still in disbelief... our little Kenneth is recognizing four body parts now. It is SO exciting because, like so many other things, it seems like we have been working on this forever. I was changing his diaper Thursday and when we were through, I asked him, "where is your head?" He promptly touched his head with his hand and looked straight at me. My first reaction was to scream and pick him up celebrating--then I asked him to repeat it. And he did.

Balls and beams

2008-02-21T09:12:00.001-06:00

We had an amazing day at PT. For the first time, Kenneth kicked a ball with intention. He did it like he's been doing it forever. Funny how that seems.

He also had a banner day with the balance beam--going across 5-6 times without falling off (with Jacob holding his hands). It was great to see.

We are seeing so many progress signs this week. I feel truly blessed.

Body parts

2008-02-19T14:59:00.002-06:00

This weekend was the first time Kenneth touched his tummy when I asked him to. I was so thrilled I cried. He also recognizes his nose, although it looks a lot like the sign for "eat". I'll take it :)

Adjusting the braces

2008-02-19T14:54:00.002-06:00

We had an appointment with the orthotist yesterday about Kenneth's braces. The last time we met, he said it might be time to try cutting down the SMO (calf-high left brace) and seeing how he does. So we agreed to try it and so far nothing major to report. I'm supposed to keep an eye out for toe-walking again. If that happens a lot, we'll have to revert back. We have a followup appointment in a month.

School Recognition

2008-02-12T14:58:00.000-06:00

Kenneth was recognized last week for his great progress at school over the last 6 weeks. Here he is with his fellow classmate (Eduardo) and teacher (Ms. Amy) getting his certificate. They were both excited to be in the auditorium with all the other kids. It was fun to see them get up there.

They also got a Super Stallion chain from the school (Lakewood's mascot is the stallion).

Speech Class

2008-02-12T14:52:00.000-06:00

Kenneth with Courtney at Speech.

Exercise Class

2008-02-12T14:48:00.000-06:00

Kenneth on the balance beam at physical therapy (aka exercise class).

Eat, Drink, and More

2008-02-12T14:21:00.000-06:00

We are adding "Eat" and "Drink" signs to Kenneth's repertoire. He is still stuck on "More" so it may be a slow road. I have to hold his left hand down to prompt him to use his right hand only. Usually he gets it.

Morning hugs

2008-01-18T15:00:00.000-06:00

Now you all know I'm not a morning person, but the gentle embrace of Kenneth's little arms around my body makes me want to be a morning person ;) There is nothing else like it.

More snacks please

2008-01-18T14:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday during snack time, I asked Kenneth to show me the sign for "more" as I do every chance we get. Out of no where, he put his hands together, almost as if clapping. It's the first time ever he has brought his hands together. I stood there in disbelief, so I asked him to do it at least 10 times more. ha! And he did. I can't wait to tell his speech therapist.

Snack n' nap

2008-01-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

Kenneth enjoying a snooze on our sofa. Seems he owns it now...

Mmmmm...

2008-01-10T13:17:00.000-06:00

Mmmmmm... is a simple sound really. Until you try and get Kenneth to repeat it. Courtney did just that -- about 3 different times yesterday. She would mouth the sound and put his hands up to her face to feel the vibration. The first time she did it, Kenneth stopped what he was doing and immediately gave her feedback -- the same sound at the same pitch. It was incredible. I wish I had my video camera with me. I'll have to pack it up for next week. We are seeing some great things now. The favor of God is with us.

PT Milestone

2008-01-10T13:14:00.000-06:00

We had a fantastic day at PT and speech yesterday. You remember me jumping for joy over last week's 2 minutes of not holding on during treadmill time? Well today he did a whole 10 MINUTES! Jacob and I were like, wow, is this the same kid? This is a major milestone for us; it has been on Jacob's goal list for some time and yesterday he did it.

Ch.. Ch.. Changes

2008-01-03T21:22:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! We are getting ready for some major changes at the Waterman house in 2008. Ken had the unbelievable luck of receiving two great job offers in the last 3 months. Though we are still in the "thinking about it" stage, this will be a major shift for all of us. I try not to focus on the challenges we still face with Kenneth but it is hard not to consider them. After all, I will be tasked with recreating our whole infrastructure of doctors, therapists, teachers, playgroups, etc. Not to mention finding work myself.

I know everything will work out in the end--this isn't the first time we've moved. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead because with them are great rewards. Here's to 2008!

