Kaitlyn is TWO!

It is funny how much our children change from year to year.

Yesterday, Kaitlyn turned two.  I can't believe it.  The past two years have just flown by. She is this funny, ornery, stubborn, sweet, and silly little person who lives with us.  She has such a big personality!  She sings at the table and will randomly, for no reason at all, bust out singing the Bubble Guppies theme song at the top of her lungs (and you know we all think it's cute).  She talks a lot and will tell us stories.  Most of the time we have no idea what she is saying, but she pauses and says, "Um . . . " while she is talking, she uses her hands as she talks (like we learned in speech class) and she is very expressive. If there is something on her dinner plate she doesn't want to eat she tries, oh so cutely, to give it to Jacob.  When she is finished eating she will hand Jacob her plate and Jacob will say, "Thank you," and put her plate away.  She covers her head with a blanket and says, "Where's that Kay-Key?"  This is her way of saying, "Hey, let's play this game!"  We will say, "What was that?" or "Where's Kaitlyn?" She will then giggle, pull the blanket off and shout, "Boo!"  She will push people away and say, "No!" and "Stop" if she doesn't want them touching her. She can be the sweetest girl, giving you the biggest hugs and then turning to give you kisses.  She'll pat the floor asking you to sit and play with her or run to the recliner, pat it and say, "Sit," when she wants you to sit and watch one of her shows with her. She is my only child who will NOT let me read to her.  She gives me a book to look at and she looks at a different book.  If I try to read to her she slaps my book and says, "Mama, Stop!" She says so many things and seems to have a new word every day.  She also has a huge tantrum and will throw big fits when she is mad or upset. In true girl fashion, she can be moody.  *sigh*
She has this beautiful little face that I just can't get enough of--she's cute and she knows it.  LOL

She is just so much fun and she keeps us on our toes.  We are having a little party with family tomorrow afternoon to celebrate her birthday. She fills my heart with joy each and every day (as do her brothers) and I am so glad she is a part of our family.  As Logan often says, "How did we EVER live without her?"

We love you, KK!

Little Bird

Alex got in the mini van after school and pulled out his folder.  He showed me a picture of a bird he made and I said, "Wow, buddy, you did a great job!"  He said, "I don't like it."  I said, "Why?" He shrugged his shoulders and said, "One of the boys told me that my bird was small and everyone else did their birds bigger." I said, "Well, there are plenty of small birds in the world."  He said, "Yeah, but no one else did a little bird like me."  I said,  "Alex, do you want to be like every one else?" He sat there for a minute and said, "No, I'm Alex.  I want to be Alex."  I said, "Okay.  It's cool to do things your own way and not like every one else.  Your bird is different.  That's a good thing.  In a room full of large bird pictures don't you think some pictures of small birds are needed?"  Alex smiled and said, "Yes, it would be weird if there were only big birds."  I said, "See? You shouldn't let one person make you dislike something you've put hard work into."  He looked at his picture again and said, "So you really like my bird?"  I said, "Like it?  No, I love it!"  A huge smiled spread across Alex's face and he said, "Thanks, mom."

It occurred to me that we could all use a lesson in this from time to time; a reminder, if you will.  Let's all remember the little bird picture--and how it is JUST as important as the bigger bird pictures.

Blessed With Gremlins!

Alex having his eyes checked this afternoon.  He picked out some cool, new specs too!

My calendar has appointments bleeding all over it.  I kid you not.  Most days there is something on the calendar, eye doctor for one child, well child appointment for another, appointments for referrals, evaluations, specialists, surgery, follow-ups.  Our children's appointments keep me busy.

Today, as we waited for Alex to have his eyes examined, he sat in the play area with his little sister and played with her.  He was very helpful. He was very respectful to everyone he encountered, listened to instructions, and answered questions honestly without any goofing off or silliness. He tried on quite a few pairs of frames before finding a cool rusty brown looking pair that he loved.  He looked in the mirror, smiled, and said, "Cool! Mom, can I get these?  Please?"  So, that is what we got.  We walked out to the van, Alex staying close to me as I fought with this little sister who was kicking and screaming because I pulled her away from the giant Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls in the waiting room.  We got in the van and Alex said, "Thanks, mom."  I said, "For what?"  He said, "For taking us to all these different places to get us what we need like glasses and medicine and stuff like that."  I said, "That's my job."  He said, "I know, but I just want to say, 'thank you."  I turned and smiled at him and said, "You are VERY welcome, honey."  He smiled back, unbuckled (we were still parked in the parking space) and lunged at me, wrapping his arms around my neck and laying his head on my shoulder. "I love you, mom."

