The Good, The Bad...

Life has it's ups and downs. Some days lately have had some of the biggest of both. G has grown and changed so much in the last two month that everyday she amazes me. New words, new expressions, new levels of happiness, and right along with that comes the expected extra sensory needs. Her OT was here and reminded me that when a child is going through a growth spurt, you can expect another area to fall behind or get worse. With kids with sensory issues, that means their needs will become more pronounced and more challenging.
Maybe it's because we have both been struggling with colds and sore throats, maybe because of big changes in weather, maybe because life doesn't always go the way we wish, but it's been a difficult week.
I have found that being a mom to a child with sensory processing issues can be extremely challenging. While she loves life and wants to take it all in at once, it can overwhelm her at the same time. She can be loving something to the max, but spazzing two seconds later. flip flopping between over stimulation and needing stimulation keeps me guessing as to what she really needs. Knowing when to be there and help her calm and regulate herself, and knowing when to give a consequence is a very hard thing for me to figure out. Being in public or with friends can be the best and the worst, while I am feeling great that I can finally have an adult conversation, I am also constantly on edge and alert for her next move. She loves going out, begs for it usually, but can't always handle it. I just hope my friends can bear with me while I try to learn the dance of being a mom to my daughter and a friend to them at the same time.
Today is Orphan Sunday. My daughter knew that existence in a very real way and I thank God that she is no longer an orphan!! I want to celebrate her and all the amazing little God given things I love about her. Here are some of those.

I love how the sun lights her hair into so many
different colors of brown.

Her busy little hands

I love her eyes and how they sparkle!

I love her huge smile that I see more and more every day!

I love how athletic she is and how she tries almost anything.

I love how her little legs stick out over the swing as I push her
as high as I possibly can,
even though it's never quite high enough for her.

I love that she looks great in bright colors, and that her big personality
matches her bright colors.

Love her little toes that were never celebrated when she was a tiny baby.
Love how God has set these feet on a new course
in a new country
and in a family.


Thanking God for my amazing child.