Yesterday we spent the evening with our good friends, kids included. Bambam loves to go to our friend's house. He's known them his whole life. Their girls are 2 and 5 years older than him and they adore him. Almost like older sisters or even little mothers. They are fiercely protective of him.
We had a great evening eating leftover Christmas dinner and snacks, a couple of cocktails, and a game of dice while the kids played. Then, towards the end of the evening I looked over and saw some dark spots on the back of Bambam's shirt. Uh oh. My heart sank. I quickly grabbed his backpack and hearded him into the bathroom. Just as I suspected, a complete blowout.
This is not unexpected. Bambam has been fighting a bug for about 4 days now. Between that and the holidays, he hasn't exactly been regular. In fact, we had nothing for a couple of days. I've been waiting for the blowout to occur. And when I say blowout, I mean up the back, in his shirt, in his pants, up to his belly button, down his legs, almost in his socks BLOWOUT. Had we been home, I would have dumped him in the shower. Instead I'm in a small powder room trying to clean him up with toilet paper and wipes. He doesn't want to stand still, tries to open the door, wants to go play. And I find myself getting impatient.
To add insult to injury, I don't have a complete change of clothes with me. I have extra pullups (always) and a shirt, but no pants. Now I have to go ask for a pair of sweats to borrow for the ride home. And I found myself embarrassed. Somehow almost overnight I feel like things have changed. It's never bothered me before when he's had an accident at their house, I've even borrowed clothes before. There is nothing new here. But now he is 7. And he seems so much bigger. And he's made such huge gains in so many other areas. And it just feels wrong. And I want to leave quickly.
These are new emotions for me. I've never been embarrassed by anything about Bambam. He is a loving child with special needs doing his best to navigate through this world. And I was embarrassed. And now I'm ashamed. Ashamed that I was embarrassed. I feel like a bad mom unworthy of the love of this sweet boy.
My Side of Typical
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
A Fraud
Usually I feel like an open book. I don't really hide much. My life is what it is and if you are willing to listen, I will share it with you. But, lately I've been feeling like a fraud.
I can not tell you how often I hear the words "you are such a great parent" or "I don't know how you do it" or "I could never do what you do" or "Your kids are so lucky to have you" or my favorite (which came from the LRC teacher at school) "Bambam hit the jackpot when he got you for parents". Really??? I don't feel like any of this is true. And if this is the picture I present to you, then I'm a fraud. Because here is what my days are really like:
I barely even say hi to my teenagers as they get themselved up, ready, and out the door to school. Our conversations in the morning exist of "bye mom, we're leaving" answered by me with "have a good day, love you guys". That's it. Most days I don't even know what they are wearing as I'm in my bedroom getting ready when they walk out the door and the words above are yelled down to the front door. Great parenting? I think not.
Bambam watches Curious George and The Cat in the Hat every morning so I can get his breakfast made, our lunches done and get myself ready before getting him ready for school. Seriously, TV first thing in the morning, every morning. And, I don't have time in the mornings to patiently wait and work with him on dressing himself. I know more than anyone that we are supposed to work on adaptive skills. I just don't have time in the mornings so I still dress him at 7 years old. Some days we are still late for school. Not exactly parent of the year.
My teenagers go either straight to their sports practice or to the athletic club from school. Often they are not home by dinner time so we eat in shifts. Sitting down for a family dinner is a rarity at our house. And Bambam doesn't really eat dinner, it's just not his thing. So he sits in the family room doing his iPad while Mr. Fixit and I eat dinner. Now that's good parenting.
The dinner dishes don't always get done after dinner. In fact, some days they don't get done until I get home from work the next day. And my house is not always dusted, vaccumed, swept and mopped. The laundry piles up. I will never win the Betty Homemaker Award.
Miracle Boy has been on the varsity golf team every year in high school. I have never yet watched a golf tournament. In 3 years, I've never seen him play. Granted, they play during the week when I'm either at work or have Bambam with me. And its not convenient. But a great parent would make it happen.
I do not get to all the things I'm supposed to work on with Bambam every day. The fine motor work, gross motor work, sensory diet, academic work, social skills, play dates, adaptive skills, speech and language skills, theraputic listening, brushing, etc. Some days we don't even read for 10 minutes. Some days I fail him miserably.