Have I mentioned that I love my gremlins?  Even the little ornery one who throws tantrums in public and whacks me with her cast.  LOL  Today I am feeling very blessed to have such amazing kids and very thankful that they DO notice all I do for them (at least some of the time). ;)

Thankful For Caring Doctors!

A year ago this month we were in and out of the ER at Childrens and eventually Kailtyn was hospitalized for breathing complications due to a respiratory virus she had. Her oxygen levels were low and they came in every two hours to give her breathing treatments and check her oxygen levels.  We were all exhausted.  She was 10 months old and I just remember thinking how little she looked in that big hospital bed. Ever since then we have had breathing issues with each and every respiratory ailment--sending us back to the doctor or the ER for breathing treatments.

Kaitlyn last September in the hospital.

Kaitlyn and Jacob during her hospital visit last year.

Kaitlyn and me.

Her breathing hasn't been as bad as it was last September.  Sure, she's needed a breathing treatment here or there but after that she sounded better, felt better, and life went on.
Yesterday Kaitlyn was fine.  She wasn't fussy or acting like she felt bad, she seemed perfectly fine.  I put her to bed last night and she was lovey, telling us all, "nigh nigh" and blowing us kisses.  I tucked her in, turned on her lamp and noise maker and turned off her light and we all went about our business. We had plans to go to OSU and battle the herds of people on game day to do the family fun (face painting, inflatables, games) with the kids.  It might be crowded and stressful but the kids would love it--and that's what is important!

This morning, I heard Kailtyn calling, "Mama!"  She does this every morning but it is usually louder.  I went in her room to get her and she was hoarse, wheezing and breathing very heavy.  My heart sank.  "Not again," I thought.  I took her into our room where Jacob and the boys were reading a book together and just stood there so Jacob could hear her.  He made a disapproving face and said, "Doesn't Urgent Care open early? Maybe you should take her."  I said, "That's what I thought, but wanted to be sure I wasn't overreacting."  I fed her breakfast, dressed her and fixed her hair, and got myself dressed and we went to the doctor's office.  Jacob and I had talked about how they'd probably tell us it was croup or a virus and to just put her in a steamy bathroom--that is what they usually tell us and we end up back in the ER.  I prayed this wouldn't be the case, that the doctor would actually listen and try to do something instead of it just being the same old thing.


Kaitlyn's breathing echoed through the waiting room as we waited.  We didn't wait long, though.  A few minutes after signing in they called her back. Her oxygen levels were low and they agreed she was struggling to breathe.  The doctor was very sweet and very patient--grandmotherly, if you will--and she comforted Kaitlyn and encouraged her.  She got a lot of smiles out of my sick girl this morning.  She ran some tests and gave Kaitlyn a breathing treatment.  We were told that she had pneumonia and her oxygen levels were up to 98, which was much better, but they wanted them at 100.  She prescribed an antibiotic, steroids, and a nebulizer with Albuterol for Kaitlyn.

She told us she wasn't going to let us leave until her oxygen levels were raised. She asked about her hospitalization a year ago and seemed shocked that no one has ever prescribed a nebulizer for Kaitlyn. I was so thankful to have a doctor who listened to us and didn't hurry us out of the office to get to the next patient. They gave Kaitlyn a Strawberry Shortcake sticker and we headed to get her medications filled and get a nebulizer.

We are getting extra cuddles from our busy girl today and we are loving every minute of it.  I am so thankful for the doctor who took the time to listen to me, check out everything she could on Kaitlyn to make a diagnosis and make sure Kaitlyn was breathing better before sending us on our way.  I had this fear in the back of my mind that we would end up in the ER later today, but my fears have subsided since we now have a nebulizer to help our little girl breathe. Because, you know, breathing . . . it's kind of important. ;)

Change The World

In our house music is loved and appreciated, but I have to admit that some of today's popular music isn't kid-friendly.  I have a 7-year-old boy who loves to read everything, asks questions about everything . . . and listens to lyrics in songs and will ask what they mean.  There are quite a few songs out there with lyrics that I don't particularly want any of my children to hear (much less understand).  For this reason, while driving around in the minivan I try to listen to music that is positive.  One of my favorite singers is Britt Nicole.  She has a lot of positive songs that are upbeat and fun--Kaitlyn can dance to them and the boys can enjoy them  . . . and my Logan can listen to the lyrics and hear nothing bad.  We were listening to her today and a song came on called "Still That Girl."

