I am loving having no therapy right now. The freedom of not worrying about getting to, having therapy, and getting home in time for lunch, nap or dinner is wonderful. I love all of our therapist and they do wonderful things for my daughter, but recently it had become so stressful. This little break was a great idea! I think it has been good for the whole family.
We have not had to have such a strict lunch and nap schedule, and that has been fun. We have been able to go out and play and go shopping whenever we want and just relax. Emma has been so relaxed! She has even wanted to be in her walker more and her wheelchair. She has been very active in all she can do!! We have been able to spend so much more time playing at home with her new toys and her old ones too.
She has started talking lots more too. She now says boy, girl, Mickey, bath, bird, and lots more. I think the break has given us all a mental vacation and we can just be.
I will enjoy the rest of the little no therapy vacation, and then next week we will be ready to hit the ground running with all her therapies again. We will be refreshed and ready to go again. I recommended to all parents of special needs children to take a break and just be. I had forgotten what it is like to just be!
Rachel
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Day After Christmas
It always makes me so sad to see Christmas come and go. I hate to see the tree with no presents under it, and I dread the process of putting my many decorations away. It makes me sad to see the weeks of preparation come and go so fast and it is always a little bit of a let down when the day is done. I guess I spend so much time getting ready, that it is sad to see it go.
Do not get me wrong. I had a great Christmas day with my family! (all my family) Emma was so much fun to watch as she stared in awe of all the presents and new toys. I laughed watching her clean up each piece of wrapping she tore off of packages. I loved making cookies for Santa on Christmas eve and I really enjoyed the fantastic Christmas Eve service at Cross Point. (an interesting side not on church, Jeff Fisher was in attendance and that was cool. Go Titans!)
But then we finally returned home with our car loaded with goodies and one tired little two year old, I sorted through all the presents and put them either out or away for later fun, and then I looked around and it was over. The tree was no longer surround with presents, there was no more looking forward to seeing her face and watching her unwrap, and seeing all my family enjoy what I had lovingly picked out for them. I looked at Daniel and said it was sad to see all the hours of prep work just end so fast. I loved every minute of preparations and I enjoy finding the perfect gift for people. I guess I just need to enjoy the memories from this year and start working on next year and get over that Christmas is only one day a year.
I love Christmas so much!! It was a great year full of fond memories and laughter. 2008 was a great year for my little Family of three. I look forward to next year when she is even older and understands even more. Heck, I already bought two presents for next year today:) I hit one after Christmas sale on the way home from lunch today. I am nuts I know, but that is me. I love Christmas and I love a good deal.
I hope you family had a good Christmas! I know ours did and we will have many hours of fun to look forward to as we play with all the new toys!!
If you want more details of our Christmas you can go to Emma's caringbridge page. She is at caringbridge.org/visit/emmarosezook
I better go and enjoy the quiet before she wakes up from her nap!
Rachel
Do not get me wrong. I had a great Christmas day with my family! (all my family) Emma was so much fun to watch as she stared in awe of all the presents and new toys. I laughed watching her clean up each piece of wrapping she tore off of packages. I loved making cookies for Santa on Christmas eve and I really enjoyed the fantastic Christmas Eve service at Cross Point. (an interesting side not on church, Jeff Fisher was in attendance and that was cool. Go Titans!)
But then we finally returned home with our car loaded with goodies and one tired little two year old, I sorted through all the presents and put them either out or away for later fun, and then I looked around and it was over. The tree was no longer surround with presents, there was no more looking forward to seeing her face and watching her unwrap, and seeing all my family enjoy what I had lovingly picked out for them. I looked at Daniel and said it was sad to see all the hours of prep work just end so fast. I loved every minute of preparations and I enjoy finding the perfect gift for people. I guess I just need to enjoy the memories from this year and start working on next year and get over that Christmas is only one day a year.
I love Christmas so much!! It was a great year full of fond memories and laughter. 2008 was a great year for my little Family of three. I look forward to next year when she is even older and understands even more. Heck, I already bought two presents for next year today:) I hit one after Christmas sale on the way home from lunch today. I am nuts I know, but that is me. I love Christmas and I love a good deal.
I hope you family had a good Christmas! I know ours did and we will have many hours of fun to look forward to as we play with all the new toys!!
