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Blogging for One Year

It was one year ago today that I started this journey into blogging. I really had no expectations about where this would lead. I didn't know much about it. I know a bit more - there's loads of talented bloggers sharing information, making connections and opening up a new forum for parents with special needs children to share their experiences. Unexpectedly, I have gained more from this experience than I have given: 1.  I am on a roller coaster - Our experience seems more intense, faster paced and definitely mind blowing at times. The posts help me see what our lives actually look like. Finding out about seizures one day, hearing about huge progress in speech or occupation therapy the next can be exhausting. The posts are a reminder that I am on a roller coaster ride of emotions and that it is okay to slow down or even get off the ride for a little while. 2. I feel supported - The connections made through the internet are amazing. To know there are other families facing

PTA

I attended Ben's school's PTA meeting this week. I am on the board as the Special Needs Liaison. I came up with that title last year, and I am still not sure what exactly my role is. Last year, I spent most of my time learning how the group worked and seeing what the school needed. I know from experience that newcomers with ideas can easily be shot down if they do not know the customs of the group. I planned a fund raiser for the school, made posters advertising Box Top collection, wrote Ben's teacher's monthly newsletter and helped the physical education teacher with Water Day. I feel like I did my time. So this year, I felt more comfortable asserting myself by planning an event for the students with special needs. Monkey Joe's is a place where kids go to play video games and run, jump and bounce through obstacle courses. Or if you are Ben - you go there to eat pizza and drink a slushy. Every third Wednesday night, for one hour, is free for children with speci

Special Exposure Wednesday: First Day of Preschool

Sean, age 2 1/2 Sean was very aware of his two older brothers starting school last week. He was not sad to see his brothers go as much as he wished he could be going to school as well. On Friday, the day set for him to start preschool, I made sure to remind him that he would be going to school that day. Sean's response, "My turn!" When I dropped him off, he walked ahead of me, never looked back and was not happy to leave four hours later at pickup time. He is the independent one, I should have seen it coming. Click here for more photos.

Boot Camp

Since Ben was two or three years old, we have joked about finding a Boot Camp for him. If you keep up with this blog, you will know that Ben is very good at pretending he cannot do certain things. He is tricky and successful in fooling the most seasoned professionals and parents. When Ben was three, he napped in a pack and play, near the window, about one foot away from a table with a few items on it. Ben could not stand, walk or pull up, or so we thought. One afternoon I walked into the room Ben was in and found the items from the table on the floor. I had not noticed them there when I put Ben down for a nap. I immediately blamed it on my husband. Who else would have carelessly left all those items on the floor? It did not cross my mind that it was anyone but Ryan. Next day, same thing happened. The items on the table were on the floor. It was strange and unsettling. And I could not blame Ryan anymore. He had cleared his name. This went on for a few more afternoons. I checked th

Magic Marker Monday: Two Fish, Blue Fish

Ben, age 7, made these at school with construction paper, crayons and tissue paper. Click here for more works of art.

Hazing the New PT

Ben is having major turnover in private physical therapists. He is still at the same agency, but the therapists are all moving. To the agency's credit, they have found qualified energetic PTs for replacements. I always give a new therapist my talk: Ben, although super cute, is a conniving manipulative 7 year old. Don't believe anything he tries to get past you. Be firm, yet loving with him. If he rubs his eyes, he is faking tired. If he yawns, it's the real deal. And after saying this, no one believes me until they witness it themselves. Ben pulled a fast one yesterday on a newbie PT and pretended he could do nothing. When it came time to leave, he walked one handed 15 feet, then up and down stairs to the car, and for his finale stood leaning against the car unassisted. Luckily, the therapist was watching.

Vampire Fury

If I have been neglectful, it is because of my recent addiction to the Twilight Series . I am about to read the fourth and final book. I expect to go into a depression when I am finished. I usually do after a series - I could not read for months after Harry Potter's finale. Hopefully, I will be able to keep going this time. I just need to find out if Bella finally becomes a vampire.