Here is the chorus:

You were young, you were free
And you dared to believe
You could be the girl
Who could change the world
Then your life took a turn
And you fell, and it hurt
But you're still that girl
And you're gonna change this world
Woh oh oh oh oh oh
You're still that girl
You're still that girl
Woh oh oh oh oh oh
You're still that girl
You're still that girl

From the back of the minivan I heard Logan's voice say, "Can this song be for boys, too?"  I looked at him in the rearview mirror and said, "What do you mean?"  He said, "Changing the world?  It says, 'You're still that girl and you're gonna change this world.' What if you're a boy and you want to change the world?"  I said, "Boys can change the world too, bubby."  He said, "I'm gonna be that boy who can change the world." 

I pulled into the school drop off line and as we waited I said, "Logan, I don't know what you're going to be when you grow up, but I can tell you with complete faith and honesty that I know you are going to be some one great and you ARE going change this world."  His smile was so big that it lit up the minivan.  He said, "Mom, everyone could change the world if they'd just do their part.  Grown ups could start with being nicer to each other.  Why don't they care about each other?  And we can give and help people.  There is so much to do."  We pulled up a little farther in the line and he said, "Maybe when I grow up I need to work with grown ups and teach them how to be nice to each other.  The world would be a better place if grown ups acted the way they tell us kids to act."  

All I could do was smile.  We made it to the front of the line and he opened the door to hop out of the van.  I said, "Have a good day, bubby.  Listen to your teacher, make good choices, and be a friend!"  He said, "I will, Mama!  I'm going to make some one happy today."  

This kid blows my mind sometimes.  No, he isn't perfect.  He has moments where he cries when he doesn't get his way and he asks for toys and candy and things just like other kids--he has spent time in the time out spot, had privileges taken away for bad behavior--he IS a normal kid, but he is an emotional kid and he cares about people. He is a boy who thinks A LOT and feels A LOT and sees A LOT going on around him. What he said really stuck with me because he's right.  Grown ups say one thing and then go gossip about people behind their backs, they think they are better than others, we take instead of giving and we beat each other down instead of lifting each other up.  

So, grown ups, have YOU made some one happy today?  What are you doing to change the world?  

I have no doubt that this boy is destined to do great things and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him! 

An Ordinary Day Can Be A Super Day!

My sweet Kaitlyn has been snotty, fussy and just not feeling that great the past couple of days.  This morning I woke up at 5:30 because she was crying and the sound of it was blaring from the baby monitor.  She will fuss from time to time early in the mornings and then go back to sleep, but this cry sounded like her "Something is wrong," cry.  I quickly got out of bed and hurried to her room.  Once inside she gathered up her lovey, two blankies, and a book and I picked her up.  We sat in the recliner for a while in the quiet, dark, living room and just watched the pictures on the digital frame.  It was nice to just sit and hold her.  I rubbed her leg and she started rubbing my arm.  She would look up at me, snot running from her nose, and smile.  After a while I put her back in her bed and she went back to sleep.

Because I was up so early I had extra time to do some extra things for the boys. Surprising them is one of my favorite things to do. I made scrambled eggs and toast for them.  By the time their alarm went off and they stumbled out of their room rubbing their eyes I had it ready. They were both excited about the surprise and sat down at the bar to eat.

I also took a dry erase marker and wrote, "Have A Super Day!" on the front door.  When they opened the door to head to school they saw it.  Logan said, "Hey! Look!"  As a mom it's nice to do little things to make them smile and let them know that you love them and hope they have a great day.

Sometimes life gets stressful.  Having three kids can be stressful--one is crying, one is yelling for you from across the house . . . but, for the most part, I just feel blessed that I get to call these three gremlins mine.  I am thankful for little things like getting to surprise them with breakfast and leaving notes on the door that make them smile and feel special.  Because, truth be told, being their mom makes me feel special each and every day.

Thoughts From a 1-Year-Old

I'm Kaitlyn. This week I will be 19 months old.  My parents watch me climb on an old suitcase that belonged to my great grandfather and talk as if I'm giving a speech.  They laugh and talk about how I'm telling my life story.  They think they're so funny.  What is it with adults?  I'm trying to tell them important things--answers to all the world's problems and all they do is smile and tell me how cute I am.  I know I'm cute, but I don't find it cute that you aren't smart enough to understand the important things I try to tell you.  I climb down, smile, and walk towards them. "Maybe this will work," I think. I grab their hand and say, "Come with me," but those adults--all they hear is gibberish. I sigh and shake my head.  I lead them to my room and jump in my tent to talk to them one on one.  They start playing peek-a-boo with me and I completely lose focus and start giggling. Let's face it, peek-a-boo is the best game ever!

