Tag: Kids

Thankful to be a Mom

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When you’re little, you dream of what you want to be when you grow up.

A doctor. A movie star. A singer. An astronaut. A Firefighter.

There were a few things on my list and they have changed throughout the years. The one constant is that I wanted to be a mom.

I had a whole plan of having 3 kids by the time I was 30. Since plans never actually go as…planned….I started at 32 and have two amazing kids today. Although financially stressful, I am fortunate enough to be home with them everyday. Watching them change and grow – mentally, emotionally and physically – has been the biggest joy of my life.

I’m only (a few weeks shy of) 4 years into mommyhood and I have learned so much about love, life and myself. There are a million stressful and tiring moments but I wouldn’t change them for anything. I am thankful everyday, appreciate all the ups and downs and can’t believe I get to experience my dream “job” and do what I feel I was meant to do. How many people get that lucky?

To all the moms out there (and dads) you’re doing an amazing job! If we can work hard to help these little people become kind, considerate, respectful, happy adults – we have succeeded! Keep learning and growing with them. One day when they’re adults with families of their own you’ll wonder with the time went and miss even the craziest of moments. Embrace the changes and don’t forget to cut yourself a break once in awhile.

You got this. You’re rocking it. And we’re in it together! Let’s help these little world changers as they embark on their own crazy journey. I can’t wait to see who they become!

Happy Mother’s Day 💕

Stop and Smell the Tulips

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Every May, our local park becomes so colorful thanks to beautiful Tulips.

When the kids woke up from naps on Monday, we went to check them out and of course stop by the playground. It had been a long week with ‘Baby J’ being sick, a few rainy days and another cancelled Chicago trip.

‘J’ has really been into Spiderman for the last month or two. He likes the Spiderman merchandise and books but he’s not that into the cartoons. On the way to the park he said he wanted to get a BIG Spiderman comic book. Then he started a conversation with his sister asking which comic book she wanted. He decided she wanted Minnie. We couldn’t resist the cuteness and after the park we headed over to the comic book store where he did indeed find a BIG Spiderman comic book, a Disney Princess comic book for his sister and the store through in some freebies along the way (including another Spiderman comic and Star Wars).

We came home and barbecued dinner. Being outside meant playing soccer, T-ball, chalk and bubbles. Once ‘Baby J’ went to sleep, we decided to make s’mores in our table fire pit. This was ‘J’s’ first time roasting marshmallows and since he can’t do dairy, it was more like a marshmallow sandwich. He loved every second of it. The night ended with his normal bath and movie routine.

All of these things happened in about 3-4 hours. Seems like a week’s worth of activities! We had so much fun and it was a great reminder that sometimes you have to just stop and go with the flow. It’s so easy to get caught up in the normal routine. We finally have some beautiful weather and we need to take advantage.

I highly recommend stopping, taking a deep breath and enjoying all the fun moments with your kids. It’s cliche but they really do change and grow so fast. The normal daily routine won’t make many memories, but days like Monday will.

It’s Spring! Don’t forget to stop and smell the….Tulips!

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Bag ‘O Fun

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As I mentioned in my last blog, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” we took a trip to Pittsburgh two weeks ago for Spring Break. We’re lucky and thankful that our kids are great on car trips, as long as plenty of snacks and activities are packed. They normally make it to the final hour or two before they need the iPhones.

Although having activities and snacks comes with dropping activities and snack which results in me turning around to get them most of the trip. But it’s a small price to pay for having them locked in seats for 7 hours.

The times the car rides become less fun is when ‘J’s’ sister (‘Baby J’) becomes unhappy because that is an automatic trigger for him. This was one of my earliest red flags of thinking this was all more than just empathy. The result is screaming and crying long after ‘Baby J’ is done whining or crying.

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Along with checking out the Mister Rogers exhibit at the Heinz History Center, we also stopped by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. If you haven’t been there, I recommend it. It’s huge and there’s so much to see and do!

Since it’s so big and it was a Saturday, there was a big crowd. ‘J’ was definitely overwhelmed. He wasn’t unhappy just unsettled. He didn’t stay in one place too long, didn’t go over to exhibits if there were too many people around it and was extra clingy. Luckily they have a great art area with painting and clay. This was a much quieter space and we spent most of our time in this spot.

I was talking to ‘J’s’ Occupational Therapist after our trip about his triggers and she suggested having a backpack with some items they may help calm him in these situations. At home, he’s good about going to his room to reset himself if he’s feeling overwhelmed. When we’re out in public or he’s locked into a car seat, it’s not as easy. Luckily we have quite a few backpacks on hand and I’ve since put one together with his headphones, sensory bottle, his squishy fidget dinosaur, small toys and his water bottle. We brought the headphones on our last plane ride and for some reason I didn’t think to bring them on the car trip. They definitely would’ve been helpful for when ‘Baby J’ was upset.

