Parenting | Mommy Head Adventures

End of a Season, Beginning a New {Mar 9}

Bear's Last Therapy Session

Today’s picture post is going to be a little different than usual. Call me a hormonal, pregnant mom if you want, but I just can’t help but celebrate where we are.

Back in 2009, which Bear was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, the doctors gave us a very grim outlook. We had to face developmental delays, mental retardation and even death square in the face. The beautiful thing that came out of it was a child who was willing to fight against all odds and prove them wrong.

Bear did everything late from the point of being 5 1/2 months old on. When her seizures came back, we were devastated. All the hard work she put up for 2 months had to be redone. And with it came even more scary proclamation.

When her neurologist found the cause of her seizures, 14 q 12 microduplication, we learned very little more of what to expect. At the time, Bear was one of 9 to have this diagnosis. They have since found a few more. Because of the extra strand on her DNA, she might never talk, she would crawl and walk late and may never be able to do some of the things that normal kids could do.

But she kept fighting. And she kept proving them wrong.

Bear crawled at 16 months. She walked at 22 months. And now, she says all kinds of word and tries so hard to say many more. She is quick to learn new signs and is able to communicate her needs. And she is smart!

No, I’m not just saying that. Her therapists will tell you the same thing.

What do I attribute this success too?

First of all, Jesus Christ. He is her ultimate healer and he is the one who pulled our whole family through every bit of the trials we went through with Bear and even Lion.

Second, early intervention therapy in our home. Her therapists never believed for one moment that Bear would not succeed in life. They encouraged us. They pushed her.

Lastly, Bear is a beast! I love my daughter and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. She has taught me so much on how to live life to the full and how to laugh in the face of adversity.

So, today ends a season but begins a new one. No longer is my house as much as a revolving door as before. Yes, we still have therapy for Lion, but it isn’t the same. Just one little one in EI is enough for me in my super pregnant state.

And as for Bear, may she keep shocking the world and doing great things! I love you baby!

Disclaimer: Please ignore any typos. I was literally crying like a baby when I typed this post, still am. This is real, raw emotion. What can I say, I am a pregnant, hormonal mommy who is so proud of her daughter!

Filed Under: 2012 pictures, development, developmental delay, developmental milestones, early intervention, family, memories, mothering, parenting, play, special needs

What I Do: Top 10 Tips for Prepping a Nursery #SeventhGeneration

22 Sep By Mommy Head Leave a Comment

With a new little one due to arrive sometime at the beginning of April, I know and understand that it is never to early to start thinking about how to prepare for the new baby. With both Bear and Lion, I began thinking from the time I received that first positive pregnancy test about names, bedrooms and all the essentials that I would need in order to give them a good start in life.

So, I was thinking, why not chronicle my thoughts now, so that when time draws near for Baby #3 to arrive, I will not be running around trying to remember all the things that need to be done! And what better place to write it all down than here, for any other expecting mom reader to get some great ideas herself?

All right then! Without further adieu, here is my top 10 tips for prepping a nursery.

1. Have a clear path to the dresser - In our house, we do a lot of room sharing. This means that the toy room is also the bedroom which also houses the dresser! And with children as young as I have, there are toys everywhere! So, keep a clear path so you don’t trip.

2. Make your choice early on either cloth or disposable diapers - This one is a hard one for me. I made the switch to cloth with Bear when she was almost two, and ended up going back because the system didn’t suit me. I am currently trying to choose what we will do with Baby #3, and at the moment we are thinking maybe a mix. Either way, the sooner you make the choice, the more money it will save you in the long run.

3. Every diaper is not the same – This goes along with the last tip. Find the diaper that works for your child. What worked for Bear didn’t work for Lion. And, if I may make suggestion, check out Seventh Generations Free & Clear diapers. They do not use the same harmful chemicals as other diapers do and are free of chlorine, latex, fragrances and petroleum-based lotions, which is better for baby and our environment.

