Archie has been attending his special-needs preschool (pictured above) since August and really likes it! He even takes the school bus (which is his favorite part!). He has been attempting to walk solo at school and at home...taking lots of steps independently...he still isn't saying any distinct words and we are trying to find a pediatric speech therapist who can work one-on-one with him more than once a week...speech therapists in Albuquerque are in high demand so we are lucky he's getting some speech therapy thru preschool...Archie is part of a Pulmonary Conduit Study with the Congenital Heart Surgeons Society. The study follows pediatric patients with heart defects that are similar to Archie's...so thanks to this study, we have FINALLY been able to find some additional information on Archie's rare heart defect and what's in store...his pulmonary conduit/homograft (given by an organ donor ) should function well for at least 3 years from the time it is surgically placed. Archie has had his 2 years this past June and it is still functioning well per his cardiologists. It is extremely rare for the conduit to fail overnight, its a slow/gradual process, which gives cardiology, his surgeons and us, plenty of time to prepare for his next surgery - which is a RELIEF...The estimated three years for a conduit is an average, so we are hoping that Archie's conduit/homograft will continue to function well until he is old enough to "handle surgery".
Josie is having fun at preschool and likes her new teacher Mrs. Karol. She is also taking tap/ballet/gymnastics at The Little Gym and her classes are taught by very energetic high school girls which pairs well with very energetic four year old girls! Robin, Josie and some of Josie's friends from school were also in a commercial for a local pumpkin patch...
Chris' comedy event in downtown Albuquerque was a success and will be an annual event every Labor Day. He is also hoping that with the economy in the tank, more people will save their money, stay home and watch The CW and My50-TV...and so far the ratings have been good!
Robin decided not to try out for the New Mexico Symphony choir because it was geared towards retirees and empty-nesters...The American Heart Association and Donate Life New Mexico asked her to speak about Archie at some upcoming events...public speaking is so not one of her hobbies but these are important causes so she'll give it a shot...
Have a Happy Autumn!
p.s. take a look at new photos in our September 2008 Photo Album!
