Saturday, January 3, 2015

New Year, New Things.


Happy New Year!!

Just a little bit has changed since my last blog (...I'm kidding...)  I started a post shortly before the big move, but alas, never finished it.   As I thought about the 5 hour move, and all of the changes that come along with it - I was reminded on how special this journey is.  We have met a bunch of amazing people along the way, but along with that came a bunch of bitter sweet goodbyes.  When we moved a little over a year and a half ago, we left a good handful of helping hands, and to be honest, I wasn't sure how we would adapt to a whole new set of wonderful people.  Truth is, We are lucky.  Lincoln is an easy going, well adjustable, fun loving kid, and anyone who meets him would agree.  He adjusts well, isn't too shy, and basically 'fits in' where ever he goes.  We are lucky in the fact that he had an amazing first experience in school.  He was welcomed into a school where inclusion was their theme.  A school that treated everyone the same, and who recognized individuals on a monthly basis for their extra umph, extra caring nature, and extra effort made to share love and show respect to all individuals. Obviously, on his last day, his class was sad.  Lincoln was the 'class clown', or the 'popular' kid not only in his class, but his school.  It amazes me just how many people knew who Lincoln was.  Almost every trick or treater we had said hi to him, it seemed everybody in the halls knew him, and apparently, everybody waved to him during their christmas concert for the school!!   Just knowing how welcomed he was, and how inclusive his experience was at the old school - has only made my expectations on what to hope and strive for in the new school, and I will do whatever I can to make it just as amazing as the last.  With that being said,  I wasn't exactly excited for the move and yet another change.  But, we put our trust in God, and follow the path he has already set for us.  Sometimes its interesting the way life goes.

We are back to the same place we called home for the first 6 years of our marriage, the place where both of our boys were born, the place that we had for sale, but never sold.  And while everything sort of makes sense now, we know why we were brought to the same town with my awesome sister and family, the awesome school and all of the awesome friends we made along the way.  As we said our goodbyes, We can confidently say Lincoln left some sort of an impression on people there.  Whether it was through those he met along the way,  the hearts he touched, or the people he helped.   We enjoyed advocating, and sharing the joys he brings... I love that even though he is only 5, he.changes.people.  He changed teachers, students, and parents all the same.
As we look to the future, and Lincoln's shining spirit, we already know everything is going to be alright.  He has such a loveable spark about him.  Its nice to know he will be walking around with familiar faces around him.  He will get to share recess with some of his older cousins (whom the boys can't get enough of).  He will be in a regular classroom with an EA present within the class already.  I'm sure the transition will go smoothly, and so far, things have.  We have all of our stuff, most of it out of boxes (ok, well, over half at least....)  The boys love their room, and being back at the 'old house' - though Parker says he doesn't remember it at all.  Lincoln's first day will be on Tuesday, and we can only pray everyone will accept him, though i have no doubt.

In Medical news, Lincoln's tubes are out of his ears (which is great news because we are going to the Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow - yay no ear plugs!!), and his ears were still clear while he was fighting a cold!  (thats great news), and he scored 100% on his hearing test!   We also have Lincoln's old cardiologist looking at the results from his last ECHO as it is not common for there to be a residual leak this far after surgery - which was present in in ECHO he has preformed at the end of November.  He is being referred back to his old paediatrician and we have our old family Dr.  Its comforting to be with those who are already familiar with him and know his history.
Theres Lincoln in the 2015 Canadian Down Syndrome Society's Calander!!
We are no doubt excited about this New Year, and new school.  Keep shining Lincoln.  You are doing such amazing things.

Wishing you all the best for 2015!  Thanks for reading :)