Nice article

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/0612/index.html

Melissa Riggio is the daughter of Steve Riggio, the CEO of Barnes & Noble

I have a friend who....

I first discovered online communities about 13 years ago looking for answers after suffering 4 miscarriages. In the infertility groups on usenet I found a community of women who were in the same situation. Because, sadly, miscarriage and infertility isn't something that's often talked in "real life" I found the needed support online.

When I became pregnant with my daughter I joined a "due date list", May '96 to be exact. May '96 is a group of, mostly women, who were due with babies in May 1996. They are still a part of my life today, more than 11 years later. Checking email is a part of my routine, and these women have become a part of my life. With this group, and the Oct '98 moms, I've shared the challenges and joys of being a mom. It's become common in our house when faced with a dilemma to "Ask the May Moms." When talking to real life friends I'll often say "I have a friend who..." and the friend is a May or Oct mom who's experienced something similar.

When Nicky was born friends from my list sent gifts and even chipped in to hire a personal chef to provide meals for my family. When another mom was diagnosed with breast cancer we made a quilt. When a mom was displaced because of Katrina we sent gift cards, clothing, & toys. When a husband committed suicide we sent flowers & gifts. When a mom died due to pregnancy we mourned together. We've weathered all the things "real life" friends do.

Sadly, I hadn't found that for Nicky. I joined a due date list but when he was born I unsubbed without ever telling why. I tried a few existing lists and found some support but in one case the parents on that list mostly had older kids and another there was just too much arguing and flaming. But, I'm starting to find it through the bloggers I read. There are a number out there with kids close to Nicky's age. Or their kids are younger, but the parents are experiencing many of the things I have.

Anyway, thanks to all you bloggers out there!

Re-Adjustments

When I was pregnant with Nicky and found out he was a boy, I thought I knew what to expect. We already had Nate who is a fall boy. Following Nate's trail Nicky's early life was mapped out, where he'd go to preschool, what classes he'd be in perhaps even the teachers would be the same. The first adjustment came when Nicky was born 3 days before his due date instead of a week after. Oh, yeah, and that little DS thing. But, I thought he'd still go to the same preschool, just a little later and take things slower. But he'd still go there and then onto the same elementary school as the big kids. Nicky turns 3 and still isn't walking, the preschool won't take him. So he's in a self contained classroom. Something, I didn't want. But he's happy there and doing well.

We had an IEP meeting this morning. The good news was he's met many of the goals we set in September and they need to be revised. Part of the meeting was to look at inclusion options. The bad news is he doesn't meet the criteria for the preschool inclusion. Another readjustment. Wondering if he'll go to the same elementary school as Nate or will he still be stuck in self contained. He needs more maturity, needs to be potty trained, to interact more with his peers. He's about half-way there on the list of criteria. There's always hope, he has 6 months until the next school year starts and 18 until Kindergarten.

He's also showing his independence in ways that doesn't please his therapists & teachers. Throwing things when he doesn't want to do a task and/or scooting away. There was talk of an FBA and a BIP. Not, yet. He's definitely got a mind of his own.

Tonight, with a bit of prompting he said "Want water please, mama." And "thank you mama" with no prompting when he got the water. Also saying "Candy" and "Peppermint patty" very clearly. It's all about motivation.

More FOs

Sorry, I've been neglecting the blog. Anyway, here are a bunch of things I've finished recently.

Some yarn dyed with Wilton's food color







Adamas Shawl from Knit Picks








Cotton Washcloth












Diamond Fantasy Washcloth adapted from Sivia Harding's Diamond Fantasy shawl,










prototype for a baby blanket








Scarf, hat, & mittens
My own design Colourmart DK cashmere















Nora Gaughan from the Winter 01/02 Interweave knits
Yarn: Lion Brand Woolease

Connections

For Christmas, Grandma completed Nicky's collection of Signing Time Videos. We've been watching them over the past month or so. Last night, we were looking at Nicky's big book of things that go. When we got to the fire engine page, Nicky made the sign for Fireman! I'm just thrilled, I love it when he makes connections between to situations. I also love, love, love Signing Time