There are two smaller people that live with us--big brothers.  They are always wanting to hug on me, pick me up or help me do things.  I get so mad at them.  I slap at them, push them away, and scream.  I don't want their help.  I want to do things on my own.  I'm not a baby, you know. I do like it when they read to me or chase me around the house playfully. The bigger one lets me sit on his lap and we watch cartoons together.  I'm just discovering how much I like cartoons. I have to keep those brothers in line so while we're all sitting together eating dinner I point my finger at them and say, "EAT!" If I drop a toy or lose a ball and can't reach it I will get their attention, point to the item I want and say, "Go, go, go" and they will get it for me.  They are my servants and they do what I ask and give me what I need.  This is my kingdom and I rule it with pleasure.

At the end of the day my mom asks, "Do you want to go night-night?"  I shake my head and say, "Uh-uh."  Of course I don't want to go "night-night."  Have you completely lost your mind?  I want to keep playing. Why do they always ask me stupid questions?  They ask a question and then when I answer they have no idea what I'm saying.  It is so frustrating that at times I find myself stomping my feet, throwing myself on the floor, and crying.  I yell, "Why are you all so slow in the head?"  As usual, they have no idea what I'm saying.

I do have to admit that they have grown on me.  I love getting hugs from them and I love that my mom gives me snacks that I enjoy.  I love that all of them want to be near me and play with me. I'm just really popular around here--they all want to spend time with me.   My daddy calls me his "little doll" and my mommy says I give the best hugs.  I wrap my arms around you and squeeze tight and then I pat you on the back.  Okay, okay, I admit it.  I love them all.  I'm happy here.  We just need to work on their language skills.  I'll start that right after this game of peek-a-boo.

"You Scared Me!"

Last night after putting all three gremlins to bed Jacob and I sat outside.  This is something we did often when we were dating and we still enjoy doing it now that we have been together for nearly 13 years. Something about the nighttime sky, the air, the quietness just makes it not only ideal but very romantic, in my opinion.  We sit and look at the stars and talk and just enjoy each other at the end of another crazy day. Instead of sitting on the patio we sat on our bench which is in front of the boys' window.

While sitting there together and enjoying the silence we suddenly heard Alex crying through the window.  I hurried inside to see what was going on.  Alex was sitting on Logan's foot locker and when he saw me he very angrily said, "Where were you?"  I said, "We are sitting outside."  He said, "I was going to tell daddy something and looked everywhere for you and couldn't find you."  Then, in a very stern tone, through tears, he snapped, "You scared me!"  I immediately reached for him and he fell into my arms and cried. I told him I was sorry and reassured him that we love him, his brother and sister too much to ever just leave them. He said, "I know that, but when I couldn't find you it just scared me."

We invited the boys to come sit outside with us.  Logan climbed onto Jacob's lap and Alex sat right beside me, holding my hand, his head resting on my shoulder. They looked at the night sky and asked questions about the stars, the clouds, the lights.  It was a very sweet moment. Jacob has a telescope and told the boys that maybe this weekend he would pull it out and they could use it.

We sat for a while and then, eventually, went back inside since it was nearly 10:00 and Jacob had to get up and go to work this morning.  I tucked the boys in and reminded them just how much I loved them and how happy they made me. As I was leaving the room I heard Alex say, "Mom?"  I stopped, turned and said, "What's up?"  He said, "I know you and daddy would never leave us."  I said, "Well, I'm glad you know that."  Logan said, "Yeah, we know you guys love us more than anyone else in the world." I said, "It's true."  Alex said, "I was just afraid that you were gone.  You know, like something happened or something."  I smiled and said, "You were afraid you would be left here raising your brother and sister?" Both boys started laughing and Alex said, "No!"

I love the closeness my little family has.  I love that Alex and Logan are best friends and that they adore their little sister.  I love that my big 8 and a 1/2 year old boy will still sit with me, hold my hand, and snuggle up to me. I love these kids. I love that they KNOW they are loved beyond what they could even imagine! I love my life--and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world!

