The Late Bloomer (you got to read it all to figure out this title)

Today, I was talking to my students about our novel study, A Wrinkle in Time. We were discussing how a young, five-year-old in the story was considered a "moron" because of his lack of speech and appropriate development compared to other children when, in fact, the young man was a brilliant mind. Each time I talk about this story, I wish and I hope that Alex will be like the young boy in the story who shows all his nay-sayers that there is a possibility to defy all odds.

Today we've made a small victory! During this class discussion, I was left a voicemail to call the genetics clinic for our test results. The voicemail left me shaken because, of course, they don't leave test results in a message. Seriously though, who would really be upset if they left a message saying "hey, your tests are negative/positive, give us a call!" Really, does it have to be all melodramatic?

The nurse says, "Give us a call Mrs. Hunt about the test results for Alex. We have some things we would like to discuss with you." Yikes, really that seems bad! I called back during my conference with a dread and worry in my mind. This was it. That final straw to state whether Alex really does have a condition that we can not turn back from or if we were still on the path of possibilities. After what seemed like an eternity of her telling me the tests that were ran and the possibilites of outcomes, she dropped the "bomb." (Thought I'd add some melodrama to this moment to honor the sweet lady who made my day).

Alex is clear of genetic birth defects. All tests came back negetive, and Matt and I are clear of the possibilites that another child in our family could possibly be affected by a defective gene that one of us may carry. Such a fear!

Threw that one in on you didn't I. We think about our precious Alex and his possibility of a genetic defect, but we were startled with the reality that if we had more children their possibility of having Fragile X or Angleman's would be more than 23%. It is a relief that Alex is clear of this possibility once and for all, but also a weight of our shoulders that we are not putting another child in jeopordy if we choose to add on to our clan.

So here is the lastes: Listen up!

I am sort of, pretty sure, almost positive that Alex has said "HI" 4 times in the past week. Yes, seriously! It is far and few between, so I don't want to count it as his offical word. However, I do want to put it in record that Alex has a different sound coming from his mouth and he is trying to vocalize more! Yet, I am positive he has said "hi!" He is pointing to pictures on command, doing activites at school with purpose, and he is doing all of these things with attention and interest. Alex has a very, hyper active personality. Calming him down and controlling his senses is important. They are doing this at school! They are amazing. I am so happy with where he is at. It is, by far, the best place for any special needs kid. He is so lucky to be in this setting to learn, grow, and be nutured.

He has had a problem with waking up, completely ready to go, energized beyond words at 3 AM. It is a problem, but was solved by dad the other day by putting a baby gate up in their room. He woke up at 2:30 and was up for about an hour. I was not going to go get him, but rather hopeful that he would put himself back to bed. He did, but it was with his sissy. Talk about a wonderful moment waking up to your kids sleeping huddled together in the same bed. I love moments like these!

Last thing for this blog: We have been beyond blessed to have found CLC for Alex and Elle. When the kids were one; their nanny was ready to move on to other things, and we were left with finding a place for the kids. She was wonderful for them for the first year, but we needed to move on. I was worried and frantic because school had already started and I was unsure of where my kids would be taken care of in the best possible setting. Little did I know that God was going to lead me to a little slice of heaven on Earth. If any of my CLC teachers read this, please share it with the entire faculty. We are forever in your debt. You are our angels, answers to our prayers, and more than any "teacher' could possibly be (and that's coming from a teacher). We are blessed beyond words to be part of your program. Let me give you a small example of their love. Elle's teacher, Mrs. Norma, was talking to me the other day. I mentioned something about Alex (She is not Alex's teacher). She told me that God has a plan. Just trust it. She told me that I had to trust in him, and it will work out! She then gave me this book to take home and read to the twins. I'm going to pull at your heart strings, but I feel that I could not put Alex and my hopes, thoughts, and prayers into better words. If you have time, please listen to this sweet little girl read this quite simple book:

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=129939

Thank you for all the comments, emails, and phone calls. You are what make us believe and hope, and Alex and Elle are what make us strive forward. These twins are amazing!