IEP saga continues

So, in Massachusetts, the school has 10 days to get the IEP to the family for review. Our IEP was HAND DELIVERED, not mailed, last week on the 10th day. I sent a copy to our advocate so she could review it as well. Let’s just say, as I am writing this post, I am writing a letter to our team lead that is 2 pages in length. I am asking for clarification on a number of items, the most important item being his service delivery grid where the teachers and specialists are really held accountable for their goals. His is completely inaccurate. So I am sure my good friend will not be pleased to receive my letter on Wednesday when I drop it off. There is no way I am signing off on this IEP. It is such a disgrace. UUUGGHHHHH!!!!!!

A day to reflect. Happy Birthday my sweet pea.

The day has arrived. My baby turns 5 years old today. I have smothered him with kisses and hugs today, but to him that is no different than any other day. What I wouldn’t give for him to realize today is all about him. What I wouldn’t give for him to have understood why all his family came over on Saturday for a party. What I wouldn’t give for him to understand what birthdays are. But I can’t sit and think of those things. Today is a day to celebrate how far we have come:

5 years ago the doctors told us you would be a paperweight. You clearly aren’t.

5 years ago the doctors told us you would need a feeding tube because you wouldn’t eat. You never did need that. You eat just fine

5 years ago the doctors told us you would never roll over. You mastered that and are now the all time barrel rolling champ.

5 years ago the doctors told us you would never sit up. You mastered that and enjoying sitting.

5 years ago the doctors told us you would ever see. While it might not be perfect, those doctors cannot tell me you can’t. Especially after looking into my eyes yesterday as I held you.

5 years ago the doctors told us you wouldn’t hear. Once again, it might not be perfect but you can clearly hear.

5 years ago the doctors told us you wouldn’t walk. If only they could have seen you walking into school today smiling away.

5 years ago the doctors told us you wouldn’t live. I am so glad they were wrong.

Tyler, you will never know how much you are loved. You will never realize how much you have changed us, at least Mumma, for the better. You will never realize how very lucky we are to have you.  So while you may not understand what today means, we do. We remember hearing all those horrible things the doctors said and knew they just couldn’t or wouldn’t be true. We know how close we came to almost loosing not only you but Mumma as all. We know how extra special this day is because you have come so far.

While I wish so many things for you my sweet pea, the only thing I can wish for you today is to have a very happy 5th birthday. Mumma loves you….as do many many others.

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea.