Archive for May 2021
The Calm to Their Chaos
Life has slowed down over here. We are so used to running to and from, in and out. But we don’t mind. Because we have a baby to hold and snuggle. Sawyer and Harbie fight over who gets to hold her next. Harbie insists she is his baby. Sawyer, being a mature 8, refuses to argue but also insists that she is his. And Cooper, he is still taking his time. I know he’s proud though because this morning he tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention, and…
Read MoreHe Grew up Overnight
My toddler aged years overnight. He was tiny when I left. A little boy when I came home. I keep studying him, stealing kisses and hugs, trying to stop time. It’s not working though. Because my older two look like teenagers now. And in the question of why did post-partum Kate cry about today…while doing dishes? Sawyer told me that two of his neighborhood friends are in his older brother Cooper’s general Ed classroom, which he visits throughout the day. And they told Sawyer that his older brother is cool…
Read MoreA Life Without Words
Six years ago, a therapist tough loved me. My son had recently been diagnosed with autism. On paper he was what they call nonverbal. There are lots of ways to explain what that means. It’s not black and white. It’s a complicated, unique, description. For him, it meant he had no spoken words. Not one. He had no consistent sounds for certain words either. He didn’t use sign language. Or a speech device. He couldn’t type his wants or needs. It meant if his sock was bunched or his head…
Read MoreA Family of Six
Well, we survived our first day and night as a family of six! Some things were as we expected. Some were a surprise. Sawyer is an amazing big brother and he fell in love instantly. Cooper is taking his time to get to know her and we are in no way rushing him. He acknowledged her at first and is now keeping his distance. Harbie is obsessed with her. At age two we didn’t quite know how he’d respond to her. Well, it’s all love. She is his baby and…
Read MoreWelcome to the World Wynter Margaret Swenson
Jamie and I are so excited to introduce to you all…Wynter ‘Wynnie’ Margaret Swenson. She was born yesterday, midday, and is the most perfect addition to our family. I cannot wait for the boys to meet her. A huge thank you to the amazing staff at Woodwinds Hospital. Our care was exceptional. And a special thank you to Nurse Betsy for her patience and kindness to our us. She was the best of the best. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate…
Read MoreThree Extraordinary Boys
I just saw something on Facebook that said I’m not supposed to say my autistic son is resilient or brave or strong. I’m not supposed to say his siblings are amazing either. I guess all of that is insulting to a disabled person. And maybe that’s true. I guess I don’t know all of the rules. And I would never want to offend someone. What I do know is I am a really proud mom. My first born, he was diagnosed with autism at age 3. At the time, I…
Read MoreOvercoming Stomach and Gut Issues in Kids
A while back I shared a product that really, truly, helped my son with his tummy problems. It’s called HyFiber for Kids and we buy it on Amazon. I shared it with you all because I know how awful it feels to see your child in pain and not be able to help them. And often, when there are co-existing conditions like autism, it’s even harder to find help. Since I shared our success with HyFiber, I have received so much positive feedback from my followers! I was seriously stoked.…
Read MoreHer Successes Matter Too
It’s that time of year again, graduation. As I scroll through Facebook, I see post after post of adoring parents boasting the accomplishments of their children: Grade Point Average, college pursuits, athletic achievements, class rankings, and more. These parents are excited and proud! They and their children have worked very hard and this is their time to celebrate the achievements of their children. This year, I am among them. My third child is graduating from high school. So it’s my turn to boast: He’s Valedictorian, ranked 7th in his class with a 4.14…
Read MoreA Parent’s Connection Beyond Words
“Hey best buddy, do you want to play ball with L and I?” Andy asked, as Leo whizzed by, plopping himself firmly on the grass, contagious giggles roaring from deep within his belly. I sat beside my boy, gently scratching his back, while he busily gathered grass and dirt, shuffling them between his fingertips, watching intently as the football whirled by him, back and forth between Andy and our young family member visiting. A game of catch. A past time often enjoyed by father and son; yet, not only challenging…
Read MoreTo The Friend Who Gets It
A friend reminds you of your worth. She knows when you’ve had the max you can take and knows that you can’t go out for a drink, so she comes to you with all the ingredients for a fine Bloody Mary. A friend is one who doesn’t just talk. She doesn’t say a word, she just shows up. She attends your daughters IEP because she knows her support will give you strength to be Mama Bear. She shows up to your chaotic life and takes your kid to a soccer…
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