Sam Has Learned To

Creep...that's right, he is moving forward...It is so neat to watch...I took a video of him on my digital camera...if I can figure out how to get it to transfer, I will post it.

Sam's Oldest Sister

graduated from High School on May 17, 2008.
Brianna, pre-graduation, in the procession...
Brianna accepting her diploma and shaking hands with all the VIP's.
Brianna and momma after graduation in our yard.

Sam Playing Footsie

with his daddy...

His foot is just as big as his daddy's big toe...

Sam Now Has

3 teeth...yep, yesterday his top left front tooth broke through the gums...now he has real biting power.

He chews on his bottom lip now, quite a bit,

also, his thumb is used as a chew toy.

We Just Had Our 1st Problem With Insurance

Before we purchased insurance through my husband's work, I called the insurance company and told them about Sam, about his therapy, etc...I asked which would be the best insurace coverage, that would cover most and I asked if he would by any means be excluded for a pre-existing condition...The were very helpful, he will not be excluded...

I asked again about his therapy...I was told that there were limits but they would cover it, except for the co-pays...WELL, guess what...I got 3 bills in the mail...coverage denied, coverage denied, coverage denied, patient is responsible for payment...

So, I called...turns out our therapist group is out of network for the POS (which is what we chose because of what it covered), but is covered under the HMO and PPO plans...

Being that it is out of network, there is a $1000 deductible, then they will pay 70%, and the limits to the number of times he can visit is 50 times per type of therapy per year...50 TIMES is 25 weeks...what about the other 27 weeks in the year...WE HAVE TO PAY...

Then, the lady was nice enough to tell me that I could fill out the paper work and appeal the decision if I want...I told her to send me the "book" so I can get started...

Crazy Insurance...They should have told me the HMO was better for our situation...I would have went with it (it was cheaper, too)...We can't even change until they have open enrollment again,

GO FIGURE...

We had a small party

With just our family for Sam's birthday. But, we had fun and Mickie enjoyed Sam's personal cake more than Sam did.

It is hard to believe that

1 year ago, at 1:38am, just a few hours from now, our precious SAM came into this world.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, SAM!!!

Time Square Video/NYC Buddy Walk

Dear Friend:
Celebrate the Buddy Walk's 14th anniversary by entering the Times Square Video Contest. The video, which showcases individuals with Down syndrome from all over the world, will air on the Panasonic News Corporation Astrovision screen in Times Square on September 28 at 10:30 a.m. The New York City Buddy Walk™ will immediately follow the video at the Great Hill in Central Park .
Each year, NDSS receives thousands of photo submissions for the Times Square Video Contest. Because the Buddy Walk™ promotes acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, the winning photographs feature children, teens and adults with Down syndrome working, playing and learning with friends and family. Please limit photos to no more than three per individual with Down syndrome. If more than three pictures are received, only the first three will be considered.
For more information, or to submit a photo, please click here. The deadline for submitting photos is July 18, 2008.
Click here to view the 2007 Times Square Video.
We will notify you ONLY if we accept your photograph for the video, and we are unable to return any photos.
For further questions about the contest, contact me at timessquarevideo@ndss.org or 877-526-0270.
Best,Becky
Rebecca SwitalskiNational Buddy Walk Director