Imagine

It is time to take 5-minutes and just write. Off the top of my head, no editing, so second-guessing....ready set go

Imagine

Imagine life without Boo. I cannot.

Imagine life with a "normal" Boo. I cannot.

Imagine life without Allie, I cannot do that either.

Truthfully I can imagine a life without either of my girls. The life we had before. With my guy, my dog and my tent. It was easy. It was fun.

We would put the tent and dog in the car on Friday afternoon and have no idea where we would end up. We just knew we had to be back by midnight on Sunday.

Too much has changed since then. We don't travel as much. We don't have our 'couple' time. When Allie arrived things changed. As they do with the first born. We had five years adapting to this new life, just got our rhythm never imagining another child.

Then Boo came and life changed again. Sometimes it changed in ways so overwhelming I want to put my head down and just cry.

But then Boo gives me her belly laugh or and all the difficulties imagined.

Because this is our life and I wouldn't want to imagine it any other way.

END.

My favorite movie of all time...

I have many favorite movies of all time, it just depends on the time period you are referencing.

For example in the 1970's my favorite movie of all time was Star Wars. I wanted to be Princess Leia so badly. A girl who could not only rock donut hair but save herself from the Evil Empire.

In the 1980's my favorite movie all time was The Breakfast Club. Tia and I memorized every word. We even formed a 'breakfast club' of our own. Thought we were so cool. Oh and let me tell you I had the BIGGEST crush on Judd Nelson. I was always falling for those rebels.

In the 1990's, well they were lean movie years. Looking back I would have to settle for Toy Story. It is simple really, who couldn't love this tail of friendship? The fact that the movie is timeless is a bonus. Who doesn't want to have a friend sing to them, "You've got a friend in me"?

In the 2000's it would have to be the Perfect Storm. Hello Clooney with a side of Wahlberg!

The 2010's would have to be the Avenger's. Who knew Ducky would go from this in Pretty in Pink...

To this hunk of, well, hunk...

However if I had to pick one movie, the ONE movie of all time that is my favorite. The one movie I will watch every time is on, the movie that this family can most probably quote line for line...

You guessed it, The Princess Bride. It is literally my favorite movie of all time.

 Now if you are a faithful reader you saw the ending coming....

This post was brought to you from the lovely ladies at Finish that Sentence Friday. What is your favorite movie of all time?

 

 

Brought to you by the lovely ladies of hook-ups:

Finding Ninee (Twitter, Facebook)

Mommy, for Real (Twitter, Facebook)

Dawn's Disaster (Twitter, Facebook)

Janine's Confessions of a Mommyaholic (Twitter, Facebook)

Kate from Can I get a Bottle of Whine with my Morning Quiet Time (Twitter, Facebook)

Now it's your turn, what is you favorite movie of all time?

 



Driving Ms. Crazy

I apparently have a face. A face that anyone from friends to loved ones to perfect strangers can say anything they want to me, without repercussion.

For example, just this week I was in the Supermarket. My cart was loaded down with the $1 Friendly Sundae cups. Now I realized I looked kind of ridiculous. I had plenty of salad fixings but then about 10 of the Sundae cups.

Anyway this woman in front of me says: Oh my, you must really enjoy those!

I wanted to reply: Look lady, I don't even EAT ice cream. These are for the older child and her father. The one who will take a WHOLE gallon of ice cream to the fire station. This way they each get their ice cream at night. Oh and the older child can get her own serving. This leaves me more time to play Words With Friends. But I held my tongue.

Another example? Once day during Mass, during the moments when you give Peace to the individuals in the pew behind you a man replied: Peace be with you, with that one you will probably need it.

But the one comment, the one that really frosts me? The comment that makes me crazier than crazy warrior mom?

"Boo will be fine, she will grow out of it"

Excuse me... She will "grow out of it"? Let's get this straight, people. Boo will continue to make gains. Boo will continue to astound us. But Boo will never be "normal". Boo works very hard to be an almost-2YO in an almost-5YO body.

I am not trying to be Downer Debbie. I applaud everything Boo does. But I also am privy to the hard work it takes to get her there. Boo works harder at being Boo than a Harvard grad trying to get a minimum wage job in this economy.

I wish I could believe that Boo will "grow out of it". But I cannot. The past two nights I listened to her cry herself to sleep because she doesn't understand we are not in a hotel and Allie cannot sleep with her. I have watched her bang her head when she cannot have one more cupcake. I have witnessed her meltdowns, her laughter and her tears.

