Friday, August 28, 2009

One Less

Once again, without any ado, Addie woke up with one less post in her white picket fence. You may recall that last year Addie lost her first tooth on Father's Day (link). I was again the last to know as Michael and Cate informed me they looked everywhere in the cottage for Addie's tooth on Wednesday morning. We are on vacation.

Once again, Cate wrote a note and the tooth fairy delivered 6 shiny quarters on a plate under the bed - 6 quarters that make no difference in the world to our gappy girl.

I will add crystal #2 to my secret stash upon our return on Saturday.

We're growing up over here. Senior kindergarten is just a few days away.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Stay or Go

Go... over to Hopeful Parents because that's where today's post is. I am Insideout510 there. Check out Addie's latest:

Stay or Go

She's taken all your birthday wishes on and off blog to heart. Thank you.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Addison of 6 Years

We'll be singing/signing Addie's favorite song today - the only song that is always followed by cake with candles. 6 candles for our sweet today.

Addison, your 6 years have held more than many see in a lifetime. You've had your struggles, your pain, your setbacks. And each time, you amaze us with your verve, your determination, your resiliance and sense of purpose. And each time, your smile grows more rooted, your power more fierce, your beauty more intense. Your example has set my perspective on a different course countless times.

It's true - the force within you is so much stronger than any force that is against you. I watch you as you fly.

Love you.
Mama

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Wordless Wednesday (Sorta)

I pull this post from my sidebar into the main page because it is so very critical to my child's well being, as it is for all of us. Parents and teachers spend most energy taking care of those bottom tiers with our exceptional children, without a lot of creativity for the rest of our child's basic and essential needs - sometimes because the physiological needs and safety take all we have...

Drop a comment - let's talk about it.

Link:
Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Wordless Wednesday (Sorta)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Nighttime

They go up and I stay down. It feels like waiting. Like playing a game, like something contrived. Still. Silent and solitary, save the keyboard.

It reminds me..

Of me.

Friday, August 7, 2009

I'm a Hopeful Parent, Are You?


Have you heard of Hopeful Parents? It's a website dedicated to supporting parents of children with special needs. A group of candid and thought-provoking writers blog daily about their individual experiences as Hopeful Parents. I write every month on the 16th as Insideout510(see 2 Per Bag)and will also serve as a co-moderator of the future forum.

We're looking for beta testers for its new community site -- forum, groups, chat, etc. If you're interested, let me know by dropping a comment below with your email address. If you don't want to include your email address here, just give me a heads up and we'll make other arrangements.

Hope you consider becoming involved this safe, hopeful, constructive community.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Multipurpose Mom

(Found in drafts from July 21st - we are a trio of individuals again)
Some days I feel like Addie and I are one person again. On those days, our moods match, our thoughts match, inadvertantly sometimes even our clothes match. On those days we cannot be rent apart - we want to swing at the same time, we want ice cream at the same time, we feel like a stroll or a swim at the same time, we need a break at the same time. And we get cranky at the same time.

But today I am not the same as Addie. I am just the woman who will always bring her a cookie when she signs for one. I'm that lady that will unfailingly bring it and unfailingly ask for an "extra large kiss, please" upon delivery. When Addie sees the cookie, she holds out her hand and her cheek at the same time, not giving the kiss, but smartly willing to accept one, at least.

Today I am servant. Tomorrow I will be an extension of the boss again, I'm sure.

I miss Cate. Camp will be done soon and we'll be back to our usual kicking around together, the 3 of us.