World Literacy Day

My younger son started preschool today and I found it difficult to leave him. I recall being hesitant to send my older son but knew that it was the right thing to do... so it made me wonder at my reluctance. And, while meeting with the speech therapist, it struck me... B cannot talk and he does very little in the way of communication. He cries... or smiles. How would he tell them what he wants?
I have few difficulties at home because I know him like no other person possibly could. I know his routines, what he likes to eat, when he's starting to get tired, how he likes to be held. I know his favorite toys and how to burp him properly. It's impossible for me to convey all of this to one caregiver. And so I had to trust the system.
The speech therapist has referred us to the Hanen Centre and we are waiting for an appropriate program to start (hopefully without too much of a wait). Having inherited the "Now" gene from my mother, I went home and looked up the website. The Hanen Centre has several different programs for encouraging communication and literacy. My older son was always an excellent communicator: early talker, started reading books on his own at 4.5 and is now learning french. I have always taken for granted that talking was innate and would come without specific encouragement.
I hope that, in time, I will learn the right things to do to help my son reach his full potential, whatever that may be.
It is a reminder to me, though, that literacy is a gift and a privelege that is not to be wasted.
For more information: www.hanen.org.
They also have a preschool language and literacy calendar available, with tips on encouraging speech and communication.

Oh to be young again

C.J. is completely fascinated with this video. The book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is the only present that he desperately wanted for Christmas and he wakes up talking about the book, carrying it into our room first thing in the morning. When was the last time I felt this excited about something? Lessons from the young; take them to heart.

My husband, the professional blogger

Keith has linked to my blog in his professional posting. Uh oh. People might actually read what I'm writing. Hmmmm. What to write about that would keep you coming back for more?
I'll think about it and let you know. In the meantime, hope you like my other posts.

Christmas seems to be winding down

Yeah!
Boo hoo...
I can't make up my mind.
I have never been more tired. The shopping before Christmas nearly did me in.
The flood in our basement on Christmas Eve was the clincher.
We went to 6 family Christmas parties and still have gifts under our tree to deliver. There are toys in every inch of my house and C.J. can not decide what he wants to play with -- no, seriously, he's running between toys. I think he may blow a gasket on his birthday -- it's only 3 weeks away!
I think I should start shopping now for next year -- I've heard of people doing this and thought they were loony; now I join them. The ranks of those who are determined to finish their shopping by December 1st. Dare to dream, Laur. Dare to dream.

My Roller Coaster

I started this blog for fun. A time to sit down and laugh about the funny things that happen day to day with my kids. It is for that reason that I have not followed through -- because, at the moment, my life is not very funny. There are many moments to cherish. Absolutely. But there is also a lot of heartache.

This is when most people tune out. Who wants to read a wah, wah, wah confession. Seriously, I would probably click off too. I don't blame you...

I have a baby with special needs. I will add the compulsory preface of: "He's lovely. He's wonderful. He's brought so much joy to our family". And he has. Most definitely.

But there is also the pain of watching your child struggle. There is the sadness of a dream, the dream that your children will always be succesful. That they will not have to deal with the everyday hardships of life, nevermind any other exceptional challenges.

Until now, I have avoided this. I have felt guilty about admitting my pain. I will be scolded, no doubt. I will be chastised. I'm willing to risk it for the honesty that comes with true growth.

I have a baby with special needs... And this is my journey.

It's audition time again...

So, I'm planning on braving yet another audition. I feel sick to my stomach and promise myself that I will never, ever make myself go through that again. And yet I do. Because I can't help myself. I'm addicted. There, I've said it. I'm completely addicted to the thrill of perfecting a song, learning new choreography and then performing for an audience. The hours are crazy and I am exhausted by the time the show opens. Despite all this, I love it. I really wish I didn't. I think it would be so much easier to have a hobby like sketching or roller blading.
On top of it all, I wonder if I have enough time to take on another show. With K's new job, C.J.'s fall schedule and bumble B's physio I barely have time to make a decent dinner. But, I really, really need something for me -- is this it???

A comment well taken

I was just sent the link for the St. Anne's Spa and noticed Jim's blog http://www.steannes.blogspot.com
Here is the quote that beats all: take the time and invest in the materials to build a good foundation and the tougher parts of life will come easier.
Of course I've heard this before. In fact, I used to give this advice when I was an addiction counsellor.
Lately, everything in life seems out of perspective and I've wondering how to find a way to perservere optimistically.
Here's where I dish: Little B. has special needs. His little muscles don't work the way he needs them to and we've been spending countless hours with doctors and physiotherapists trying to help him get stronger -- and it's taking a really, really long time. So long, in fact, that I often feel discouraged and unclear as to whether my efforts will be succesful.
Thanks Jim for your quote. I'm helping him build his foundation and I know the time that we put in now will only help his entire future. And he's SUCH a little cutie!