Wanna Go For A Swim?

I know I'm partial because she's mine, but isn't this really one of the cutest pictures you've ever seen??!!! There is no question that Gabby is the big ham in the family but I'm beginning to wonder if Raquel is following in her sister's footsteps. Again, taken from Mike's cell phone. He takes some really great ones on that thing!

I walk the girls every morning - actually 2-3 times per day - but this morning Mike joined us and we walked to the grocery store about 1.5 miles away from our house. We have this sit-n-stand stroller now and if Gabby's in it, I'm pushing 70 pounds between the two of them. Talk about getting in some cardio on the hills! My hamstrings were on fire! I know my friend Alice is pleased about that. :-)

I finally got the report from Regional regarding Raquel's evaluation. Last Monday when I called my service coordinator, he asked if I wanted a copy of the report. DUH! Of course I did. It wasn't very enlightening - basically just stated everything I mentioned when she had the evaluation: she didn't want to play with their toys (because they were gross), she didn't like being confined in the room (I didn't either), she interacted much better with Elizabeth than the psychologist (that's a given), etc. etc.

This is the psychologists' summary and recommendations:

"Direct observation and parent report have identified some symptoms of an Autism Spectrum Disorder in most relevant areas. Intensive in-home early intervention services are recommended. Re-evaluation following a stable period of participation will be important to monitor Raquel's progress and clarify diagnostic issues. "

I interpret this as her recommending the Applied Behavior Analysis program (because she stated "intensive" and that is how everyone seems to describe ABA.) Hopefully this week I'll at least know what direction we are going in. I know it may take a few weeks to line up new therapists and all, which is why I'll keep calling Regional to make sure the paper flow is still moving. Her evaluation was taken on May 16th and 3 weeks later, I still have no answers. It can be very frustrating. At least we continue to see progress with her and that helps. It's just the not knowing part that drives me crazy.