I just re-read the post of when I got Jenks (dog 2) That was damn funny!
Thing is, not much has changed. He is still insane! I think he's part rabbit, because he has so much energy he actually hops. He's filled out, and hasn't had an accident in our house since the begining. Thank God (deal breaker)
He is fantastic with Ben. Fletcher is not needy and probably a little full of himself. Jenks... we refere to as our junkyard dog, and quite frankly appreciative of everything.
Ben likes to have "Birthday parties" We get a small cake, put in the candles, sing to whomever we can think of (usually one of the dogs or a book character) wear hats, and have a grand ole time. Jenks is fine with the hats. haha. Fletcher has more class. The other night, Jenks was more then happy to oblige, until Fletcher couldn't take it, and snatched the hat right of his head.
Dog are funny as hell.
Ben. Ben is doing well. He's started to sing, which I think is progress. He sings, (not well) (get's that from me)
Favorite songs are Happy Birthday, Bob the builder, and twinkle twinkle. I enjoy each note and verse. He's begun to get homework. A letter he needs to trace (about 20 of them). An insight into his thinking, one day he didn't want to do it, so he drew a line through a whole section of letters. I told him we don't do that, and he responded with "Ahhh he's so cute" Player be playin! Can't blame him for trying. What else..... He's still sleeping in our bed. Between 11:30-1:30 the door alarm will go off (we have a sensor door bell that goes off when he leaves his room. the sensor is plugged in to our room, and has been a godsend! Why is it godsends are usually $19.95?) I can't say we mind. We've gotten used to it. The only unholy part!!!! That sucker GRINDS his teath. Wakes me up several times a night. Dentist says it's no problem, so I have to believe him, but talk about nails on a chalkboard!!!!!
We went to see his Dr at CHOP a couple weeks back. Like clock work we were going every 6 months. I may have said it before, but I wasnt' sure why. We'd have a conversation, they'd check his weight etc, and that would be it. This time the Dr asked, "what can I do to improve your lives?" Well, if she doesn't have a magic wand, or a crystal ball, really nothing I could think of. Now we'll only go 1x a yeaer.
We've gotten Ben into an excellent summer camp throught the JCC. It's called open hearts open doors (I think) Children are mainstreemed with all campers. They are given an advocate (one on one) and particpate in everything typical campers do. They have swim lessons and free swim each day, a lake with one of those tramplines, a water slide, etc. He'll go there instead of the extended year school. When I told his social worker, she let us know there were several children that go to the camp, and therapies are offered during the summer. The bus would pick Ben up, Bring him to school for OT and speach, and then he would be bussed to camp. Best of both worlds.
Me. I have an appointment tomorow at University of PA to get a second opinion for that whole MS thing. wheeeee!!!! It took 6 months to get the appt, and my guess is, another waste of time, It is what it is, and be done with it. I do feel good. It's funny because I think I must have had it for a while and never known. I'm pretty old for it to be a new thing, but now I notice things. I get tired, but will snap out of it. I feel dizzy sometimes. All and all though, really no complaints. God willing, I'll be 89 and shooting that stupic needle in me each day still saying "doing well!"
I have no choice. As all parents of kids with special needs know, I can't die. Ever.
Till next time!
