Homeschooling a Houseful

Jonathan

9:37 PM, Jun. 3, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 2 comments .. Link

Today Jonathan is a delightful 9 year old. He is funny and loves to make people laugh. He talks real well, and has about 30 sight words that he can read. As far as school, I consider him a kindergartner. Jonathan is a worker, he loves to do a job and he feels proud when he gets to help. Jonathan also LOVES golf. He knows all the terminology that goes along with golf, and when we are watching he knows if a ball in in a good spot or not so good.

I love how God gave us 3 more little boys after Jonathan. Ok, honestly sometimes, especially in the long winter months, I do find myself asking, "Why God, did you give us 4 little boys in a row?" They are the most wonderful little boys, but the energy, oh my. But, these little boys have been just the therapy that Jonathan needs. We have seen him grow in ability just by needing to keep up with his younger brothers.

Here are some more photos of Jonathan through the years.

Jonathan on 11/19/2001. He is holding Jacob who is 4 months old.

Jonathan and Joshua playing with a headset daddy brought home. 9/6/2005

Here is Jonathan with our oldest daughter Heather. 8/14/2004

Golf anyone...4/12/2006

There you go. You are all caught up on Jonathan. I will continue to introduce you to my children as their birthdays come around. That idea I have borrowed from a friend...thank you Jana. I love how she celebrated a birthday recently on her blog.

Jonathan at age 2, the year 1999

8:44 PM, Jun. 2, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 3 comments .. Link

6/21/1999

One of the first decisions we made regarding Jonathan's care was to not take advantage of the "free" government programs available. Why--well first of all we feel that God has called us to homeschool our children, that we are to be the primary influence in our children's lives and we didn't think that because Jonathan has Down syndrome that we should compromise that value. In fact our instinct was telling us that protecting him from other influences was going to be even more important. Another reason had to do with the fact that in the research we were doing to learn all that we could about Down syndrome I read that Down syndrome costs the taxpayers a lot of money and therefore Down syndrome should be prevented. Well, we certainly knew that it can't be prevented, just killed through abortion. We decided that Jonathan would not cost the government any money, if at all possible. We don't know how realistic it may be for the long run, but our goal is to keep the government out of our family.

We also decided that we would not put any labels or limits on Jonathan. We are taking things one day at a time, doing the next thing and not worrying about assessments.

Today Jonathan is 2 1/2 years old. What a delight and joy he is to all of us. He is saying a few words: dada and mama, ba (which means ball, his favorite game to play). Po means pooh (as in Winnie the) and bo means books which he loves.

Jonathan has a great understanding of what we say to him. We are constantly amazed at how well he understands us.

He is able to so some simple signs. When he sees a car or we talk about driving he does the sign for car. He signs please, thank you and yes. He does the sign for mommy and puppy. All of these signs he does not do exactly the way they are supposed to be done, he does them the best he can and is very consistent. We continually use the signs with him correctly and as his motor development improves we have seen some signs change to be closer to what they are supposed to be.

He has been crawling on all fours for awhile now, and boy does he move fast. He started moving along the floor by pulling himself with his arms shortly before his first birthday. Now he pulls himself to standing, climbs on and off the furniture and walks holding our hands or cruising along the furniture. He can stand up on his own from the floor and loves to practice standing. One thing we have noticed about Jonathan, he works very hard and is very proud of himself when he is doing something new.

Here are some photos from Jonathan's first years.

In the hospital, Jonathan is 4 days old.

This is my wonderful husband...he looks so young.

Still in the hospital, Jonathan is 8 days old.

Here is our big boy growing up. This is October of 1997 and Jonathan is 10 months old.

Here Jonathan is 3 1/2 years old. We were doing school and it seemed awful quiet. He had climbed into the bathtub to play with toys.

Jonathan's Story - part 5

2:49 PM, Jun. 2, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 0 comments .. Link

The think I was most afraid of was the anesthesia. When then anesthetists walked in I instantly prayed because his name tag said INTERN. No way, I told God, this is no good. I need someone who knows what they are doing. The anesthetist explained all the options, honestly being asleep sounded really good to me, but I said I have to be awake to make sure the baby is OK. I begin to feel at ease with this anesthestist, especially after finding out that he is a Christian. Isn't God just AWESOME. All the people that god put in place those last few hours were Christians.