I have watched her hug Allie in one moment and swipe at her face the next.

Yes, Boo has come a long way. Such a freaking long way. She still needs a translator half the time to those who do not know her language. Boo still brings home art work that we know her aide did (trust me, her aides are much craftier than I am!).

And that, that one thing, is what really drives me crazy. That the people who love her the most thinks this is something Boo will outgrow. I know they mean well. These friends, family and strangers.

But Boo is never going to 'catch up'. Boo will be all that she can be. Quite frankly that is enough for me.


This post has been brought to you from Theme Thursday. Hosted by hosted by Something Clever 2.0, The Next Step, The Insomniac's Dream, and Mom With Her Running Shoes On. Please visit the hosts below!

So let me know, what really drives you crazy?

PS--oh, one quick catch-up. Boo unfortunately will not be attending the birthday party. It is being held the same day as the NSTAR Walk for Children's Hospital. Since Boo is our Team Captain she has to attend! But she was invited and that still counts.

You start with this fun idea...

Last week, we took a family vacation, seven fun-filled days of togetherness in a car. We started in Niagara Falls. Well first the saga journey started with a trip to the US Passport office.

Since Hubs and I are planners (yeah right) we decided at the last minute that the girls needed Passports just in case we wanted to go to Canada. On day one of the trip, we would be in the car for over 10 hours, who knew where we could end up ?

Did you know that it is not possible to get a passport on the same day you apply? Us, well, we are idiots. We did know that both girls needed to be there with both parents. Boo had an appointment at CHB  (imagine that) so we thought, two birds one stone.

Except we were wrong. You can pay a huge amount of money to receive the passport the next day. We forked over the money, because it is entirely possible we will get lost and somehow cross the border. While we joke that it might be a nice to have the Canadian government babysit the children so we can have some couple time, we are afraid Allie may stage a coup.

Imagine, Allie the PM of Canada. Heck, this kid would probably crown herself Queen.  Yup, better get the passports.

We told Boo's program that she would be out for a week to visit Niagara Falls. They asked, kindly, if we remember that Boo has sensory issues and really HATES loud noises.

Oops, kind of forgotten about that part of her personality. We were just looking at the pictures online and thought how cool would this be?


 

We were not getting parents of the year, I guess. Because we decided to go for it anyway. Putting the girls in the car at the butt crack of dawn, we took off for Upstate New York for two days of fun or torture. We arrived 11 hours later and after a quick hotel check-in we were off to the US side of Niagara Falls.

Let the adventure begin!

The US side of the Falls is so pretty. A nice State Park with lots of paved trails and views of above the falls.

But we dared to go further, into the falls, into the Cave of the Winds. This was a lot of fun for Allie...

Boo, on the other hand? Well she decided to keep much more difference between the Cave and her chair (notice she is facing the Cave to make sure they don't sneak up on her)...

The nice Park Ranger took a family photo that we can pass off as Boo entering the Cave. But Allie noticed Boo's hair wasn't wet and fears that might give away her secret.

After being up since 4AM and then the excitement of the Falls we headed back to the hotel for some hydro-relaxation-therapy at the pool. Sorry no pics of us in bathing suits. Trust me your eyes will thank me.

Day 2 we went to the Canada side of the Falls. Because we are ignorant Americans we were kind of afraid to drive over the Border. Where would we park? Would the Canadians speak English (after all, I don't speak French when they come here)? How would we pay (do they accept dollars, what is the exchange rate)? So we decided to walk over the Bridge/Border. Except we ran into one small problem. It seems that Canada isn't really handicap accessible...

There was no way to get Boo's chair through! Hubs had to go through and ask the nice Border guard to open the door for us. No photo because, well I am afraid of Border guards. Once we got through the gate we were off to explore Allie, Boo's and Hub's first foreign country (hey, I went to Spain at 16 and that totally counts).

And not to judge the whole of Canada on our short 15 mile walk through Niagara, but seriously, would it hurt them to put at least one handicap ramp along our route? Thankfully Boo is small so we could lift her chair up and down the stairs. Allie, well she had to walk. Again, not judging a whole country....

Thankfully the views were spectacular.

After getting our fill of the Falls we headed to higher ground (think a mile up hill, straight up hill). We found an Oasis....Margarita Ville, Canada!

