The Baileys Get Political

Normally we don't like to get too political. But this year's election is so important. If you are curious about who we're voting for, and why, take a minute to read this, written by Kevin:

If you are a little unsure or on the fence then would you please consider taking a look at each candidates proposal for citizens with disabilities?
http://www.olrs.ohio.gov/prescompare.htm
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Obama has proposed 10 billion a year to early intervention and developmental programs for children ages 0-5. This would mean that Camden could get services through early steps for an additional two years. Right now he can only receive funding from Early steps until he is 3. After this he must be enrolled in the public school system to receive therapy which means no therapy over the summer. McCain says that he will focus federal resources on ensuring that the neediest children have access to a range of high quality programs. He is not specific with age or money allocated.

You guys may also not know that there is a 7 year waiting list for Camden to receive financial assistance through Medicaid waivers. We also found out yesterday that my insurance will not cover a feeding chair or specialized car seat for Camden due to it being a developmental issue rather than a medical neccessity. This bothers me because the neurologist was worried about the way camden's legs are scissoring and possibly stumping the growth of his hip bones. She said that this may require surgery to correct later on. I believe Obama is in favor of more money spent on preventative medicine, which means it would be cheaper for Camden to have the correct equipment now rather than that money going toward surgery later.

Obama supports the Community Choice Act which allows americans with signifigant disabilites the choice of living in their community and receiving services rather than having to live in a nursing home or group home in order to receive federal services. McCain voted against this, and may have a very good reason but hopefully this will never be an issue with Camden.

I know this is just one issue, but it is a big one for Camden and Becky and I. If you find similar information about McCain then please let us know. I know that McCain is a big supporter on veteran care but he did not return the candidate questionnaire submitted by the American Association of People with Disabillities so it is hard to compare their answers.

Getting through it

Hey all...
It was a bit of a tough weekend for us around here as Camden's back molars came in and made him absolutely miserable! On top of that, I had some complications Thursday afternoon (relating to the miscarriage in July) and landed in the ER, and was then admitted to St. Vincents for surgery on Friday. But the cool thing about all this is how family, friends and coworkers came through for our family. And how you could almost feel the prayers around you.
Not only was the surgery successful, but I got to go home on Friday! Mom and Dad and Betsy and her boys came into town to help out. Heather was my ride to the ER (and my comic relief as we endured the long wait!). Chris and her, along with Aunt JoJo watched Camden through the weekend so Kevin could be with me at the hospital. Mindy arranged coverage for me while I'm out of work and my pastor came by to pray with me. Mommy made us all lots of yummy food (full of iron!) and Dad was super supportive. Joani brought over dinner on Friday night and warmly hosted us all over at her house for the football games.
I'm still overwhelmed with how much support and love we received. Thanks to all for your prayers, thoughts and love in action. God truly is good!

FSU Football with Family and Friends

We all got together on Saturday to cheer on the Noles at Mudville, our favorite Sports bar. Camden's cousins Maddie and Jake were there, as well as his friends Leah, Mattie, and Bailey and their parents. Before the game, Camden made a poopie in the big boy potty! (With a little help from Daddy). Yaaaay!!!

He's Gonna Drive Down to....Electric Avenue

For all of those wanting a Camden update, here goes: Lately he's been eating better and people say he feels and looks heavier. (Thanks to Nana and everyone else who's been stuffing him!) And if we don't let him grab his utensils to eat, he gets irritated and fussy--he wants to do it himself, thank you! His OT is talking about getting him some adaptive feeding utensils to make it easier for him. He's also holding his bottle better (unfolding all his fingers onto the bottle). But the most exciting thing was watching him in the power wheelchair. He's had 2 PT sessions in the high-tech chair and Lisa was impressed with how fast Camden's catching onto the concept that if he moves the joystick a certain direction, that means he goes in that direction. Oh sure, he mostly did donuts in it, but it's a good start! And the focus will still remain on learning to walk. But Lisa's throwing this in for the meantime, to help him become more mobile and he seems to really appreciate it. Zoom Zoom Zoom!

Labor Day

We've been back for a week now from the beach. Nana and Gramps got the family together again at the condo for some good times, and to celebrate Nana, Gramps and Aunt JoJo's b-days. Happy Birthday, guys--we had a great time! :)