Sunday, November 9, 2025

First Meeting with Representative Briel

Monday, November 3rd:

Theo struggled to wake up Monday morning. That hour time change is pretty brutal on kids! He was up really early and then went back to bed for an hour before Nurse Stephanie came over to take him to school.


While Theo was at school the guys from Access Elevator came over to reinforce the beams in the attic, so that we could get a lift system installed in the family room. They finished pretty quickly and it's all ready for the installers!

After they left I started getting an awful migraine. Luckily, Nurse Stephanie and Theo were almost home. I took some meds and took a nap. Thanks to Nurse Stephanie for holding down the fort and letting Ms. Becca in for PT while I was napping with my TheraICE.

Tuesday, November 4th:

Theo was still tired today, but he pushed through and had a good day at school. 


While he was gone, Alyx came over and put the handles on our new large cabinet and we talked about what to do with the cabinet where the wine fridge was.


She is going to take out the other lower cabinet and put in one large cabinet. I think it'll be more functional that way!


I love how everything turned out!


[So much storage!]

After school we took Theo to The Legacy Ranch for his lessons with Sherman and Ms. Kaylin. Theo was definitely showing off and sitting up super strong!

Wednesday, November 5th:

After I sent Theo and Nurse Stephanie off to school I went through my handy binder and made sure I had everything in order before I headed to Ottawa. 


A little background: I tried reaching out to Senator Rezin (my state Senator who introduced the bill) about expanding Sami’s Law, but I was not able to get a hold of her. I called, I emailed, and I sent messages through her website. I even reached out to other Reps and Senators to see if they could get a hold of her. No luck. I then reached out to a few Senators and Representatives who I was told were “friendly to the special needs community.” I had a few responses and Representative Murri Briel (IL House 76th District) wanted to meet with me!


I went to Ottawa and met with Representative Briel, Meta Mueller (her Chief of Staff), and Meredith Schilsky (the Deputy Chief of Staff).

The meeting went really well and Representative Briel was very excited about expanding Sami’s Law. We went through the original bill and talked about all the items that were cut out. We talked about other states that have passed similar laws about adult changing tables. We also discussed trying to get a grant program going and what it would take to get a statewide building code passed. I know it’s a tall order, but they all seemed really excited about it!

Representative Briel told me to reach out to as many people as possible and have them start spreading the word that legislation will be coming.


After the meeting I sent them my "Wish List Bill" which consists of all the best part of state bills from Alabama, Arizona, California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. I also sent them what I had found on Building Codes and states that have grant programs. While I was working on all that I reached out to a few of my contacts and I already have a few people reaching out to their Senators about being a co-sponsor. I am so excited about expanding Sami's Law and making Illinois more accessible for everyone!

Thursday, November 6th:

After I sent the kiddo off to school I went to get my allergy shots. My eyes are SOOOOO itchy right now! It's because of the harvest and I am so ready for it to be done!

On my way home I swung by The Hive to get a few things and to buy a few dinners for people in need. I am so glad to see that our community is helping out and I am grateful for the opportunity to donate.

Friday, November 7th:

Theo and Nurse Stephanie headed to school while I went to get a facial from Stephanie at Baum Beauty (located inside Tru Salon & Spa). She always does a fantastic job and my face felt so hydrated! 

Nurse Stephanie sent me a picture of Theo's eye gaze. I guess he needs a hug from Josh and Papa!

["Hug me dad Grandpa Grandpa"]

Weekend:

Josh decided to trim and wire my beautiful bonsai!




We got our first snow of the season (it melted pretty quickly)!



Theo is still tired and just wants hugs!


And BYU lost their first game of the season. Bummer!

And guys... guys... 🤦‍♀️ 

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