Posts Tagged ‘autism sibling’
He Gets Different and More
Sawyer, my eight year old, is the sweetest older brother. He holds his sister, he kisses her every morning, before bed, and when he leaves the house. He counted down the days until she got here. He asked me all the questions, like how she got in there and how she was going to come out. He was fascinated by her belly button and her blonde hair. He loves being a brother. And as we’ve completed our family of six, I’ve spent some time thinking about how different life would…
Read MoreThe Baby Phase
My baby is two weeks old today. As of 12:22 pm she has been apart of this family for 14 whole days. Which means 14 days ago I was pregnant. I was swollen, crabby, achey, and had the worst heartburn I had ever felt. Right up until delivery I felt the burning in my throat. I knew she’d have hair because of it. But I didn’t know it would be so blonde. I thought I prepared for everything leading up to her arrival. I mean, it was my fourth time.…
Read MoreThe Autism Sibling
Many nights I lay awake wondering if you will be okay… I know you feel alone, but you’re not alone. I am here with you. I know you are scared, but don’t be, Mommy is here for you. I know you don’t quite understand it all. It’s ok, because Mommy is here to help you. You get angry and that’s ok. You have every right, because it’s not fair. You wonder why this happened to you. Mommy will help you get through it. You wonder if I see you. I…
Read MoreMoments of Chaos
We are a week into this family of six thing. And while I did everything I possibly could to prepare our boys and selves for our newest addition, it’s still been a huge shock. Somebody messaged me yesterday that one kid feels like two. Two feels like three. Three feels like five. And four feels like eight. She was right. The house suddenly feels smaller. And so much messier. The clutter is insane. Everyone is always hungry. The dogs nails feel louder on the hardwood floor. Naps feel shorter. And…
Read MoreYou are a Gift to all of Us
Dear Daughter, You are such a light in our lives and in the world. You are smart, strong, beautiful and have a heart of gold. You are full of compassion for others (and a pinch of sass). I can only imagine what it must be like growing up with a sibling with autism. I mean, we as adults get stressed, anxious and sometimes scared, so I know it must be the same for you. Kids are supposed to grow up in a calm environment and sometimes that’s just not possible…
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 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 MoreI’ll Hold Your Hand
This adorable onesie came home in Cooper’s backpack earlier this week. I can’t even tell you how thankful I am that his teacher made it with him for us. And I have no doubt they will hold hands. Because holding hands is Cooper’s favorite. I watch him reach out to me, his dad, and his brothers often. We take turns leading each other. Just as it should be. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special…
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