Mommy, Daddy, and Angelo drove her to school this afternoon. When Mommy took her into the building, she said there were no tears. Let's hope her first day is a GREAT one. With Julianna, I am SURE it will be.
Enjoy .... Kenny
This is Julianna's first day of kindergarten. Initially, she will be going 1/2 days in the afternoon. After a few weeks she will be attending school all day.
Mommy, Daddy, and Angelo drove her to school this afternoon. When Mommy took her into the building, she said there were no tears. Let's hope her first day is a GREAT one. With Julianna, I am SURE it will be. Enjoy .... Kenny
0 Comments
Just another "relaxed" Saturday at the Licata home. Swim practice for Gabby, followed by a football game for the band kids, then some time to play, then back to take the older kids to a band competition. Annie and Vincent went to band competition with Dominic and Francesca while I stayed home with Angelo, Julianna, and Gabby.
We had fun on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Spent some time at the park in Hershey. Enjoy ..... Kenny Went to the pediatrician today. Tests and more tests were ordered...as required for kids with DS like Ang and Julianna.
J was funny tonight...I said to her, "What is your name." She responded...."julianna." Then, I asked her everyone's name in the room, and she was able to say everybody's first name. I said, "What is my name?" She answered, "Momma." I said, "Momma..." and paused....then she said, "Momma Licata!" We all did high fives around and hugged and smiled! We only practiced our last name maybe two times....but she remembered! Ang had a great therapy session and has gained leaps and bounds with his PT and Speech. I observed at his new school...it will be very good for him. But today, Mom had an "aha" experience. When i walked into the room and saw the six children in the classroom, I thought, "Angelo is normal. Why would he be in here?" Yes, developmentally he is right where the other children are in the room or even a little below right now...but I guess I have never thought of him as anything but normal...I wonder what others think of him? To me,...he is perfect...a perfect little angel who was aptly named...! :) Here are some pictures from the Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group's Buddy Walk this Saturday. This year ALL our kids were able to attend. Dominic invited some of his friends to come with him.
The weather was GREAT and everyone had a good time. The group was able to raise funds to sponsor future events and to assist DS families in the area. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Ken Ok, so my blogs have been less frequent lately....
In my defense, I have written two very long blogs, and before I hit post on both of them...they magically disappeared...technology for you! Now...this blog will be short, with a promise for more information and pics soon. J is blossoming!..........! She is attempting to read books and sing...really cute. Julianna said "yogurt" today w/o any prompts or cues. She also attempted to get an icebag for her baby brother's head when she accidentally bonked heads with him. First she said "Sorry" in word and sign,...then off to get the ice bag. Made lots of progress in her one month with us...and understands so much. Tomorrow is the Buddy Walk...we're looking for a team name.... More later... Annie P.S. Maybe w/a score of D, I'll be asked to go to "Remedial blogging school!" :) I wanted to share this little clip with Julianna doing some night time "reading" by herself.
Enjoy. Ken We held a "Welcome Home" party on September 3 with help from the Hair Family.
I finally got the pictures off the camera, so I wanted to post some of these on the blog. I hope you enjoy. Kenny Annie has been working with Julianna on writing letters. On this day, Julianna was so proud when she wrote her name for the first time. She is going to have fun in school.
Enjoy... Ken More than a week has passed since our last entry, and many eventful days have occured...everything of course was a first for Julianna...her first McDevitt Football Game (go Crusaders), an open house pool party in her honor, a trip to Grandma and Grandpa Licata's house, her first Labor Day, as well as other first foods for her. This week I have been working to set up appointments for Julianna and Angelo while I am off from work. So far, we have 100% success.
Today, Kenny and I took Angelo and Julianna for their first ever dental appointment with a pediatric dentist. Kenny lucked out when he called yesterday, as the dentist had back to back cancellations for today which we were happy to fill with our urchins. We were nervous that Julianna might bite the dentist, like her mom did at her first appointment. Not Julianna! She was amazing! She did exactly what the dentist asked her to do...was very trusting...even got xrays taken. At the end she offered the dentist a kiss, but he politely gave her a high five instead. Her teeth are not in bad shape actually. There are two cavities that we will need to have filled and begin with some sealants on the back molars. All in all...a great trip for Julianna. Angelo, too, was a trooper. He had just fallen asleep when he got in the chair. The dentist successfully checked his teeth and brushed on the flouride. Angelo was his usual sweet self and fell back to sleep about 15 minutes later on Kenny's shoulder. Mom and Julianna are heading to the local school district tomorrow to discuss the plan for Julianna's evaluation. The district would like to enroll her now...but I'm not sure if that's what I want for her. Yesterday, Idid not think she was ready for school...but today, she got herself dressed, including backpack with notecards which were Chechies and a waterbottle. She took two of the kids to school at Holy Name with her Dad. I think she really wanted to go...so...I'm pondering what is the best option for her now. Julianna and Angelo have been getting along quite well the last few days. Ang is jealous and not sure what to make of this person who has cut in on his territory. Julianna tends to be a "touch me not". She makes noises rather than using words to express her dissatisfaction when Ang bumps into her. So, we've taught her the sign and the verbal words, "Stop, please, Angelo." She uses them spontaneously and frequently. We are sheduled to see the pediatrician in September. We are scheduled to see the opthamologist in early October. Julianna is thrilled to see her "gAb by and Chechie" each day after school. She often asks in the middle of the day where they are. Today she said Gabby...and I said, "Where is she?" Julianna answered, "School". Sooo...I think she is understanding... More to write and so little time to write these days. My kids are requiring a great deal of care these last few weeks that I have been home. I am hoping Kenny will get a few more pictures up soon. Until another time... Annie |