So sorry to get you all excited about Rudy’s first day of school…he ended up not going today due to a bug he’s been fighting for several days. We thought maybe he’d conquer it by today but after a couple of days with a rash and runny nose, it finally hit his lungs and he’s a chunky monkey today. Poor boy. We were all amped up last night (Olivia even picked out a special outfit for him to wear to school) so it’s a bit of a let down but we’ll try again on Thursday. We’re starting out slow…just two days a week and he’ll eventually work his way up to 4 days a week. The plan is for me to go with him initially until the staff is trained and feels comfortable with his care and an extra aide is hired. Eventually he’ll ride the bus to school (which will be wonderful – the school is a bit far) but for now I’ll need to drive him as there are a number of safety precautions that need to be worked out before the district will transport him. It’s all in process still but it’s certainly okay to take it slow.
So, sit tight…the “first day of school” post is coming! Ha Ha Thanks for all the sweet messages wishing Rudy luck and a fun start to school. He’s going to really love it, I think. ‘Praying for clear lungs by Thursday. 🙂
In the meantime, we’ll continue to get his “school supplies” ready…
Rudy's "Bucket 'o Supplies" to keep in his classroom
Rudy’s Birthday week includes dueling highlights. You already know about the actual birthday happenings and you’ve probably also caught wind of the Heart Walk celebration coming up this weekend. But wait, there’s more—tomorrow (Tuesday), Rudy will go to SCHOOL!
Life with HLHS has taught us to embrace the moment. There are so many unknowns on this journey that we’ve learned to live life with less of a future orientation than normal. That means that milestones like this can sneak up on us.
I didn’t think we needed to be reminded of how big a deal Rudy starting school is, but we got a vivid enough reminder of this last week as his IEP meeting. (In case your wondering, “IEP” stands for “Individualized Education Plan” and it’s what therapists, educators and medical professionals set up for special needs clients—each one of whom is unique.) Until now, the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) sessions we’ve had have taken place around our dining table and all of the faces were the familiar and dedicated team from Tri-Counties Regional Center and NurseCore.
While Trish was more aware of what was coming, I had missed the detail that this IEP meeting was going to be at the Goleta School District headquarters, but shortly after arriving it was clear that a group this size wouldn’t have fit around our table. So it may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a coordinated multi-jurisdictional agency effort to educate Rudy! I think I counted 18 people—all there to discuss Rudy and what services he needed.
Let’s see if I can remember all of the agencies:
Tri-Counties Regional Center (gave their final report as Rudy graduated their program by turning three)
California Children’s Services (Rudy’s current PT/OT provider)
Goleta Union School District (our home district came and assessed Rudy)
Santa Barbara School District (where GUSD referred Rudy as he is non-ambulatory)
SB County Education Office (who oversees inter-district stuff and provides Special Ed support)
Over the two hours we were together: therapists and teachers shared their assessments and articulated goals; nurses clarified medical issues so insure safety and support in the classroom and on the bus; and specific equipment and schedule needs were identified so that solutions can be devised. Not every question was answered (and we probably didn’t know all the right ones to ask), but so much of the game here is to try things and see what can be worked out.
The reassuring thing is that so many very competent and dedicated people have their attention focused on Rudy. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that awkwardgratefulhumble feeling that comes when I see so many people going to such lengths for my child. To the nurses that never slumber, the skilled doctors who keep searching for ways to help him, and the friends that pray and continue to help in countless ways I now add this new team of dedicated people who are investing so deeply in Rudy’s development.
Stay tuned for the “first day of school” post coming tomorrow…
Rudy graduates from Early Start with honors (!) and says goodbye to OTR/L Kris and Child Development Specialist Gwen.
For our records, here are the results of Rudy’s final assessment at 36 months from Regional Center:
Fine Motor and Perceptual Skills – Approximate Age Equivalent (AAE): 12 months
I tried real hard to post “Part 2” of Rudy’s birthday last night before bed but, alas, I wasn’t successful! I kept falling asleep as I waited for photos to download! Ha Ha A full day it was but we managed to squeeze in some celebrating of Rudy along the way and he certainly felt the love from family and friends both near and far! For ten years, the Rescue Mission has held it’s annual Bayou benefit out at Dos Pueblos Ranch. It’s always a memorable event, but it was especially so three years ago when Rudy arrived early. As surreal as it might have felt to leave our newborn in the ICU at UCLA it was comforting to be among so many friends that have only become more dear to us through this journey. So to have the event fall on Rudy’s birthday this time around made for a very special day. Despite his apprehensions about crowds, Rudy did have fun going out to the Ranch to supervise the preparations.
The SBRM Auxiliary and their husbands took a break from setting up to sing "Happy Birthday" to Rudy! 🙂All set and ready to go!
All dressed up for the Round Up at the Ranch!
I have no idea what we were laughing about but it sure looks like it was funny! 🙂 I love pictures of people laughing!!
Rudy was more than happy to stay home with the big sibs. Night nurse Evelyn came to relieve Wilson of "Rudy duty" to do his feed and evening meds and Rudy was very happy to see Nurse Evelyn on his birthday! 🙂Yeeee Haaaaw! We bid and we won the teepee & cowboy accessories! We absolutely have no room for it (ha, ha, ha) but I don't care...it is too cute for words!Rudy's checking out his boots...
The Geyling Siblings October 2008Happy Birthday Rudy!!! October 1, 2011
In the midst of a non-stop day, there was one quiet moment at the start of the day that this mama will cherish always…normally Rolf does Rudy’s morning meds but yesterday I got them ready. I knelt down at Rudy’s crib to administer them through his g-tube and as my hands were busy with his g-tube extension, Rudy leaned over, gently kissed my upper arm and then looked up at me with the sweetest smile….capturing my heart yet again! My whole day yesterday was filled with thoughts of the day Rudy was born and how we didn’t dare look beyond the day that was before us for so long…and now, here we are, three years later with a big boy who can bottom-scoot his way to anywhere he wants to go, can communicate his feelings and wants, is full of joy and not intimidated to share his happiness and love to just about anyone he comes in contact with! His life is so rich…and so is ours. Thank you for adding to the richness of our lives!
Rudy spent the first half of his third birthday at the historic Dos Pueblos ranch to help set up for today’s big SBRM event! The predicted rain is no where in sight and it’s gorgeous! PTL!!!
Rudy already got a trike for his bday but I can’t resist bidding on this reading tee pee at the silent auction! Toooooo cuuuuute! Sent from my iPhone
Rudy's Beat 