I had planned on writing this week about the things that I am grateful for. I love the Thanksgiving holiday because it gives me a chance to really think about gratitude. In our family we had to go around the table before Thanksgiving dinner and say what we were thankful for. SO, I've decided to make this fun and make it one of those 'tag' things.
The rules - you have to name 10 things that you are grateful for. They can be fun, silly, serious - whatever. Then you tag 5 other people. That's it!
I'm grateful for...
1. The blogging community. When we began our adoption, I had no idea the connections I would make through this blog; the amazing people I would come to know and learn from. You are each a blessing to me, truly. You have cheered us on, offered words of wisdom and support and allowed us the privilege of sharing in your joys too. It's amazing and I am so grateful for all of you.
2.Edward. Yes, I'm grateful for Edward. Not only because he is so much fun to look at, but also because I've had so much fun being ridiculous these past few weeks. I went to my first ever midnight show on Thursday - 7 moms packed into a minivan with the soundtrack blaring - it was so much fun (have I used that phrase yet?). Then on Saturday we went again - this time I think we had 17 people - almost two rows of the theater. And, I got to meet Nicole (who I blame for this obsession)!
3. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an online community working together to sponsor an orphanage in Ethiopia.
We are very excited about this and it fills my heart to be a part of it.
4. Warm socks. I love warm socks in the winter. I bought some new socks the other day and have them on right now. I've been thinking all day about how wonderful they are and how much I love them. I would show you a picture, but it seems gap.com is all sold out of my new favorite socks.
5. Adoption. I am so grateful for Micah in our lives, and for the opportunity to adopt again from Ethiopia. Adoption is a blessing in so many ways and I am thankful that our lives followed a path that led us to adoption and Ethiopia.
6. My friends. I know, this is a given. But, seriously, I have some great friends. I have friends that I've known for over 20 years (one I still talk to every day). I have friends who I email with everyday - a small group that I learn from and get support from - everyday (love you BTs). And, I have all of my amazing blog-friends. My life is full of friends - I could not ask for more!
7.My husband. Not only is he supportive, caring, loving, and really cute, but he also bakes (fresh bread for the family!), cooks (and really knows what he is doing), and does just about everything around the house. He also lets me sleep in sometimes. I am very lucky.
8. My dogs. They are crazy and hairy, but I love them. I love that Micah now "barks" back when they bark. (I do not love that he sometimes makes out with them, but at least they like each other.) I love dogs and I am grateful that I have three adorable snuggly doggies to sleep with every night (which was seriously my childhood dream).
9. Our home. It is small and we'll probably move on someday, but I really love our first home together. And, we know how lucky we are to have a place to call home. I am grateful for it.
10. Micah's Ethiopian Mom. We never got to meet her, but his Ethiopian Mom is always in my heart and my prayers. I never expected to think of her so often, but I do. I am grateful for the gift she has given to our family, while at the same time sad that circumstances led her to have to make that decision. She is my hero and I am forever thankful to her.
This year we are going to attempt to purchase most of our Christmas gifts from organizations that give back - meaning some, or all, of their proceeds go to a cause or charity.
Those are a few - I'm looking for more! Especially some with items for children. Where are your favorite 'give-back' shopping sites? (Amy Bottomly - I know you have a bunch! :)
Micah's re-adoption was today! Fun times! We were blessed to have lots of friends and family join us - and we were so excited that our social worker, Erin, and our CHI Program Director, Sharon, also came to join us!
Lots of pictures...
Micah & his Papa
In court
With our judge
We also wanted a picture with George. Watching him come home to his family (our BFFs that live down the street) inspired us to adopt Micah. George's adoption was finalized two years ago in the same building.
Celebrating with Mimi, Grandma K and Papa
Happy baby. Happy Dad.
Happy family.
And, this is very cool - here is a picture of us with Sharon & Erin on our referral day...
What? You're not on Facebook? Or, you are but we're not friends? Here's what you're missing this week...
That is Micah filling up his bucket (see post below) during Family Dance Hour with Dad and Belle & Sebastian. He is so awesome - check out these moves.
(And please ignore all the crap on the floor - that is what Micah does all day - throws crap on the floor. But he is still awesome.)
Also - you should probably go donate $10 to Water for Christmas today. It's very cool. Go read about it.
So, normally I do not post about Micah's medical issues. There have been a few things that I have not shared because it is his personal business. This, however, I am sharing in the hopes that it might help other parents who are struggling.
We have always known Micah was a 'spirited' child. He loves things to be LOUD and he is in constant motion. The comment we get most about our son (and this goes back to his infancy) is, "Wow, he's so busy." Yes, he is busy. We have always just figured it was normal since I didn't notice anything too out of the ordinary. I did think about sensory issues, as I have studied them in the past and have a friend whose son (George) had severe Sensory Processing Disorder but I pushed those thoughts to the side and just figured Micah was going through normal toddler stuff.
