When Men Are Boys

during a sudden snow storm.

Note to hubby:  Don't let the snow pile up past six inches if you plan on snow-blowing.  Don't drive the truck in deep snow.   Don't try to plow in deep snow.  Over and out. 

One Year

... to make a difference.

Nathan had intensive behavior intervention (IBI) for one year.   Somehow, with all of the work involved, a light was switched on and family life has resumed to normal.  I LIKE the new normal.  Maturing has been a big help.  But, all of the little gimmicks we used to 'train' up our child have been dropped (for the most part) and new (much improved) behavior has been firmly established.

Nathan .. Ready for a ride

I no longer live and breath in fear and for that, I praise God.  Nathan continually brings home notes from his teacher that he had a good day.  He plays hard at P.E. ... is learning to use his iPad for communication at school, attends an after school program twice a week .. and is awaiting anxiously for spring so he can start his developmental (horseback) riding lessons.  And this from a boy that had to be pulled through the horse barn just two years ago at the fair!  A few summers ago he 'went through' three or four summer camp aides ... two days of Nathan was enough to send them looking for another job or be reassigned.  That's the summer we met Miss Paula (an interventionist).. and our journey began with IBI.

If you are the parent of a special needs child needing behavior modifications, have a talk with your pediatrician by mentioning your concerns.  We would have never gotten help had I not spoken up during a routine yearly medical exam; that's when our doctor recommended IBI.

The Babysitter ... aka ...

Grandma.

I'm heading out the door to babysit my grandchildren ... including the youngest .. with medical needs.

Having had a child of my own with 'hardware' attached soon after birth (feeding tube & ileostomy bag), I know how hard it is to find and trust a sitter.  My daughter (the mommy) needs a little break to visit the dentist.  She promised to come straight home .... and that makes me happy :)

Happy Birthday ... Papa

Today I want honor my Pop on his birthday.  He's 83 years young and has been part of my life since he scooped up my little divorced mama and her three young children 43 years ago.  His love for us has been the best blessing to our family this side of heaven.  It was not an easy task to step in and be an instant parent having never been one before marrying my mom.  There would be a huge void in my life without him that is hard to even imagine.

For all you are and all you've done for our family, thank you Papa.

Love,

Your Forever Daughter