Well… as good as last week was, this week wasn’t so hot. Anna was suspended from school on Thursday for an incident that happened on Wednesday. I debated on whether or not to share the details, but decided that Anna deserves to have people understand her behavior… and if you see someone agitated and acting…
So we saw Anna’s geneticist Tuesday morning. Really the only changes since the last time we were in three years ago is that Anna developed hypothyroidism, she has increased laxity in her joints, and her kyphoscoliosis is worse. There is an additional test we could run now if wanted, but it’s quite expensive… $7-9K at…
Oh Holly my friend. Yes this is amazingly hard, far harder than anyone should have to deal with and these new challenges sound tough. But please remember how far you and Anna have come already, these years have not been easy and yet look at how wonderful Anna is. She is a beautiful young lady and I have every confidence that you will together, with the support and love from your family and friends, cope with these new challenges and the reality will be much better than what you are imagining right now. You are loved Holly and we believe in you, please remember that. Rebecca x
Rebecca Spencer recently posted..Published!
I just want to say that your daughter is beautiful and your love and respect for her is so so so very beautiful. I could never imagine the challenges you face and you are a wonderful mother. <3
I completely agree with, Rebecca. You have been through so much with sweet Anna, but yet you both continue to grow and thrive together. All these things you don’t want to hear — will only make you all stronger. :::hugs:::
Oh Holly, I’m just stumbling on all of this after checking out your Facebook page. You are so strong and such an inspiration. Big hugs.
Today marks three years since I last witnessed Anna have a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure. The 4th of July will always have extra significance to me because of this. I can’t say for certain that she will never have another seizure again but I’m definitely more hopeful now than ever before. I fervently hope that…
Wow what a journey you have been through. I hope she stys seizure free! How is she doing with her other diagnosis?
I can’t imagine all you have been through with your beautiful little girl! I hope at least the seizure part stays under control for you… My heart is with you!
As a parent, I can’t imagine going through anything like this. I hope she continues to do well and seizure free.
Holly, you are an amazing mother to a beautiful girl. I am so happy to hear Anna has been seizure-free for this long!
Anna’s been training since January to compete in the Individual Skills for Basketball in the Special Olympics and her competition was last weekend. I was so proud of her for winning a gold medal! It was set up so well (even though we had to drive to San Marcos), each athlete was teamed up with…
go anna!!!!!!!!!!!!! i’m so excited for her. and for you. your images are perfect high iso and all. these are great memories for all of you. i’m glad you captured them. that one of her showing off her medal melts my heart. 
Way to go Anna!!! Good job on capturing her special day!
Yeah! CONGRATULATIONS to Anna and her proud Mommy You did a terrific job capturing the joy and nerves of your star!
Ahh Holly you should be proud! How fantastic, you will treasure these images I’m sure
Holly this post gave me chills, I loved reading this story and feeling like I was there through your images!
jessica recently posted..Great expectations
Awesome job, Anna!!! Way to go! You sure did an amazing job with everything…I hope you have that great new medal displayed somewhere that everyone can see it!
Anna competed in her very first Special Olympics competition last Friday and she did great and had a ton of fun! For her age group, she entered the individual skills soccer competition which is comprised of dribbling, shooting, and the run and kick. Many school districts were represented and the individuals were separated into heats so…
Way to go Anna, a medal! What a fun and special day!! Holly, you captured the pure joy in her face in your first picture
This brought a smile to my face! She looks so happy!!
It was soooo cool getting to see Anna and her medal via iChat! Way to go, Anna !!!!
I love the photograph of the hug from big sister…perfect!
These are just adorable Holly, I can feel your pride as I look at them.
© 2008-2013 Holly Anissa Photography LLC and Digital Star Design.|ProPhoto Photographer Site by NetRivet Sites
pam - Why did the school stop using her BIP? Does the BIP state different levels of consequences? Does it state what they will do if she get’s physically aggressive? I had an autistic girl a couple of years ago, who would have these meltdowns around her cycle too. It was obviously PMS stuff. We learned to handle her a little more gently around that time, and sometimes I just pulled her into my classroom until she calmed down and was able to go back to her class. There are options.
Holly - Hi Pam, thank you for your thoughts. We stopped using her BIP in January because she’d had no incidents of aggressive behavior all year. What she’s doing now is completely new, so we’ll have to write the BIP from scratch and I’m going to push for consistent consequences as apposed to escalating consequences. It is very helpful to hear from teachers and get another point of view, so thank you very, very much for chiming in. <3
Holly recently posted..2013 CM Blog Circle: April ~ Shooting Through Glass