I head off to the operating room in a wheel chair. Scared, but yet at peace too. I know that we are doing the right thing. I am really anti-medical intervention, unless it is necessary. I never imagined that I would be in this situation. God's grace is sufficient to carry us through whatever He has for us. My midwife Katie even came and stood right by my side. She really went above and beyond the call of duty.

It semed like forever before they were delivering the baby and I heard the words from my husband...it is a boy. Dan then turned his attention from me to Jonathan, which is what we had discussed previously. Katie described Jonathan to me saying he looked like his daddy. Jonathan wasn't doing well. They had to help him get breathing and I remember asking why he wasn't crying. After he was stabilized they wheeled him out to the NICU, stopping so I could see him from across the room. Oh, was that hard, I wanted to hold him and I couldn't even touch him. Dan left with Jonathan. After 10 minutes or so Katie went out to check on him too.

When Dan walked back into the operating room, fear hit me hard. Looking at him, at the look on his face, I thought that he was going to tell me that Jonathan hadn't survivied. That is not what he said. It was then that Dan told me that they think Jonathan has Down syndrome. Honestly, I felt relief. We had expected so much worse. I had expected that this baby would die, but he didn't and even better...he is VERY special and Jonathan is here only because of GOD's divine intervention.

As I was being wheeled out of the operating room, Katie called for a detour. They actually wheeled the bed into the NICU so that I could see Jonathan again. He was screaming and Dr. Garabedian was working on him. One of the nurses snapped a poloraid and handed it to me. I slept that night holding the photo.

I did not get to see Jonathan again until the next morning. The evening of the next day I was allowed to hold him for the first time. He was so tiny and fragile. He weighed 5 lbs 3 oz. at birth. Physically he was struggling with low platelets and really high red blood cell counts. He had pulmonary hypertension which they are assuming was caused by the ductus in his heart closing early and causing restriction of arteries. Now that he was born the ductus is not an issue because it is supposed to be closed after birth. We were told that had we gone to term with the pregnancy, he would not have made it.

Jonathan stayed in the NICU until December 21, 1996, at which time he came home on oxygen. What a Christmas present.

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Stay tuned for more to the story.

Jonathan's Story - part 4

7:35 PM, Jun. 1, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 1 comments .. Link

We arrive at the hospital at 6:00 pm. The nurses get me all hooked up and the baby's heart rate is right at 120. A flat line that just stays at 120. Now I have seen strips on babies before and 120 to me doesn't look so great. The nurses all say it is within the guidelines and is just fine. The on-call doctor comes to see us at 9:00. She says she spoke to the doctor I had seen yesterday and that he felt that my coming to the hospital was unnecessary. She though, feels that we should stay overnight to keep an eye on the baby. She is wonderful about asking us questions and answering our questions. At this point I begin feeling a little panicky about the doctor situation. I still can't believe I worked up the nerve to ask her if she could take over my case. My blood pressure must have been sky high. Unfortunately she will be leaving town in the morning. We then chose to have another doctor in the practice take over.

The night was a restless one. I didn't fall asleep until after midnight. I remember waking up once during the night and a nurse was looking at the monitor. She said the baby's heartrate had dipped for a moment but was just fine now.

At 6:00 am Dr. P stopped by before leaving town. She has called Dr. H. and let him know that her recommendation is for a cesarean section this morning. Baby had taken some dips in heart rate during the night and she feels it is best to deliver the baby. Praise the Lord. I have never been so scared and so relieved at the very same time. The thought of surgery terrified me. I have never had stitches. I have never had an epidual and I have never been cut open. But at the same time so relieved that this baby now has a chance.

My nurse that morning was a wonderful Christian lady who had served with her husband as missionaries in Mexico. She was very reassuring and even prayed with me. Then the news that Dr. H. may not be able to be here and it may be the other doctor. I thought for a moment that God had blinked and missed a detail. I really had to work at finding the peace that God had gotten us this far, and as long as baby was going to be born it didn't really matter which doctor did the surgery.

