Sunday, January 23, 2011
Update
Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that I'm probably not going to be updating the blog much. I do most everything on Facebook and to update the blog as well takes twice the time. Too busy for that!! So please continue to follow me on Facebook. "Friend" me if we aren't already friends!!!
Friday, January 07, 2011
Carlee Scott Update
Hey everyone!! I know it's been a while since I updated this blog. I'm actually thinking about not doing it anymore. Every time I have to sign in, it kicks me out of the other things I'm signed in to on other internet tabs. Also, uploading pictures takes forever and you can only do five at a time. Soooooo, I'm thinking about just sticking with Facebook instead. If you aren't a Facebook friend of mine, find me on there!!
I wanted to give a quick update on CS's medical issues. Today was a busy day for Carlee Scott. We had two important appointments that I want to update you on.
First off, she had her screening at a local elementary school through the Child Find Program. She did exceptionally well and I was really proud of her. Her scores for things like communication, fine motor skills, and concepts were great. Her score for gross motor skills was that of a 6 year old - cool! The decision was that she does NOT need to be in special ed. We already knew this, but hearing it from the professionals is nice. They did not test her for social/emotional issues, but according to the questionnaire I filled out beforehand, they share my concern for her in that area. CS tends to struggle with social and emotional issues, so we are proceeding to the next step. On January 20, I will meet with the Child Find person again to have an "evaluation." Carlee Scott won't be there, but basically it's an hour of discussion that will help them decide if she needs special services. If they think she needs special services (small group sessions and/or a Title One Kindergarten class...more one-on-one attention), then we'll meet with a counselor at the elementary school she'll attend next year (the one at the end of our street). I'll keep you posted on what happens at our Jan 20 appointment.
Secondly, we had a follow-up appointment with her Developmental Pediatrician. It was another long appointment (he is SO thorough!!), but we concluded that the INTUNIV meds are not working for her at all. He had suggested that one because it has been proven to help children not only with their ADHD, but also with their anxiety issues. It was not a good fit for her, so we are going to start Concerta tomorrow. Basically, Concerta is the pill-form time-release version of the liquid medicine she was originally taking. That medicine always worked well for her, but the ups and downs were the issue. She is now able to take pills, so we are going to give the Concerta a try (it's a 12-hour pill). I have high hopes that this one will work!! He also suggested an over-the-counter supplement (Melatonin) to help her sleep at night (something we've struggled with for a while). Dr. Clingen reiterated that we need to continue to work on her other issues which make her ADHD seem ten times worse: anxiety (especially socially), inflexibility, rigidness, intensity, and the high emotional ups and downs. His main concern is with her anxiety. If we can regulate her ADHD and find a good medicine fit for her, then we can focus on the anxiety issues. I am supposed to call him in one week to give him an update on the Concerta results. We have a follow-up appointment with him on January 25. Also, I requested behavioral therapy/counseling for Will and I and also for CS. Dr. Clingen was able to get us a Jan 25 appointment with Kathleen Knorr, who is a Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (her expertise is in developmental behavioral pediatrics). Will and I will meet with her to develop a plan to get discipline help for us and behavioral help for CS.
So that's where we are at. Please continue to pray for this situation. There is no quick fix. We have lots of different puzzle pieces on our puzzle board that need to be fit together in order to complete the puzzle that is Carlee Scott. She is being patient as we go through this process and I am confident that we WILL get to the bottom of this! We WILL complete her puzzle!!!
I wanted to give a quick update on CS's medical issues. Today was a busy day for Carlee Scott. We had two important appointments that I want to update you on.
