Saturday, February 27, 2016

Happy 15th Coco

My youngest turned 15 today.  This birthday started early too.  He finished up his sleep study, waking up in the hospital.  That is just how you want to start your birthday.  We went right from South Shore Hospital to Mary Lou's.  I got him a large Oreo Cookie Monster drink.  It is ridiculous. Especially with the whipped cream.
     I didn't give him a hard time when he started up with the electronics right away.  He had earned it. His posse came over at noon.  From noon-6 pm, they were outside running around.  It was a great day.  They played all kinds of sports.  They played Manhunt.  They had their air soft war.  They wrestled.  It was great to see him with his friends.
     Happy Birthday Little Man.  Better days like these are ahead.  Believe.

Friday, February 26, 2016

The Follow-up

Another sleep study for Coco.  He was great about it.  Even though it is the night before his birthday, he didn't mind having the study done.  He wants to get better.  He knows it needs to happen.  He realizes the sooner we do this, the sooner he sleeps better.
     Coco patiently tried on 3 different masks.  He got personally fitted for each one.  He got the lowdown on the pros and cons of each.  He chose which one to start with.  He watched TV while getting hooked up.  He was joking.  He appeared very relaxed.  I hope this helps him feel better.  I hope he can finally sleep peacefully.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The College Search - Round 1

It all started today.  The first college search.  It is another milestone moment.  Caz wanted to see Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  I scheduled us for the informational session with campus tour, since it is February break.  Caz and I got up early and drove to Worcester for the 9 AM start time.  It was a long ride.  The overnight rain had led to some icy conditions in parts where the temperatures dropped.  We traveled a route that was new to be, but I trusted in Waze.  We got there with 10 mins to spare.       The information session lasted an hour.  Caz was listening attentively.  They threw quite a bit of information at us.  It was all helpful.  We both took different things from the session.  Seeing how WPI teaches, it seems like the school is tailor made for Caz.  I know it only the first stop of many.  There is a long way to go. I shouldn't get my hopes up.  But I really hope he gets in there.  He couldn't ask for a better situation.
     The campus tour was very helpful as well.  It was led by an energetic senior. We got to see small (25-30 students), medium (approximately 70 students) and large (200 students max).  They showed us the various types of laboratories, mechanical, chemical, computer, engineering, etc.  We got to see the dorms, cafeterias, and sports complex.  Caz was taken with it all.  The campus is self contained.  It is in Worcester, but the campus is set apart on it's own to a degree.  He seems excited.  I will just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

IEP Review

Demi and I had a meeting with the school administration, Special educators, and teachers today.  The purpose was to review Coco's IEP, his progress, and his current troubles.  It went really well.  We met for almost 2 hours.  Everyone was very engaged.  Everyone had Coco's best interest at heart.   We revised and updated his IEP.  Demi and I were very open to opportunities for help.  That includes a "home inspection."  Some parents might take that as an insult.  Demi and I are taking it as another avenue to pursue.  If we are not doing the right things, we need to know.  We are doing the best we can.  It just doesn't seem enough.  I won't let a silly thing like pride get in the way of my son's well being.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Snow Day

The school administration canceled school before kickoff last night.  A second snow day in a row.  A four day weekend.  Good for them.  It's good to be young.  I do appreciate that they are old enough and strong enough to help with the snow removal.  I really need their help now that my Dad needs more help.  I feel responsible for two houses.  The boys help next door willingly.  They get it.  They also love their grandfather.  They treat him well.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Patriot League Meet - Winter Track 2016

Congratulations to Caz on his relay team's second place finish at the league championship meet.  Great third leg by my boy!

ACT

A big day and milestone for Caz today.  He took his first college board exam, the ACT.  He didn't seem nervous.  He did study.  I am sure all parents think their kids feel they should have studied more.  Maybe not more, but more efficiently.  With out the TV in the background, maybe.
     Caz and I spent some more time on the college search.  We had to pick 4 colleges to which to send his test results.  He ended up with WPI, UNH, Brandeis, and Tufts.  So now he's thinking.  He is getting letters everyday from colleges & universities.  We set up his first college visit for later this month.  These are exciting times.
     And oh, by the way, his league track meet was reschedule for this night.  Test all AM.  Run all night.  His relay team took second in the 4x200m.  Well done, Caz.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Groundhog's Day 2016

Our "Christmas" cards got mailed just in time.  They all should have been received by today.  Of course we delayed them on purpose.  We wanted to use a picture from Rome.  Why wouldn't we?  I wrote my annual poem in 90 mins.  This was also a labor I tried to take over from Demi.  I edited the picture, created the card, and had it shipped here.  I wrote the poem, bought the stamps, stamped the envelopes, put return address stamps on envelops, put the address labels on, folded & stuffed, then mailed.  The only thing I needed from Demi was her printing services.  Oh, she edited too.  But hopefully, this was one less large task for her to deal with.  Groundhogs day was the best timed holiday to use for this project.  Thanks Puxatawny Phil.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Sleep Apnea

Well, it was a long January.  Coco had a very tough time, once we got back from Rome.  He's been in a lot of pain.  School attendance is way down.  Demi is running around as his personal chauffeur, driving him to school, from school, to doctors offices.....making sure he is where he needs to be.  Oh, and she is still working full time.  I help in the places I can.  It's tough.  I feel like it's not enough.  I don't want to intrude on their routine, but want to give them both a break.
     After some mishandling of information by technicians and administrators, we finally got a call to come see the doctor regarding the results of Coco's sleep study.  It was no shock to me when he was diagnosed with sleep apnea.  His genes were never in his favor.  He is a restless sleeper.  He always has bags under his eyes.  He snore unmercifully.  It's no wonder he can't get out of bed in the AM.  It's way beyond hormones and being a teenager.  I am sure it is the primary factor in many of his ailments.  Now we start down a path to recovery.  I hope....