I warned you we were ignorant American's!! After rocking it out with Jimmy Buffet we headed back out to the Sky Wheel, I think that was the name. I blame the frozen margarita. Where the girls (and us) had a great time seeing the Falls from above.

this was a miniature golf course under the ride

 



Why did both Hubs and Allie take pictures of the dinosaur? I have no freaking idea. I think it was the 90 degree weather...after the Sky Wheel the adults were in need of refreshment, Allie needed ice cream. And apparently Boo needed a frog fix so we headed to the Rain Forest Café (yes, I know Boo has sensory issues...think of it as waterboarding I mean therapy).

After refreshing ourselves we headed back to America...

 Where the girls got some much needed rest...

Before we woke their lazy butts up at the butt crack of dawn to head to Chicago for our nephew's graduation. Why did I wake Allie? She said the best part of the trip was the pool. Hello, ungrateful child????

But this is what we learned on our excursion...foreign countries are not scary. In fact the residents of Niagara Canada spoke better English than those at home. Also, they do take American cash and credit. However we never did learn where that handicap ramp was located. In the end, Boo rocked her new chair, Allie had ice cream and the Hubs and I enjoyed our Buffet drinks.

 

A good time was had by all. And that my friends is the story of our Niagara Adventure.

Oh and one last note...if you do walk to Canada, the way back is much more accessible however it does cost 50 cents per person to come back to America. In quarters. So make sure you are prepared. Otherwise you might have to leave someone behind.

 Kidding! We did not leave Allie to take over Canada. However we did let her borrow the two quarters to come home with us.

And I am back into the rat race

Last week our family took a vacation from all that is work, school, therapy and the Internet. This is what I realized on my week away:

• You can live without the Internet (I only checked e-mail twice)
• You can go into Words With Friends withdrawals (I managed to play a couple of times)
• You can survive 20-plus hours in the car with a husband, a 9YO and a 4YO. Just bring books, snacks and an IPAD/Kindle/IPOD touch.
• Your 9YO can manage to kill batteries in all 3 of the above BEFORE you reach your destination to recharge
• I only managed to live without the internet because everytime I tried to go on my Kindle Boo would steal it to watch Austin and Allie videos
• My husband has a strange addiction to Bass Pro/Cabelas
• You can go into blog withdrawal. I found myself wondering how everyone was surviving without my comments on their blog!

 
Okay, back to the vacation story. We took the Allie and Boo out of school for a week to celebrate our nephew was graduating Navy basic training (proud Auntie moment)...

Holy crap, when did he get so tall?

Since it is a long drive to Great Lakes, IL we figured we would make the most of the adventure. We put the girls in the car at 4 am (or as I like to say, the butt crack of dawn) and headed to Niagara Falls (or as Allie pronounces it...Viagra Falls).

Why Niagara Falls, you ask? Well, more on that adventure tomorrow.

After spending almost two days in Niagara Falls, we again put the girls in the car at the butt crack of dawn and headed to Chicago, Il. Roughly 11 hours later we met up with my nephew's family, along with his brother's girlfriend. Or as I like to call her, my future niece-in-law. (future as in a long time from now, a VERY long time from now)

On Friday I was one of my nephew's four guests to witness his transition from Seaman Recruit to Sailor. It made the 23 hour drive more than worth it. To watch this young man I have known since he was a terrible two-year old transform into a confident young gentleman. There are no words to describe how proud we are of him.

I also am in awe how the 890 graduates stood so still in formation for the two hour ceremony!

We were supposed to leave Saturday morning, but decided to take just one more day to spend with my husband's family. We went to a place called Bob Chinn's. I highly recommend the experience. Just bring your credit card ($60 crab legs, but hey it was graduation!). 

The best part of the weekend? Being able to watch the Bruins game in Chicago with our  nephews and their parents. Something we never get to do. Oh and Allie thinks the best part of the vacation was the pool.  Hubs votes for the crab legs.

On Sunday we again left at 4am and headed to home. Since there was no way any of the girls in the car (including myself) were going to survive 25+ hours in the car we stayed one more night on the road. Finally we made it home on Monday evening in time to rescue the crazy puppy's babysitter.

It was very difficult to go to work/school today. But we managed. Of course, I kind of forgot to get lunch stuff for the girls on the way home and the bread was well...inedible. But balonga on Ritz crackers is always a good combination, right?

Check back tomorrow to find out how Boo survived Niagara!

Workshops...not the end of the world!