I am not a great parent. I'm just a parent, just like all the other parents out there. I really want to be a good parent. But life is not perfect. It's messy and chaotic and the days are shorter than necessary. I often make mistakes and fall short. I'm impatient, I yell, I make snap decisions I regret later. And when people tell me what a great parent I am or how lucky my kids are, I feel like a fraud.
I can not tell you how often I hear the words "you are such a great parent" or "I don't know how you do it" or "I could never do what you do" or "Your kids are so lucky to have you" or my favorite (which came from the LRC teacher at school) "Bambam hit the jackpot when he got you for parents". Really??? I don't feel like any of this is true. And if this is the picture I present to you, then I'm a fraud. Because here is what my days are really like:
I barely even say hi to my teenagers as they get themselved up, ready, and out the door to school. Our conversations in the morning exist of "bye mom, we're leaving" answered by me with "have a good day, love you guys". That's it. Most days I don't even know what they are wearing as I'm in my bedroom getting ready when they walk out the door and the words above are yelled down to the front door. Great parenting? I think not.
Bambam watches Curious George and The Cat in the Hat every morning so I can get his breakfast made, our lunches done and get myself ready before getting him ready for school. Seriously, TV first thing in the morning, every morning. And, I don't have time in the mornings to patiently wait and work with him on dressing himself. I know more than anyone that we are supposed to work on adaptive skills. I just don't have time in the mornings so I still dress him at 7 years old. Some days we are still late for school. Not exactly parent of the year.
My teenagers go either straight to their sports practice or to the athletic club from school. Often they are not home by dinner time so we eat in shifts. Sitting down for a family dinner is a rarity at our house. And Bambam doesn't really eat dinner, it's just not his thing. So he sits in the family room doing his iPad while Mr. Fixit and I eat dinner. Now that's good parenting.
The dinner dishes don't always get done after dinner. In fact, some days they don't get done until I get home from work the next day. And my house is not always dusted, vaccumed, swept and mopped. The laundry piles up. I will never win the Betty Homemaker Award.
Miracle Boy has been on the varsity golf team every year in high school. I have never yet watched a golf tournament. In 3 years, I've never seen him play. Granted, they play during the week when I'm either at work or have Bambam with me. And its not convenient. But a great parent would make it happen.
I do not get to all the things I'm supposed to work on with Bambam every day. The fine motor work, gross motor work, sensory diet, academic work, social skills, play dates, adaptive skills, speech and language skills, theraputic listening, brushing, etc. Some days we don't even read for 10 minutes. Some days I fail him miserably.
I am not a great parent. I'm just a parent, just like all the other parents out there. I really want to be a good parent. But life is not perfect. It's messy and chaotic and the days are shorter than necessary. I often make mistakes and fall short. I'm impatient, I yell, I make snap decisions I regret later. And when people tell me what a great parent I am or how lucky my kids are, I feel like a fraud.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Trapped in the Car
As luck would have it, The Quiet One and I were in the car today. Just the 2 of us. I love it when I have one or the other teenager trapped in the car with me, just the 2 of us with no distractions. OK, maybe some Christmas music in the background. But they are my captive audience. I have the best conversations with them in the car.
Since they both now drive, this doesn't happen very often. Don't get me wrong, I love that they now drive. It makes my life so much easier. I'm no longer a taxi for 3, now it's just 1. But, I sometimes miss that one on one time in the car. So I try to create situations where it happens. And today it happened with The Quiet One. And this is awesome. As his alias implies, he is quiet. He doesn't volunteer information unless you ask. So the time in the car with him is great.
With the holidays coming up, I asked him if he was excited to go see his mom. Of course he is. So we talked about that a little bit, what they had planned, would he see his grandma, etc. Then I asked him if he sees his old friends when he visits there. And he said not really. He sees one, but not the rest. And then he went on to say that the kids there are different. Different how I ask. And he says "There sort of all punks." I find this to be an interesting comment, these were his friends. And then he goes on to say "You know, I'm really glad I moved up here." Say what?
This is the child who moved into our household under duress, for lack of a better word. He was failing high school, getting in trouble, had been arrested twice, smoking pot, etc. He was sullen and angry when he got here. Did not want to be here, was angry at his mom for shipping him away. Angry at us for making him come. Angry he was taken away from his friends. He was counting the days till he could return.
