Posts Tagged ‘autism sibling’
Let’s Talk Nicknames
Let’s talk nicknames. Do you have one for your child? Did you have one growing up? We adore nicknames over here. So much so that we use them more than their actual name. They are a bit silly. And each kid has many. They evolve too. Cooper started as Super Cooper. Then Super Duper. Then the ‘Dupe.’ Snoopy Joe. Joseph. Sloppy Joe. The list goes one. Sawyer. Soybean. Soy burger. Soy nuts. Nuts-a-fuss. And when he wears us down we say we’ve been fussed. It’s a real thing. Harbor. Harbie.…
Read MoreUncharted Territory
Here is the thing I’ve learned about little brothers. They are always watching. Always absorbing like little sponges. They see and hear everything. They want to grow up fast and be just like their older brother. I know this because my two year knows a swear word. A bad one. Not a cute little one but a real one. And he uses a it in perfect context. Daily. He must have learned it from YouTube or older kids at the park or…um…his dad. I don’t know. As his parents we…
Read MoreLittle Brothers
Here’s the thing about little brothers… They are stinky and loud and messy and can be SO annoying… And they also have this way of inserting themselves into everything. They don’t care about boundaries or social norms. They don’t care if you talk or use a speech device. They don’t care what you are into or what’s cool. They just care that they can climb on you and steal your iPad and watch trains with you. They love to be chased and to ask for an extra treat so they…
Read MoreThe Parenting Bar
I was a less than great mom last night. I had all four kids alone, from newborn to toddler to an emotional 8 year old to Cooper and it was a lot to handle. There was a lot of screaming. There was water play when there wasn’t supposed to be water play. And then wet clothes on the floor. And sand. I yelled. I don’t usually yell. But I did.There was talking back. And throwing. So much throwing. There was ‘mommy will you play with me.’ And a lot of…
Read MoreOur Girl is on the Mend
So many of you have asked for a Wynnie update. She is on the mend. Yesterday was a tough day but Children’s Minnesota did an amazing job. The care was exceptional as usual. 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 a little bit easier. Welcome to our…
Read MoreWaving the White Flag
Have you ever waved the white flag? Threw your hands up in the air and said no more. I’m there. Since my sweet baby girl was born on May 25 our house has been sick. Every member. 7 weeks. One thing after another. And I can’t seem to get a handle on it. We went from being healthy to constantly being at the doctor. All in all, with six people, we’ve had… Five colds. Three ear infections. Strep throat. Mastitis twice. RSV. Six negative covid tests. Ten visits to the…
Read MoreThank You for Taking Care of My Son
I want to say the hugest thank you to the amazing staff at Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists for providing exceptional care to Harbie today. He had ear tubes placed and his adenoids removed after suffering for quite some time with chronic ear problems. Over the years I’ve seen good, bad, and great medical care. Today’s was amazing. So much kindness for my son. If you are in the Minnesota area and need a great ear doctor, Dr, Karlan is the best of the best. As for Harbs, he…
Read MoreI 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 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 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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