Upcoming Sleep Study

(this is an older picture - I just gave Ivanna a hair cut, and she looks super cute - will post soon)

Quick post. Ivanna has a sleep study scheduled tomorrow. I ask for prayer that all is ok. She saw an ENT last week, who - because of the size of her tonsils, and her snoring - grew concerned. He wanted a sleep study done ASAP to determine wether she has sleep apnea. The clinic called and scheduled it right away - and I had one choice - this Tuesday (tomorrow) or wait until August. The nurse stated I really only had one choice per the doctor's request. ;) So ... Tuesday it was. 

This is turning out to be a crazy busy week, 

but again - that seems to be how the Browning clan rolls.

Will keep you posted, and thanks for stopping by.

April Update

I hope your Spring is a wee bit more warm than ours is here in Seattle. It's chilly out! Today on the way to church, I even noticed snow on the ground!! Say what!?! Tulips are supposed to be in bloom, not covered in white stuff!

Well, here are some faces to warm your hearts. Max turned eight in February, and I think I may have forgotten to post some pictures. So here are a few. The first one is from his classroom. Can you tell from his smile that he absolutely loves school? 

I love this little peanut. He is such a joyful child, unless he doesn't feel good - then at most, he cries and whimpers. He has the most beautiful giggle, and it seems to be contagious. His eyes twinkle and have beautiful brushfield spots that allow the light to dance in them. He is an amazing little boy, and as I have stated before - I often (especially on his birthday) pray for his biological mother, as I can not imagine the heart ache of having to leave him in the orphanage when he was a year and a half old. I can only imagine that she was trying to best care for him, and love him - despite any emotions she struggled with. I owe her, for choosing life for Max. 

Happy birthday to my tiny little 8 year old, who still wears a 4T and despite your small stature - made such a big impact in this family. 

Justus is a nut for books, and sitting as if he is reading them.

He also loves his ipad 'movie' time, and briefly allowed for Ivanna to partake in the fun.

 On the top is an 'after' picture of over 2 years home. The picture on the bottom is while in country still.

 I LOVE this picture. This is totally little Miss Sassy pants, giving me the stink eye.

Justus and his antics. Always with the antics.

So as mentioned in a previous post, I eluded to the fact that Ivanna had some medical stuff we were exploring. Being so close to the Children's hospital has allowed me more time to delve into options/care/resources that I otherwise, wouldn't have if I were still in Port Orchard and so far away. We now have Ivanna on the Autism Clinic's waiting list - which by the way, is EIGHT MONTHS long. *sigh* I'm looking forward to a consultation, as it might help us obtain more resources, since the world of Autism has much more funding, as well as tools that are available. 

Meanwhile, we have had Ivanna seen by the neurodevelopmental team at the hospital. This has been very helpful, and has set to motion many other appointments that range from sleep studies, feeding therapies, ENT, eye appointments, etc. The approach is one that encompasses the whole body - and locating ANY problems, that might be affecting her ability to socialize, or learn - and then either correcting the problem, or learning to cope in a way that helps her overcome. Anyhow, it has been very helpful.  

One lab result that has come back has shown that both her and Justus have a thyroid level that is slightly off. So, we will recheck that in a few months, and then go from there. Thyroid issues are not uncommon for children with Ds.

Ivanna is really doing quite well, and she continually shows me how I underestimate her abilities. For instance, I NEVER thought she would EVER sign. It always seemed to me that she never slowed down enough to realize you wanted her to mimic a sign, let alone actually sign. Well. She proved me wrong ... again.

Ivanna can sign 'more' and 'please'. And I am TOTALLY astounded by this. Ivanna has a terrific teacher and aid at school. They completely blow my socks off with the work they do and the results they get - and this is no less. I will post a video soon of her signing. I am just so proud of that girl. She is simply amazing.

In other news: I'm totally craving my sister's potato salad. Warm.

;)

Random. 

Little's Love

Life. 

It seems to happen and chug along at such a pace at times that it is hard to keep up, 

and before you know it - it is slipping by.

