This information was provided to us in hopes we'd pass it on to members of the San Diego community that may be able to benefit!  

The United Healthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is a non-pro"t charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of children’s lives. Thanks to the generous contributions of many donors, UHCCF has been able to touch the lives of thousands of children and their families through much needed medical grants. 

Since being founded in 1999, UHCCF has granted over $15M to over 5,000 families across the country. Grants have helped pay for necessary medical services and medical equipment such as physical therapy, surgery,
chemotherapy, and medical equipment such as orthotics, wheelchairs and hearing aids for children.

To learn more about UHCCF, other grant recipients, or to apply for a grant, we invite you to visit their website at www.uhccf.org.

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
MN017-W400
P.O. Box 41
Minneapolis MN 55440-0041
1-855-MY-UHCCF (1-855-698-4223)
http://www.uhccf.org

Onwards & upwards!

Life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need - even if you don't think you need it - or perhaps you can't appreciate it - at the time. 

My little Cason is what we refer to in our house as our joy and our blessing. He is truly one of the sweetest children to ever grace this amazing earth - and no - I'm not the least bit biased! He can lift my spirits on the darkest of days and he can make me laugh with the simple twinkle of his bright blue eyes.  He is never far from his favorite things: his blue and white blanket pictured here, his ever faithful thumb, and his milk.  It does not take much to satisfy this little guy and he is always happy.  I can - and do -  learn a lot from this little cuddle bug!

It is amazing how wonderful life is if you choose to look for the good.  It is so easy to find the bad, the stressful and the ugly stuff that far too often clutters our lens on life.  There are days when I am ready to scream with the madness - whether it be work providing a healthy dose of frustration, the kids testing my patience which is often in short supply, or perhaps just the feeling like there is a hundred things to do every day and never a free minute to take five and breathe.   But then in toddles Cason without a care in the world - toting his blanket and just looking for love. He can stop me in my tracks and it does not take one bat of his eyelashes before he gets picked up and swung around the room or danced into the playroom for a good little play.  He is truly a joy and a blessing and we are so grateful that we get to share him in our family.  

He makes everyone happy in the house.  Cecily thinks he is almost as cool as Noah... She loves to now boss him around (yes - she is exerting her control!) And Noah loves to laugh at all the funny things he does and hear about the stories of when he was little causing trouble.  And yes, little Cason provides a whole new level of trouble in our house. I have never seen a baby not listen like Cason.  He looks you square in the face, hears you shout no, and dares you to stop him as he scales the dining table, climbs the furniture and tries to bounce up and down on any surface with a spring.  He has no fear and despite taking a few good bonks... he just keeps going and going and going.  

I am quite positive it is his breath of fresh air that breathed new life into our family.  He inspires Cecily in ways I never imagined. My fear that a baby would stall her development and prevent me from working with her closely couldn't be farther from the truth.  (It is a lot of work... but they help each other!).  I just love watching the interactions between them and the genuine love that they have for each other at such a young age.  Sibling love is the best! I am pretty sure there is no better feeling than seeing your kids hug and love on each other.

When life provides a constant roller coaster it is great to you know you've got an amazing family to take the ride with.  Thank you Cason for making the journey spectacular and I look forward to watching you grow from our baby into our beautiful big boy.  (but for now - I'll enjoy and eat up all the baby I can get because you are priceless my little man!)

Onwards and upwards!

I was asked to share this news so I'm sharing...

There will be a Free IEP Evaluation Day on Saturday, September 21, 2013 in San Diego. 

This free event is held once a month on Saturdays, and offers parents of children with special needs with the following opportunities: 

* Free Individual appointment (one-hour block) with a special education attorney; 

* Includes review of their child's IEP, including progress, goals, as well as the services and placement their child is receiving. 

* Ask any questions they may have regarding their child's special education program. 

Parents can RSVP to edlaw5@yahoo.com or by calling 858-945-6621 to reserve a one hour block from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

The event is open to both English and Spanish speaking parents. Just visit www.specialedlaw.us/seminars.php (or http://specialedlaw.us/sp/seminars.php for Spanish) to view the flyer for the event, or send me an email and I will forward you the flyer. You can also visit my website at www.specialedlaw.us. 

Onwards and upwards

I just adore the Cardiff School. During Back to School Night Noah's amazing teachers (he has 2) shared some really helpful tricks and tips about making the adjustment back to school - and coping with all the stresses of friends/fights and challenges - easier.

They talked about the Courage Tool, The Garbage Can Tool and the Breathing Tool. 

I can't do this justice so I'll refer you to the blog they found that talked about these 3 essential school supplies that aren't on our typical back to school purchase list at Target.

The hit this topic home with the kids they asked each child what courage meant to them. I just love Noah's answer: Courage is trying something new!  He is such a shy and caring child - and it takes him longer to warm up and get into the mix with new children.  He has made great strides socially but it is always a transition at the start of anything new: school, soccer team, play dates with new friends, etc. etc.  I am so proud of him for staring first grade and his willingness to try new things and to explore his world in new ways.  I know the Cardiff School is the perfect place for my little grommet and I look forward to watching him shine all year long!

Onwards & upwards!

I am one proud Mommy tonight... (Well I'm one proud Mommy every night...) Today our little, sweet, angelic, spunky and sassy gal showed us just exactly what she's capable of with 2 words!

Noah was skating in the backyard and I was sharing with Cecily's new nurse that Cecily loves to bike.  Noah being a doting big brother said, "I'll go get her bike.  I'll go get it!" 

Hearing Noah shouting about the bike perked up little Cecily's ears and baby Cason's ears.  The race was on... Cecily came close to a run to get to the bike but Cason, not to be outdone by his big sis, was closer.  Noah unloaded the bike from the shed and Cason hopped on before Cecily had a chance.

Cecily came right over and said, "Get off.  Get off. Get off."  She also used a few arms... (not so proud of that!) 

Cason looked at his sweet, angelic sister and didn't know what to do. She was not messing around!

Round 1 to Cecily!

There are so many stories like this lately where Cecily chooses to speak when she finds it necessary and appropriate for her.  (She is her Daddy).  There are days when the words are far and few between but then she blows us away.  Today was one of those days... She said her colors, she asked for more books, she went and found a specific book from the shelf after being given the title AND she is accurately responding and identifying objects on demand.  In fact, she is responding with such speed to our requests that we just keep raising the bar almost every day! Today she said, "I want xxx" and she is pronouncing words more fully as opposed to just getting the start of the first few words.

We are so lucky to have TEAM CECILY supporting us at every turn.  We celebrate the victories and we look forward to even more great success! Go Cecily!  - and watch out Noah and Cason... because here she comes!

Onwards and upwards!