He did it!!

After working on zipping his coat and finding it to be a struggle, I emailed his VI consultant asking if she could work on some self help skills that we seem to be struggling. After all, it is hard to zip your coat when you can't see the zipper so well. Today, Mrs. R came in to work with Gabe and worked on the coat zipping steps...and all I can say is that in my opinion she is a miracle worker!! Before leaving my classroom, he talked through each step and zipped that winter coat all by himself!! Wahoo!!








I must brag, that Gabe is just blowing us away with his progress! Large motor things are still difficult, but I think that is a delay stemming from orphanage delay and lack of movement. But, everything else including his small motor just keeps making huge gains! He is such a fighter and go getter! Way to go buddy!! We love you sooooo much!!

**NOTE: after taking these pics, I threw his coat in the washer-the arms are filthy! Not sure how that happened. The photo actually makes them look worse than they are, oh well! LOL

Sometimes We Need a Little Help!

It is amazing to watch Gabe grow and adapt. He is making huge gains in so many areas-two big ones are coloring and cutting. Gabe has had some wonderful help including a vision impairment consultant that comes in to work with him 1x a week. She also works with Gabe's teachers to adapt things for him.


Getting ready to cute his homework paper...If you notice, the lines for him to cut on are very black. The lines were dotted, but he came to me and asked me to darken the lines for him. This is awesome because he is learning what he needs to be successful! He is advocating for his own needs!

And so sweet as he cut he kept telling me, "Thank you momma for helping me."

At school he also told his teacher on the first day that he couldn't see the book and needed to move closer. I think he is going to have a fantastic Kindergarten year!!!

Another Great Check-Up!!

Gabe had a phenomenal check up on his eyes today! Today was his 6 month in office check (he had his last under anesthesia check in Dec.) and he was so cooperative! Not that he hasn't been in the past, but everyone in the office was impressed with how he just went with the check, the drops, and he let them take his eye pressure! To do this, they put a pen like thing on the eyeball after they numb the eye with drops. So, when the doc came in, did a quick exam and told us that the success of his surgery in China and the gains he has made has surpassed any expectations he had for Gabe and his vision! He will never have 20/20, but now we can wait 9 months to go back!!! Thank you Lord for protecting Gabie's eyes and for the vision he has!! Thank you, Thank you!!

On another note, Gabe has been busting to go see Cars 2 at the theater (it opened today). I was dreading it coming out as I was not sure he would be able to go. The last movie we took Gabe to that was in 3D, he could not put the 3D glasses on over his glasses and did not like the feel of the big 3D glasses (I am not sure what he could see with them on anyway). So, he watched Nomeo & Juliet blurry. But, tonight I checked our theater times for Cars 2 and they are showing a 2D version!!! Yay!! I may just have to send a thank you letter to our theater for offering this version! Not to mention, I hate paying the extra money for 3D anyway!

A beautiful Article on Adopting a Child with Visual Impairments

http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=647

Advocating

There is a little boy on an agency's special focus list with a diagnosis of congenital glaucoma. Here is the report on him:

xxx a handsome little boy who has recently turned 5 years old. He has been in care since he was a baby. xxx has a diagnosis of congenital glaucoma. His medical and orphanage reports are old, so we are hoping for updates. We know that at the time of the reports, he was developmentally on target. We also know he was/is as cute as can be and in need of a family. He was a very bright toddler, who was able to remember the names of everyone in his "class" and would take items to them when asked by the nannies. He has a good appetite and loves semi-congealed jellied bean curd (better get the recipe....). xxxx is a cute little guy who needs someone to give him the love and attention he deserves. And maybe some toys, too. xxxxx is a Special Focus child and is eligible for adoption by a single parent.

**I am willing to share his photo with anyone who is interested in this little guy! email me at jessdanielson@live.com

DOB Jan. 7, 2006 - glaucoma

I am not sure at this time if he has had surgery like Gabe to relieve the glaucoma, but this is a need so close to our hearts...If we were in a position to adopt again, I would scoop him up! I have said it many times, that although vision needs are scary, with Gabe's glaucoma, we very rarely think of it. He lives everyday just like any other child. Yes, he may not be able to drive someday, but there could be thousands of reasons that could effect any adult later in life making them unable to drive. As with Gabe, this little boy's biggest need is a FAMILY! Take time with me today to pray for this little guy and that his family finds him soon!!



Jess