I can not believe that it is almost March! Seems like it was just yesterday that I was Christmas shopping and decorating for the holidays.

I feel extremely blessed to have so much to do that keeps me busy and active. I can't imagine my life any other way. Well ... I can, but I would eventually become extremely bored.

This is what Justus thinks of being bored. 

Angry face!

Besides, who could be bored with this crew?

We love Dr. Seuss books around here. 

And GIGANTIC pink bowls. 

And sitting in GIGANTIC pink bowls while reading Dr. Seuss is the best!

Ya. I did it. Self portrait in the mirror with my Maximus.

This face is hard, so very very hard - to resist.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Justus recently had his annual cardiology check. This included an EKG & Echo cardiogram. 

It is always tricky to try and get Justus to be still during these procedures. I am usually trying to bribe him with snacks and suckers. 

This time - the iPad saved the day! 

The kid would not relinquish the iPad for ANYTHING. He LOVES watching movies on it and has the sign for 'movie' down pat.

EKG results were good! 

Ethan 'manned' Asher while I tended to Justus! 

Justus' echo also showed good images of his heart and valves. He still has a moderate pulmonary stenosis (small pulmonary valve). 

Valves are tricky in the sense that you can't fix them by operation. You either can stretch them out with a cath procedure, or replace the whole valve during an open heart surgery. As Justus grows, our first line of defense will be prayer. That his existing valve would grow along with him, allowing the best oxygen flow to his lungs. If the valve doesn't grow with him or possible constricts more - then there will be a cath procedure done. As Justus gets older, and bigger - another OHS (open heart surgery) may be needed to give him a brand new valve. 

But. 

For now. 

We are GOOD! ;)

This picture above shows how gentle my little Max is. He really is so sweet and gentle, as well as easy going. He is enchanted by Asher and often just stares at him. I wonder what floats through his little mind. I am grateful beyond words that Max has the opportunity to experience being a big brother. 

A while ago I posted that Max had a balding spot on his head. I had mentioned Alopecia. However, it was not that but a dermatitis that is being managed and seems to be healing nicely. That is an answer to prayer for me. 

Ivanna is doing well. I will update more about her in a different post - as we have begun a different journey with her and her medical/social needs.

*just a reminder*

This blog was designed specifically for our adoption and post adoption updates as well as anything related to Down syndrome. We do have another blog that is designed to update the happenings of our whole family. You can click here for that blog.

I only say that in case your new here and wonder why I never seem to mention anyone other than the 'littles' :)

Have a blessed day and enjoy breathing in and loving on your family.

Water ... Now Woman ...

Super fast posts with few words is ok right?

Ya they are. Especially when they mean BIG milestone from Miss. Sassy Pants herself.

I will make this super fast ... because life is crazy and Asher is sick, sick, sick.

Lately ...

... Ivanna has been walking over to the drawer in the kitchen that contains all the sippy cups and pulls out one "bottom" and one "top" and hucks them at me.

HOORAY!!!! 

Not only has Ivanna realized that the cups are in the drawer and how to open it, but she has also figured out that both a bottom and top are needed to make it work. 

One. Smart. Cookie.

As for the 'hucking at me' part ...

She is still Ms. sassy pants ....

January 2013

January has kept it's promise of a slower pace here in the Browning home. It has also offered the much anticipated new beginnings. A new calendar often seems to re-energize me into the mode of creating new schedules, new goals, new adventures, and having my sights set on new victories.

As far as the Littles are concerned; some of the goals I have for them:

Ivanna:

We have started the process of having Ivanna evaluated by the local children's hospital for Autism, or what we suspect is Autism. Whether it is from birth - or years of neglect in the orphanage - we can not determine. One thing is clear to us now, we need to try and help her gain the ability of focus. To focus on a new task - and learn how to complete the task, would be wonderful for Ivanna - and allow her to progress in abilities such as potty training, playing, interacting with others, etc.

