Autism
I Loved You Before I Even Knew You
On December 9th at approximately 3:42 pm on a Wednesday, you came onto this earth. And since then, my life has ever changed. You might wonder why I’m only writing to you and not Collin. Well, in my heart, I know the past year has been a struggle for you and our family. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in life’s daily to do’s and your brother’s needs that I know you feel forgotten. But this is a letter to you to let you know I do not…
Read MoreA Beautiful Night for Baseball
It was a beautiful night for some baseball! Week number two and I’m still blown away by this kid’s progress. Batting, fielding, base running, hugging, and giving high fives. All on point! And to bed immediately when we got home. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just…
Read MoreFive Things to Offer a Special Needs Mom Who’s Struggling
You see the posts, you hear the stories, but you don’t always know how to help….. You don’t have a child with special needs, but your friend or a family member does. You want to do something, but are unsure of where to start. Here are five ideas that have been life-changing for me. 1. Remind her that she’s doing a great job. When she’s in the toughest times she’s doubting her self, she’s wondering if it’s her fault, if she will ever make it through. Reach out, remind her…
Read MoreHarbor’s New Bike
As parents, we want to remember everything. Especially the adorable and funny. So here goes… A few days ago we bought our two year old a balance bike from Strider Bikes. He’s a pretty athletic kid and will most likely be riding a bike like his brother Sawyer at age 3. Fun fact, I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 8. I can still remember my parents running alongside me holding onto my seat. Anyhow, for those who don’t know, balance bikes do not have pedals.…
Read MoreHappy Father’s Day Jamie
Happy Father’s Day to this guy. I’m sure he will second my statement of…’four kids? How did this happen?’ And yet here we are. Four weeks into an adventure like no other. I will say that while we both know that we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams, it also hasn’t been the easiest. And if we’ve learned anything it’s that chaos can happen in a split second. We can be cruising along, doing fine, and then all of sudden everyone is screaming and threats are being made and the…
Read MoreAsk About Anxiety
My sweet boy, This morning we had some alone time. You peeked around the staircase at 5 am and when you saw me open one eye you smiled and waved. Down you came. Slowly. I’ve often commented how you walk like a little old man most of the time. Cautiously. Studying every step before you take it. I know when it’s you because of the pauses. I can hear you coming. When you got near me I held my hand out to you like I always do and you placed…
Read MoreHome From Grandma’s
Cooper adores going to his grandparent’s house. He can hardly wait to get there and typically gives me a quick wave when it’s time for me to go. He likes to stay two nights and no more. That’s his max time he will happily be away from home. At grandma’s he gets spoiled rotten and treated like a little prince. There is ice cream and swimming and snuggles and endless episodes of Family Feud. Today he came home. He always struggles transitioning too and from. He wants to be home.…
Read MoreMy Greatest Gift to This World
My Son, I’ve been awake a lot the last 3 weeks and that has given me a lot of time to think. You wouldn’t believe the clarity that comes at 4 am. I’ve decided that when my time is done, and someone is writing up the story of my life, and listing my greatest accomplishments, I want them to list you first. You. The yellow haired boy who made me a mother. The boy who overcame. The boy who persevered. The boy who conquered. The boy who gives the gift…
Read MoreMiracle League Baseball
One of the best things we ever did for our family was join Miracle League Baseball. We met so many amazing kids and families like ours. We got outside. We found people who understood our challenges. We became part of a team. And so much more. Moms and dads always tell me that they don’t think their child will actually play. And my answer is always…that doesn’t matter. It’s so fun just to be apart of something. There is no score. Or pressure. Just lots of cheering. And tonight, during…
Read MoreThey Will Have Each Other
Every day lately feels like a sprint. And a marathon. Fast and quick and dragging by at the same time. And yet there are really amazing moments sprinkled throughout. Mixed in with the hard and the exhausting. Just a few minutes ago, the one on the right there smashed the one on the lefts Star Wars Lego set. There was yelling. And ‘I hate having a brother!’ But after they snuggled right here. And earlier, my oldest stole the good iPad from Sawyer. He yelled and screamed when we made…
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