If you want more details of our Christmas you can go to Emma's caringbridge page. She is at caringbridge.org/visit/emmarosezook
I better go and enjoy the quiet before she wakes up from her nap!
Rachel
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Twas the night before...
Twas the night before, the night before Christmas
and all through the Meme's house
most of the grandkids were doing holiday crafts,
and one was wrecking the house.
Oh what fun!!!
Had to share as holiday fun abounds at Meme's house in the Kingston Springs!!!
Love to all
Rachel
and all through the Meme's house
most of the grandkids were doing holiday crafts,
and one was wrecking the house.
Oh what fun!!!
Had to share as holiday fun abounds at Meme's house in the Kingston Springs!!!
Love to all
Rachel
Monday, December 22, 2008
Five year wedding anniversary!
As of yesterday I have been married to my wonderful husband. Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun or well when life is crazy might be more like it.
I love my husband but we have never really had great wedding anniversaries. Here is why: on our first year, my grandmother died unexpectedly and Daniel had to drive to my school to tell me on the last day before the holiday break. When I saw him, I thought he came to surprise me, he sure did but not in the way I was thinking. It then snowed really bad and we had her funeral in the dark with no heat. Great memory right. I do remember we keep our dinner reservations, but ate fast because the snow had started.
The second year, was okay. I was five months pregnant and we went to see the Nutcracker. I loved it and we had a great evening. Even if I had to pee three times during the ballet:)
The third year, Emma was in the hospital. We were discharged that day. So, we were wiped out and were dealing with a sick child.
Our Fourth year, Nana kept Emma and we went to a nice dinner and rented a few movies to enjoy alone snuggled on our couch. But the wind knocked out our lights and we ended up going to bed early instead to stay warm.
This year, we slept in, skipped church, and ate breakfast in bed as a family. Then, we braved the very cold wind to meet his parents for lunch. Then, my husband had to go to work. So, Emma and me took a nap and played alone. Not a horrible day but not real special either. Money is too tight to waste so we kept it low key and just hung out together.
So, there you have it. As I said we have not always had the best anniv. But we have a pretty good marriage which is all that really matters. My husband works hard to provide all he can, he helps with household chores, is a great father and mostly an understanding husband during my crazy moments:) I am honored to be married to a wonderful man who I love so very much. Love you Daniel!!!!
Now, I am focused on getting finished with Christmas and enjoying the special little moments. I do not want to miss one little moment of fun and Christmas cheer
Rachel
I love my husband but we have never really had great wedding anniversaries. Here is why: on our first year, my grandmother died unexpectedly and Daniel had to drive to my school to tell me on the last day before the holiday break. When I saw him, I thought he came to surprise me, he sure did but not in the way I was thinking. It then snowed really bad and we had her funeral in the dark with no heat. Great memory right. I do remember we keep our dinner reservations, but ate fast because the snow had started.
The second year, was okay. I was five months pregnant and we went to see the Nutcracker. I loved it and we had a great evening. Even if I had to pee three times during the ballet:)
The third year, Emma was in the hospital. We were discharged that day. So, we were wiped out and were dealing with a sick child.
Our Fourth year, Nana kept Emma and we went to a nice dinner and rented a few movies to enjoy alone snuggled on our couch. But the wind knocked out our lights and we ended up going to bed early instead to stay warm.
This year, we slept in, skipped church, and ate breakfast in bed as a family. Then, we braved the very cold wind to meet his parents for lunch. Then, my husband had to go to work. So, Emma and me took a nap and played alone. Not a horrible day but not real special either. Money is too tight to waste so we kept it low key and just hung out together.
So, there you have it. As I said we have not always had the best anniv. But we have a pretty good marriage which is all that really matters. My husband works hard to provide all he can, he helps with household chores, is a great father and mostly an understanding husband during my crazy moments:) I am honored to be married to a wonderful man who I love so very much. Love you Daniel!!!!
Now, I am focused on getting finished with Christmas and enjoying the special little moments. I do not want to miss one little moment of fun and Christmas cheer
Rachel
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A day for mommy
I actually got to spend all day yesterday by myself at home with nothing that had to be done. I slept late, woke up alone and spent most of the day in my pjs. I wrapped presents and went through Emma's toys to make room for new ones. It was so nice to take my time and not have to worry. I watched a movie and wrapped all day long.
