Horse Show at The Legacy Ranch

Monday, September 8th:

Josh went to work, Theo headed off to school with nurse Stephanie, and I went to Walgreens to get my flu and COVID shots. Unfortunately, I was not able to get my COVID shot because I didn't not qualify. The pharmacist told me that Theo does qualify because of his long list of diagnoses, but I wouldn't be able to get the shot even though I am his caregiver. That's frustrating. 

Theo finally got a 1:1 aid at school. Her name is Hannah and she comes highly recommended! I know it's hard to find aids and paras for the special needs schools, so we are grateful that they were able to find someone for Theo.

That afternoon Ms. Becca (PT) and Ms. Laura (OT) came to our house to co-treat Theo. We haven't seen Ms. Laura since April when she threw out her back. I am so glad she's doing better and she's able to continue to see Theo!

Tuesday, September 9th:

While Theo was at school I had a Zoom meeting with his Dietitian, Ms. Jeannine. We chatted about Theo's weight and his calorie intake. Theo has lost about 4 lbs since December 2024. His GI Specialist wants him to be in the 50th percentile for weight, so a little weight loss is okay. We also talked about a new formula that is on the market, Compleat Pediatric Peptide 1.5. It's very similar to the Kate Farms Pediatric Peptide 1.5 that Theo is on now, but it has a different type of fiber, which may help with Theo's digestive issues. We are going to give it a shot once Jeannine is able to get some samples.

That afternoon we went to The Legacy Ranch for Theo's lesson with Sherman and Ms. Kaylin. It was a beautiful day, so they went for a walk around the property. 

Wednesday, September 10th:

Theo and I made the long drive down to the INI in Peoria for his yearly audiology appointment. Theo was a little stubborn, but the audiologist was able to get all the readings she needed. She then put us in the booth to see if Theo could hear Baby Shark at different volumes. It appears he was able to hear it at all levels except for the lowest one. So, Theo can definitely hear, he just doesn't always listen! 🙂

I made some hot Apple Cider. It was really good! Here's the recipe! I didn't include the brandy or star anise pods.

I also made these Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies! They were dangerously delicious! Here's the recipe!

That afternoon Theo had feeding/speech therapy with Ms. Jen. He did food play with chocolate pudding and cool whip. 

Thursday, September 11th:

After I sent Theo and nurse Stephanie off to school I went to the dentist for my 6 month cleaning. The dentist asked me about my history with braces. He said he could tell I had them for a while because I have "gum recession." He said it's not a problem and it could be worse, some people end up with bone loss from braces 😬 

After the dentist I headed up to the allergist to get my shots. My allergist approved me to spread out my shots to every three weeks, but I am going to do that after my allergy season, which is now. So for the next couple of months I'll get my shots weekly. Darn harvest!

That afternoon we had a visit from the DSCC. Theo was approved for another six months of Medicaid and nursing, so they had to do a home visit too. 

Friday, September 12th:

Theo had a great day at school, I was able to get a lot of work done while he was gone, and Josh has been working on multiple jobs up by the airport.

Weekend:

Theo participated in his second horse show at The Legacy Ranch today! I love how great his weekly rides with Sherman have been and Ms Kaylin takes such good care of him. Theo didn't place in the top six this year, but that's okay! We were so happy to cheer on his friends who are trying to qualify for the Special Olympics. If you are looking for an amazing, accessible place to ride horses I can't recommend The Legacy Ranch enough!

Theo rode "Western Style" this time. He looks so cute in his jeans and flannel!

A big rain storm swept through (we haven't had rain in a week!) and delayed the show by an hour. It was hard for some of the kids to wait, but we made it work!

Theo was pretty upset when he first got on Sherman, but once they started walking he was fine!

There were 12 kids that competed in his class. The kids that placed in the top six received fancy ribbons. Theo got his cute participation ribbon! We'll take it!

[Large changing table in their bathroom]

[I love this!]