The Story of Alex (Apraxia Awareness Day, May 14th, 2013)

When Alex was an infant he didn't cry much; when he DID cry it wasn't very loud. It was a soft, quiet little cry.  As he grew we noticed he wasn't babbling like most babies do. He was just so quiet. Around 18 months, when he still wasn't really babbling we realized something was wrong, but didn't know what.  We talked to Alex's pediatrician and he agreed that it wasn't normal but didn't seem too concerned. We eventually had a speech therapist come to the house a couple of times a week to work with Alex.  Around the age of 3 Alex also started going to one of the local schools for additional speech services.  When Alex was 4 we learned that he was struggling to do more than just talk. He had to work twice as hard as other kids his age to do the simplest tasks. It wasn't until last year that we finally got a diagnosis for Alex.  I remember holding Kaitlyn on my lap while she ate cereal out of her snack container and Alex's therapist pulled out files and paper work, pamphlets and all sorts of information.  She told me that not only does Alex have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (or Verbal Apraxia) but he also has Oral Apraxia and Limb Apraxia.  This condition is still being researched and is referred to by many as a "poorly understood neurological condition." Basically, Alex knows what he wants to say or do, but somewhere between the brain and the muscles the message gets jumbled and it makes it difficult for Alex to do things that even his younger brother can easily do.

I have had people ask me why Alex makes a "silly face" in pictures.  Oral Apraxia is your answer.  This is Alex trying to smile.  Sometimes his smile is perfect and other times he just can't get his muscles to cooperate. What really amazes me about this condition is that children who have it can perform a task over and over with no problem and then one day, suddenly, they can't do the task.  Can you imagine?  Alex gets so frustrated at times and I can understand why.

Experts still aren't certain as to what causes Apraxia.  Many claim it comes from trauma to the brain stem or severe illness before the child is born. About two weeks before Alex was born he started stretching a lot.  He was in the same position but he was moving a lot so I didn't think anything of it.  When we went to the hospital to have Alex they discovered that his head was shoved back and he was stuck. They feared his little neck would break during delivery so they did a C-Section.  He had some breathing issues but nothing major.  I shared this story with one of Alex's therapists one day and her eyes widened and she said, "That could have caused some trauma to his brain stem. I'm not saying that IS the cause, but it could be."  Honestly, it doesn't matter what caused it, all that matters is that Alex is getting all the therapies he needs and is overcoming new obstacles each and every day.

We have heard stories about children with Apraxia who can't talk.  I am so happy to report that Alex CAN talk.  He has trouble moving his tongue and jaw to form words and on rare occasions we have difficulty understanding him, but he is able to communicate and I am so thankful for that.  He has come a long way and we are so very proud of him.  Each day he is presented with new challenges and he just takes it all as it comes. He is our little super hero and today, on the very first Apraxia Awareness Day, we not only want to educate people about this condition, but also celebrate Alex and all he has accomplished.  He is an amazing little guy and this mama could not be prouder!

SEVEN!

 Logan and me about 5 years ago.  I love this funny little guy!

 Alex and Logan after we brought Logan home from the hospital.  Alex wasn't too sure about him at first.

 Logan--3 months old.

 My Logan Ogan Badogan!

 Jacob is holding Logan in the nursery at the hospital after he was born.  Alex was with his grandparents watching through the window and waving to his daddy.  He was 15 months old.

 Logan is a mama's boy--he'll even tell you that.  Ha.

Logan after finding Alex's unattended pudding cup.  See that smile?  This kid is always so funny!

Logan and Jacob at Kamp's 1910 cafe. 

Today, Logan turns 7.  I can't believe it.  Time is just speeding by.  Every year it seems to go by faster. I remember the day I took the pregnancy test and it was positive. I remember looking down at Alex who was crawling across the floor and thinking, "Jacob is going to be so mad!"  I left the pregnancy test in the bathroom and just waited for him to go in there and see it.  He came back out and said, "You're pregnant?"  I said, "Yes."  He smiled and said, "Good.  I like kids."  Logan was our only baby who ever really got chunky.  He was happy-go-lucky and just so funny.  It has  been so fun watching him grow over the years. He has this big heart and always wants to help anyone he can help. When he sees others hurting he cries. He is curious about everything and will ask 5 million questions.  He's just an amazing kid and I am so blessed to be his mother!

Happy birthday, Bubby!  We love you!

Time To Be Thankful

I read a blog yesterday in which the blogger had listed several things she was thankful for.  As I read each item she had taken the time to not only list, but think about, I realized that we, as humans, have a bad habit of taking things for granted.  She listed things I, myself, am guilty of taking for granted.  It served as an amazing reminder that we all have so much to be thankful for.

