Posts Tagged ‘special needs siblings’
Little 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 MoreGood Morning From Camp!
Good morning from camp! We are just getting started! Everyone slept. Mostly. And everyone ate pancakes and sausage. Mostly. And everyone is having fun! Horses and laser tag are up first. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch 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…
Read MoreA Camp for Autism Families
We are packed to the gills and headed to a family camp for children with autism. We. Are. So. Excited! We are also a little bit nervous because this is really brave for us. We don’t usually do things this adventurous. Two sleeps away. In a cabin. With itineraries. And activities. And people. But I also hear that there are no apologies at this camp. That little people can have hard moments and no one will stare or judge and moms and dads can breathe easy. And siblings can make…
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 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 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…
Read MoreHe 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…
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