Blessings Come In Small Packages
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We would like this to be a place where other adoptive Grandparents, especially those who are raising special needs children, can just get together and share some thoughts and ideas. Maybe talk about some of your experiences, hopes, and goals for your child. A place where we can exchange ideas and feelings that we have in common. And to offer support to one another as we, and our children face special challenges. Perhaps you'd like to share the excitement of reaching a new goal, or just chat about what ever is on your mind. We will look forward to hearing from you.
I longed to look into her eyes, which was something I had to wait for. Gina was almost five weeks old before she opened her big blue/gray eyes, and peered up at me. It was like she had been trying to shut out the bright, noisy world she had come into.
In the photo on the left, Gina is five weeks old. The one on the right I snapped during a big yawn. She is about four months old there. You can view current photos on her page.
It was bitter-sweet to hold and feed her, Which I often did in the neonatal ward. She was so soft and warm to hold, but then she would involuntarily stiffen her body and shake all over. Then her knees would double up, and force the fomula through her nostrils. You had to immediately syringe it out so she could breath again. Most of the time she kept very little food down.
Gina was able to leave the hospital at nineteen days old. Going into a special medically trained foster care home. After that we were allowed to see and hold her only once a week on planned visits. During this time we petitioned the court to start the adoptive proceeding.
When Gina was taken off of the heart monitor, she was released into our custody as her foster parents. In due process the adoption was finalized and we could truly call her "Our Special Child."
Gina wasn't diagnosed as having FAS,or the syndrome, but rather FAE,as we are still dealing with the on going affects at this time. However we see some of them dimminishing, and she is overcoming others.
Gina is now talking in full sentences, and well understood by others. She no longer has a speech therapist,and sometimes she still adds signing. She has difficulty handling her emotions, and making choices. But, with cues, we see progress in these areas too. Her lack of speech has been not only hard for her, but one of the most frustrating parts for all of us.
Our refrigerator became more than a bulletin board. It was a vital key to our communication system. There you will still find not only the latest drawing, but a list of 'sight' words, plus numerous food pictures, and many magnets showing food and other items as well. This has been very helpful in allowing Gina to make food choices. And we can talk about the name, the color,and the letters.
Gina began the Early Intervention Program when she was just eighteen months old, up until school age. She was then placed in a first/second grade class combo, with full time inclusion assistance. This year she is the 11 grade and we are home schooling her here at Lighthouse Learning Center. She loves it, and is doing well in the calm, quite, structred environment. She knows the alphabet, all the numbers, can write her name, and is starting to learn some math and read beginner books. She is enjoying all the new experiences of high school now, and loves school. Each day she checks her calendar to see whats on the schedule. Her list of sight words is growing, and she often reads signs when we are in the car. Gina knows the days of the week, and loves calendars, and can tell time on the hour, and half hour.
The computer is high on her list of things she loves to do. She is getting too good at this, and we had to get her a comptuer for school, as she was changing things on mine. LOL She has it loaded with many fun and educational programs. She is also taking after me in art, and loves applying special effects to pictures. This has been a real learning tool too. Gina has mastered almost every program I introduce her to. She is able to complete one level, and take herself up to the next level. We use one called,"100 Words". She has learned to sight read many of them already. She is determined, and will keep trying until she gets it. Another favorite program she loves is, "Children's Bible Stories" She has already learned many of the story lines, from the games, and lessons. Following cues, she is now able to begin merging into the more academic things. She really loves school, and most nights will ask,"School tomorrow?"
Even though Gina is challenged in some areas, her memory is very good. Just by me reading the same Bible verses to her every day, she has memorized many verses including the whole chapter of Psalms 150. She is always saying,"Jesus loves me." and Gina never forgets to pray for others. We feel so blessed that the Lord has allowed us to love, and raise this special child, with all the opportunities and challenges that are included. The rewards are simply unbelievable, and I can't even imagine life with out Gina.
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Welcome
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I'll tell you a little about myself. First I'm now 16 years old years old and tall for my age. I have blue/gray eyes and very curly brown hair. My favorite color is blue, my favorite food is pizza.
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Fish are one of the things I like best, and my room is painted with a
fish
theme. I love to be on the computer as much as Mom will let me,
"100 Words" comes first, so many things to do there, followed by "Freddy Fish".
I also like,"Tuneland", and adore doing Puzzles.
We are using flash cards, where I'm learning to count money, and tell time. I enjoy going to school, and I like my teachers, and my friends there. I spent most of this summer in ESY (extended school year) We earned trips to the park, and had a wonderful field trip.
NOTE***This year Mom is homeschooling me, and the name of my school is: Lighthouse Learning Center.
. All content on this website,including text,poem,and graphics are copyright ©Gloria M.Yates ©1997. Duplication in any format, for any reason,is copyright infringment, and expressly prohibited without the author's written consent.
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