Junior Blind of America, Take II

Shortly after Anna from Early Intervention left at 3:50 pm, a very nice lady named Laurie arrived from The Junior Blind of America. I really liked her and she wasn't scary at all. Even though I previously posted that I was wiggy because Jack was getting services for the blind. She was quite nice, personable and friendly with Jack.

I usually time Jack's bottles to either be due an hour before his standing date with Anna, or right after. If he eats too soon before Anna arrives he gets sleepy. If he's due to eat when she arrives, he gets cranky. Today was perfect. I had just popped his bottle in his mouth when Laurie arrived. She'd told me on the phone that she wouldn't be working with Jack much on this first visit, that she'd mostly be asking questions and taking a history from me, but she did hope she'd get to meet him. Like I said, a nice lady.

So, I fed Jack and answered questions, and he charmed Laurie. We even covered our years of fertility treatment for the Older Littles. At one point Laurie asked for clarification of his name. Is G****** his middle name? No, it's one of his last names, T*** being his proper last name. What's his middle name? Leonidas. Oh, that's unusual, did you name him for someone? I explained that his Dad and I wanted a strong name sake for the challenges that may lie ahead. William Wallace of Scotland and King Leonidas of Sparta were both very strong of character and of might and met their challenges coming rather than going. Wow, that's quite a legacy for a little boy! Well, we figured with the Down syndrome he might need a little leg up on bravery. Oh! He has Down syndrome? I hadn't been aware of that! She seemed excited by that! And she turned to my Willie Boy once again. And he gave her a big wet slobbery grin! She said she would not have guessed because he simply didn't look like he had Ds. She said she's worked with quite a few babies with Down syndrome (Points for putting the baby first!) and she just would not have guessed! Then she spoke to Billy-Joe-Jim-Bob in her sweet cooing voice and said, "Well that makes you just an even more extra special surprise blessing, doesn't it!" and she meant it! (I tell ya, this gal racked up the points with me!)

So after an hour and half, we have an appointment for next Friday to see her again. She'll bring a bunch of auditory and visual stimulation toys and try to best determine how much of a visual field or loss Jack does or does not have, and she will tailor a vision therapy program to meet his needs. I really liked her and how she regarded Jackie Boy and I am looking forward to our next appointment!

And I promise, there are pictures in the following post!