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August 2, 1999
My son, James H. Johnson IV, 18 months was born in January of 1998. He was
approximately 5 lbs. 7 oz. The doctors thought that he may have downs. The
test came back negative. We were a little worried around 5 months because
his growth was very slow and his metabolism was extremely high, he would
sweat very easily, so we kept him cool. Our pediatrician decided to submit
him to a neurologist, the neurologist said that his brain was still growing,
but at his pace and to treat him like any other normal child. When he was a
year old the pediatrician requested he see a genetic doctor and that's when
we found out he has Partial Trisomy 10q. James is one of the cutest babies
in the universe (parent talk), so nobody could tell he had a disorder, only
that he was not growing or walking according to the charts. Well, he is 18
months and he is crawling, cruising and climbing. He only has two teeth,
but we feel the top teeth starting to push through. Everyone who sees him
fall in love with his happy spirit, he has a ton of women wanting to watch
him at the church nursery. Currently, he weighs about 19 pounds and is
still kind of short. When he was born he had a skin tag on his foot, so we
got that operated on. He has sensitive skin, the skin doctor diagnosed it
"Eczema". I have asthma, so that could be the reason for his eczema. He is
not talking yet, but he makes a lot of sounds. We are planning to enroll
him in speech therapy. He is considered our little underdog, I see him as a
little mighty mouse. Anyway, we give our blessings to all the parents who's
child or children are affected with this blessing. This blessing really
works for the parents who view the glass half full, not half empty.
Update: Aug 16, 2007
Just wanted to let you know that James is in the 3rd Grade in a
special needs program at Mountain View Elementary in Gainesville, VA.
As you can see he has a little brother and I am now a single dad
with both of them.
Just wanted to let you know that James is in the 3rd Grade
in a special needs program at Mountain View Elementary in Gainesville,
VA. As you can see he has a little brother and I am now a single
dad with both of them.
James can read, but his phonics is a bit distorted. Also, he implements
with the "non-special" children for half-day. He is a
social butterfly and the teacher mentioned that it is not totally
a bad thing, but he distracts the 3rd and 5th Graders during his
walk to drop off papers to the office. They all love
him. Well, I talk to him about that, but that is
a good thing. He is extremely lovable and friendly.
James H. Johnson III