A Year Later

Well, it's been over a year, a lot has changed and then, again, not much has changed.

Changed:

- I have another new job. Now I'm working on solely Public Service Programs at WSBA. I love it. My new manager is fantastic to work for and I'm finally working on projects that I feel will result in low and moderate income people help they need. In this case, it is legal help. I just finished a project that was my idea - a list of resources for veterans for legal, medical, and other assistance. I've passed it around to the organizations on the flyer and others and have received really positive feedback.

- Kids are older and even cuter than before - I didn't know that was possible! Travis loves preschool and has friends that are girls that he gets hugs from on a regular basis. It's so sweet. Russell gets to start Preschool right after his 3rd birthday in May. He is so ready. Whenever Matt drops Travis off at school, Russell sits down at a station and wants to play. He gets upset when he can't stay. Walter is adorable. He doesn't talk much but he makes lots of cute noises. He is on "Team Dad" by far but loves to come to bed with me. At 9 pm, he scoots off Matt and heads to the stairs for bedtime. If you want him to stay in one place, put on Wallykazam. It's a great kids show.


Not Changed:

- Medical appointments, medical appointments and more medical appointments.

• Russell had another eye surgery to correct being a little cross-eyed sometimes.
• Walter started at the same neurodevelopmental clinic as Russell. Walter has a few minor oddities - just enough that we want to keep an eye on him. He doesn't respond often when we call him and he won't look Matt in the eyes if they are close. Walter looks at me but sometimes not the people who work with Russell. Walter also sees an occupational therapist. Matt, the therapist, and doctors keep mentioning autism but none of them seem like they really think it could be autism - he just displays some characteristics. It's too early to test him for sure.
• Russell also had a sleep study. The night went better than expected. The results aren't that great but their now horrible - we could have had to put him back on oxygen at night. That would've been a nightmare. He has severe sleep apnea and is going to an ENT to see about getting his tonsils and/or adenoids out. Seems pretty common with kids with Down syndrome.
• Russell has other appointments coming up but I can't remember them all.

- My depression is still sticking around. Nothing like it was last year at this time or even 9 months ago when I was in an out-patient treatment program. I'm seeing someone weekly that helps with exposure therapy for my fears and providing DBT skills for when I get anxious or depressed.


In other news:

I have a new nephew, Gavin. He lives in Denver. I got to meet him a few weeks ago. That was nice. He's a cutie! Wish they lived closer.

I'm going to have another "niece." Our friends, Kit and Sally, are finally having a baby in July. Once they go back to work, Matt will be watching the baby along with our kids! He'll be a busy guy and I'm getting a new car because of it.

I've been at the WSBA for 9 years! I remember thinking I wasn't going to last 2 because I was so bored. Now, as I mentioned before, I'm liking it a lot more. I could use a few more projects but at least it is more fun and less stressful - always good.

I hope to get back into blogging again. A lot of ideas and thoughts in my little head..... :)