When Boo began her new program in preschool it included monthly workshops. The workshop is once a month for 2 hours where a parent observes the ABA/discrete trials that our child undergoes every day.

The first workshop was very difficult for me to observe. I am happy to report that every month since then has been easier. At first I was just so unprepared. I didn't know what ABA was or the whole 'compliance' issues.

Eight months later, I love the workshops. I get to know Boo's therapists/aides better. I learn that Boo is not saving her stubborness for home. I realize why Boo is so disjointed on the weekends without the routine of her school day. Not that this knowledge will help me with devising a weekend routine.

But if you are honest with the team and allow them to be honest with you (in other words, don't think your daughter is a princess) both "teams" end up serving Boo in the best way possible. I relayed some issues we are facing this summer (we live near a beach and Boo is afraid of the sand) and they will invent a program to make the beach easier. 

The other bonus of the workshop is I can fill the team in on Boo's medical updates. I can tell them face-to-face what programs neurology and/or developmental medicine want to add and Boo's team is usually one step ahead of the game.

We are never leaving this town. I still haven't figured out why Boo's program isn't available everywhere. But I think we should make it our mission to find funding for your town.

Sometimes life is just good...

As many of you know from my recent pity party once and a while I break. But more often than not I just know it is going to be okay.

Last week I had a PTA meeting. Husband was working (surprise!) and after a weekend of spending way too much money I couldn't justify a babysitter. Off to PTA we go...

As I sat there in the meeting Allie had Boo in her chair and read stories to her for an hour (we were in the school library). When the stories got old, Allie took out my Kindle and the girls watched Austin and Allie.

I have a lot of fears with Boo. All of us have frustrations with her. Yes she is cute but she is also a lot of work for the family. When Boo wrecks Barbie-ville or the latest fairy house. it makes her a little hard for Allie to love. But at the end of the day, the love of the two sisters is something that makes my heart stop for a moment and just stop.

Stop worrying, stop trying to be supermom and just stop trying to make everything just right. Stop and take a moment, a brief moment, to enjoy my girls enjoying themselves QUIETLY while I enjoy the company of other women. Even if it was just at a PTA meeting!


PS--I swear this is a true story, the girls sat quietly in the corner reading books  and watching the Kindle until almost 9pm. Proud momma moment.

21 questions will Allie

Michelle, one of my favorite bloggers, had the best blog idea the other day. (I did warn her I was stealing using her idea. Since it was so funny I decided to share it with you. Michelle came across a list of questions and wondered how her children would answer. Kind of like Liebster questions with funnier answers. Of course after seeing the questions I had to ask Allie....

1. What is something your mom always says to you?
1. I love you
2. What makes your mom happy?
1. When she gets to sleep in
3. What makes your mom sad?
1. When we have trouble doing my homework
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
1. By tickling me
5. What was your mom like as a child?
1. Just like me, basically, because you had homework, school and stuff like that.
6. How old is your mom?
1. I think it was 49 
7. How tall is your mom?
1. Okay, stand up---maybe 4 feet? 
8. What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
1. Relax and watch hockey
9. What does your mom do when you are not around?
1. Work
10. If your mom was famous what would it be for?
1. I would have to say cooking
11. What is your mom really good at?
1. Baking
12. What is you mom not really good at?
1. Singing 
13. What does your mom do for a living?
1. I don't know the name, but you work near a hospital
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
1. Lobster
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
1. You love kids and people (this question took Allie a LONG time to answer)
16. If your mom was a TV character who would she be?
1. Rocky from Shake it Up because then you could sing and dance
17. What do you and your mom do together?
1. When we have Girls Day
18. How are you and your mom the same?
1. There is a couple things: we love each other and we are both girls
19. How are you and your mom different?
1. I'm good at dancing
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
1. You hug me and tell me all the time
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
1. There's a couple: The Irish Pub

 

Abby was pretty spot on with her answers. Other than I am not almost 50 and I am a bit taller than 4 feet. So now I dare you to go ask your children to answer the questions!

 

Liebster award season continues

Kae from Where's My Pacifier recently gifted me with a Liebster award. Who knew the award season for Leibster was so long?

Since my about me page was just updated to roughly 3 pages long, I will skip the 11 random facts and get down to the 11 fun questions Kae stole received from Jill M.

1. What musical artist are you listening to these days? Whatever Pandora decides to put on my play-list. I am still not sure on how liking a Philip Phillips song translates to me liking the Beastie Boys but it's all good.