We were so relieved when Dr. H. walked in. My friends Renee' and Jackie were there and Dr. H. is Jackie's doctor. Dr. H. is a Christian and he was so caring for both Dan and I, especially in the days after Jonathan's birth.

Sorry ladies....to be continued.

Jonathan's Story - part 3

11:26 PM, May. 31, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 2 comments .. Link

December 9, 1996

Monday was a hard day for us. I had a doctors appointment with an OB/GYN. Without going into all of the details, I will just say the visit didn't go well. The doctor basically wasn't concerned, even though he told my midwife over the weekend that I must see him on Monday. He says that I need to have another ultrasound and one weekly from this point on. In addition to that he wants me to go for a non-stress test weekly. I have an ultrasound scheduled for the next day and Dr. Garabedian (pediatric cardiologist) will be there. I left his office feeling very discouraged because of specifics that I feel would be dishonoring to the doctor if I share. I praise God that my friend Renee' came with me to this appt. Dan needed to work so he could take time off to go to the ultrasound. Renee' went to be my ears and to ask questions. As I walked out of his office I felt as though I had lost my mind. I thought maybe I was being overly sensitive and had lost my ability to be rational in the midst of this trial. Renee' soon confirmed that the doctor didn't treat either of us very well, it wasn't just my imagination.

December 10, 1996
Tuesday, the longest day of my whole life. The baby hadn't moved all day. Now this baby isn't a very active baby anyway, but today was worse than normal. While waiting for Dan to get home I have an awful feeling that it is too late, that the baby is gone. Renee' gives me juice and sends me to lay down and wait for Dan. We leave the house at 2:30 to go to the ultrasound. My midwife, Katie, has come to be with us for this ultrasound.

While looking at the heart of this precious baby, they can only tell us that it is one of three things. Dr. G. tells us the different possibilities and courses of treatement for each one. Baby could need surgery soon, and/or could need to be on a respirator. Or the problem could be a non-issue once the baby is born. Katie asks Dr. G. if we should go on with the pregnancy, trying to turn the baby and having a normal delivery. Dr. G. says yes. At his words I feel a moment of panic and immediately begin praying that if God wants this baby to be born alive that HE must do something. I have a very strong sense that this baby is dying in my womb and we must take the baby out if we are going to save its life.

Dr. G. and Katie leave and the ultrasound tech continues on with the biophysical profile that the OB/GYN requested. This is where we begin to see God move mountains. The tech finishes the ultrasound and tells us to wait in the lobby. He calls the OB and speaks to the on-call doc. The biophysical profile scores 6 out of 8. Actually he tells us that the baby moved barely enough to really count it and the score is closer to 4 out of 8. Dr. P. is on call and she sends us to the hospital for non-stress testing.
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Seems as though I have several of you on pins and needles waiting to hear the rest of the story. Hmmmm, kinda liking the feeling of power over fellow bloggers.

Jonathan's Story - part 2

6:42 AM, May. 31, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 3 comments .. Link

This took place on December 6, 1996

So here we are, feeling frustrated that all of our perfect plans are getting messed up. This baby is breech and God is showing me that HE is in control, not me. An ultrasound, I don't want an ultrasound. I hate being in a situation where the medical people get to be in charge instead of me. I go to the ultrasound, unwillingly, only to soon find out that this baby is breech because HE wanted to let us in on what was going on. This is where we really see God move in awesome ways.

I have had ultrasounds with previous pregnancies. Usually because I am so late. My husband has not always been able to go to them. I wasn't too sure I wanted him there for this ultrasound because I was afraid he would sneak a peek to see what the baby was. By God's design, Dan had the day off and I was convinced that he really did not want to know what we are having.

As the technician is doing the ultrasound she seems to hang around the area of the baby's heart for a very long time. Before we know it, in comes the radiologist to take a look. As soon as he walked in the door I knew something was up. Those were the longest minutes, waiting for him to say something. Then he very gently tells us that the baby's heart is enlarged on the right side. At this time he cannot see clearly what is causing the enlargement. He informs us that it could be one of three things.

We leave there in shock. I feel silly for being so upset about having a breech baby mess up my plans for a perfect birth. Things are really put into perspective for me. Now I just want to hold this precious baby in my arms, no matter what it takes.

