1. All about AAC, ABA and IEP A few years ago I had no idea what these acronyms stood for, but then I became the mama of a kiddo with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Sensory Processing Disorder. This month I've learned all about Individualized Education Plans, Applied Behavior Analysis and Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. The special needs journey is all about educating myself so that I can be the best advocate for Jackson. 2. My Favorite Etsy Shop has Speech Therapy Continue Reading
A Spilled Soda and the State of My Heart
Last week I lost it over spilled Dr Pepper. As the dark fizz ran from the kitchen table, making a puddle on the tile floor, I could feel my temper rising. I had just told Jackson to be careful. To not spill his drink. Yes, I was irritated by the mess, but it wasn't until he started splashing in the sticky brown liquid that I lost my cool! As Dr Pepper flew through the air, harsh words flew out my mouth. And the moment those words escaped my lips, shame covered me. I stood in the Continue Reading
Standing At A Crossroads
We've been standing at a crossroads for the past few weeks. It's not the first time I've found myself here. I remember the dreaded crossroads of our adoption journey - did we keep pursuing an Ethiopian Adoption or leave the program? Crossroads come with hard decisions. During our adoption journey, God continually impressed upon my heart: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) I've Continue Reading
Celebrating the Normal
One of the most difficult parts of the special needs journey is grieving the life you thought you would have. And that grief isn't a one time thing. It can hit you at the most random times. As parents, we all have dreams for our kids. We imagine what it will be like watching them play sports. We can't wait to take them to Disney World. We daydream about what they'll be when they grow up. But life doesn't go as planned after a diagnosis. There's a lot of normal things we don't get to Continue Reading
Glimpses of Gratitude {For the Special Needs Journey}
There's something I'm reminded of often: if we stop practicing gratitude we'll miss His glory all around us. Sometimes it's hard to be grateful when you're the parent of a child with special needs. Don't take that the wrong way. I'm always grateful for my child; but the back-to-back appointments, the meltdowns, the financial strain - not always so grateful for those. But gratitude draws me closer to the heart of God. It allows me to see my circumstances from His perspective. 1 Continue Reading