Ya'll Bout Ready?

Connor as Batman at the Halloween Playgroup

Look what I made!

Hi all! I have tried SO many times to leave a post on this site-with no luck and I am so sorry to leave so many of you hanging and worrying about our little guy. The fault is mine (and our still not-totally fixed computers) but I do feel terrible for the long delay. FOr some reason our computer will not let me on to my own blog! Very frustrating...so I will try and sum up the recent events as quickly as possible.

Lets see, first of all, Connor is doing good just having a rough go of it. It has been tough for him on the steroids-tough on the whole family really-but especially Connor. Still dealing with too much pain each month, more than expected and increasing each time. Followed by a week of intense mood swings that cause him to be very cranky and tired and just plain miserable for two weeks out of EVERY month. That is our struggle right now. But we deal with it as best we can-give him the Vicadin to ease the aching joints, and lots of trial and error to see what helps from moment to moment as he rages and fusses...then, magically, we get our sweet Connor back for the next two weeks-loving, kind, sharing, kissing, hugging, smiling, playing, like a light switch going on/off is how sudden the change is...so that is one reason for the lack of time lately for most everything-we are living in two week bursts, trying to pack all the fun stuff into the good times and trying to comfort and sooth during the harder times.

We have been lucky though to be able to go do some fun things with all the kids lately though. I'll need to post pics of our outings! We went to the Atlanta Zoo, to the Pumpkin Patch, and Callaway Gardens. As the holidays approach we can't wait to do the things we do every year, like go to Fantasy in Lights and just decorating the house will be extra exciting this year seeing it through Connor's eyes. He is already interested in the decorations he is spotting around town-so the tree should be a big hit!

Right before Thanksgiving we go back to Atlanta for Connor's hearing test and regular treatments. No real game plan in place yet for after the 6th dose of Decadron is over-we might possibly extend it or he might go off of them completely. Either scenerio is scary to me, but it is in God's hands. Literally, because even the doctors do not know what is best.

And now-the best news of all! Connor has begun making a few sounds! He now says:

Da-da
Ma-ma
Ba-ba (his bottle)
Wa-wa (water)
Belle Belle (the dog)

We are so thrilled and thankful that he is finally progressing in the right direction. So far to go, but he has come from so far behind and I have to keep reminding myself of that.

We are working on transitioning him into the STEPS program with the school district for the 2009-2010 school year. We have high hopes of him being approved for at least 3 days a week. This is based on his needs, so he might qualify for anywhere from 2,3, or 5 days per week for a few hours each day. He will be able to receive his therapy while he is there, and just being around the other kids will teach him so much! Of course-the thought of leaving him anywhere is enough to send me in a panic, but I know it is the best thing for him.

The rest of the kids are well, Ryan made it into the National Junior Honor Society so he is mighty proud of himself. Samantha is enjoying ballet and learning to read. Stacy is making all A's and is excited about the Twilight movie coming out...and Sam-he is doing good too. Working hard as usual and excited for Christmas, it is his favorite holiday. Thanks for checking on us and for all the love and prayers.

Love to all,
Debbie