roadtrip time!

The last 2 summers I've taken the kids out to central South Dakota to visit my Grandpa, and both years, I came back swearing I would never do it without Bryan again. Well, maybe it will be easier this year? The car is packed with never-before-seen DVDs, books, toys, music and lots of snacks. Game on!

This year, I'm detouring to my parents' to break up the trip a little bit and we are in no hurry to get back home. It looks like the second half of our summer is going to be hectic with moving and fixing up both houses, so for the next couple weeks the kids and I are checking out and enjoying summer break.

all about Brett

Since Tuesday was Brett's last day of school, it seems like a good time to write a post all about our oldest child. Brett loves school. He is the kind of kid who loves to interact and do lots of different activities. He also thrives in a structured, predictable environment - and school provides that for him. Assuming everything works out with the "storybook" house (more in next post), we will be in a new school district in the fall, so Brett said "goodbye" to his teachers and friends.

This week, Brett also said "goodbye" to his occupational therapist. Unfortunately, we ran out of insurance benefits before he could complete his program. But I've collected some resources, and we are going to do our best to keep up with a home program. Brett will continue his private speech therapy, as our insurance allows unlimited sessions.

This spring's eye doctor exam revealed a significant change in his vision. It was concern enough for his doctor to want to rule out glaucoma as a cause. The test required sedation - a very unpleasant experience for a momma- but he came out fine and he does not have glaucoma. His cataracts remain unchanged.

On to fun stuff. Brett towers 8 inches above his brother and sister at 42 inches tall and weighs around 42 pounds - big enough for just a boost car seat! His 4T clothes are a little small and sz 5 is a little roomy. He wears size 12 shoes.

Brett loves to play outside and go to playgrounds. He loves his family and Lydia is his favorite playmate. Brett is always thinking...or should I say scheming? He like art and cooking projects and also likes duplo legos. Since Christmas, Brett has grown by leaps and bounds in his expressive language and, though it is difficult for the unfamiliar ear to understand him, we are delighted to finally have our child communicate his ideas and wants with us. With a little assistance, Brett counts to 20, he loves to give us a full weather report, and he has made much progress with riding his tricycle.

The previous post was a glimpse into our challenges with Brett. There are many, and it is difficult. Some days are darker than I would ever be willing to share on this type of forum. I can't say that it's going to get better, because it might not. But I can say this for certain: Brett Theodore is "God's gift" to us.

One of them.

parenting my child with special needs

Parenting my child with special needs is way different from having a nice neat little 30-minute-a-week counseling session with a child with special needs. In a counseling session, I can give 100% of my attention, while in life, most of the problems arise because I can't solely devote all my energy to one child. In a counseling session, whether it was productive time or not, it ends and I can move on with my week. In a counseling session, I may care about what's best for the child, but I don't love him deeply.

I have learned more from parenting my child with special needs than from any book. I have learned that I don't have all the answers. I've learned that sometimes it's hard to take my own parenting advice. I've learned that sometimes even the best parenting methods don't work.

I've learned that I'm impatient, and I have very little control over what my child does - and he knows it. I've learned not to judge parents by their children's behavior.

I've learned no matter how much I don't like my child's behavior, I still love him more than my own life.

I'm learning humility. I'm learning every minute of every day I will fail as a mom without God's grace. I'm learning even a mom can't fix everything.

slip'n'slide

After setting up the slip'n'slide, I realized I was the only one at home that knew how to "slip'n'slide". The things we do for our kids!