I was reminded today by my 6-year-old that we are to be thankful for even the smallest thing (even toys). I had big plans for today and they all just kind of fell apart and slowly I felt the bad attitude start creeping in.  So, I'm going to follow Mary's lead and post a few things today that I am thankful for.  Looking at all that is going on in the world right now it seems that it may be time to stop and take a look at all the blessings in our lives.

I am thankful for:

My children's smiles and the sound of their laughter.

Medicine that heals my children's illnesses and makes them feel better.

Little hugs from little arms (even the snotty ones).

A husband who is only a text away with advice and encouragement when the vehicle refuses to start.

My 6-year-old son reminding me to be thankful for even the little things.

Five minutes to myself (even if it means locking myself in the bathroom with a magazine and hiding behind the shower curtain).

The birds that gather outside our window and entertain my toddler.

Chocolate!

The honesty of good friends.

Jokes told by an 8-year-old.

The strawberry plant that refused to die last year and is back this year (as beautiful as ever).

Forgiveness

Kissing my kids good night and tucking them in each and every night.

Blogs written by friends and acquaintances reminding us that we have so much to be thankful for!

Light in a world filled with darkness.


What are YOU thankful for today?

Germ Factories

Yes, they are here.  They have been here for centuries and they are still thriving among us.  Germ Factories. My husband and I often joke that we are raising germ factories.  I watch my children share everything, which makes sharing germs a simple process.  Sadly, they don't even realize they are doing it!  Every time Logan is ill he asks, "What do germs look like?"  Like every other question Logan has, we turned to the internet for answers.  We looked at pictures of germs while Logan wrinkled up his cute, little, freckled nose in disgust. I reminded him that these little nasties are why his father and I are constantly telling them to wash their hands.

Living with children is always an adventure and when they are ill the adventure is taken to new heights. Eating dinner as a family becomes a test in how well you can guard your food from the toddler who is hacking all over it.  You wipe a nose only to have to repeat the process every few minutes.  Alex, who is 8, finally looked at me yesterday and said, "Why do you keep wiping it?  It does no good.  It just keeps coming."  Well, this is true.  I thought about it for a minute and then I said, "Well, I do laundry every day and it never ends.  There is always dirty laundry to wash. Do you think it does no good to do laundry since there is always dirty laundry waiting to be washed?"  He sat for a minute and then said, "No, because if you didn't do laundry we'd all be naked."  I explained that if I didn't wipe Kaitlyn's nose she would wipe it herself.  I asked if he knew how a 1-year-old would wipe her nose. His face wrinkled in bitter anticipation as he awaited my answer. I said, "She would wipe it on the furniture, on my shoulder, on her arm, and on you!  "Oh, gross!" was his response. He then left the room and reappeared a few seconds later with a fresh tissue.  "Here, mom. Wipe her nose!"

As parents with young kids we anticipate illness.  It's part of childhood to not only catch everything but to also pass it along to your siblings and friends. My children have been ill this year more so than usual, but they always bounce back.  I am so thankful for the amazing doctors we have (specialists and otherwise) and for medicine to help my gremlins feel better when they are ill.  I am thankful for all of my friends and family who offer to help out and constantly surround me with encouragement when I have sick children.

With every round of antibiotics we send the germs screaming in fear as they try to get away.  The factories fall apart with a loud crash and our children begin to feel  better. Eventually, more germs will take their place and they will rebuild and the process starts all over again.  My mother-in-law once said that the goal of a parent is to get your child to adulthood alive.  I think we're doing a pretty good job. ;)

Childhood Apraxia Walk

We are gearing up to register for the Childhood Apraxia walk this year in Dallas, Texas.  Alex is always asking to stay in a motel.  We have talked about going down and spending the night in a motel and making a weekend of it.  We will all receive this year's themed shirts and Alex, our little guest of honor, will receive a special gift.

While this is all exciting in and of itself, there is a bigger picture here.  Childhood Apraxia is still very new.  They are learning more and more about it each and every day.  Alex has both Apraxia of Speech and Apraxia of Limb.  Basically, Alex knows what he wants to say and do, but his brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements needed to form words or perform a task.

Oftentimes Alex feels trapped between two worlds.  He requires therapies and is pulled out of class quite often for help with speech, occupational therapy, math, reading and other skills/subjects. Alex has told me on more than one occasion that he feels like he doesn't belong with the "normal" kids and he doesn't belong with the special needs kids.  Logan comes home, pulls out his homework, and does it with no help in about 10 minutes.  This frustrates Alex.  Alex requires a lot of help with homework and some nights it takes us close to an hour to help him finish his homework, work on his speech practices, and his reading assignments.  He does get overwhelmed and he does get frustrated at times--who wouldn't in his position?  He is such an awesome kid, though.  Most days he shrugs his shoulders as if to say, "It is what it is, no use getting upset about it.  This is me!"

