Happily Ever After...

We have been really busy! Here are a few (okay, ALOT) of pictures off my phone:  On June 6th, this precious, sweeter-than-sugar, girl turned 8. We went to tea to celebrate, just me and my four girls. It was a very special day for my big girl! Her Daddy was out of town, so he suggested we give her little surprises throughout the day. At the very end of the evening, he spoke to her on the phone and asked her what her favorite thing was. The presents? Nope. The surprises? Nope. Her answer reflects who she is: "It was when you all woke me up and sang Happy Birthday to me and you were on the speaker phone Daddy." Her family. That's what means the most to this precious girl. My heart might burst.  Gianna was channeling her inner school-marm. HA!  Sofia just CANNOT BELIEVE she gets her choice of hats. gloves, necklaces, and purses. The tea room may be a lil' slice of heaven for this girl.  Celia proves once again that JOY is contagious. ...

I read an article a few months ago that was sent to me about what a mom wished her friends and family knew about being a special needs parent. Each one of her points loudly resounded with us and I haven't stopped thinking of my own list since then. I hope those who know and love us see a glimpse into our world. The good and the bad. 1. We are tired. One of the things that I clearly under-estimated was the sheer exhaustion of parenting children with special needs. During the day, I am a homeschooling, house cleaning, laundry folding, dog walking momma just like everyone else. It's just that I have the added burden of multiple Dr visits weekly, doing therapy and exercises daily, wound care, g-tube feeds, and carrying around a 30 lb. "newborn" while trying to keep her 3.5 year old mind stimulated, and..... I'm exhausted. Although, we have had better nights lately, we are always up at least once during the night, and most nights it is several times. The middle of...