2. If you could be any animal which would you be and why? I think I would stick with human. Why? Because not being able to go to Irish pubs is a deal breaker.

3. What do you say when your kid asks why the sky is blue? I tell them to ask their teacher.

4. Favorite food? Lobstah

5. If money were no object where would you travel on your next vacation? Back to Disney World, so far the best vacation ever for Boo.

6. How do you like your eggs? In brownies, in cookies, in cake

7. Favorite Reality TV Show? Real Housewives of NJ. I want to be adopted by Carolyn Manzo.

8. What was your very first real job? A hardware store

9. What book is on your nightstand right now? Well, truthfully none. But I have The Laws of Gravity waiting for me in my Kindle

10. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. But I really don't feel guilty about it.

11. At what age is your earliest memory? 4-ish, I think.

Thank you so much, Kae for the award!

Song

It is 5-minute Friday...ready for a Song?

Song is that sound in time that takes you back...

Hearing Jimmy Buffett and bringing back to when your now husband convinced you to go on a date by promising to take you to a Buffett concert.

Hearing The Who and and bringing you back to the moment when Boo started dancing in the Jeep and saying "song, song" wanting the Who over and over again.

Hearing "Baby I need your loving" and being transported back to your wedding day.

Hearing "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood and remembering how you cried the first time and only time you left Boo in the NICU to go sleep.

Hearing Selena Gomez and remembering the first time Allie realize that the characters in a TV show are also people.

Hearing "Celebration" by Cool and the Gang and remembering being in Spain with Tia when you taught the tour guide the song.

Hearing the theme song to Austin and Allie and seeing in your mind the first time Boo danced.

Song....this has been 5-minutes. What song brings you back to a memory?

 

 

This is Boo, last summer, dancing in the Jeep to "The Who" 

 

 

(FYI she has no shoes on because she tends to throw them OUT of the jeep along the highway!)

 



Boo and Yoga

We are incredibly lucky to have found Jessica, Boo's Yogi. I have written before about Yoga for the Special Child. But for a quick update for those new to this blog, we started Yoga with Jessica about a nine months ago. It was truly an act of Fate that we met, her daughter is a 'peer' classmate in Boo's integrated preschool.

Jessica is an absolute treasure. On top of running a husband and a house with five children, she is also a co-founder of Heartbeats for Down Syndrome. In her "spare" time she teaches yoga for children like Boo. She does both private (for children like Boo who would not be able to concentrate) and small-group glasses for young children.

I have seen Jessica teach a group class with a mix of typical and not-so-typical children. But, biased here, I like the solo lessons. Boo cannot follow directions. Most times Jessica has to move Boo into the position. What we have found is if Jessica's older daughter does the lesson with Boo the results are beyond terrific.

I started Boo in Yoga for the Special Child to help with Boo's frustration at being non-verbal. That didn't happen. What did happen is a significant change in Boo's bowel issues, a language explosion and a willingness to do the Yoga on her own.

Today in hydrotherapy, her PT was concerned about the toe-walking and a tendency for her right leg to turn inward. To demonstrate she asked Boo to stand on one leg. Boo didn't understand. But when we said, Boo tree pose...viola! Boo stood on one leg in an almost perfect tree pose.

Hey huge milestone there!

It is difficult, between Jessica's commitments and my own life we tend to interfere with Boo's Yoga schedule. One of my goals (and Jessica's) is to make her lessons more routine. I have noticed, when I put the extra time in (between homework, life and everything else) Yoga for the Special Child works.

Honestly, we should probably go 3-4 times a week. But between work, school, therapies and life it just isn't possible.

But Yoga isn't for just the "Special Child". Allie loves Yoga. Because I am not a Yogi nor one who can mediate I am not the best mentor for the girls. But before bedtime when we put Boo through her poses, Allie joins in.

And we all relax, if just for a moment.

To learn more about Jessica's story please visit Heartbeats For Down Syndrome or the National Down Syndrome Society.


This post was inspired by Rachel Tao of Poop who shared a story of childhood yoga and then recommended I post Boo's experience. Rachel is one of the calmest bloggers I have "met". She always sees the message in the little things. Something I need to learn how to do. Thanks, Rachel!

To find a Yoga program for the Special Child look here (I really recommend finding someone on this site and not just anyone.) for Yoga just for the child I found this site but cannot totally endorse it since I found Jessica simply by putting out a cry on Facebook.

