Happy Halloween...and more!

I could make a million excuses: juggling school and extracurricular activity schedules, working, writing, racing off to appointments, traveling, and managing sicknesses. But I won’t. Instead, I’ll give the abridged version of what’s been happening with Zane since his last update.

Both Justin and Zane started school in August; they’re both having a good year. Zane’s teachers, therapists, paraprofessional, and classmates have all embraced Zane in ways we never anticipated. He is very much a part of the inclusive classroom setting, but has necessary accommodations to help him better access his surroundings (a specialized chair, a communication board, and Cindy—his wonderful paraprofessional). Zane has already made some friends, as well: kids who even seek him out and approach him outside the classroom setting. We feel very blessed to have Zane in his community preschool. The families, professionals, and kids there are true models for others. They inspire acceptance of those who are differently-abled.

Zane managed to avoid illness at school until a month or so ago. In part, I think it is due to the daily dose of elderberry syrup his pediatrician insisted on. However, he has been battling a cough for at least three weeks and experienced some congestion with it, as well. Despite the ten-day course of antibiotics and ongoing nebulizer treatments, he cannot seem to shake the cough. It appears this may just be the new bug going around our area, as other kids are experiencing similar symptoms. I am not too concerned as long as it does not worsen.

Today we’re taking the boys trick-or-treating in Durango. The Bayfield events we attended yesterday were a real disappointment and a bust. Outside of our amazing library, our small town seems to have a hard time getting its act together when it comes to production value. Thank goodness for the library (www.lmpl.org). Like the plug?