More Math

We have decided to keep a composition book to better track what Abbie does each day during "school." Since she had been excelling with addition, we thought it was time to introduce subtraction.

Rae started out the same way, asking, "If you have three circles and I take away two circles, how many do you have left?" Abbie selected "1" as her answer, and thus concluded the entirety of instruction about subtraction.

With that simple little lesson, Abbie went on to correctly answer:

[picture of three circles]-[picture of two circles] - during this problem she was again asked "if you have three and I take away two, how many do you have?

5 - [picture of 3 circles]

9-5= [picture of 4 circles] -- the only thing said to Abbie was "Find me the answer"

Then, we decided to challenge her, and mix it up a little bit.

9-5+3=7
10-2+[picture of three dots]=11
10+12-[picture of four dots]=18 -- on this one Abbie needed to hear what many children working mixed problems hear, "Pay careful attention to the signs"
10-3+24=31
12-3+4-10=3

Wowza!!

So, if that's what she can do on Day One of subtraction...look out for multiplication and division coming right around the corner!

We'll be having a meeting tomorrow with her orthopedic surgeon and all of her therapists to discuss a possible hand/arm surgery. Her thumbs just love to lay on her palm, which makes it hard for her to use a joystick, and other communication aids. Her arms rotate out, which again, make access to communication devices more difficult. Dr. B. can remedy both of these situations through surgery. We will be talking as a team tomorrow to determine the what/how/when of the procedures.
Although I'm never thrilled about surgery, when I see how her quality of life and ability to do things has improved as a result of the major hip/leg surgery, I project those results onto her arms and hands and imagine what she'll be able to do -- especially with communication. Please pray for wisdom in this area.

Abbie was very excited to find out today that her faithful friend Cassidy will be welcoming home a little sister from China in December, after a 3.5 year wait! We can't wait to meet her!!

And, I must send out hugs and prayers to my extended family in Illinois. My Auntie Lavonne passed away last night, leaving a husband, eight children and many grandchildren. I wish I could be there with you as you say "farewell" and celebrate the thought that her suffering is over and she is in the presence of God in a perfect body!