Disability? It Doesn't Matter to This Mama

Recently I took Bradley to see if he needed speech therapy.  Turns out he needed more then just speech therapy and this was hard for me to hear.  I wondered if I did something wrong as a mom, if I wasn't good  enough, if I didn't try hard enough, what I did wrong.

When reading the reports that I got back, it seemed to make the matters worse.  Then there was a meeting following the reports to see where and what to do about all this and make a plan.  It was all overwhelming.  I was feeling like a failure.  What made the matter worse is not only did Bradley need the speech therapy but occupational therapy because his fine motors skills are not up to par.

After the meeting my husband and I had with the school people, I'm not even 100% sure who they are but I know one of them is a psychologist, or psychiatrist, anyway it turns out this is a good thing.  Because Bradley is mildly delayed in BOTH speech and fine motor skills he qualifies for help.  If he was mildly delayed in one or the other he would not qualify for any help and could go years without it.  This is a blessing.  And turns out they feel like after a year he most likely won't need speech anymore or occupational therapy.  They feel like he may be able to be catch up quickly.

Yesterday was his first at home speech and occupational therapy sessions.  First was speech.  Chris was home for part of it then had to go back to work.  It was fantastic!  Bradley was picking up the "f" sound quickly.  I was so proud of him and I was learning how to teach him how to make it.  The only hiccup in the whole process is when the therapist was playing a farm game with Bradley in which a bucket of rice (the farm) had hidden farm animals in it, which Bradley had to find.  Bradley and Maureen sang a song together, then Bradley would find the animal, name it and set it aside.  All of a sudden the first animal, a sheep, came up missing.  Turns out, Leo (our lab) who intently was watching the entire game, stole it.  Maureen asked if Leo had it.  I said no because he continued to sit right next to them and was not licking his lips.  Then he quietly slipped away into the other room and I had to pry his mouth open to find a sheep sitting on his tongue.  After a quick wash in the sink, the sheep was returned.  Maureen thought this was hilarious.

Occupational therapy was yesterday as well.  Bradley was very hyper by the time Miss Lisa came over but loved playing toss the bean bag into the bucket and drawing.  He and Miss Lisa did have fun and Leo did not steal anything this time.

Thursday is the next day both of these ladies come over.    It will be every Tuesday and Thursday until school is out and then it starts up again in the fall.  Bradley is learning very quickly in speech and I hope he learns just as quickly in the occupational therapy department I just have to have the little distractions of wee little children occupied elsewhere.  As for my child with a disability.....he's my child and I love him either way.  At last he is getting the help he needs.

Look out....I'm back

It's been awhile....Computer was fried....after MONTHS...we have a new one, and a new house, new living room furniture on it's way as well.  Things are looking up.  A lot of things are looking up.  So much to tell and fill everyone in on.  My computer was friend over Thanksgiving and well, it's been hard to write without one.  Thankfully I have a new one now.  Big news will hopefully be coming soon.  Pictures of the new house will hopefully follow.  Until then, looks like the world will hear from me again.  And this in my eyes is good.

Thankful Thoughts

I have thought over and over again about this post. In fact this isn't even the post I want to write, but I figured since Thursday is Thanksgiving, there is a lot I have to be thankful for. I have decided I am most thankful for my family, which was clearly heavenly sent. I have a mother and father who are loving, a brother who cares and is willing to give all he has to help someone in need (what an example he is). My husband, how did I get so lucky? He truly is my best friend.

I also am grateful for my two kids. Bradley is the most sweet and kind three year old. I watch my neighbor's daughter and if I can't get to her right away, he is there and telling her it's ok and I'm going to be right there. He found a picture of me in my early twenties tonight. He said, "It's mommy!" When I look at it, I see the difference years have made. Bradley didn't care. I told him he could have it and he decided where to hang it in his room.

Sweet little Amelia. How could I not be thankful for her. I had no idea having a little girl would be so much fun. Already she loves to dress up and play. She's great at sharing and gets into cuddly moments. My favorite is her "surprised" face. So much a favorite that we made it one of our pictures to put in our Christmas cards.

Growing up I always wanted a sister. I have been very close to some and have some of the best friends in the world. This past year I honestly feel like I have a sister and I am so grateful for this woman in my life. I have never thought of someone as a sister like I do her. She tells me when I'm wrong and she tells me when I'm right and one day I will write a post about her, but needless to say this woman is an inspiration to me, a motivation and family. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I won't reveal her name, and maybe she knows who she is and maybe not. Regardless to this woman all I can say is thank you for being my sister!