She also mentioned carrying the backpack may help him since weighted items can provide comfort. We’ve already tried this on shorter car rides (30+ minutes) and so far it has come in handy.

I’m willing to try any and everything that will provide him any comfort or organization for his mind and body. Not all will work, but through trial and error, I know we’ll find the best combination of sensory items and activities.

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

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“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” 

“Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.” 

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” 

“Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life’s important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives.” 

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” 

“You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are.”

These are just a few of the many amazing quotes are by the one and only Fred Rogers.

Two weeks ago, we decided to take a trip to Pittsburgh during spring break. Not the first place that comes to most people’s mind when you think of spring break, but we wanted to check out the Mister Rogers Exhibit at the Heinz History Center.

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Admittedly, I did not grow up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Of course I had seen it, but my brother had been a fan when he was younger and I didn’t take to it in the same way. As I got older and learned more about him, watched interviews and read articles, I came to appreciate his message. Now that I’m a mom, it speaks to me even more.

With his 50th anniversary last month, PBS started showing some old episodes. I wasn’t sure how the kids would react to it since it’s older, slower and not all the sparkle that is everywhere on children’s programming now. Once I put it on, both ‘J’s,’ ages 3 and 1IMG_6907.jpg, were hooked. Mister Rogers never needed the sparkle, and it still holds true.

Although the exhibit isn’t big, it doesn’t have to be. As soon as you walk in, you’re transported to the land of make believe. You can see King Friday’s castle, Henrietta’s Treehouse, the trolley and of course a few puppet friends. There are so many little details from Mister Rogers’ shoes to the trolley. They are playing clips from the show and have two booklets you can read through about Mister Rogers’ life and the show.

There weren’t many people there on the Friday that we visited, but you almost felt the need to talk quietly. Everyone was there to take it all in and appreciate the artifacts from the show. His fanbase and the people he has affected spans 50 years.

Pittsburgh is a 6-7 hour drive for us and we took 48 hours out of our spring break to make the trip. As a bonus, the Heinz History Center also has a great kids’ area with building blocks, air tunnels, coloring and more! Of course there are many great exhibits for adults as well. If you can get there to visit, I highly recommend you do. You won’t regret it!

And now Mister Rogers defending PBS to the US Senate Subcommittee of Communications. A clip that shows the power of Mister Rogers perfectly:

 

Transitioning Back to a Routine

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Last week was spring break here in NY which meant no school, no speech therapy and no occupational therapy. The week started pretty gloomy weather wise and we had 3 indoor days. On Thursday we decided to take a trip to Pittsburgh to check out the Mr. Rogers exhibit. If you haven’t been, I definitely recommend it! The Heinz History Center, where the exhibit is located, is great for kids in addition to seeing all the cool Mr. Rogers memorabilia.  More on the trip in another blog.

When I was working and would take time off for a trip, I would always make sure there was a buffer day when I returned. A day to come home, chill out, do some laundry, etc. before jumping back into work. Probably seems silly considering I was just on a vacation, but I never wanted to go right back into the normal daily routine.

‘J’ loves routine. If he doesn’t know the agenda for the day or if curveballs are thrown in, he’s not a happy camper. Of course after a week away from school and services, while doing a small trip away, there would be a readjustment period. It’s Wednesday and I think we’re still in it.

He’s had periods of acting out, two meltdowns during school yesterday and hesitation with OT and Speech today. I’m pretty sure he’s had a small cold the last few days as well, which I’m sure isn’t helping. But it all makes sense and coming from someone who needed a buffer day after a cruise, how could I not understand?

I’m hoping over the next few days the ups and downs return to more ups and less downs. I hate seeing him upset and affected by his surroundings. I know he does too.

 

Sensory Friendly Spaces

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I have recently seen an increase in public venues offering Sensory Friendly days or a specific space at that venue. For example, in January 2017, it was announced that the Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando would offer noise cancelling headphones, squeeze toys and a safe room as an option for those with sensory difficulties.

On April 15th, the Dallas Zoo will hold a Sensory Friendly Day and on the first Sunday of every month Chuck E. Cheese will be open from 9AM-11AM for Sensory Sensitive Sundays which will include reduced lighting and noise.

The St. Louis Aquarium will be the first to be built with Sensory Inclusion in mind. They will offer quiet spaces and they understand that aquariums tend to be very overwhelming for those with sensory issues. The aquarium opens during the Summer of 2019. Click here for more information.

Certain AMC Theater locations offer Sensory Friendly times for moviegoers. Taken from the AMC website:

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

These are just a few examples of sensory friendly spaces popping up. The more education companies and venues have, the more inclusive they can become.