This is a big focus for our family right now, and as I stated above, we have started that process. It is a long one. She is on the waiting list for the Autism clinic, which is currently eight months long! She also has an appointment much sooner in the Neurodevelopmental department - to help us meanwhile our waiting period. 

I am also hoping to have Ivanna completely potty trained by end of the year!

TMI warning!: she currently only "wets" in her diaper and uses the toilet for the "other" :)

Justus:

I have two major desires for Justus this year; one being to expand his vocabulary - both verbal and via sign language. He is a learning sponge! His vocabulary is picking up and is currently at about 30 words. He is also becoming more proficient at signing (I am sure he would do much better, if I were more diligent in learning the signs myself) I have an app on my phone that has a good library of words acted out - so if I am looking for a particular word - I can access that. 

I also am desirous to have Justus completely potty trained by the end of 2013! That .... would be awesome! I am waiting for the summer to do that.

Max:

Max is doing exceptionally well in school! He spoke his first word a couple of weeks ago - "more" and is currently saying: "ouch" as well. This is a HUGE milestone!! One we PRAISE the LORD for completely!!! Max is also completely potty trained, with hardly any accidents. He is also off all maintenance meds for asthma, with only having occasional croup episodes. 

Max is doing AWESOME! 

I do have a prayer request for Maxi Pants:

My husband and I just recently discovered that Max has a bald spot on the back of his head. Max has a ton of beautiful brown hair - so it is very distinguishable. It is definitely a bald spot. This can be common with children who have Ds. It's called Alopecia. 

He has an appointment on Friday.

Please keep him in prayer. 

Thank you!

Flour Painting. With Tude.

Justus was in need of some distraction one afternoon. So - I grabbed a cookie sheet, slung a handful of flour in it & viola - OT genius.

Of course, what would any activity be if not for some Justus 'tude thrown in the mix.

(I want you to know it took me six times just now to type out 'tude - my autocorrect was freaking out, it's not 'down' with my lingo apparently)

Could that be a smile????

I love my baby's little hands. So yummilicious.

(again, with autocorrect police)

Signing 'All Done'

Fun little activity. Clean up is a breeze. And ... it afforded me the all important coffee break. 

(All 5 minutes were heavenly ...)

Crazy. Busy.

 Crazy Busy ...

... story of our lives here in the Browning home.

So. A bunch of things have happened over the last month. You can do a quick catch up over at our family blog here

Now that you are all caught up - I will leave you with some cute pictures.

Here are some pictures from our old house and Justus' first day of school there ...

Today we have determined that Justus will not be enrolling in the school system here. I have been so torn over this decision. We were trying to get him into the EEU at the UW, but unfortunately there are no spots available. We then were left with the decision of putting him into a developmental preschool, or not. I struggled slightly with this decision, just wanting to do what was right for my little buddy.  However, at the end of the day (and through prayer) we ultimately felt that he is STILL only three, and I do miss him terribly when he is gone and (I can admit it) worry. So, for now, our little Buggy Boy will stay home, helping mama with the laundry, making messes and shouting orders from his highchair.  

Ahhhhh ... it feels good knowing you made the right decision.

"Helping" mom with the laundry.

Best buds.

Our new family picture, taken by Jenny Savage - who is great at what she does!

We are hoping that our lives can find some calm routine soon. I have to admit, that all this packing, moving and unpacking as well as getting our other house ready for the rental market is ... stressful. I look forward to the slowness that winter promises. 

Max is doing well over all, but seems to be having some issues with wetting himself lately. (NOT LIKE HIM AT ALL) I can only assume it is the move? However, that seems strange given that he adjusts so well to change generally speaking. 

Currently I am looking into getting Ivanna evaluated by a local autism clinic. It is right around the corner and ran through Seattle Children's Hospital. UW also has an autism department. I'll check them both out. We are convinced she has a dual diagnosis going on, and we want to help her gain some focus and self control. 

Well, I need to run. Boxes await and the reward of coffee is in my future!

Coffee. It's like nectar from Heaven for this mommy!