The bigger picture in attending this year's Childhood Apraxia walk is not only to help raise money for research of Apraxia, but it will also help my sweet Alex see that there are other children out there just like him.  Some days I know he feels like he is the only one, but this will help him see that he isn't.  He can meet other children with Apraxia.  We can meet families with children who have Apraxia.  I think this is going to be a really good thing, and if we can stretch it out into a fun weekend, well, I know Alex would love that! ;)

Don't Point and Laugh, Just Laugh!

"Stop it!"

"No, you stop it!"

This is when I sigh, stop what I'm doing and walk back to the boys' room and I say the so classy parent line, "You both stop it.  Now."

They are on the floor wrestling with each other, fighting about something.  These two have started fighting about pajamas and snacks.  I'm pretty sure one of these days I'm going to catch them fighting about oxygen. Just wait.  I'll keep you posted.

"What is going on?"  I ask.

They both start trying to tell me, this leads to yelling as they try and talk over each other. I hold up one hand and shout, "Hey!" They immediately grow quiet.  Logan seems more upset than Alex so I say, "Logan, what is going on?" He says, "Big brother is putting his foot on the TV and I don't like it and I keep asking for him to stop and he just keeps doing it and . . . "

I could feel my eyes growing wide as I waited for him to take a breath, pause to end a sentence, something.  No such luck, so I held my hand up again and said, "So, you guys are fighting because he is putting his foot on the TV and it's bothering you?"  Logan nodded. I looked at Alex and said, "Please, stop irritating your brother just to irritate him."  He said, "Okay" in a disappointed tone.

As I turned to leave Logan said, "He pointed at me and laughed at me too."  I sat down on Alex's trunk and asked Logan to come sit on my lap.  I asked him why he was getting upset so easily and he said, "I don't want big brother to point at me and laugh. It's not nice to point at people."  I said, "You have to learn to ignore him.  Is there anything you'd like to tell him?"  He said, "Yes." He turned to Alex and said, "Big brother it isn't nice to point at people and laugh.  Don't point and laugh, big brother.  Just laugh."  I said, "So, it's okay if he laughs?"  Logan said, "Yes, if I do something silly I can laugh with him, but when he points it means he's laughing at me and that's mean."

So, remember, don't point and laugh, just laugh.  Words of wisdom from a 6-year-old. ;)

Focus On The Positive!

Family physician, pediatrician, pediatric orthopedic, dentist . . . the list just goes on and on.  Between myself and my children we have been to nearly every possible health professional there is in the past few weeks. We learned that Logan will need quite a few surgeries and we are to start these surgeries as soon as school lets out for summer vacation.

When I was a teenager my mom would tell me that she didn't think she could handle a special needs child or a child that had a lot of health problems.  She would say that God only gives those children to people He knows have the heart and strength to deal with it.  On more than one occasion she pointed at me and said, "You.  You are some one who could handle having a child like that."  As a teenager I thought she was crazy--spouting random things for no reason.  Fast-forward 20 years into the future (ouch) and here I am with three beautiful kids--all of whom have a bone disease that requires surgeries.  I also have a child with a learning disability and other issues who attends therapies several times a week.

And this is our normal.

I was listening to Plumb's new album yesterday. There is a song entitled, "I Want You Here."  It is from the point of view of a mother who recently lost her child/infant to illness.  This song serves as a reminder that things could always be worse.  Yes, my children have to endure more than most children,  but they are healthy.  They aren't dying and I'm not watching them suffer.  I know that things could be so much worse.  The saying, "There is always some one who is worse off than you," is true. I encourage you to stop looking at the negative in your life--stop looking for reasons to be dramatic.  The world is dramatic enough without us seeking it out.  Start focusing on all the positive things in your life.  You will be happier and start to see life in a better way.  And remember, there are those out there who have it far worse than you do.

The following is a live version of Plumb's "I Want You Here."  There is a short introduction (In Your Eyes) and the song follows.  Powerful song.  We really do have so much to be thankful for!

Gremlins--They Keep Growing and Growing and Growing . . .