For those who are wondering where my family was, here you go. Daniel left for work at 5 am yesterday morning. He had all new equipment delivered to the YMCA and worked all day to set it up. Emma spent the night Friday with her Nana. Daddy and me went to dinner Friday night and talked adult talk, not toddler talk. It was nice. Then, Saturday, I awoke to a house quiet as can be and all alone.
To some this might not be a nice way to spend the day, but when you spend all day everyday taking care of people, sometimes it is nice to just be alone and not have to worry about running and going all day long. The last month or so has been so full of appointments, therapies, and such that I really need to just be me.
Do not get me wrong I love my daughter and my husband, but mommy really needed Rachel time. i will be a better parent and wife now that I was able to recharge my batteries! Even though I spent the day wrapping presents and going through toys, it will still a day for me. This are two things it is hard to do with a two year old under foot. Plus, I did not have to try to fit it in during a nap or after bed. I took my time and just relaxed.
I was really happy to have my daughter return to me just in time to watch Nemo (her current favorite movie) and eat dinner together. She was so happy to see me and i her. Unfortunately daddy did not get home till much later, but I was thrilled to see him too. i felt happier and more relaxed then I have in a long time. Thanks Nana for the break!
Anyway, Emma is a champ in her new wheels and is really getting good at getting around in it. I am also getting stronger at lifting it and carrying it around. It is heavy though!! I am so proud of her and am loving her face while she is in it. She really likes to have her freedom now. She seems to be better from her second UTI and we will be starting new daily medicine next week to try to keep from getting anymore UTI this year.
Now, I just need to finish my last two Christmas presents shopping and relax and enjoy the holiday. I hope all who read this take a day to themselves soon, it will make you a better person.
Rachel
For those who are wondering where my family was, here you go. Daniel left for work at 5 am yesterday morning. He had all new equipment delivered to the YMCA and worked all day to set it up. Emma spent the night Friday with her Nana. Daddy and me went to dinner Friday night and talked adult talk, not toddler talk. It was nice. Then, Saturday, I awoke to a house quiet as can be and all alone.
To some this might not be a nice way to spend the day, but when you spend all day everyday taking care of people, sometimes it is nice to just be alone and not have to worry about running and going all day long. The last month or so has been so full of appointments, therapies, and such that I really need to just be me.
Do not get me wrong I love my daughter and my husband, but mommy really needed Rachel time. i will be a better parent and wife now that I was able to recharge my batteries! Even though I spent the day wrapping presents and going through toys, it will still a day for me. This are two things it is hard to do with a two year old under foot. Plus, I did not have to try to fit it in during a nap or after bed. I took my time and just relaxed.
I was really happy to have my daughter return to me just in time to watch Nemo (her current favorite movie) and eat dinner together. She was so happy to see me and i her. Unfortunately daddy did not get home till much later, but I was thrilled to see him too. i felt happier and more relaxed then I have in a long time. Thanks Nana for the break!
Anyway, Emma is a champ in her new wheels and is really getting good at getting around in it. I am also getting stronger at lifting it and carrying it around. It is heavy though!! I am so proud of her and am loving her face while she is in it. She really likes to have her freedom now. She seems to be better from her second UTI and we will be starting new daily medicine next week to try to keep from getting anymore UTI this year.
Now, I just need to finish my last two Christmas presents shopping and relax and enjoy the holiday. I hope all who read this take a day to themselves soon, it will make you a better person.
Rachel
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Dreams Rearranged
I have not posted this week for a few reasons. We have been pretty busy and not around a computer, and I have been trying to wrap my head around the newest development with my little Emma. I have ran the gamut of happiness, sadness, optimistic, and mourning over another dream diverted.
We have made the hard decision to get her a wheelchair. We have decided to do this for a few reasons. Number one being Emma needs to be able to get around easier and safer. Her walker is not always the best or safest in all cases. She is very frustrated to not be able to do certain things on her own. She hates being carried nowadays and fusses when she has to be carried. Plus, if we are going to start her in school this spring she needs a better way, then her bottom, to get around the halls or classroom. The process to get a wheelchair takes a few months and she will need to get use to it as well. We are going to get to trick it out and pick colors and all (lighted wheels too)
We are lucky to be able to borrow a wheelchair while we get her's made. She tried one out this week, and she was able to get around with no problems. She was able to do it with no help. She just knew how to do it. It was fun to see her explore at a new height, she could see so much more. She went all over the PT clinic!!