This same child is now telling me how glad he is that he lives here. He went on to say that the kids here are nicer, that even when they are joking and having fun they are still respectful. He actually used that word "respectful". He likes that there is no need for a police officer at the high school here, that there is no graffiti on the walls. It's nicer.
And I'm sitting there in awe. I'm in awe that he not only sees these differences, but that he is acknowledging it. That he is outwardly saying "I like it here, I'm glad I live here now." And I got a little teary. But I kept it in check because teenage boys don't appreciate a little happy cry. But what I did say is "Honey, I'm so happy that you like it here. Thank you for sharing that with me. You just made my day."
I have the best conversations with my kids in the car.
Since they both now drive, this doesn't happen very often. Don't get me wrong, I love that they now drive. It makes my life so much easier. I'm no longer a taxi for 3, now it's just 1. But, I sometimes miss that one on one time in the car. So I try to create situations where it happens. And today it happened with The Quiet One. And this is awesome. As his alias implies, he is quiet. He doesn't volunteer information unless you ask. So the time in the car with him is great.
With the holidays coming up, I asked him if he was excited to go see his mom. Of course he is. So we talked about that a little bit, what they had planned, would he see his grandma, etc. Then I asked him if he sees his old friends when he visits there. And he said not really. He sees one, but not the rest. And then he went on to say that the kids there are different. Different how I ask. And he says "There sort of all punks." I find this to be an interesting comment, these were his friends. And then he goes on to say "You know, I'm really glad I moved up here." Say what?
This is the child who moved into our household under duress, for lack of a better word. He was failing high school, getting in trouble, had been arrested twice, smoking pot, etc. He was sullen and angry when he got here. Did not want to be here, was angry at his mom for shipping him away. Angry at us for making him come. Angry he was taken away from his friends. He was counting the days till he could return.
This same child is now telling me how glad he is that he lives here. He went on to say that the kids here are nicer, that even when they are joking and having fun they are still respectful. He actually used that word "respectful". He likes that there is no need for a police officer at the high school here, that there is no graffiti on the walls. It's nicer.
And I'm sitting there in awe. I'm in awe that he not only sees these differences, but that he is acknowledging it. That he is outwardly saying "I like it here, I'm glad I live here now." And I got a little teary. But I kept it in check because teenage boys don't appreciate a little happy cry. But what I did say is "Honey, I'm so happy that you like it here. Thank you for sharing that with me. You just made my day."
I have the best conversations with my kids in the car.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Birthday Parties
Bambam was invited to a classmate's birthday party. This is HUGE. This is the first birthday party invitation he's received. Granted, the entire class was invited. But they included Bambam. I was both touched and intimidated at the same time.
I do not remember what a typical 7 year old birthday party is like. Bambam has never had a birthday party with his peers. His parties include our family plus both grandparents. And even that can sometimes overwhelm him. I can't imagine him at a party with 20+ kids.
On the plus side, the party was at the indoor bounce place. Bambam loves the bounce place. Imagine, a boy who's stim is to jump; the indoor bounce plance is like heaven to him. Jumping grounds him, calms him, helps him to block out overwhelming stimuli. He begs to go there ALL.THE.TIME. Plus, that probably means that there will not be organized activities, but rather free play time. This might just work.
The invitation asked for an RSVP. I would have called the parents anyway. In a situation like this, I want to make sure they know who Bambam is. That they understand his... uniqueness. So I called and clumsily ask the dad if he knew who Bambam was. And I will forever remember his response. "Of course I do. He's the cute little blond boy with the aide." And that just about made my heart melt. What a sweet way to identy my boy. Not "the special needs boy" which honestly doesn't offend me, he is a special needs child. I just really thought that he identified Bambam in a very sweet, respectful way. And I knew we had to attend the party. Especially after he went on to say that his son has specifically asked to invite Bambam.
So, Bambam and I went shopping to find a birthday present. I had asked the dad what his child liked so we were armed with good info. And, as luck would have it, this little boy loves sports. Just like Bambam, any sport with a ball is awesome. Bambam picked a football with the team logo from our local university. Then he helped me wrap it in a gift bag with tissue. It may not have been the prettiest present, but Bambam was so proud.
He was so excited the morning of the party. He almost drove us nuts. It was all he talked about. All morning long we heard "go to bounce house now?", "go to party now?", "see my friends now?". Over and over until we finally left.