Then one night we decided to try a practice class at the Little Gym. It was a disaster. We left in tears - well, Micah & I at least. Kevin and I had a strong suspicion that something wasn't right (Kevin more than me - I was still in denial). We were worried about our son. Kevin had a gut feeling for a while that something was wrong, and although it was hard to hear it, I finally listened and we decided to do something about it. We thought about the things he was having problems with, his habits, and the way he reacts to certain situations. We talked about the fact that he almost never sits down to finish a task (puzzle, coloring, etc.) and that he gets very easily frustrated and then gives up on a lot of activities. We realized that, within our group of friends, Micah gets compared to George the most (and not because they were both adopted). We decided to have Micah evaluated by an occupational therapist.
I took Micah to the appointment yesterday and it was hard, but we feel so much better today. It was hard to watch Micah being asked to perform tasks and seeing him either unable to do them, or simply giving up because he became frustrated. I'll be honest - I was close to tears a lot during that appointment. But, my emotions also contained relief. Relief because in the end, our suspicions were confirmed and now we know what to do.
Micah is mild-moderately "Sensory-Seeking" which explains his high activity level. Our OT said to think of it as if he had a "sensory bucket" inside of him that has to be filled. His is bigger than most children's and we have to work to fill it up in order for him to be able to feel calm and able to focus. That makes so much sense to me. He also has a spatial issue in that his mind does not compute where his body is in relation to the things around him. We always joked that he was clumsy; now it is relief to find out why.
Here's the good part - and I've seen this in action - Occupational Therapy can help. He starts next week and we will begin to learn how to help our son fill his 'bucket'. I know it seems I should be more worried now, but it is a relief to know what is wrong and that we can overcome it. And, just this morning we had a Family Dance Hour to the new Twilight soundtrack to help fill him up - and for the FIRST TIME EVER (EVER!) Micah sat and put his duplo blocks together. He did this for about 20 minutes (!!!!) and did not get frustrated and throw the blocks across the room - not even once. I almost cried. It was amazing. I feel good.
I will continue to post about his development in OT and please feel free to ask any type of question - or give me any advice.
As always after a long text-filled post - here are pictures!
Micah & Dad making pumpkin bread together. Yum.
Doesn't he look cute in his sweatshirt from Sam? Cute buckeye fan.
For the last few days I've been trying to write a letter to Micah and his sister about the historical day we were a part of this past week. I found that Josh Bottomly has done a beautiful job doing the same for his son. You should read it. You can here.
For the last few days I've been trying to write a letter to Micah and his sister about the historical day we were a part of this past week. I found that Josh Bottomly has done an amazing job doing the same for his son. You should read it. You can here.
I love Halloween. I love our neighborhood during Halloween. It's the best. Last night we had friends over who live in boring neighborhoods and all the kids went trick-or-treating together with the Dads. Moms sat back and had beers and hot toddies while passing out candy. What could be better? It is pure suburbia, and though I sometimes wish we lived in the city, on nights like Halloween I love it.
We ended up ditching the dragon outfit and went for the bat. The dragon was a bit to large for Micah's skinny body, and the bat fit perfectly. He waddled around in it and was about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Of course, he waddles quickly, so I only got a couple of good pictures...
And a few of Micah's friends...
Spiderman was totally infatuated with our singing John McCain doll. He did let John McCain know where he stands on the election, as he kept yelling "OBAMA" at the poor doll.
I think Micah was about to try and steal R's Elmo bucket. I think R was ready for a fight.
And, for a Then & Now - here is Micah last year on Halloween...
Micah is so very cool.
I have no explanation for this - it's just part of our daily life around here
Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner...
He really loved the cranberries..
and dessert...
And, we're out.
:)
The blogging community. When we began our adoption, I had no idea the connections I would make through this blog; the amazing people I would come to know and learn from. You are each a blessing to me, truly. You have cheered us on, offered words of wisdom and support and allowed us the privilege of sharing in your joys too. It's amazing and I am so grateful for all of you.
Edward. Yes, I'm grateful for Edward. Not only because he is so much fun to look at, but also because I've had so much fun being ridiculous these past few weeks. I went to my first ever midnight show on Thursday - 7 moms packed into a minivan with the soundtrack blaring - it was so much fun (have I used that phrase yet?). Then on Saturday we went again - this time I think we had 17 people - almost two rows of the theater. And, I got to meet Nicole (who I blame for this obsession)!
Adoption. I am so grateful for Micah in our lives, and for the opportunity to adopt again from Ethiopia. Adoption is a blessing in so many ways and I am thankful that our lives followed a path that led us to adoption and Ethiopia.
My husband. Not only is he supportive, caring, loving, and really cute, but he also bakes (fresh bread for the family!), cooks (and really knows what he is doing), and does just about everything around the house. He also lets me sleep in sometimes. I am very lucky.
Micah & his Papa
In court
With our judge
We also wanted a picture with George. Watching him come home to his family (our BFFs that live down the street) inspired us to adopt Micah. George's adoption was finalized two years ago in the same building.
Celebrating with Mimi, Grandma K and Papa
Happy baby. Happy Dad.
Happy family.
And here we all are now...
Micah & Dad making pumpkin bread together. Yum.
Micah being Micah. :)
I guess he had a little too much fun in the nursery at church yesterday. :)
Spiderman was totally infatuated with our singing John McCain doll. He did let John McCain know where he stands on the election, as he kept yelling "OBAMA" at the poor doll.
I think Micah was about to try and steal R's Elmo bucket. I think R was ready for a fight.
