Developmental Delay | Mommy Head Adventures

Ryan Gets a Hair Cut

One of the things I desire to do more off is share some of the crazy antics that happen around my neck of the woods. Being a mommy of 3 children, 4 and under, is always full of interesting things. Add in a speech delay and special needs and you really find some fun times.

When I started this blog almost 3 years ago, I did it as a means to share my journey with family and friends. I told myself that if I was able to help one person, then it was all worth it. And I know that I have been able to do so through my mothering and running.

Well, today’s post is one that is hopes of giving mother’s everywhere a good smile and maybe a laugh.

Ryan is my precious second son. He was born with an extra 21st chromosome, more commonly known as Down syndrome.

He has been my easiest baby by far, in most areas. He sleeps well, has a great temperament and is just an overall joy to be with.

There are a few areas that continue to be a challenge, but that is how it is with all children.

One of those areas is his head!

It is slightly misshaped, which you wouldn’t notice unless you looked for it. We keep his hair longer to keep it covered up. That is really just an excuse to say that the boy doesn’t like his head touched.

No combing and no cutting please!

But in effort to get rid of the Justin Beiber look, even if it is all the rage, I had to take him for a long overdue cut.

With a promise of french fries if he was brave, we set out on our adventure. The little boy sat in my lap, never cried and even let the lady use the clippers on him this time.

The end result was one happy baby boy!

Filed Under: developmental delay, Down syndrome, family

Lion Slides and Jumps – family Fun Friday

24 Jan By Mommy Head Leave a Comment

Two weeks ago, we had a great breakthrough with Lion. He had a sup visit during his home physical therapy and they decided to bring out the slide. They had high hopes of working on some new skills with the slide and capturing his attention.

One problem with their plan… He already knew how to do the things they wanted to teach him. And no one taught him how to do it. He did it himself.

Here is a cute video for you to enjoy.

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How about you? Have you done anything fun with your family lately?

It’s Family Fun Friday here on Mommy Head Adventures. I have teamed up with Frontline Moms to bring you this super fun link up where you can brag on the fun things your family has been up to. If it is family friendly and fun, you can share it below. Here is a few suggestions to help you out:

Fun Recipes
Fun Crafts
Fun Family Games
Fun Mommy Outings, or,
Funny Stories About Your Family

Thanks for joining us and link up below.

Filed Under: Blog HOP, development, developmental delay, developmental milestones, Down syndrome, Family Friday

And He Walks With Me #specialneeds #downsyndrome

14 Jul By Mommy Head 7 Comments

It is official! My little Lion took his first steps unprovoked tonight!

He has been taking a few steps here and there lately. We even learned a trick to get him to stand up in the middle of the room. Add to that the begging to come to us, and we were getting 2-4 steps every once in awhile.

But tonight, this boy, my Lion, walked towards me without me asking:

We had done our gummy vitamins and teeth brushing. I had enlisted Bear’s help in cleaning the living room when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and my precious boy was walking toward me!

I saw three steps before the face plant happened. At least he laughed about it.

Here is to more revelation that he can do it!

Filed Under: advocacy, developmental delay, developmental milestones, Down syndrome

Being a Mom to a Speech Delayed Child

5 Jul By Mommy Head 1 Comment

Most of the time, life with a child with a speech delay and special needs isnt difficult or different from life with a “normal” child. I mean, when your little one comes running to you screaming, “Hey!” and then stops to grab your face for a kiss, it just melts your heart.

But when those times come that they desperately need your help, but they can’t communicate what they need effectively, it brings you both to tears.

And so explains my afternoon. Bear was coming apart in my living room, but neither of us could say what was wrong. She was using every sign and every word she could, but I just couldn’t understand. I tried. She tried. But instead of helping, I was only making it worse.

It is in moments like these that I have learned only one thing to do. Separate myself from her for a few moments so we can both get our emotions under control.

And all this took place while Baby Banana was screaming for a nap.

In the end, Bear needed a diaper change and her shoes changed. She must have gotten ahold of some strawberries last night (she’s allergic) and that had given her a horrible rash. And after she sprained her ankle the other day during Lion’s physical therapy, certain shoes are hurting her feet.

We survived, but it wasn’t without some shed tears.

What do you do when your children cannot communication what they need? How do you work through those tense times?

Filed Under: developmental delay, special needs

10 Free Alphabet Printables #TopTenTues

2 Jul By Mommy Head 2 Comments

With the school year fast approaching, I have been on the search to find some alphabet printables for Bear. She is a beast at her alphabet, which is a shock to us after her struggles with seizures.

When Bear was 5 1/2 months, she was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, and our world was forever changed. Later, after we got her seizures under control and she became seizure free off of medicines, we learned that she had a rare genetic mutation called 14 q 12 micro duplication. With this overall diagnosis, we were told she may never talk and that she may have a hard time reading.

Well, she is proving the doctors wrong. Not only can she talk, but she knows all of her abc’s and she can recognize them at random on alphabet cards.

So, I am seizing the moment to start doing some preschool work with her next school year. And I am going to focus on the alphabet to help her learn new words as well.

In my search, I came across these great sites with printables to help her to do this.

1. Alphabet Coloring Pages from Fisher Price.

2. Alphabet Activity Worksheet from First School.

3. Letters Coloring Pages (both easy and hard) from All Kids Network.

4. Various Pages for Each Letter from tlsbooks

5. ABC Alphabet Coloring Pages from Free Coloring Pages.

6. ASL Alphabet Coloring Pages from DLTL’s Growing Together.

7. Alphabet Coloring Pages from Mr. Printables

8. Color the Alphabet from Tip Junkie

9. Detail Alphabet Pages from Crayola

10. Train Alphabet Coloring Pages from Coloring Pages for Kids

Now I have a great starting point for the school year. Now to make copies and start my lesson plans. I am excited already.