When we arrived it was a little chaotic and Bambam hung back for a little while. But with some promting, he greeted the boy with a "Happy Birthday" and gave him the gift. Then he ran off to go bouncing. Throughout the 2 hour party, the other kids would invite Bambam to join in what ever game they were playing, and sometimes he did. But when the noise and chaos got to be too much, he would go find a quieter corner to bounce by himself. I was so proud of him that he knew what he needed and was able to get it without a single melt down. This is true progress. He even invited another little boy from his class (who is shy and reserved) to come play with him in the quieter corner.
When it was time for cake and presents, we were all ushered into a room that was already set up. I knew this would be the hardest part for Bambam. The room was a little hollow and echoed. With 22 ampted up kids and half a dozen parents, it was loud and chaotic. A recipe for sensory overload. Bambam took a seat next to the shy little boy he had previously asked to play. He ate about half his cake before he turned to me and said "I need to go home now." Not wanting him to go home yet, I suggested he go find a quiet corner and jump for a while. He ran off with a smile.
When it was time to open presents, I called him back to the room and he watched from the doorway as the birthday boy opened all his presents. After which, all the kids ran out of the room to go bounce and play. And you know what? That football, the one Bambam had brought for the birthday boy, it was the favorite present. The birthday boy carried it all around the bounce place. And all the other kids wanted to play with it. And Bambam was grinning from ear to ear as he ran after them.
That was about the best birthday party ever.
I will forever be greatfull to the amazing kids in Bambam's class. They are caring, understanding, tolerant, accepting, etc. The list goes on and on. They amaze me on a daily basis. They are being lead and taught by wonderful adults. The parents of the birthday boy were so gracious. They both went out of their way to make sure he was included, comfortable, and having fun. The mom even gave Bambam the balloons at the end of the party. This was a success on all levels.
I do not remember what a typical 7 year old birthday party is like. Bambam has never had a birthday party with his peers. His parties include our family plus both grandparents. And even that can sometimes overwhelm him. I can't imagine him at a party with 20+ kids.
On the plus side, the party was at the indoor bounce place. Bambam loves the bounce place. Imagine, a boy who's stim is to jump; the indoor bounce plance is like heaven to him. Jumping grounds him, calms him, helps him to block out overwhelming stimuli. He begs to go there ALL.THE.TIME. Plus, that probably means that there will not be organized activities, but rather free play time. This might just work.
The invitation asked for an RSVP. I would have called the parents anyway. In a situation like this, I want to make sure they know who Bambam is. That they understand his... uniqueness. So I called and clumsily ask the dad if he knew who Bambam was. And I will forever remember his response. "Of course I do. He's the cute little blond boy with the aide." And that just about made my heart melt. What a sweet way to identy my boy. Not "the special needs boy" which honestly doesn't offend me, he is a special needs child. I just really thought that he identified Bambam in a very sweet, respectful way. And I knew we had to attend the party. Especially after he went on to say that his son has specifically asked to invite Bambam.
So, Bambam and I went shopping to find a birthday present. I had asked the dad what his child liked so we were armed with good info. And, as luck would have it, this little boy loves sports. Just like Bambam, any sport with a ball is awesome. Bambam picked a football with the team logo from our local university. Then he helped me wrap it in a gift bag with tissue. It may not have been the prettiest present, but Bambam was so proud.
He was so excited the morning of the party. He almost drove us nuts. It was all he talked about. All morning long we heard "go to bounce house now?", "go to party now?", "see my friends now?". Over and over until we finally left.
When we arrived it was a little chaotic and Bambam hung back for a little while. But with some promting, he greeted the boy with a "Happy Birthday" and gave him the gift. Then he ran off to go bouncing. Throughout the 2 hour party, the other kids would invite Bambam to join in what ever game they were playing, and sometimes he did. But when the noise and chaos got to be too much, he would go find a quieter corner to bounce by himself. I was so proud of him that he knew what he needed and was able to get it without a single melt down. This is true progress. He even invited another little boy from his class (who is shy and reserved) to come play with him in the quieter corner.
When it was time for cake and presents, we were all ushered into a room that was already set up. I knew this would be the hardest part for Bambam. The room was a little hollow and echoed. With 22 ampted up kids and half a dozen parents, it was loud and chaotic. A recipe for sensory overload. Bambam took a seat next to the shy little boy he had previously asked to play. He ate about half his cake before he turned to me and said "I need to go home now." Not wanting him to go home yet, I suggested he go find a quiet corner and jump for a while. He ran off with a smile.
