Spring Fling 2011 at MLA!!!

Today was such a busy day!!!
      Emily goes to Margret L. Annear in Ceres. It is an early intervention preschool and twice a year they do a family play day. They set out all kinds of stuff for kids to do that is safe, and they are pretty much set loose to just have fun. Fallon got out of school and we took Ryan to join in. Daddy got to come too since his run didn't go out until 2 o'clock. Below are pictures, I think they tell the story well enough :)
     Having a SF kid isn't all doctors and illnesses.. I mean sure, we have our own issues, but we have the opportunity to think like a kid for a little while longer. For her everything is new and exciting. So for now, we are running with it, making lots of memories along the way!!
   

The little bounce house thing is always a huge hit.
Sadly she has to get out eventually
 so that other kids could play too.
Her biggest thing was bouncing
 from the back to the front
 then wouldn't be able to stop
 and face plant on the ramp going out.
It took her a full 4 tries before
 she finally got out of there w/o eating dirt.

Right next to her class was a music station.
 Everyone loves noise makers, Emily is no exception.
 She would play a little bit, then LAUGH!!
Play some more, and laugh again!
It was so cute. You gotta love that little girl <3

 

Do I even need to say what is about to happen here?

Emily's buddy, Owen. I guess they pal around
 a lot at school. He is SO cute!

A new week, a new month

    Monday marks the end of spring break for the Sawyer family. Not a moment too soon, either. Savannah goes to 6th grade camp and everyone else goes back to school, including Emily.
    We made the decision to put Emily into an early intervention pre-k class after learning of her diagnosis. There would be so many more things available to her there that are just not available to her at home. It wasn't an early decision either. Like so many others we have had to make, we wanted it to be the best one for her, not only from an developmental standpoint but a quality of life one as well. She just turned 3, and was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Plenty of people said I should keep her at home, let her spend time with family and enjoy the "best years" with her. Advisors said to put her in school in get the most into her head as we can, trying to get her to learn as much as possible before things start to fall off. It is amazing how well other people know how to best care for your child!!!
    In the end the decision was made, that after taking a "tour" of the school that we would put her in an early intervention class. There there is lots of self directed activities all supervised, of course. They get a good breakfast and lunch as well as a nap if the kids decide they want one. They get to play with all kinds of kids, and the playground is awesome.

It was the best move we have made!!

    Emily looks forward to the bus every morning, she even helps to put her seat belt on. The teachers say the is so adorable and artistic. I love her artwork :) The best part? All that energy is GONE!! There is no way I could build a playground like theirs in my back yard. When she gets home she is happy, and enjoyable to be around. She looks forward to dinner, and I don't have to give her so melatonin to help her fall asleep. She likes the structure that school brings. I like the peace it brings. Win/Win if you ask me!!

On May 5th, we have a family day at the school. Savannah will be gone but I'm gonna let Fallon, Ryan and Daddy go with us to play with Emily and have lunch at school. It will be a blast, I am sure. Pictures and details to follow!!

On future posts:
Spring Parents Day
Of Medicine and Trials
A special friend celebrates her 15th birthday!!

Stay tuned!!