In her element.

We really enjoyed Halloween this year.  Mallory loved greeting all of the trick-or-treaters.  She loved all the costumes.  She was smiles all evening.

Lil' Miss Independent

I have taught Mallory to use the microwave.  Now, before you gasp in disbelief.....Let me explain.
Mallory has been given very specific directions. 
She can cook a chicken patty, sausage biscuit, or a corn dog. 
It's the same cooking time for all three.  Same process.  Easy-Peasy.
It gives her wonderful sense of independence.
It gives her some control over her morning.
I chuckle every morning as I'm getting ready when I hear
the cabinet door open,
a plate set on the counter,
the freezer door open,
and quick footed steps to the mcirowave.

Blessings-
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Advantages.

There are advantages to living in a smaller community.

EVERYONE knows Mallory.

We cannot go for a walk, attend a community event, or shop without somebody saying "hi", giving a hi-5, or a great big bear-hug.  The kids that Mallory is growing up with, have really been gracious and accomodating.  They understand her.  They may not get the whole Smith-Magenis Syndrome thing, but they get the fact that Mallory is still a kid.  It just melts my heart to see this.  It makes me happy to be in our small little town and not lost in the shuffle. 

Mallory's Tattoo

During the fair, there was a vendor that was doing Henna tattoos. 

Mallory wanted one very badly. 

Since the tattoos only last 2-3 weeks, I let her get one. 

She picked out the design and then wanted her name as well.

She was very excited but held very still while the artist finished her work.

Mallory loved her tattoo.  She showed it to everyone she knew. 

This will probably become a routine fair activity for her.

Baby Love.

Mallory loves her baby cousins. 

She obsesses over what Brogan and Cole are doing all the time. 

The poor boys hardly get any breathing room when we visit. 

Back to riding.

Riding sessions have started again. 

Thank goodness they waited till the 100 degree weather was over with.  

She rides at 3:30 so feel free to join us any Sunday till October 17th.

Good.

We are in a good place. Summer has been good. Mallory has responded well to her meds. She is sleeping well. The support we have at home is helping. Our trip to Denver is postponed till mid September. We have had some of Mallory's annual checkups done this summer and she is right on track.

Mal's New Ride

We recently got a tandem bike so that Mallory could travel for longer distance. You see, she loves her bike but has difficulty going for long rides. This posed a problem for our family. We wanted to still be able to go on long bike rides but didn't want to leave anyone behind.

Todd & Mallory took the tandem bike out for a ride and she loves it!

Been there.

http://71toes.blogspot.com/2010/05/zoo.html

This post by a fellow mother really hit home with me. I have experienced these same feelings. The fear of the unknown of raising a child with special needs so often creeps in and covers up the joy that can be found in every day.

Denver Bound.

We are headed to Denver. I made contacts with a family in Colorado that has had amazing luck with the care and treatment of their daughter with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. You see back in the 1980's, all the Smith-Magenis research started in Colorado. I took down the information for the Children's Hospital and it's team of specialists from this family and made some phone calls. Typically, when arranging appointments with specialists the wait can be months (we have waited up to 2 years), so I braced for the news of when Mallory could get scheduled. After completing a phone interview, we were promptly scheduled for July. This is very exciting because we will get to speak with people who have dealt with Smith-Magenis, who know Smith-Magenis, and can sympathize with what Mallory experiences every day.

Success....at last!

If I could turn cartwheels, I would.
That is how exciting the last few weeks have been.
Our frustrating, long battle with potty training has made a break through.
Mallory has turned a corner. She has finally decided at 10 years of age that underwear is the way to go.
Mallory has went 2 weeks with only 2 accidents. And let me tell you, She....is.....excited!
This, for me, is the BIG ONE. What a major accomplishment.

In the news.

Mallory's school celebrated "Read Across America". The local newspaper ran an article and Mallory's picture was on the front page.

Circus

We made our annual trip to the circus in Topeka. Each year, more and more family and friends attend. We look forward to it.

This year, I was smart and brought Hanna. It made the trip a lot easier. She's definately a wonderful addition to the family

.

Afterwards, we met everyone at the Texas Roadhouse. Mallory snubbed the rest of us and sat with her grandparents and baby cousin.

Progress.

With the move, holiday break, and then the start back to school; I was really curious to how Mallory would do.

She has done terrific!

She has transitioned well to the house. She loves her bedroom!
Potty training is somewhat successful during the day. Some days are better than others.
School has been good. Mallory is participating in several activities at school with her peers.

Currently, Mallory is taking no prescription medications. The jury is still out on whether we will try any new meds in the near future.

We have had a lot of changes are far as Mallory's services. It is always a challenge orchestrating what she needs.

All in all, a good start to 2010!~