November Happenings

No much to update.  Jace is still battling this skin infection?  foliculitis?  dermatitis?  Three different dr visits and $100 in copays later, we still can't get a definitive answer. However, the topical steroid creme IS working, thank GOD...It is still covering his body but to a lesser degree.  More spots are fading daily.

He has started school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays--and LOVES it.  Loves the bus, the drivers, the teacher, the singing and games...all of it.  He happily jumps out of bed in the mornings to get dressed and start his days.  I wonder what he thinks on Thursdays and Fridays when it's just him and me hanging out.  On those days he's busy helping me clean, do laundry, and go for wagon rides.  He loves it outside too.  Can't wait to take him camping next summer!

We leave for Disney World in two weeks....to see his reaction to all of the visual stimulation and fun there will be absolutely priceless!  His brother and sisters are excited for him to see it too.  

Jace still loves to kiss....Finally, Nicholas caved and actually lets him do it.  For months he was completely adamant in his refusal to accept a kiss from a boy-brother or otherwise!  We convinced him that it's ok because Jace's is a baby, not a 'big boy' like Nicholas (wink, wink).  It worked.


Next week we have another appointment with JH Cochlear Center to proceed with the necessary steps pre-surgery.  He will be fitted for hearing aids (which will do nothing), have a speech therapy session, and other auditory tests.  We had to put things on hold until these bumps went away!  TWO WEEKS of itching, scratching, oatmeal baths, calamine lotions and sleepless nights....Grrr....BUT '...joy comes in the morning...', right?

Chicken Pox....or Something Else?

You tell me...

Can't get doctors to agree...one says folliculitis and the other says chicken pox.  All I really know is that Jace is one itchy little boy.  He is scratching all day, poor thing.  It started out on his back by the top of his pull-up.  I really thought it was bug bites; flea, bed bugs--who knows.  Then it traveled up the back to his chest.  From there to his neck and hair line.  He even had a blister on his tongue.  Now he is covered pretty much all over but it still seems mild to me-there aren't any other 'blisters' but they do scab over.  I am keeping him home just in case it is chicken pox and I am treating it likewise.

We are proceeding with the cochlear implant planning, but not sure where just yet because of insurance reasons.  I will keep you posted on the process.  We meet again with Hopkins for hearing aid testing (waste of time yet required by law), audio skills and speech next Tuesday.  Looking forward to it!!

xo,
Shannon

1st Day of School

Jace started preschool yesterday.  I was a little nervous that he would'nt go on the school bus without me-this wasn't the case as you can see from his smiling face.  I think because I signed to him ALL week that he was going to school, to see his teacher, Ms. Kristine.  His teacher sent me a picture of herself so that I could prepare him.  Great idea--it worked!

They told me he went right into the room and started to play.  They were pleasantly surprised at how many signs he actually knew and that he went along with all they did that morning. I'm quite sure he loved every minute of it.  The atmosphere in the classroom is one that is both fun and frustration free for these kids.  They all look like they love it.  The teachers have a passion for learning and for the needs of these children.  Now I just need to figure out how am I going to break it to Jace that he won't go to school on Thursdays and Fridays???

As for the cochlear situation, I am at a crossroad.  I want so much to go ahead with Hopkins.  However, I am told that after the first of the year, thanks to the new 'health care' laws-my insurance will change drastically and I may have to pay as much as 65% of the surgery.  That is both ridiculous and seemingly impossible since it is well over $40,000.  I may have to wait for Jace's medical access card (which covers the surgery) and use a different hospital in PA.  This hospital doesn't have much experience in cochlear implants, and I am petrified to send him there.  Please pray with me that I am led to whatever decision I am supposed to make!!