Guess what Isaac has been up do lately? He shakes his head no! And when he sees us do it he does it, too. This is awesome! He is playing a game, he is doing what we do, he is physically doing it, his mental power is workin', it's cool:) Can you tell I'm excited? He has also been getting up on all fours from his tummy regularly, sitting up from his laying on his back, and he has even got into sitting position from all fours.

Fragile X Carrier-just puttin' this out there

I like to tell people that Fragile X Carriers are just normal people. Well, I don't know what normal is. All I know is that I am lucky to have Jeremy because he loves me no matter what. I don't think he knew what was coming when I told him almost four years ago that I was a carrier.

There is good and bad about his fact. Many people have genetic issues and issues of all kinds. Knowing that I am a carrier provides me with knowledge and, therefore, power. I know what kinds of things I can expect. With my sister leading the way and we being similar, I know even more. BUT, this also means that I have to admit that there are issues with being a carrier.

There is a study being done that those with FXS who have seizures have mothers that have thyroid problems. Well, I don't know if those things have been seizures, but I still want to have Isaac tested. For this and other reason I got my thyroid tested and I am hypo thyroid. Luckily it isn't too bad BUT I do have to take something to stabilize things. Hopefully this will help me feel better. Ya know, less angry, depressed, anxious, blah blah.

I deal with a lot of anxiety but I have been able to overcome a lot over the years before I realized this. That is another can of worms, or beans, or whatever you wanna call it. But hopefully no one will judge me or think of me different. I'm still me just like Isaac is still my son:)

There are many other related things that I have no idea about. I'm just taking things one day at a time and, like Isaac, I don't want Fragile X to define me. I still have power over my body. I still pray for help to overcome weaknesses, I still feel the Lord helping me overcome things, etc. etc. There is a balance in all things.

By the way, yesterday was Fragile X Awareness Day! Ha, at least for everyone else. Every day is Fragile X Awareness Day around here;)

Getting Some Help

My sister, Rachael gets a lot of help from her ward and suggested that I do the same. It felt kind of weird at first. After all, she has three older kids with FXS and I only have my one 8 month old. BUT, I was getting a bit overwhelmed trying to do everything I should with Isaac. Long story short I have about eight young women on board to help me out. One of them comes almost every Monday and Friday for a half hour. Others come whenever.

I put together a movie and sent out a calendar sign up sheet. They sign up for a time, watch the movie, and come help. It's been good and allows me to do other needed things while resting assured that my child is getting help and attention. Amelia just plays along in her room so that's nice.
We are kind of at a stand still right now, though, because Isaac sleeps at ten and again at one until about four. It's hard to coordinate times. It is also sometimes hard to have the YW do the physical therapy with them. However, it has been a good experience.

It has been a learning experience as well. I don't know what I'm doing and have made mistakes that I'm sure the parents weren't happy about (like not being there when a girl had scheduled to be at my house!). All in all I think it will help me and Isaac and my family, especially for the future.

Isaac is doing well. We will be working on crawling next month and his physical therapist is very pleased. EI is now working more with cognitive development. We are working with pre-communication, games, acknowledgement, and more. I am so proud of my little buddy!

Also, I just got new visiting teachers. I guess for the first time in my life I need the stalwart ones (ya know, the ones that come every month, pray with you, etc :) Usually I'm okay and no one worries about me. I rarely get visit taught. So this is new ha ha I like it. They will watch Millie when people come to work with Isaac. They may also help with his therapy as well.

SUCCESS!

This is Isaac in his Sunday best...sportin' the shoes.

I just have to share some happy things!

These are some of the things Isaac is doing now:
* Turning a board book page. Love it!
* Rolling around like crazy, both ways with no stiffening
* He can sit straight up when you hold his legs down. So funny!
* He will often walk with you when you hold his hands and sometimes it isn't stiff:)
* He says "ya-ya" and I've heard a few "da-das" as well. He even makes "razz" sounds once in a while. This makes me extra happy because I'm more worried about his mental developmen.
* The EI (Early Intervention) specialist said the pincer grasp comes later. (so he isn't behind!) He is doing the radial digital grasp right now. This is better than fisting things, but not quite a pincer. 
* Still a very social little guy
* He rolls to his side and props up on his elbow. With a little help he pushes off and sits up.
* He is getting better at being on all fours, pushing off, etc. A work in progess, but progress non the less!