© 2002, The Purdys

February 11, 2003

Early Intervention Eval
Haley's developmental evaluation two weeks ago went well. We're using a group called the Kindering Center (visit their website at www.kindering.org). They are wonderful. Haley was evaluated in five areas: communication, social/emotional development, adaptive (daily life) skills, motor development and cognitive development.

Our biggest fear was that Haley wouldn't act like herself, since the appointment was at 9 am (her normal napping time), and that the evaluators wouldn't get a clear picture of what she's able (and not able) to do. She ended up acting just like she normally does, so they got a realistic picture. Based on the standardized tests, Haley did not qualify for any services because she tested at the 4 month level (she turned 4 months the day before). They couldn't even find anything that was a borderline challenge in any areas other than motor development. The physical therapist thought she would benefit from physical therapy so she recommended continued therapy based on her professional judgement in relation to Haley's Dandy-Walker. We are thrilled because our concern was that she would fall behind in the next few months and then have a hard time catching up.

Haley was accepted into Early Intervention based on her medical diagnosis alone. We'll have one hour of occupational therapy a month for now. It's really just a consultation to show us positioning and activities to do with her. The main thing we want to do is make sure that she has the strength in her trunk to be able to roll, sit and crawl in the next few months.

That was the best possible outcome—no delays but some therapy starting now. It couldn't have gone better. Plus, the Kindering Center is very well-respected and a marvelous facility. We're happy to be working with them.

First OT Session
We had our first OT session yesterday and it went really well. The therapist gave us a couple of ideas on what we can do to help her roll over, strengthen her abdominal muscles and coordinate sitting and reaching for things. She was very pleased with Haley's current development.

Hernia Follow-up
As for her hernias, the surgeon thought she looked great! The incisions look wonderful (you can barely see the scars) and felt good to him. She doesn't have to go back unless there is a problem.

4-month Checkup
Haley also had her 4 month check-up two weeks ago. 4 immunizations! No fun for baby or Mommy! Mommy tried to explain to Haley that this really was for her own good and that she would thank us someday but she didn't seem impressed with that explanation! :)

Anyway, she's at the 50th percentile in her height, weight and head circumference. The pediatrician would like to see her with a little more weight (she's 13 pounds 6 oz and 24.5 inches long) but felt that she was doing very well considering her rocky start! She can't believe Haley's development. She even said that she thought Haley's doctors at Children's Hospital would be shocked to see her right now. No one thought she'd be doing so well.

We're going to concentrate on keeping her eating well and we might start rice cereal when she's five months old. We had planned to wait until she was 6 months before she started solids (people keep telling us to start now and it's driving Kelsee nuts). Parents are encouraged when possible to exclusively breastfeed until 6 months (wish that had been an option). There is no real reason that we can find to start solids so early. Anyway, her doctor thinks we should start at 5 months if she seems to be interested and if she continues to develop well. We'll just see how things are going then.

Birth Family Letters
We got our first correspondance from Haley's birthfamily this last week, too. That was wonderful. The letters were very sweet and heartfelt. Our hearts just break for the birthmother, especially. Thankfully, she's been able to find some peace through prayer and family support, as well as a monthly letter from us. Adoption is a difficult, emotional thing. What's a gift given to one is a loss to another. We just pray that the Lord blesses the birthfamily with peace in their hearts.

Moving on
Anyway, Haley's doing well and we're so happy. She's just tons of fun now, too. She loves to play and she has the cutest laugh! She's become very attached to us, and is generally fine with others holding her if Mommy or Daddy are nearby. If she can't find us, she becomes somewhat distressed. Makes it difficult to leave her with a babysitter, since it won't really be quite the pleasant experience for them as it was in the past.

Next month, we have a our second OT session and a follow-up with the Neurologists at Children's (our first since late November). Hopefully, nothing else this month...