When it was time to open presents, I called him back to the room and he watched from the doorway as the birthday boy opened all his presents. After which, all the kids ran out of the room to go bounce and play. And you know what? That football, the one Bambam had brought for the birthday boy, it was the favorite present. The birthday boy carried it all around the bounce place. And all the other kids wanted to play with it. And Bambam was grinning from ear to ear as he ran after them.
That was about the best birthday party ever.
I will forever be greatfull to the amazing kids in Bambam's class. They are caring, understanding, tolerant, accepting, etc. The list goes on and on. They amaze me on a daily basis. They are being lead and taught by wonderful adults. The parents of the birthday boy were so gracious. They both went out of their way to make sure he was included, comfortable, and having fun. The mom even gave Bambam the balloons at the end of the party. This was a success on all levels.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Seven!
My boy is turning 7. My sweet,cherubic, happy baby boy is now a big kid of 7. I'm not sure how this happened in the blink of an eye, but it did. You'd think I'd be used to it, he's not the first. But it still makes me pause.
First grade. He's in first grade now. Not quite at school all day (he comes home an hour early, that seems to be all his sensory system can take) but still much longer than kindergarten. And I'm so proud of him.
He still spends much of his day in the LRC with a one to one aid. But he is now ASKING to go to his class. He will sit with the other kids for 20 minutes as they read to him. He participates in art and is so proud of his masterpieces. He works with his teacher to check in all the kids and their homework in the morning. He knows and greets all his classmates by name. He goes to library with them and uses a quiet voice (wish I knew how they accomplished this, he still only uses very loud at home). He wants to be with them, interacting with them. And I'm so proud.
He is now eating lunch in the cafeteria with his class. And actually eating his lunch. Without an aid by his side. And going to recess with all the other kids. And not getting overwhelmed or melting down. He's playing with his peers. And I'm so proud.
He is taking swimming lessons. I sometimes wondered if he would take lessons of any kind. But now he's in swimming. And he loves it. He looks forward to seeing Teacher Brad. And Teacher Brad is awesome. Honestly, about 10 minutes is spent on actual swim lesson stuff. The other 20 are spent on more social interacting. But my kid is kicking, and using "big arms", and blowing bubbles, and going underwater. There is no actual swimming yet, but I know there will be in his own time. And I am so pround.
He has grown and gained skills in so many ways. I simply can't write about them all. My baby is now 7 and I couldn't be prouder of him. Happy birthday big boy!
First grade. He's in first grade now. Not quite at school all day (he comes home an hour early, that seems to be all his sensory system can take) but still much longer than kindergarten. And I'm so proud of him.
He still spends much of his day in the LRC with a one to one aid. But he is now ASKING to go to his class. He will sit with the other kids for 20 minutes as they read to him. He participates in art and is so proud of his masterpieces. He works with his teacher to check in all the kids and their homework in the morning. He knows and greets all his classmates by name. He goes to library with them and uses a quiet voice (wish I knew how they accomplished this, he still only uses very loud at home). He wants to be with them, interacting with them. And I'm so proud.
He is now eating lunch in the cafeteria with his class. And actually eating his lunch. Without an aid by his side. And going to recess with all the other kids. And not getting overwhelmed or melting down. He's playing with his peers. And I'm so proud.
He is taking swimming lessons. I sometimes wondered if he would take lessons of any kind. But now he's in swimming. And he loves it. He looks forward to seeing Teacher Brad. And Teacher Brad is awesome. Honestly, about 10 minutes is spent on actual swim lesson stuff. The other 20 are spent on more social interacting. But my kid is kicking, and using "big arms", and blowing bubbles, and going underwater. There is no actual swimming yet, but I know there will be in his own time. And I am so pround.
He has grown and gained skills in so many ways. I simply can't write about them all. My baby is now 7 and I couldn't be prouder of him. Happy birthday big boy!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
My 30 Days of Thanks
My Daily Facebook posts during the month of November:
Day 1: It's November, the month of thanks. Today I'm thankful for a successful Halloween yesterday! Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday.
Day 2: Spent the morning on a college visit with Miracle Boy. Reminded me how much I loved college. So today I'm thankful for all the opportunities he has coming up. What an exciting time for him.