Busy.  Things have been . . . busy.  The kids are growing like weeds, which is what we want because that means they're healthy.  Time is going by too fast, though. They are getting too big too fast and I find myself trying to enjoy every second of them while they're still little.  Alex isn't so little anymore. It won't be much longer and his feet will be as big as mine.  He is growing like crazy and is just all arms and legs--one skinny little guy.  He stands even with my shoulder now.  I can't believe it. He is a big help with Kaitlyn and is willing to jump in and help with just about any chore. He seems very mature some days and is so smart.  He is growing into a person that I am happy to say I'm very proud of!  He is very sweet and very independent.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about all the great things his future holds for him.

Alex playing a game on Jacob's Kindle Fire.  Doesn't he look big??


Kaitlyn is now playing peek-a-boo quite a bit.  It is so much fun.  She has two new teeth and has really developed quite the personality.  She is ornery and happy and when she doesn't get her way she lets you know that you have made her mad.  If you do make her mad she waits for you to reach for her and then she yells at you, turns her back on you (oh so dramatically) and walks away.  I am pretty sure she cusses at me now in her native baby language as well. She has reached an age where she plays really well on her own when she has to and she plays really well with others.  I have a lot of fun playing with her during the day and when Jacob comes home he gets on the floor with her and plays.  Albeit, she spends a good deal of time beating on him, but it's in a playful manner nonetheless.

Kaitlyn playing in the tent her Aunt Susannah gave her.  She sits in there with toys and will play for the longest time.


Logan keeps slimming up and looks more like a big boy each day.  He will be 7 in April and I can't believe it.  Time is going by too fast and my two little guys are quickly becoming big boys.  I knew it would happen one day and I've learned to accept it, but that doesn't mean I have to be a fan of it. Logan has two loose teeth on the bottom.  He hasn't lost any teeth yet and has spent a lot of time sitting and wiggling these two teeth in hopes of yanking them out and getting a visit from the tooth fairy.  He has really discovered a love for art and drawing and spends a lot of his time drawing these days. He is reading like a pro and reads every sign we drive by while in the van and asks what the sign/billboard is about.

Logan at school.  They were playing Bingo and Logan was chosen to read/call out the numbers.  His teacher, Mrs. Barbie Kitchens, took this photo and sent it to me via text message.

I felt that the few family members who read this needed an update because it's been a while.  So, here's to healthy kids who grow up way too fast! :/  Until next time . . .

A Super Hero Turns 8!!

I am a little behind on this post, but better late than never, right??  Every year on my children's birthdays I write an entry that is all about them.  Each year seems to speed by faster than the year before.  I can't believe Kaitlyn is already 1.  I can't believe my baby boy is already 6!  And, most of all, I can't believe my Alexander is already 8.  Where did the time go?

Alex was only a few weeks old in this picture.  He had problems from the beginning.  They had to do a C-Section because Alex's head was shoved back and stuck under my pelvis.  The doctor said that if they didn't do a C-Section and I tried to push it would more than likely break his neck.  Then he said, "Is it okay if I proceed with a C-Section?"  When it's your child you don't hesitate.  I hadn't met mister Alex yet but I answered the doctor as if he were insane (which, honestly, at the time I thought his question was a stupid one) and said, "YES!"  Alex had breathing issues and even stopped breathing at one point.  Jacob looked in the little bassinet and said, "He's blue!"  Then rushed out into the hallway to get a nurse.  Not one but four nurses hurried in and without saying anything they wheeled our precious boy out of the room and down the hall.  We waited for what seemed like hours.  Jacob paced.  Finally the door opened and a nurse pushed Alex's bassinet back into our room.  He was wide awake and giving us those concerned expressions.  He would look up at us with an expression that suggested he was a little concerned that WE were his parents.  He was so observant and quiet (We didn't realize at the time that he just didn't have the lung capacity at the time to really scream).

Now, 8 years later we have this beautiful boy.  Alex has overcome so much and Jacob and I couldn't be prouder of him. He has so many therapists and tutors to help him with all of his needs. He has to work twice as hard as most kids his age and he gets frustrated but he just keeps trucking along.  He cares about what clothes he wears and how his hair looks.  He is great at puzzles, mazes, and matching games.  He is a fast learner when it comes to anything electronic and I have found him doing things on more than one occasion that I didn't even know how to do and he, in turn, showed me how.  We always tell him, "In the beginning there was Alex," because, for OUR beginning, he IS the one who started it all.  He is an awesome kid and I thank God each and every day for putting him in our lives!

I am now the mother of an 8-year-old boy.  Wow.  How did that happen?  I look forward to the years to come, watching him grow and I look forward to the man he will one day become. But for now, I want to hold him while he still barely (and some what ridiculously) fits on my lap, still likes hugs from mom, and is still a boy.  After all--we don't want to rush it!