It has been hard to deal with this new development. I guess having another dream diverted in another direction, was more then I could handle. I really wish that something could come easy for her or in the normal way. We are lucky, that the MRI did not show anything to worry about, and we still think she will walk someday, but we are not sure when or if it will be without assistance of some kind. We all just wanted to give her more of a equal footing with others her age, and her in a chair will help due that. I am happy to have her able to move and all, but it was not the route I had planned. In the back of my head I knew it could happen but I prayed she would walk before that. I have spent a lot of time this week reflecting on all of this, and crying a few tears. But in the end it is for the best, and she was so happy to be in the wheelchair, that it makes it really hard to be sad, when she is so happy. I am sure it will take time to get use to the attention she will draw in her tiny wheelchair, but she is so cute in her tiny chair.
I also wanted to share the great memory we made this morning. My husband makes cinnamon rolls before church each week, and brings them to me in bed (yes, he gets up with Emma on the weekends). Emma got in bed with me to eat, and when daddy came back to join us, Emma patted the bed beside her for daddy. So, we all snuggled up in bed and eat! It was so cute and nice to experience such a normal activity as breakfast in bed. No worries, no therapies, no medicines, nothing but family.
Anyway, I will keep you posted on the wheelchair news, as we continue to talk and plan. Now we are working on getting approval from our HOA to put in ramps, and getting a wheelchair pass from our doctor. I continue to pray for peace during this new storm of life. I am not giving up on my dream of her walking, because I know someday she will in some fashion! I will not give up on my strong little fighter.
May Peace come to all who read this,
Rachel
We have made the hard decision to get her a wheelchair. We have decided to do this for a few reasons. Number one being Emma needs to be able to get around easier and safer. Her walker is not always the best or safest in all cases. She is very frustrated to not be able to do certain things on her own. She hates being carried nowadays and fusses when she has to be carried. Plus, if we are going to start her in school this spring she needs a better way, then her bottom, to get around the halls or classroom. The process to get a wheelchair takes a few months and she will need to get use to it as well. We are going to get to trick it out and pick colors and all (lighted wheels too)
We are lucky to be able to borrow a wheelchair while we get her's made. She tried one out this week, and she was able to get around with no problems. She was able to do it with no help. She just knew how to do it. It was fun to see her explore at a new height, she could see so much more. She went all over the PT clinic!!
It has been hard to deal with this new development. I guess having another dream diverted in another direction, was more then I could handle. I really wish that something could come easy for her or in the normal way. We are lucky, that the MRI did not show anything to worry about, and we still think she will walk someday, but we are not sure when or if it will be without assistance of some kind. We all just wanted to give her more of a equal footing with others her age, and her in a chair will help due that. I am happy to have her able to move and all, but it was not the route I had planned. In the back of my head I knew it could happen but I prayed she would walk before that. I have spent a lot of time this week reflecting on all of this, and crying a few tears. But in the end it is for the best, and she was so happy to be in the wheelchair, that it makes it really hard to be sad, when she is so happy. I am sure it will take time to get use to the attention she will draw in her tiny wheelchair, but she is so cute in her tiny chair.
I also wanted to share the great memory we made this morning. My husband makes cinnamon rolls before church each week, and brings them to me in bed (yes, he gets up with Emma on the weekends). Emma got in bed with me to eat, and when daddy came back to join us, Emma patted the bed beside her for daddy. So, we all snuggled up in bed and eat! It was so cute and nice to experience such a normal activity as breakfast in bed. No worries, no therapies, no medicines, nothing but family.
Anyway, I will keep you posted on the wheelchair news, as we continue to talk and plan. Now we are working on getting approval from our HOA to put in ramps, and getting a wheelchair pass from our doctor. I continue to pray for peace during this new storm of life. I am not giving up on my dream of her walking, because I know someday she will in some fashion! I will not give up on my strong little fighter.
May Peace come to all who read this,
Rachel
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