May for our family

I finally developed "free-time". It comes while I sit in my cool basement waiting for people to call in. I love virtual call centers! I can sit in comfy clothes, in a room that is about 60 degrees, and completely quiet. It also gives me plenty of time to sit and type emails, surf the Internet for odd facts, and update my blog.

We've had a few fun weeks in May. We took Braedon up to the U for his neo-natal follow-up program review. He gets to go up there about twice a year to see a bunch of doctors. Because he was born below 1500 grams he qualified. Two of the doctors we saw were a Speech Therapist and a Psychologist. They tested Braedon at about 18 months for his speech. That does seem very disappointing, especially since he will be 3 in September. I have to keep in mind that when you just look at Braedon, himself, he has made so much progress with his words. He has picked up a bunch of new ones (just the first part of the word, not the entire thing), is starting to say some two word combinations, and even communicates now and then. What gets me down and upset is when I compare him to others his age. It can be really frustrating when you do that. We try to avoid it, but it happens regardless. He will start his pre-school four days a week in June along with his speech therapy appointments. We are also going to start transitioning him into the school districts special education program in the fall. They told me that a bus could come and pick him up, but the thought of my little boy getting on a big bus and riding it by himself about sent me over the edge. I smiled and said I'd be happy to drive him each day. I have received comments that people feel Braedon has made such progress since I've been home, which makes me happy. When I was working full-time I felt like I was really letting him down. I only spent a few hours a day with him and he needs so much more. It was a lot of guilt and stress to carry around each day. I'm so happy that I can now stay home with him and really give him all the "mommy attention" he needs.

One more thing I wanted to say around Braedon and then I'll chat a little about Chubbles. If anyone has a friend or relative or even someone they know with a child of special needs, offer to learn more about the child and then offer to watch the child. Even if you only watch him/her for an hour. One thing to note, I am not looking for anyone to watch Braedon. I have the greatest friends in the world that do that for me. I'm not sure people really understand how difficult and exhausting it is to have a child with special needs. It takes a lot of both partents. Sometimes just getting out with Dean for a few hours to have a dinner is so wonderful. Personally, I used to struggle with this. Since I was already feeling guilty because I was working full-time, if Dean and I planned something I felt even more guilty. I thought (and to a point I still do) that Braedon needs all the help I can give him all the time. When I planned something for just me I felt guilty and selfish. I'm sure many parents feel this way, but especially parents of children with special needs. Please, take the time to learn about the child and to offer your charity and your time. It will mean the world to that mom or dad.

Now, on to Chubbles! Reilly is almost 8 months (June 3rd). On Mother's Day he got his first tooth pop through on his bottom row. It was exciting for him and for us. Yesterday, he learned there is more to the world than just our living room. He doesn't really army crawl as much as he lifts himself up on his hands and knees and uses his feet to push himself forward. He crawls into the kitchen, into Braedon's room, and into the bathroom. Braedon is not very excited about this, because Reilly can now get to his toys easier. Reilly loves it and smiles and laughes the entire time. My job just became harder. We are getting out more gates to limit some of his access. He is growing big and eating everything in sight. He really is a ball of joy!

We had some birds living in our old grill. Katelyn, these pictures are for you!