First off, she had her screening at a local elementary school through the Child Find Program. She did exceptionally well and I was really proud of her. Her scores for things like communication, fine motor skills, and concepts were great. Her score for gross motor skills was that of a 6 year old - cool! The decision was that she does NOT need to be in special ed. We already knew this, but hearing it from the professionals is nice. They did not test her for social/emotional issues, but according to the questionnaire I filled out beforehand, they share my concern for her in that area. CS tends to struggle with social and emotional issues, so we are proceeding to the next step. On January 20, I will meet with the Child Find person again to have an "evaluation." Carlee Scott won't be there, but basically it's an hour of discussion that will help them decide if she needs special services. If they think she needs special services (small group sessions and/or a Title One Kindergarten class...more one-on-one attention), then we'll meet with a counselor at the elementary school she'll attend next year (the one at the end of our street). I'll keep you posted on what happens at our Jan 20 appointment.
Secondly, we had a follow-up appointment with her Developmental Pediatrician. It was another long appointment (he is SO thorough!!), but we concluded that the INTUNIV meds are not working for her at all. He had suggested that one because it has been proven to help children not only with their ADHD, but also with their anxiety issues. It was not a good fit for her, so we are going to start Concerta tomorrow. Basically, Concerta is the pill-form time-release version of the liquid medicine she was originally taking. That medicine always worked well for her, but the ups and downs were the issue. She is now able to take pills, so we are going to give the Concerta a try (it's a 12-hour pill). I have high hopes that this one will work!! He also suggested an over-the-counter supplement (Melatonin) to help her sleep at night (something we've struggled with for a while). Dr. Clingen reiterated that we need to continue to work on her other issues which make her ADHD seem ten times worse: anxiety (especially socially), inflexibility, rigidness, intensity, and the high emotional ups and downs. His main concern is with her anxiety. If we can regulate her ADHD and find a good medicine fit for her, then we can focus on the anxiety issues. I am supposed to call him in one week to give him an update on the Concerta results. We have a follow-up appointment with him on January 25. Also, I requested behavioral therapy/counseling for Will and I and also for CS. Dr. Clingen was able to get us a Jan 25 appointment with Kathleen Knorr, who is a Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (her expertise is in developmental behavioral pediatrics). Will and I will meet with her to develop a plan to get discipline help for us and behavioral help for CS.
So that's where we are at. Please continue to pray for this situation. There is no quick fix. We have lots of different puzzle pieces on our puzzle board that need to be fit together in order to complete the puzzle that is Carlee Scott. She is being patient as we go through this process and I am confident that we WILL get to the bottom of this! We WILL complete her puzzle!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Santa Express
This afternoon, we drove out to Elbe to ride the "Santa Express" train! It's a steam train that takes you on an hour-long ride around the base of Mount Rainier. You can enjoy Christmas carols, free apple cider, AND a visit with Santa. We met up with our old neighbors from Texas (who now live in Seattle) and had a great time!!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
The Nutcracker
Carlee Scott and I went to The Nutcracker today. I wanted her to wear a cute smocked dress. She wanted to wear pajamas and a dress-up princess skirt. I chose not to fight the battle. She looked pretty cute, I must say!!!
Well Trained Dog
Jack likes the new couches, too, but he definitely knows he's only allowed on them when a blanket is draped over.
Katarina the Elf
OH Katarina the Elf is so mischievous! We sprinkled her with magic snowflakes, gave her a snack. and while we were sleeping, she tried to hide from us!!!
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
New Couches
There's a lot of excitement around here. We got new couches yesterday! We had (still have, actually) a great couch and leather chair for the past 7-9 years, but it always seemed like we never had enough seating space. The couch was large, but it only had two seat cushions, so it gave the illusion that only two people would fit. The leather chair was oversized and came with an ottoman, but it took up a lot of space for just one seating piece. So we went on the hunt. Thanks to Black Friday and purchasing a floor model, we got this beautiful (and very long) couch and love seat for 57% off. That's right --- 57% off!!! These two pieces cost less than the leather chair. They also cost less than the old couch. I am psyched, to say the least. Now we can have another couple over and have enough room for everyone! As for the chair and couch we still have, I am trying to sell them on CraigsList and our post's yard sale page. We've had a few people interested but nothing firm yet. If nothing works out, we'll just donate.
Friday, November 26, 2010
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