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!~

Siblings.

I have been blessed with three children. Each has their own unique personality. There are days that I wonder if I have taught Matt and Hannah the proper ways to be a sibling to Mallory. There are days that I know are difficult for them. Mallory's behaviors can be challenging. There are days that just don't go well.

When I have this seed of doubt, my children so softly remind me that Mallory is God's creation. Created in his likeness. Unique in his very vision. Just like every one of us. As a parent my duty is to guide my children in their walk with the Lord. Yet, there are days I find them leading me. As a family, we grow daily in our walk.

This picture reminds me that even on the craziest of days. The days when Mallory takes the unbeaten path. Her siblings still see her as Mallory, their sister and they look past her differences or sometimes away from them.