Ten Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child With Special Needs

Today Ellie woke up very happy (after a very good night's sleep).  After her morning milk, she was non-stop happily "chattering", with LOTS OF GIDDY (slightly unclear) "I LOVE YOU" 's for about 15 minutes straight!

Ten Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child With Special Needs

By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide

As if you need a reason! Parents of children with special needs know more than most that every child is a gift worthy of thanks, every one, the ones who thrive and the ones who strive, whether they become our legacy or we become theirs. But on those days when there doesn't seem much to be thankful for, or others are suggesting that your child must be just a burden, or well-meaning charities suggest giving thanks for healthy kids, check this list for a smile and a little inspiration.

1. You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.

Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something worthy to worry about.

2. Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and little-kid sweetness.

My 13-year-old still wants to sit in my lap, give me hugs, and tell me he loves me. What mom of a sullen teen doesn't secretly wish for the same?

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house.

Hey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs. Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space.  (But NOT in Greece).  :(

4. Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.

Your child works hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.

5. Every day is a learning experience.

Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always an education, for sure.

6. You have the privilege of putting several doctors' children through college.

After paying for all those appointments, you may feel like a one-family scholarship foundation. Put your child's name on some letterhead and take pride.

7. You meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups.

Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.

8. You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.

You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church service, but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it. (And if sometimes it's you who can't tolerate it -- who's to know?)

9. Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.

They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's. Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.

10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.

Other parents may take the gifts that their children bring for granted. Not you. Not ever.

First Fillings!

This week we took Ellie to a dentist we were referred to as someone who has experience with special needs kids.  Her first visit was just a cursory examination which determined she had two cavities that needed filling, and all her teeth needed cleaning.  (Ellie has a dental condition resulting from bad nutrition IN HER BIOLOGICAL MOTHER'S WOMB.  It was also very difficult to brush her teeth the first couple years we had her.  It is a little easier now).  An appointment was made for a few days later to do the fillings.

On that day, she was all happy and smiles at the beginning.  then a bit nervous when they wrapped her in a "straight-jacket" of sorts.  Then a tad more nervous when they started poking around and swabbing her mouth.  But when the drilling started, and they hit roots much sooner than expected, and it ended up being a bigger and longer (and more expensive) job than they expected, she went "crazy".  As it turned out, they only time for one filling, so now she needs to go back for another (and the cleaning).

Also, she went to the pediatrician last Monday and had two shots, didn't cry, and smiled and laughed a lot (for the first time).  On the same day, she got her new AFO's (ankle-foot-orthotics), went to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, and did GREAT for all those things.

She has also been sleeping well most of this week!  Overall, she's doing much better!

Sippy Cup Victory!!!!

Ellie worked a lot this summer on trying to get her sippy cup to her mouth.  Sometimes she would work up a good sweat for 30-45 minutes, trying and trying, but without success.

A few days ago she did it within 10 minutes of trying...TWICE!  We had lots of clapping and praising to celebrate!!  I got part of it on video and will hopefully post it here in the near future.

Here are a few more photos from  recent months...