Day 3: Today I'm thankful for our health insurance. Although it dosen't cover everything, actually not a lot of Bambam's therapies, I am still thankful for what it does cover.
Day 4: Awesome day. Today I'm thankful for a 75 degree sunny day in November!
Day 5: Today I am thankful for no phone call from the school. Some days it's the little things.
Day 6: Today, like many others, I'm thankful for the right to vote. I sent in my ballot 2 weeks ago, even more thankful for our state's mail in ballots.
Day 7: Today I am so very thankful that this election is over. Enough said.
Day 8: Today I'm thankful that Bambam slept until 6:30! Time change is always hard.
Day 9: Today I'm thankful that I don't work on Fridays. Which really means I have 5 hours in which to make all my phone calls, schedule apts, pay bills, clean the house, do laundry, etc. But that's OK, cuz I can do it with the stereo on and no one pestering me! Have a great Friday everyone.
Day 10: Today I'm thankful for the fun house! And snow, and college football, and homemade chili in a bread bowl. Life is good.
Day 11: Today, like many others, I am thankful for our veterans who serve our country to protect our freedoms. I'm also thankful for a safe drive home from the fun house and for the portable DVD player.
Day 12: Today I'm thankful for my boss. When I told him that I was going to miss work yet again today his response was "Don't worry about it. You need to take care of Bambam first." He is a wonderful person who embodies patience and understanding and is very accommodating. When I stumbled into this job a couple of years ago, it was a blessing. This is clearly where I am supposed to be and I'm very grateful.
Day 13: Today I'm thankful for Bambam's swim teacher. He is a college student who teaches swimming on the side. And he is awesome. He's patient and understanding and most importantly fun. He keeps Bambam engaged and motivated and honestly gets more out of him than I thought possible. My kid will learn to swim, despite all his special needs!
Our world is full of amazing people if we just open our eyes and look. Everyday heroes who go the extra mile to make someone else's life just a little easier or better. I'm very thankful that Bambam is surrounded by such people.
Day 14: Today I'm thankful for Miracle Boy. He is a great big brother. When Bambam had a bad morning on Monday, Miracle Boy stayed with him so I could go to work for a couple of hours. His words, "Don't worry mom, I can handle it. He'll be fine." And he was.
Day 15: I couldn't possibly go through the month of thanks without again saying how thankful I am for our Elementary School, and Mr. D, and Mrs. M, and Mrs. E, and Mrs. H, and Miss C, and Mr. P, and all the other teachers, specialists, and aides who give 120% everyday to help Bambam learn and grow. I know I sound like a broken record, but it truly does take a village.
Day 16: Today I'm thankful for my personal chef, Mr. Fixit. Even though Bambam and I get home hours before he does, he still makes dinner every night. And it is rarely anything less than fantastic. He is an amazing cook.
Day 17: Today I'm thankful for my parents. They are fantastic grandparents. I don't think my children and I would have survived without them. And although they sometimes drive me nuts, I know that no one else loves my kids as much as they do.
Day 18: I'm thankful for a warm house and yummy food on the table. We often forget how many people in this world don't have these basic necessities. I'm thankful that we do not have to worry about where we will sleep and what we will eat. We are truly blessed.
Day 19: Today I am thankful for a very fun evening out with my girlfriends. Thank you ladies, it was a much needed break.
Day 20: Today I'm thankful for the treadmill in my basement. I'm a fair weather runner and would never run in the winter time without it.
Day 21: Today I'm thankful for a 4 day holiday weekend! Be safe in your travels and have a fantastic Thanksgiving.
Day 22: As I look around my Thanksgiving table today, I am overcome with all the blessings I see:
Bambam who is honestly the sweetest, happiest child I have ever known. For his smile that not only lights up his face but his whole body. He quite simply glows. You can't help but smile back. Even strangers in the store respond to his glowing smile and happy disposition.
Miracle Boy who is so full of opportunity, potential and promise. My "typical kid" who has given me the opportunity to experience "normal parenting", whatever that is. This young man who at 17 still likes to have date night with his mom. I am so very greatful for him.
The Quiet One who is, well, quiet. I'm not sure our household could have accommodated another noisy, high energy child. The Quiet One has merged into the household with ease. The changes I've seen in him over the past year and a half are truly a blessing. He is growing in countless ways. Watching him emerge as a young man is amazing.
