Implications of a new age

So, the full effect of Lucy not being 30 months old is finally sinking in. When I think about it, there are two things that come to mind on how this may have occured. Either it was not thought out - someone with many files dropped them, and put them back together in the best way possible - but aligning Lucy with the file of an older child. This seems improbable, as I would have still received the child of the paperwork, and scratched my head over how much she may have changed from her photo.

The second option is that there was something done on purpose. My best guess would still be watching out for Lucy - another, older, cardiac patient (about 6-10 months older than Lucy) didn't survive their surgery, and to expedite Lucy and her adoption her file was associated with the child who didn't survive, and she was attached to the other file.

The biggest impact came to me over the weekend - if the files are fiction, then she needs a full cardiac work-up, since I don't know the status of her heart, since the paperwork is not accurate. So, off to Children's again to try and figure out what is going on. It makes a lot of sense, since they think they found an ASD when her heart was being checked after we returned, and it wasn't listed in her file.

Pumpkin Patching it

We had a great trip to the pumpkin patch. thankfully, there were no repeats of last years ER visit when Ella suffered an allergic reaction to Remlinger Farms. Equipped with our EpiPen Jr. we headed out, and had a great time. Lucy was confused by what on earth we were doing out there, but finally got into things...

The verdict is in...

Receieved the bone scan information late yesterday. While not completely conclusive, it is still in line with other estimates. Her hand "scored" out at 2 years 0 months, while her knee "scored" out at 1 year 8 months... Granted there is a plus/minus of 4 months, but that would put her 20-24 months - just like the pediatrician and Kindering Center both guessed.

Now I just have to determine a birthdate.

Updated age for Lucy coming soon!

Lucy has now had her pediatric evaluation - and they do believe that she is probably 6-7 months younger than her paperwork states. The developmental evaluation at Kindering Center put her anywhere from 5-9 months younger than her paperwork, and now we are waiting the outcome of her bone scan.

The bone scan isn't much more than 4 x-rays - of the hand, elbow, knee and foot. From that radiologists can magically determine how long a body has been growing on this earth. Hopefully it will give us an indicator if she relly is younger so that I can start a decision about her age change.

Gotcha Day - 5 Years

I can't believe it, but today is 5 years since I was able to take my little sweet Ella into my arms! Hard to believe - this weekend we will have a gathering of the families that I travelled to China with. What an amazing group of people that I went with - and all have the most fantastic children.

Well, Ella was 11 months old, and she will be 6 next month. It's so amazing how fast this time has gone, and what an amazing girl Ella has grown into.

Sensory Processing Dysfunction

So for the past 3+ years I have been chasing down issues related to Sensory Processing (or Integration) Dysfunction in my oldest daughter. Although she was only 10.5 months old when adopted from China, effects of institutionalization can still be seen. Mostly because our everydays have been overwhelmed with effects from Sensory Processing and being placed on the autism spectrum.

Here is what the SPD Network says about sensory integration dysfunction:

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex disorder of the brain that affects developing children. These children misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. Some feel bombarded by sensory information; others seek out intense sensory experiences or have other problems. This can lead to behavioral
problems, difficulties with coordination, and other issues. Children with SPD are often misunderstood and labeled as aggressive or clumsy. They often are socially isolated and have trouble in school. Effective treatment is available, but far too many children with SPD are misdiagnosed and not properly treated.

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may suffer from anxiety, depression, aggression, or other behavioral problems. They may have problems with motor skills and other skills needed for school success. They may also be socially isolated and suffer from low self-esteem. Often they get a reputation for being a "difficult child."

These difficulties put these children at high risk for many emotional, social, and educational problems, including the inability to make friends or be a part of a group, a poor self-concept, academic failure, and being labeled as clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive, or out of control. Parents may be blamed for their children’s behavior by people who are unaware of this "hidden handicap."

School has been a real education. As you can read, kiddos with SPD often have a hard time at school and are labeled as "difficult" children - that has certainly been our case. Often I get letters home complaining about "behavior" issues - like not being able to sit still - that are not behavioral based, but directly tied to the SPD. Managing through the IEP and teachers is tough at best, and we have a school that does not believe in these issues. Unless the child is in a wheelchair or with another visable physical disability, there is no reason for them to have issues... Yikes.

What I'm thinking about today...