Getting the Word Out

About Alpha-1, that is...

I'm over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs today:

http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/553/but-were-not-like-that-mom/

Come on over and check out this one of a kind special place for parents who've been blessed to be mommy or daddy to special needs kids.

36 Today

Godmama

Yesterday, I became this precious little miracle's Godmama. Isn't she stunning? I'm so honored Hailey.

Out for the count

This particular stomach flu bug is awful. Yes, it has gotten to me. Ewwwwwwwwww!

Stomach Flu

Well, poor miss Meghan has come down with the stomach flu. She has been throwing up since 7:30pm tonight. I hope the rest of us do not catch it.

I'm thinking healing thoughts for Meggie. She is miserable.

Please

I won't explain but can I ask that you send prayers or positive thoughts for my family right now? This is simply a private matter and no, I won't share the reason, but I do ask for prayers/positive thoughts.

Thank you.

Amaze Me

My precious miracle, Meggie
You continue to amaze me

As the way your smile
Curls up to reveal sparkles in your eyes

As your tiny frame
Hides under your oversized clothes

As you reveal a boo-boo on your knee
Waiting for Mommy's special kissies

As the warmth of you smells sweet
As you lean in for some love

As your fresh youth
Exudes from your being

And your radiant laugh
Erodes my adult essence

Reminding me that my melancholy
Will be transient

And you will always love me
As I love you

Music to the ears?

School Update

Gosh, I haven't done an update in quite a long time. We just attended parent/teacher conferences for both of the girls a few days ago. Here is a little of what we learned about each of them from their teachers:

Grace
When we first arrived at the conference, Grace was with us. The teacher gave Grace some instructions in German, and it was so incredible to see her rapidly understand his words. Gracie has been doing quite well in first grade thus far. Her teacher, Herr Hasse, told us that she is a leader in the classroom, and that he likes it when she volunteers to work on something in front of the class at the chalkboard. He feels that the kids learn better from each other rather than from just listening to him teach all day long. Honestly, I was a little surprised (but secretly beaming with pride) to hear him say this because Grace has always been one to shy away from attention. Yet I suppose she would want to help others because that is her basic nature. Overall, she got a great report, and he also indicated that Grace's handwriting has much improved since the beginning of the year. I was glad to hear that since her fine motor control has always been an issue for her. Charlie bought her several pencil grips to help with her finger position while using a pencil. That seems to have helped her. :) YAY

Meghan
Meghan was so proud to have us find out how she was doing in K4. "I'm a good gurl in K4, Mom." Frau Savignac tells that Meghan has adjusted well to her new surroundings at the German School. She reports that Meghan is following directions appropriately and has participated in the class well. She is making friends now too. She frequently mentions Sophia and Emma, who her teacher tells us are just as "peanuty small" as Meghan. :) I asked if Meghan was using German words, and Frau S. told us that she uses some at the appropriate times. The primary goal of K4 is to acclimate to the German language and acquire vocabulary. Meghan will need to know her numbers from 1-10, colors, and work on writing her first name in upper and lower letters. Overall, she is doing well. :) YAY

So, there were no surprises. This mama likes it when there are no surprises.

Way to grow girls. Mama loves you!

I'm over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs again. C'mon over and check out my guest blogger entry:

http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/502/inhaleexhale/

The Violin

Gracie has begun violin lessons, and she is really quite proud. She asks to practice and shows off her new music stand, violin, and bow. I'm so pleased to see her take an interest in an activity. In fact just today, she said, "Mom, I wouldn't want to take dance lessons because I would have to dance different from how I want to dance. I like to dance by myself so I can dance how I want." Go ahead Grace! You dance to your own tune...the violin. (And, um, never mind that you dance like Elaine on Seinfeld.) LOL



C'mon! You know you want to come over to hear Grace's newfound musical talents. You know you do!

PS: I tried for over an hour to upload a short video to no success.

Harvest Time

In late spring, Grace, Meghan, and I planted some flower seeds along with some corn and carrots. Some of you may know that I'm not overly "child project oriented" but this was my attempt. A lot of our plants never even sprouted, but we got a few things to grow.

Our flower crop has come and gone, but we brought the fall harvest in today. Unfortunately, our corn plants succumbed to some frost but the carrots survived. :) They are all oddly shaped, but we hope they'll taste good.

Today, we enjoyed one of the last warm days of Fall before the cold stuff comes back with a vengence. I can't wait for spring. Enjoy my mop-topped farm gals!

Photography by Daddy

Here We Go

Today, I'm over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs. Come on over and check it out:

http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/467/here-we-go/

I promise you'll love all of the writers there.

The Wait

Recently, I've rediscovered the creative side of me that uses poetry as expression and story telling. Here is an example of the "Me Time" I've recaptured:

Marble floor
Worn with time
Cold on my skin
While sitting

And waiting

New parents
Wonder if
They've found
The right place

And waiting

I watch
The long hallway
Anticipating
Your skips and hops

And waiting

Your sister
Climbs on my back
Connects her hands
Around my neck

And waiting

I feel
Her warmth
And excitement
And need to see you

And waiting

I finally
See your eyes
Connect with me
Seeding my soul

And waiting

You dart
And run
Dragging
Your backpack

And waiting

I realize
You've grown
But still need me
My special Gracie

Annika Got the Call

There are a few bloggers who have captured my heart and attention over the past years. Moreena of Falling Down is Also a Gift is one of those bloggers, and announced this morning that her daughter, Annika, has been called for her 3rd gift of life. Annika is such a beauty, strength, and life force, and Moreena often documents Annika's ever present life philosophies. :)

This is such a wonderful birthday present for Moreena, and I pray that the transplant goes smoothly. Please consider positive thoughts/prayers for Annika, her family, and the organ donor's family.

A Riddle from Meghan

What kind of key can't open any doors?

A donkey!

5 Minutes for Special Needs

By now, you all know that I love to write. Correct? ;)

Well, I've agreed to be a guest blogger every Friday in October at a web site called 5 Minutes For Special Needs. It aims to bring parents of special needs children the support, insight, and inspiration they need to be the best parents they can possibly be.



My first post will be up tomorrow (Friday). Come check it out! There are amazing, inspiring parents there who help us all to remember that special needs children are children first and foremost. Their lives are not defined by their physical or mental limitations.