Thursday, September 13, 2007

Answering Questions...


-How do you give your photos that 'washed out' look?
I always edit my photos on my MAC in iphoto. Once the image is in the computer, I delete all the bad ones (lots of bad ones) and crop the photos. I try to think creatively about cropping, too. Then I play with the image by antiquing and lightening the photo. I really know nothing about photography--it's just fun to play.

-What does 'hand wrought' mean?
The sterling tags are hand wrought or hand-fashioned. This means I actually cut the tags, file them, drill the holes, etc.

-Why is David so small?
We do feed him! He has a rare syndrome called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. It is a random genetic mutation that occurs in about 1 in 30-50,000 births. The syndrome manifests itself in many ways including, only two fingers on his left hand, small size overall, global delay (cognitive and physical), heart issues, hearing impairment and I could go on...

All this to say, although we didn't plan on having a child with a disability he has been such a blessing and has changed out lives for he better. Don't get me wrong, there are days that I cry and ache and I can't make it go away, but really, David is David and we love him completely.

Check out these posts to learn more about our story
Chapter 1, The First Signs of Trouble

Chapter Two-Labor and Delivery

Chapter 3, Time in the NICU

Chapter 4, Bringing David Home

Chapter 5, The Clouds Lift
-What does David's education look like?
This has been a big issue for us! I taught special education for five years before David was born, so I have some strong opinions on what it should look like. Two years ago, instead of preschool we did a home-school situtation and had a teacher come in a few times a week. That worked really well. Then last year we put David in a county preschool class with 3-5 year olds. His teachers are seriously amazing and he has made so much progress in this environment. I was sooo nervous to leave him, but it's been great for all of us! He is in a class with all special needs children but there is a headstart preschool class next door and they often do things together. At this point, we'll just take it year by year and see what's available. I am not opposed to having a teacher come into our home and work with him, although I think the socialization at school is great.

-Does David have OT/PT? Does he have any feeding issues?
Yes, yes and yes. He receives OT/PT once a week. They offered us more but we tried to evaluate the pros and cons between driving and making Matty wait around and giving David every opportunity to succeed. This seems to be a good balance for us. Of course we try to follow through on the therapists reccommendations at home.
He also has feeding issues, including severe reflux and only eating blended foods.

Thanks for the great questions and for reading about our little family. Happy Thursday!!

10 comments:

Ellen said...

David, you found a camouflage friend. They both look so happy.

Karen said...

Thanks for the great answers! I wonder if the homeschool option is available for preschool in our area. We'll have to look into that when the time comes for our little Ben.

Sarah Markley said...

Lisa, I have always loved your directness, your transparency and most of all, your expecation for the same in your friends. Thank you for being a friend of my heart. I love you. I am so proud of you (really, I think about all that you have accomplished and I am so proud to call you friend, friend.)
S

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking time to answer my questions and your honesty.

Anonymous said...

Lisa,

I would like to read your stories, but only the link to Chapter 2 worked for me. Any suggestions on opening up the other "Chapters"? Thanks for sharing!

Lisa Leonard said...

OK, try it now!

Joy said...

Lisa... thank you so much for sharing your life with us.. I think it is so wonderful.. there are more people out there that can really benefit from you writing about it.. I have a granddaughter that we knew something was not right after she was born... we did not find out anything until she was 6 months old... and she was diagnosed with CP. My daughter has gone through many of the same things you have gone and are going through. My granddaughter is now 5 and doing very well.. it has been a rough road to go down... but a blessing also.. and what a sweet blessing she is. I love how much you and your husband love all over him. You are awesome parents.

Trina Louise said...

Lisa,
That is such a great picture of David. And I have to let you know everytime I show Holly your blog she always comments on how "big" David is!

We miss your family!

Aimee @ Smiling Mama said...

Lisa, thank you for sharing your beauty and the beauty of your family with us--both inside and out. I love your blog!

Hay said...

Hi there :o). Just stumbled across your blog and wanted to say I think your jewellery is very beautiful and inspiring. I read through some of your posts and your story about David. I can relate to many of those moments. Our third daughter was born with Turners Syndrome and those early days were full of fear and grief and confusion. Finally there was acceptence and love, always love. Goodluck for the future, Hay.