It is Friday and we feel a little overwhemed on the way home. We figure we will not hear anything until Monday, it is going to be a very long weekend.

My midwife had already called and left a message before we arrived home. I talk to her and she informed me that she has already been in contact with an OB/GYN and a Pediatric Cardiologist. What a blessing to have such a wonderful lady who cares about us and didn't want us to go through the weekend without knowing anything. She was so helpful in telling us all the possibilities to prepare for. She said at this point we could go full term with this baby or we could have a c-section this week. Praise God I had my Christmas shopping done.

We began letting close friends know on Saturday. We hesitated telling too many people because we didn't have enough details. But through God's prompting we decided that we needed people praying so we had to tell someone.

We felt God's presence in such an awesome way all weekend. We had such a peace, we were scared and we cried, but all along we knew that God was in control. Dan and I together pray and give this child to God.

On Sunday Dan had to work and again my dear friend Renee' came to my rescue. She planned on spending the next 3 days with me while Dan worked. Little did she know that those 3 days would turn into more than a week. Another dear friend, Jackie came by and they let me get the rest I needed and helped get things ready for what is yet to come.

Renee' has had c-sections so she knew how to prepare for one. She made lots of lists and basically became my brain. She helped us to get organized and prepared for what was to come.

God Really is in Control - Jonathan's story - part 1

11:00 AM, May. 30, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 1 comments .. Link

My sixth pregnancy was a different pregnancy. But any of us who have had more than one child knows that every pregnancy is different. In my mind I kept telling myself that I was imagining things. But as I passed my 6th month, I began to really believe that there was something going on with this precious baby.

Now, both my husband and myself believe that pregnancy is a very normal part of life. We know that things usually go along very well, especially if mom and baby are left alone. We read lots when we are pregnant. One of our favorite books is "Husband Coached Childbirth: by Bradley. Another great "eye opening" book is "The Silent Knife" by Nancy Wainer Cohen and Lois J. Estner. We have had wonderful delivery experiences previously, the only frustration being the medical people trying to do things we didn't want. We approached this pregnancy like all the others. Trusting in our Lord to lead in all decisions along the way.

As I enter my seventh month, my size is really beginning to concern me. The fact that this baby hardly moves only adds to my concern. At visits with my midwife, the position of the baby is usually transverse. Laying across my abdomen, making measurements inaccurate. I tell myself that all pregnant women think that something is wrong and spend lots of time praying for this precious baby.

At 35 weeks the baby is breech and my wonderful midwife continues to reassure me that it is normal for baby's to flip flop in moms who have had many babies. She has seen babies flip around until they are ready to be born.

At my next appointment the baby is breech and my midwife wants an ultrasound to confirm this. She then tells me about the version procedure that can be used to turn the baby if we need to. At this point I feel like my worst fears are beginning to become reality. She reassure me that this baby will turn. She encourages me that a version, if needed, is the right thing to do. I have 5 children at home and she says I really don't want a c-section. Katie (my midwife) is very reassuring and her nurse who is a Christian says she will pray for me. I leave her office in tears and schedule and appointment for an ultrasound.

Jonathan

9:35 PM, May. 29, 2006 .. Posted in Jonathan .. 0 comments .. Link

I have been wanting to share the story of Jonathan's birth. Rather than type the whole thing over I am copying what I typed about 1 month after he was born on our family website.

For YOU have formed my inward parts;
YOU have covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise YOU,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are YOUR works,
And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from YOU
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest part of the earth.
YOUR eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in YOUR book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
PSALM 139:13-16

Jonathan was born on December 11, 1996. His birth is a true testimoney of God's sovereignty in the lives of HIS children. Nothing, no trials, heartaches,or even joys enter our lives without God allowing it. We know without a doubt that Jonathan is here because God wanted him to be.

I hope that in sharing our story with you, that you will be encouraged to stop and trust God, letting HIM guide the course which you are to take.

In Jonathan's story we will share some of the decisions we have made regarding the raising up of Jonathan. To be real upfront, we tend to go against the norm, in no way are we trying to criticize other choices that can be made. We are just sharing where God has led us as we have done the research and spent much time in prayer.

Questions and comments are welcomed. Part 1 of Jonathan's Story will be tomorrow.