And of course Mr. Fixit. I am so grateful for him. He provides for us very comfortably, he fixes anything that breaks, he makes dinner every night... The list goes on and on. I'm thankful for my "tag team" partner. As anyone with a special needs child knows, sometimes you just have to be a tag team.
I have so many blessings in my life.
Day 23: Today I'm thankful for the small airport at the fun house. We visit this airport every day that we are there. The employees are kind and accepting of Bambam's obsession with airplanes. They allow him to get up close and personal with the airplanes, he often gets to sit in one. I think they've adopted him as their mascot. Again, everyday people going the extra mile.
Day 24: Today I'm even more thankful for the iPad and headphones. As we headed off to a fun college football viewing, we could feel confident that Bambam could join us and be successful even in a crowded, noisy room. Yeah for technology!
Day 25: Today I'm thankful for all the fun, festive activities in this small community where our fun house is located. There is lots to do for the teenagers as well as Bambam. Its a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Day 26: Today I'm thankful for my sister, she is amazing. She is always there for me, to celebrate, to commiserate, to cheer me on, to pick me up, to do whatever is needed. I would not be the person I am today without her. She inspires me to be better.
Day 27: Today I'm thankful for modern medicine. I know the decision to medicate or not is a very personal one. But for us, medication has made life so much better (even possible) for Bambam. He simply cannot function without it. I'm very greatful that this option is available.
Day 28: Today I'm thankful for all the people who spend their efforts, time, and money on research, education, and acceptance of autism, or any special need. They make the world just a little bit better for everyone.
Day 29: Today I'm thankful for Bambam's classmates. They are an amazing group of young people led my amazing adults. They are accepting, understanding, and just plain nice to Bambam. And not just at school. When we run into one of them in town, they always run over and say hi and talk to Bambam. It simply warms my heart. Inclusions is not only beneficial to the special needs child, but to the whole class of typical kids as well. I really think we are raising a whole generation of individuals who will make our world a better place.
Day 30:Today I'm thankful the chance to step back and be reminded of all the things I have to be thankful for. I am truly blessed.
Day 1: It's November, the month of thanks. Today I'm thankful for a successful Halloween yesterday! Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday.
Day 2: Spent the morning on a college visit with Miracle Boy. Reminded me how much I loved college. So today I'm thankful for all the opportunities he has coming up. What an exciting time for him.
Day 3: Today I'm thankful for our health insurance. Although it dosen't cover everything, actually not a lot of Bambam's therapies, I am still thankful for what it does cover.
Day 4: Awesome day. Today I'm thankful for a 75 degree sunny day in November!
Day 5: Today I am thankful for no phone call from the school. Some days it's the little things.
Day 6: Today, like many others, I'm thankful for the right to vote. I sent in my ballot 2 weeks ago, even more thankful for our state's mail in ballots.
Day 7: Today I am so very thankful that this election is over. Enough said.
Day 8: Today I'm thankful that Bambam slept until 6:30! Time change is always hard.
Day 9: Today I'm thankful that I don't work on Fridays. Which really means I have 5 hours in which to make all my phone calls, schedule apts, pay bills, clean the house, do laundry, etc. But that's OK, cuz I can do it with the stereo on and no one pestering me! Have a great Friday everyone.
Day 10: Today I'm thankful for the fun house! And snow, and college football, and homemade chili in a bread bowl. Life is good.
Day 11: Today, like many others, I am thankful for our veterans who serve our country to protect our freedoms. I'm also thankful for a safe drive home from the fun house and for the portable DVD player.
Day 12: Today I'm thankful for my boss. When I told him that I was going to miss work yet again today his response was "Don't worry about it. You need to take care of Bambam first." He is a wonderful person who embodies patience and understanding and is very accommodating. When I stumbled into this job a couple of years ago, it was a blessing. This is clearly where I am supposed to be and I'm very grateful.
Day 13: Today I'm thankful for Bambam's swim teacher. He is a college student who teaches swimming on the side. And he is awesome. He's patient and understanding and most importantly fun. He keeps Bambam engaged and motivated and honestly gets more out of him than I thought possible. My kid will learn to swim, despite all his special needs!
Our world is full of amazing people if we just open our eyes and look. Everyday heroes who go the extra mile to make someone else's life just a little easier or better. I'm very thankful that Bambam is surrounded by such people.