Namaste!

Survivor, the Sibling Version

I am a fan of Survivor. Not a Cochran-type fan, but I love that show. Honestly the first season is still my be-all-end-all favorite. Before people thought they "knew" how to play the game.

Looking through the view of a mom's eye, Survivor could be the ultimate sibling game. Especially if you rip off the theme: Fans vs. Favorites and switch it to Older vs. Younger Sibling. 

Can these siblings outwit, outlast, outplay to win Sibling Survivor?

A food challenge? Will older sibling get mom's attention before or after younger sibling.

An immunity challenge? Will older sibling sneak past younger sibling to play with dad.

A food challenge? Which child can force down the dinner that their mom is forcing them to eat.

An immunity challenge? Older sibling attempts to put a puzzle together faster than the younger sibling can take it apart.

A food challenge? Which sibling can get more food on the floor/themselves/not in their mouth!

An immunity challenge? Will older sibling stay awake longer than younger?

A food challenge? Which sibling will be the first to find mom hiding in the laundry room with the brownies.

An immunity challenge? Which sibling will create the best Mother's Day card.


The winner to be determined by a single vote. Spoiler alert: The who puts mom up in the better nursing home will probably win.









Wow

Opening Boo's backpack yesterday and I got the biggest surprise....an invitation to a birthday party.

Wow.

This is a huge milestone for Boo. In some ways I am so excited, a friend wants her at her birthday party. In truth everyone from the class is invited. That doesn't take away from the invite.

Boo has been included. She is a part of the class and her friends want her there. Now do Boo's parents?

YIKES the true answer is selfish. I worry that Boo will be overwhelmed (it is a local children's museum), that she will just sit and watch from my lap. I worry that I will have to be confronted (again) with the visual reminder that my Boo is their age but not their peer.

But this isn't about me. Boo was invited, she was included. Boo will be going to her first birthday party.

Wow.



Update: Just got home to find that the day of the birthday party is a day when we have a family obligation. Upside Boo was going to go to the party. Downside, she will just have to wait a little longer. Bonus? She was included and that is all that matters.

10 Favorite Characters in Movies or TV

Today is Monday and I am quite fried from all the Mother's day activities. I mean really, 8 loads of laundry, do the dishes x 4 and then the freaking Bruins lost!! OH and let's not forget the card I got...To Our Mother....love Hubs, Allie, Boo and the dog. It was a card for an 80-year old. But at least I got a card, right? Oh and then he worked overtime so it's all good.

This week's Listicle? 10 Favorite Characters in Movies or TV..


10. Woody from Toy Story, come on someone who believes so much in a child's love? That has Mommy all over it.

9. Boston Rob from Survivor. 1st he is from Boston. 2nd everyone tries to emulate his game, and fails.

 

8. Archie Bunker. Wouldn't you love to be able not put a freaking filter on your lips?

7. Princess Leah: she can shoot a gun, fly the Millenium Falcon, ask a walking carpet to get out of her way and then kiss Han Solo. Enough said.

6. Samantha from 16 candles. Because on my 16th birthday I hosted a party that no one came to, sad but true story.

5. Brad Marchand. The Little Ball of Hate on the Bruins. Only because he reminds me so much of my husband. I just hope he plays better in Game 7.

4. Austin & Allie, due to the joy they bring Boo.

3. Danny Zuko and Sandy from Grease. I remember dancing in the aisle with my mom in the movie theater. I think I was 8. I cannot imagine taking Allie to this movie, and she is 9. Holy crap, Rizzo has a freaking pregnancy scare!

2. Ariel from the Little Mermaid. This is an odd pick, but funny. Allie recently told me my hair looks like testicles, like Ursula's hair. She meant TENTACLES but still she got me to the hair dresser!

1. Indio Montoya from the Princess Bride. I hope someday Allie or Boo says to someone, my name is "Indio Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die". Or better yet... you said my mom's hair looks like testicles, prepare to fix it!

This post was brought to you by Monday Listicles. The word you might be using but not know what it means...

 

Who are your favorite TV or Movie Characters?

Comfort

Today's 5-minute Friday challenge is "Comfort". Ready, set, go....

Comfort is having a day that I break, just a bit, and a friend from half-way across the world responds.

Comfort is being so frustrated by the doctors who recommend a therapy for Boo that is not available due to her lack of a diagnosis, and a friend from 8 hours away not only responds immediately to my URGH e-mail but then spends her day finding a way to make it happen.

