Comments on: It is just a label….a damned horrible label

By: Faux-pa Andy

Faux-pa Andy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:24:41 +0000

I was going to say he eats like Andrew but then I saw that Dee already said that. Derby is a great little guy and has been through more than most people experience in a lifetime. We all just need to keep praying and looking to God for support. He has wonderful parents and all the family and faux-family support anyone could ask for. He will be fine. I didn’t see my Mom’s comments in here so she must have e-mailed you. She has a real innate sense for these things. Derby just needs some time.

By: Heather Heers

Heather Heers — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:22:12 +0000

You and Tadd are such amazing parents. And Loen and Derby are so sweet. The kids and I had a really great time visiting with all of you. It is so hard to hear anything is wrong in your child’s development. In first grade the teacher noticed that Kyle was having trouble with his handwriting. In second grade we followed up and he was assigned time with an Occupational Therapist. He also went through visual perception testing. He scored low on most of the fine motor skill items (2 to 3 years younger than his current age). He will be going into fourth grade next year. He had a great third grade year–much progress in comprehension, maturity and skill. While it was difficult to hear these things about him we knew that he needed help–especially in the upper school grades we feel that having him get the therapy now will be beneficial. An IEP was written up for him which will continue until he no longer needs any outside help. Because of this we are entitled to get any help for him that he may need. I am glad that we got started on that early. The other thing that is difficult is that Hannah excels in everything she does. I think overall we have reached a good balance. The fact that you and Tadd keep up with everything in Loen and Derby’s development will guarantee that as they get older they will have already had that little bit of help that they needed early in their lives. I feel like I am rambling on!!! Just keep doing what you are doing. I will be out again in September for a couple of days (by myself!) so maybe I could stop by for a short visit again to see the kids. I am looking forward to that visit as I did not get much quality time with my parents with the kids there too. Hang in there and give Derby and Loen a hug for us!

By: premature worrying

premature worrying — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:04:44 +0000

IT TAKES AT LEAST TWO YEARS FOR PREMATURE BABIES TO CATCH UP..EVEN LONGER FOR BOYS.

my kids were 25 weekers. my son was always lagging behind my daughter in every way. they wanted to diagnois him with cp while still in the nicu for swallowing issues. they wanted to lable him with autism at 2 for delays in basically everything. i pulled him from therapy. At 3 1/2, he is TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY “NORMAL.” he outgrew the swallowing issues and came out of his shell..
he is the most affectionate child i have. he is beginning to sound out words. he learned his letters and numbers before his sister.
he is shorter than his sister but i’m not worried.

give your child a chance to fully catch up before you give him a label.

i regret worrying as much as i did.

By: Sarah Klump Johnson

Sarah Klump Johnson — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:22:17 +0000

One of the nicest guys I know is a past coworker. He is funny, kind, caring, and considerate. He is the life of the party and plays the best practical jokes. He is also a physical therapist. We hit it off because he graduated from Slippery Rock University with his Masters degree like I did, and we both ended up in Ohio. He can motivate his patients like no other therapist I have worked with in the past 12 years. His patients adore him. Oh, did I mention that he has CP? He does, and walks with either a cane or crutches depending on his day. Hava, you are right. CP has a wide spectrum, and little brains have an amazing ability to rewire when loved, encouraged, challenged, and supported the way you and Tadd have done so completely with Derby and Loen. None of us knows what your little man is capable of…including the doctors. He is a very lucky little boy with fantastic parents. Take care you guys.

By: Suzanne Draher

Suzanne Draher — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:37:59 +0000

Tadd and Hava!!

You should be so proud of the accomplishments your two angels have made. They bring us all such happiness and joy. You two are such great parents. Tamie constantly at work tells me what wonderful parents you are to Loen and Derby..of course I agree. Derby and Loen have come such a long way. They are truly happy little souls. Those two will constantly amaze us with their accomplishments. Remember Doctors aren’t God and Derby will excel. Also, Derby takes after you Tadd tiny at the beginning but he will take flight…. God Bless

By: Brandy

Brandy — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:56:39 +0000

I agree with the other comments. As we both know, children are resilient and they tend to prove every one wrong. I wish they never said such a label, but its just another milestone that he will excel in and amaze everyone. Thinking of you…

By: Dee

Dee — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:28:24 +0000

Derby may have to work a little harder than some, but he has already accomplished so much, and I know he will continue to amaze and delight everyone! He is such a blessing in every way. His eating habits just happen to be very similar to his Fauxbro Andrew . . . a picky little carb-head!

By: Jayne

Jayne — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:16:11 +0000

Oh, but he’s beautiful and bright eyed and his exuberance shows right through the photographs! I agree that these labels are stupid. He’s come through so much, and he’s JUST STARTED.

By: Kristi

Kristi — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:54:28 +0000

Keeping Derby and you all in my prayers. I’m sure Derby will prove everyone wrong!!!!!