God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The kids are napping after a busy morning....which is probably what I should be doing, however Pinterest got the best of me, so my nap didn't happen! With Valentine's Day only a day away, we worked on Brenden's Valentine's for his class. We (I) made hair bows and clips for the girls of course, and the boys get candy. With 18 kids in his class, he got a little bored before we finished all of them, so needless to say, most were finished by me!
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This past Friday Madelynn had a sleep over at Jonathan's mom's with her cousins, Olivia, Sydney, and Courtney. She was very excited all week, and spent the day Friday packing some crazy things, most of which I had to take out when she wasn't looking. When I picked her up Saturday she was T.I.R.E.D. Very grumpy. But was back to herself after a two hour nap.
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We were able to spend Friday taking Brenden out to dinner....it seemed odd being in a restaurant with only one kid, but he had fun and definitely enjoyed time with Jonathan and I. Saturday morning I had a baby shower cake to finish and he helped me with that. And by helped me I mean he ate icing.
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We are just a few short weeks away from heading to UVA for a sedated MRI to check the cyst on his spine. Unlike last year, I'm not a nervous wreck. I'm honestly at peace about the appointment and trust that God has it under control.
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Thinking back over the past year I can't believe how far we have come. This time last year I was a mess over Brenden starting school, for so many reasons. Now, I look forward to him going to school. He loves it. (Even though when anyone asks him how school is, his response is, "It's rough.) I love his teachers and aides. All 18 kids in his class run in every morning and give him a hug. Last week as we were walking out of school, (he always stops to talk to the bus drivers), I overheard one of them saying to a teacher, "He's like the sheriff around here, he knows everybody!" The teacher (not his teacher, by the way) said, "No, he's more like the mayor. All the kids, teachers, aides, and even parents know him." Brenden has a way with people. He has never met a stranger and will engage in conversation with anyone who will listen.
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And speaking of coming so far, later today we are going to have Brenden measured for Lofstrand crutches. While it will take a while for him to be able to use them well, we are going to start working with him at home. He gets around so wonderfully with his walker, better than I think I ever really imagined. Now I will admit I'm not much a fan of his tricks he does with the walker, but he thinks he's cool, and quite frankly, so do other people.

5 comments:

Joanna said...

I'm so glad he loves school! Jet is being "evaluated" for the special needs Pre-K in our area and more than anything I hope he makes it and loves it! If he doesn't qualify - that's good and bad - good cause it means they don't think he needs to be in a special needs environment - bad because then we have to look at private pre-k ($$$). But either way - I just want him to have a wonderful school experience. He'll be 3 in may and start in the fall! Where does the time go?? I really look to you and Breden and other "big kids" who are the forerunners for Jet. You always bring me encouragement, inspiration and determination to help Jet be his best self as he's growing and learning. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

what an amazing little boy i have for a grandson, i loved it when he called friday night and wanted to talk to all his cousins, he has such a kind heart.

Uncle Larry/Aunt Barb said...

What a kid !!! Brenden touches alot of lives because of his out going personality. You are right, he does'nt know a stranger. What a world his would be, if we all approached our day with a smile and not knowing a stranger.
Please tell Dale I am jealous of her sleep-over !! Love to you all

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"The Popham's" said...

Always makes me smile when I read your posts!! So happy to hear things are going good!! XOXO