Comfort is knowing that I am not alone in my struggles.

Comfort is being able to see the light of Boo's smile as she charms a gangster, who might not have been a ganster.

Comfort is seeing my Boo race to the school bus to see Allie home.

Comfort is my husband knowing I had a bad day, so he disappeared for a while.

Comfort is being afraid and having someone hold my hand.

Comfort is knowing that when it becomes too much to handle, I am allowed to wallow in the land of self-pity if only for a moment.

Comfort is having more awesome days than bad.

Comfort is having my child home with me safe and happy, never knowing that mommy is overwhelmed.

Comfort is having friends get pissed off on my behalf at the unfairness of it all.

Comfort is having those same friends see the beauty that is Boo.

Comfort comes from awareness that all parents feel overwhelmed and want to hide, preferably with alcohol and chocolate.


END.

Today, like most Fridays I really think that Lisa-Jo picks a word that is totally appropriate for my state of mind. I don't quite know how she does it, but I am happy that her prompts help me work through whatever crap I am going through at the precise moment of time.

Sometimes I break....

Boo has had a bunch of appointments over the past two weeks. More of the same, she is doing great/keep doing what you are doing. The thing is, and here I am being selfish and a total nitwit, Boo hasn't 'evolved'.  What I mean to say is that yes, she has had a language explosion and she is doing great. I am not trying to minimize her gains at all. But when you look at the whole picture she is still in the 18m to 2Y developmentally.
 

Yes she has made gains, but she hasn't advanced. She seems "stuck" at this stage. I know I need to be patient and keep doing what I am doing. But if her developmental growth is starting to stagnate does that mean anything or is it that the gains are more noticeable at 6m old than they are at 4 & 1/2?
 

If we "judge" (seriously, my word of the freaking week) by the developmental scale for a 1-3YO: she can walk alone, but not run. Boo can kick a ball, but does not have awareness of self. She cannot find a hidden object 2-3 levels deep (what the hell?) but can if it is behind your hand. Does she play make believe? Again, no.
 

Then I (idiot that I am) looked up the 3-5 YO developmental scale. (file under what were you thinking?). Walks up and down stairs alternating feet, no but neither does my dad. Climbs well? Check! Bends over without falling, no but then neither do I. Understands his/hers, no. Matches an object to a picture, sometimes. Can take turns, sometimes (but both Allie & Hubs have trouble with that concept.

And let's not even put the whole potty training thing into the mix.

Okay, I know I should stop the pity party...but I feel so, I don't know...if down is the right word. The developmental doctor wanted Boo to start at-home services. At first I was like no way, when do I have time for that? But because she was so insistent that I arrange it, I called the services. Guess what Boo isn't eligible. Now I was ticked off that here the doctor wants her to have services and she can't get them. Of course, the fact that I didn't want them in the first place is totally irrelevant.

Gosh, I feel like a teenager. Not wanting something and then getting ticked that I didn't get it.

Anyway, I am sitting at home having a pity party for myself and totally mad at myself for having it. I know I should be happy that Boo is safe and healthy and home. She is not on a feeding tube, oxygen or sitting in a chair staring at the wall. Her issues are so minute compared to what other children are triumphing over.

But, seriously, sometimes it just gets tough to be the upbeat supermom.

Karma

Life is funny. Just yesterday I contributed to Kristi's Our Land Series and wrote about how some one (in my mind) was judging Boo and therefore my mommy skills. That same day I was driving Boo to an appointment at Children's and well, you know how Boston traffic can be. If you don't know picture a 4-lane highway at a dead stop with a blinking sign telling you that it is only going to take you 37 minutes to go 5 miles. And your exit is another 7 miles past that.

As we are sitting in this traffic Boo starts screaming "HI" at the top of her lungs and waving at the car next to us. Here is where karma kicks my ass. He looked like he was in a gang.

So there I am judging, ON THE SAME DAY as I write a post about judging! Now in my limited defense, the car was pounding rap music so loud my feet felt the vibration. He was wearing the Mr. T starter kit of gold chains and earrings and had his head covered in a handkerchief.

After about (what felt like) 5 minutes of Boo calling "HI" this man finally cracked and waved at her. Then he smiled. And he had gold teeth to match his gold chains. The minute he noticed me noticing he quickly started scowling and changed lanes.

