.
We would like this to be a place where other adoptive Grandparents, parents,
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 formula 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 diminishing,
and she is overcoming others.
Gina is now talking in full sentences, and being understood by others. Sometimes
she will still sign along with it.
She has difficulty handling her emotions, and making choices. But, we are seeing a lot of
progress in these areas too. Her lack of speech was been not only hard for her,
but one of the most frustrating parts for all of us
.
When people would make derogatory comments about her low tolerance thresh hold,
I'd ask them: How would you express your feelings, needs and emotions if you were unable
to talk for even 24 hours? Would you become frustrated? Some people can be so insensitive.
Our refrigerator was far more than a bulletin board. It was a vital key to our communication system.
There you would find not only the latest drawing, 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.
We can talk about the name, the color, and the letters
.
We enrolled Gina the Early Intervention Program since she was just eighteen months old,
and up until school age. She was then placed in a first/second grade class combo, with
full time inclusion assistance. She has been in classes designed to meet her special needs
up through 10th grade. At that time we withdrew her from public school, and I home schooled
her the last two years. She does much better in a calm, quite, structured setting without distraction.
That was followed by two years of Adult Transitional Services, which help her a lot in becoming
a young adult.
She knows the alphabet, all the numbers, can write her name, and is starting to learn some math.
Her list of reading words has greatly increase the last year, and she is reading 'early reader'
books now. Gina enjoyed all the new experiences of high school, and being with the other students
was very positive in most ways. Gina's list of sight words is growing too, and she reads all the
signs when we are in the car.
Gina knows the days of the week, is learning the months. She loves calendars, and can tell
time on the hour. The computer is high on her list of things she loves to do. 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.
(update)
Gina now knows her way around the computer, and can find what she want online,
only needing assistance occasionally.
Gina loves learning, and is full of question all the time, and she has an exceptional memory.
She can quote many verses just from me reading them aloud to her.
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.
.
Hi, My name is Gina Rochelle Marie, but my Friends just call me Gina. I'm
so glad you stopped by.
I'll tell you a little about myself.
First I'm now seventeen years old and I have blue/gray eyes and very curly brown hair.
My favorite
color is blue, my favorite food is pizza.
.
Fish are one of the things I like best, and my room is painted with a fish theme.
We are using flash cards, where I'm learning to count money, and tell time.
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.
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.
Seems life is full of changes, it has its ups and downs.
***
LANG="0">.
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 infringement, and
expressly prohibited without the author's written consent.