Break in Routine

2007-12-12T14:26:00.001-06:00

We had a few weeks off from PT due to scheduling mishaps and illness. I knew it might be tough returning but I had no idea how hard it would be for Kenneth. We spent most of the 45 minute session trying to bring him out of a tantrum. Jacob thought that the break in routine was too much for him; Kenneth likes his routine.

Finally at the end of the session, we were able to get him to do a few things. I left feeling like we were taken through the ringer. It just goes to show you, we are not the ones in control of these young bodies.

Potty 101

2007-12-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

I didn’t think it would be so easy to get results. We have been putting Kenneth, fully clothed, on the toilet to get him accustomed to sitting. Little did I know that the first time we decided to go without clothes, he would have a bowel movement. I was shocked and happy at the same time. Now we have something new to add to our repertoire. Another stage begins.

Mama and Me

2007-11-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

MRI Report and Consult

2007-11-19T14:49:00.000-06:00

We had our face-to-face meeting with the neurosurgeon today. Grandpa was visiting during the week so we took him along. It was nice to have a third set of ears to hear the news. Again the doctor said there were no significant changes in the MRI since the last one (a year ago). There remains residual fluid around the left lobe that did not drain completely after surgery. Shunting would help drain that but it is not without risks and is a lifelong proposition. The overall consensus was let’s not introduce a shunt since Kenneth is doing well overall and not showing signs of pressure or weakness.

As for Kenneth’s head increase, his chart reflects a proportionate growth rate and he continues to be in the upper percentile. The doctor wants to see him in six months rather than a year, just to monitor the growth. So I walked out of his office breathing a sigh of relief.

Our little boy has come a long way since that week in December 2 years ago.

MRI Report

2007-11-16T14:48:00.000-06:00

The doctor called me at 5:00pm today. I had been waiting all day for his call. Thankfully he had good news. He said Kenneth’s MRI “did not change significantly from last year.” Thank God.

He asked a lot of questions about how he was doing and specifically wanted to know about any unusual signs of weakness in the right side of his body. I assured him Kenneth was fine and never showed symptoms of weakness on either side of the body. With that said, we still have a question mark about the increased head size. So we’ll see the doctor on Monday as scheduled.

MRI Follow-up

2007-11-14T14:47:00.000-06:00

We went in for Kenneth’s follow-up MRI today. The procedure went fine. His waking from anesthesia was a bit more bumpy. It was the worst I’ve seen him after these scans. He was very upset, angry and didn’t want to sit or lie on the bed in recovery. We really just waited him out until he let us offer him a drink of apple juice. Then later came the warm welcome of goldfish crackers. Every child loves them. After about 45 minutes we were able to persuade him to go to the car and head home.

Thankfully he did not get sick in the car. And he even ate a bit during dinner. I was happy he recovered well.

I am waiting for the doctor’s call on the radiology report. We go in to see him on Monday for a face-to-face consult. Keep us in your prayers.

Speech Evaluation @ 3 years, 4 months

2007-10-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day I’ve ever thought, “This boy is going to talk. It is a matter of time.” It’s hard for me to imagine it many days because of the time that has passed. I have prayed and prayed that he would utter his first words—mama, dada, milk—something to tell us he could do it. I’m not going to lie to you, it has been tough these past 2 ½ years. The waiting and never having any verbal feedback, even after months of speech therapy. It’s a roller coaster ride and I just want off. At times I felt like it’s never going to click. Something is holding him back. Something deep inside his brain is not connecting. Otherwise we would see—and hear more. More.

But today is different. Today is promising. I have hope again. I can see it in the way he makes eye contact now and the way he shows joy when we mimic his vocalizations. Something is clicking. Something deep inside. I have hope. My little Kenneth is going to let me hear his voice this year.

Mother's Day 2006 - Kenneth's first steps

2006-05-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

Mother's day brought us many surprises and milestones. Kenneth took his first official steps by himself -- and went about 5 feet without holding on. Awesome!! I just about fell over in shock. Since then he goes between walking and crawling... not sure whether he wants to do this walking business full-time.

Melissa brought us news that Kenneth is no longer going to be the "baby" in the clan. She and Kevin are expecting a little bambino around Christmas.

Lisa and Rod stopped by for a drop-in surprise at Mom's house-- just about giving us all a heart attack :)

All in all, a banner weekend.