Click here for information on Sensory Friendly Day at the Dallas Zoo

Click here for information on Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese

Click here for information on The St. Louis Aquarium

Click here for the AMC Sensory Friendly Film Program

Mood Swings

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Everyone has mood swings. Personally, if I don’t get enough sleep at night, I’m dragging during the day. I may not have as much patience, not get as much done or may just be out of it. If I haven’t eaten in awhile, I may be cranky or lightheaded. Some days things seem off and you’re just having a day.

Kids are affected in the same ways!

Now add in sensory difficulties. It’s the end of a day, you’re tired and hungry as you sit at a restaurant for dinner. Anyone may feel a bit edgy. But for someone with sensory issues, this restaurant may feel so overwhelming. If someone already feels like sounds are too loud, this may be even worse in this setting.

Although specific instances like being tired or hungry do not cause sensory issues, they definitely aid in triggering them. I know I see it for ‘J.’ I’ve seen changes in weather affect him. I’m sure that sounds weird, but it’s true. Other times its tougher to pinpoint if there is an external factor like hunger or the weather amplifying his triggers.

This post is just me thinking out loud. I am going to check out The Out-of-Sync Child and other resources to read more about external factors. If any readers can relate or would like to share their experiences-please do!

 

Breaks from School, Snow Storms, the Flu, Oh My!

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‘J’ started Occupational Therapy (OT) in the beginning of February. However, due to winter break, our late season snow storms and his parents having the flu, there hasn’t been a great routine when it comes to OT.

We’re only a couple of weeks away from Spring Break. Hopefully after that we can get into a good groove. I’m happy he likes going. He’s comfortable with his therapist and has fun while he’s there. It makes it so much easier!

Last Monday we had our meeting with the School Board. He’s been approved for Speech and OT for the September-June ’18/’19 school year. I’m happy he’ll be continuing. The more help he can get at a young age, for his day to day experiences, the better!

Since the decision is made by the school district and is based on the school calendar, he will not have services over the summer. I go back and forth with how I feel about that decision. On one hand, I think it might be good for him to have a break and practice all the skills he’s learned. On the other hand, I don’t want him to regress from the progress he’s made. Starting OT later in the year, there may be a chance we could continue over the summer and luckily we’re close with our speech therapist so I’m sure we will see her in an unofficial capacity. I’m sure he would miss her too much if we didn’t!

Winter seems to be never ending this year. I can’t wait to get outside and play for the summer!

Shoo Flu, Don’t Bother Me!

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It’s March and we’re about to encounter our third Nor’Easter in 10 days. After an overall mild winter, I don’t think we were expecting this. Another thing we weren’t expecting this late in the game was two cases of the flu!

This weekend my husband and I both got hit with it. We’ve never both been sick at the same time. I’m not sure how we’ve been able to avoid it but normally we cycle and take turns. After ‘J’ started with a cold early last week, my husband started with a similar cough and by Friday was feeling worse. I on the other hand was feeling great! Until 3PM on Friday when I felt like I was hit by a bus. After alternating trips to the Doctor we were both prescribed Tamiflu. Twice a day for 5 days and began the nap trade game.

It’s no fun being sick. BUT, it’s a lot easier being sick when your spouse is not. You know you can get some good rest and someone has the kids and house under control. When you’re both out for the count, it’s really not fun.

We did ok, trading sleeping, making sure we were eating soup, staying on top of Advil and Tylenol for fevers, washing hands and spraying Lysol. The kids were getting more screen time than usual, less mommy and daddy time then they’d like and quiet activities in between.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I felt horrible my first trimester. On top of it, I had incredible Mom guilt. I hated the days I wasn’t as with it, felt sick or so tired I couldn’t even keep my eyes open. My husband would always reassure me that ‘J’ was ok and I was still doing more than I gave myself credit for.

This mom guilt tends to creep up anytime I’m not feeling well. Of course I know I need to rest and do what I need to do in order to feel better and back to normal as soon as possible, but I feel so bad not being around as much in the meantime. Plus I had to reschedule OT and Speech for ‘J’ for today and I believe he’ll have yet another snow day tomorrow. There have been a lot of curveballs to his routine in the last couple of weeks. Hopefully things can return back to normal sooner rather than later.

We’re working on getting better and trying our best to keep them out of the line of fire. In the meantime, I hope Spring gets here ASAP!

Stand-up Comedian in the Making

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Having a child with an expressive speech delay taught me to appreciate vocal milestones so much more!

A little over a year ago, ‘J’ had no words. Now he’s turning into a stand up comedian!

If your kids are fans of PBS like mine are, than you’ve probably seen Sid the Science Kid. A segment of that show is called “Good Laughternoon,” which seems to have been inspired by Laugh-In’s Joke Wall. Sid and his friends tell jokes on the playground through shape windows on the jungle gym. ‘J’ has put his own spin on this by using the window of his playhouse to do the same.

It’s so fun to watch him come up with jokes and crack up while doing so. I’m loving the creativity.

It still amazes me to see how far he’s come and all that he has accomplished.