Day 14: Today I'm thankful for Miracle Boy. He is a great big brother. When Bambam had a bad morning on Monday, Miracle Boy stayed with him so I could go to work for a couple of hours. His words, "Don't worry mom, I can handle it. He'll be fine." And he was.
Day 15: I couldn't possibly go through the month of thanks without again saying how thankful I am for our Elementary School, and Mr. D, and Mrs. M, and Mrs. E, and Mrs. H, and Miss C, and Mr. P, and all the other teachers, specialists, and aides who give 120% everyday to help Bambam learn and grow. I know I sound like a broken record, but it truly does take a village.
Day 16: Today I'm thankful for my personal chef, Mr. Fixit. Even though Bambam and I get home hours before he does, he still makes dinner every night. And it is rarely anything less than fantastic. He is an amazing cook.
Day 17: Today I'm thankful for my parents. They are fantastic grandparents. I don't think my children and I would have survived without them. And although they sometimes drive me nuts, I know that no one else loves my kids as much as they do.
Day 18: I'm thankful for a warm house and yummy food on the table. We often forget how many people in this world don't have these basic necessities. I'm thankful that we do not have to worry about where we will sleep and what we will eat. We are truly blessed.
Day 19: Today I am thankful for a very fun evening out with my girlfriends. Thank you ladies, it was a much needed break.
Day 20: Today I'm thankful for the treadmill in my basement. I'm a fair weather runner and would never run in the winter time without it.
Day 21: Today I'm thankful for a 4 day holiday weekend! Be safe in your travels and have a fantastic Thanksgiving.
Day 22: As I look around my Thanksgiving table today, I am overcome with all the blessings I see:
Bambam who is honestly the sweetest, happiest child I have ever known. For his smile that not only lights up his face but his whole body. He quite simply glows. You can't help but smile back. Even strangers in the store respond to his glowing smile and happy disposition.
Miracle Boy who is so full of opportunity, potential and promise. My "typical kid" who has given me the opportunity to experience "normal parenting", whatever that is. This young man who at 17 still likes to have date night with his mom. I am so very greatful for him.
The Quiet One who is, well, quiet. I'm not sure our household could have accommodated another noisy, high energy child. The Quiet One has merged into the household with ease. The changes I've seen in him over the past year and a half are truly a blessing. He is growing in countless ways. Watching him emerge as a young man is amazing.
And of course Mr. Fixit. I am so grateful for him. He provides for us very comfortably, he fixes anything that breaks, he makes dinner every night... The list goes on and on. I'm thankful for my "tag team" partner. As anyone with a special needs child knows, sometimes you just have to be a tag team.
I have so many blessings in my life.
Day 23: Today I'm thankful for the small airport at the fun house. We visit this airport every day that we are there. The employees are kind and accepting of Bambam's obsession with airplanes. They allow him to get up close and personal with the airplanes, he often gets to sit in one. I think they've adopted him as their mascot. Again, everyday people going the extra mile.
Day 24: Today I'm even more thankful for the iPad and headphones. As we headed off to a fun college football viewing, we could feel confident that Bambam could join us and be successful even in a crowded, noisy room. Yeah for technology!
Day 25: Today I'm thankful for all the fun, festive activities in this small community where our fun house is located. There is lots to do for the teenagers as well as Bambam. Its a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Day 26: Today I'm thankful for my sister, she is amazing. She is always there for me, to celebrate, to commiserate, to cheer me on, to pick me up, to do whatever is needed. I would not be the person I am today without her. She inspires me to be better.
Day 27: Today I'm thankful for modern medicine. I know the decision to medicate or not is a very personal one. But for us, medication has made life so much better (even possible) for Bambam. He simply cannot function without it. I'm very greatful that this option is available.
Day 28: Today I'm thankful for all the people who spend their efforts, time, and money on research, education, and acceptance of autism, or any special need. They make the world just a little bit better for everyone.
Day 29: Today I'm thankful for Bambam's classmates. They are an amazing group of young people led my amazing adults. They are accepting, understanding, and just plain nice to Bambam. And not just at school. When we run into one of them in town, they always run over and say hi and talk to Bambam. It simply warms my heart. Inclusions is not only beneficial to the special needs child, but to the whole class of typical kids as well. I really think we are raising a whole generation of individuals who will make our world a better place.
Day 30:Today I'm thankful the chance to step back and be reminded of all the things I have to be thankful for. I am truly blessed.
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