Yeah, I judged and still think he probably was in a gang. But it just goes to show you the power of my Boo. Imagine if we used her in crime control?

Check out my guest post!

Wow. Kristi over at Finding Ninee decided to use one of my posts in her Our Land Series.

Thanks Kristi!
http://www.findingninee.com/dear-you/


 

Kindness

Sometimes people's kindness just makes me speechless. The other night, after a very long day for Boo, I had to drop something off to a friend of mine that works at a golf course. As we were catching up, Boo was just resting her head on my shoulder.

A kind man who works in the pro-shop approached her and held out a pink golf ball. Boo actually took the ball from the man, said 'thank you' in her quietest voice and rested her head back down.

This is huge for so many reasons. Boo is very shy, that she even met this man's eyes and took something from him is amazing. But that she also said thank you? Oh my...

We left, she never let go of the ball. The next morning, it was the first thing she grabbed after her IPAD.

She has not let go of it. She has held it in the supermarket, the bank, Church and while playing. I had to wrest it from her hands before bedtime.

So I would like to take a moment, to say thank you. Thank you to this very kind gentleman who took time out of his day to make a little girl's day and her momma's heart overflow.

What the heck is a Listicle?

I have no freaking idea. But I asked Kristi who of course had the answer....according to the world of Kristi According to Wikipedia, a listicle is a list that has more guts.  Specifically “a short-form of writing that uses a list as its thematic structure, but is fleshed out with sufficient verbiage to be published as an article.”

What the heck does that mean, exactly? No idea. I mean how can that be a word if spellcheck doesn't recognize it? But I have wine so I figured I would hop on the listicle train because this week's cracked me up.

Ten things that you love that cost you nothing, yet....

Okay, the "yet" is probably not part of the listicle. But since I love bending the rules here I go!

1. Kissing your children good night. Sure, they are cute now, but if they are anything like my Allie they will probably try to charge us soon. This is the girl that asked for an allowance and then refused, refused I tell you, to do ANYTHING if she wasn't paid. Now I don't want to raise a future hooker because you know it isn't like Pretty Woman. So I am never going to go for paying for kisses. But I know how her brain works and will not put anything past her.

2. Walking the dog. Our town just passed a pay-as-you-throw deal. Not only do we have to pay for a dump sticker and on top of that per bag of trash you just know they are going to start changing extra for disposal of dog poop.

3. Showering. Oh wait, that is already taken.  I mean we already have a water tax. So I guess we already pay to be clean. Except I have a well, no water tax right? But how much do you want to bet that soon our town will say you have to pay extra NOT to use their water. And since I love to shower.... 

4. Breathing clean air. Think about it, about 20 years ago some guy in Maine said hey don't drink your water it isn't as clean as Poland Springs....


5. Facebook. Let's face it. I am a Facebook addict. I love Words with Friends, I like looking at people's photos and saying what the heck were they thinking? I think it is all a scam. Kind of like the water deal. Zuckerberg reeled us in and in the future he is going to make us pay for addiction. Think of the black-mail he has with all those photos we put online. Even worse, all those drunken status updates.

6. Public education. Why do I love public education? Well, it makes sure my children are some place, anyplace else other than at home. I see a time coming when the seniors in the town say they are no longer using their retirement money to pay for my child's education (and really, who can blame them). Leaving parents to pay for their own child's education.

7. Blogging. I do not advertise. Why? Well, haven't been asked! But also my blog is more of a look into our lives. It is not an advice or "theme" blog. I have some favorite blogs though that do advertise. Some A LOT more than others. I worry about the day when you cannot just write or read. Instead if I want to see what is going on in your life I am going to have to pay for the privilege. Oh and Dana as a fellow non-advertiser, if you ever charge me to read your blog I'm going to be very upset!

8. Friendship. At this point my friends are my therapist. I imagine them charging me one day to listen to my troubles.

9. Marriage. I know what you are thinking how can they tax marriage? But if the people who are against marriage for everyone start to think to themselves, hey wait if everyone can get married and we charge them extra then people won't "live in sin"....I see marriage equality for everyone!

10. Love. See #1 above. Where do you think Allie gets her mercenary tendencies from? If Hubs ever gets a clue that charging for love does not make him a gigolo.....
 

This has been a Monday Listicle event brought to you by the Fab Northwest Mommy at the Good Life. Go check her out and tell me what you would love that doesn't cost you anything. And if you want to be a rebel, tell me what doesn't cost you money YET!!