4. If there is a rash, check the diaper wipes – My sister in law was dealing with some raw bottom on my niece when she was first born. She realized very quickly that some wipes can cause some weird reactions. She had to change brands in order to find one that would keep her baby’s bottom fresh. Here is another place to check out Seventh Generation and their Free & Clear wipes, which are soft like cloth wipes! Without those harsh chemicals, they are sure to keep that bottom from being red!

5. Hand sanitizer is your friend – As we head into cold and flu season, don’t be afraid to give people a squirt when they head towards your baby. Or you could have a hand washing station set up in your home. That or just tell them no touching!

6. Have a good place to keep diaper changing supplies – This is vital. With both kiddos, I had specific places I kept diapers in different rooms. That way, no matter where I was, I had a place to change baby when needed. They make really cute baskets for this too!

7. Make sure the crib and other gear is safe – Be sure to check out the web for safety recalls. This being said, don’t use big brother or sister’s hand me down crib if it has a drop side. These have been outlawed!

8. When it comes to baby bottom cream, buy a brand you can trust – Not that the generic brands are bad, but I can tell you from personal experience that is better just to pay more. I mean, if the cream doesn’t stay put, it isn’t protecting the bottom!

9. Have your own organization system – And then work your system! If you have certain drawers for onesies, keep them there. And if your system doesn’t work, find one that does! It will save you a headache later.

10. What is a tip you would add? Please share it with me in the comments! I need all the help I can get with this pregnancy brain of mine!

Dislaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Filed Under: family, frugal, memories, mothering, organization, parenting, sponsored

Family Friday: The Big Announcement

26 Aug By Mommy Head 14 Comments

Here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for since Wordless Wednesday this week.

What was the big picture announcement of, you may ask. Well, here it is!

Can you see it????

Yep! Baby #3 is on the way, due to arrive on Easter Sunday, April 8th!

We are so excited for this next season in our lives! God has been so good to us and Bear and Lion are excited to have a little brother or sister to play with.

Now, to come up with a nickname for him/her…

Suggestions?

Filed Under: adventures, brother sister, family, Family Friday, memories, mothering, parenting

Wordless Wednesday: Paper Towel Clean Up {Linky}

2 Aug By Mommy Head 12 Comments

Welcome to another week of Wordless Wednesday here at MHA. So happy to have you come and link up your favorite Wordless Wednesday pictures from the week.

This week, Lion wanted to share with you his latest fun adventure.

How cute is that? He had so much fun ripping those out of the bag.

Now it’s your turn! Link up your fav Wordless Wednesday posts here.

Filed Under: adventures, Down syndrome, family, memories, organization, parenting, special needs, Wordless Wednesday

Family Friday: One Year at the Down Syndrome Clinic

8 Jul By Mommy Head 3 Comments

As I promised you earlier this week, I have quite the Family Friday story for you. This past Tuesday we headed to the Down Syndrome Clinic in St Louis, MO in order for Lion to have his one year check up. These visits are always long ones because the Down Syndrome Clinic coordinates all of our appointments into one day so that we don’t have to travel as much, which is nice.

This particular visit was going to be a check up with Lion’s geneticist, a behavioral hearing test and a check up with an ENT. And then Daddy Head decided that we would go to a St. Louis Cardinal’s game for good measure. This would be fun to have a little outing, just the three of us. Bear stayed back with Grammy Head.

Our first appointment was at 10am, so we left the house at 7am. We had a little car trouble, so we ended up having to take Grampy Head’s car. This made the trip even more enjoyable. Thanks Dad!

We thought we might be late, but ended up showing up 30 min early. After waiting in the waiting room for an hour, we finally proceeded back. Lion weighed in at 22 lbs 10 ounces and was 28 inches long! Doing very well, Dr. Grange said. We asked about his heat rash and the shape of his head. She said that his head looked great, so the scare we had at the last appointment over a helmet was now gone! Lion did well, even though he peed on the doctor!

We went out to our car and ate our lunch that I packed. I nursed Lion and put him down for a nap while we were out there. Little did I know that this would be a problem for his behavioral hearing test. Let’s just say that we will be repeating that test at a later date due to screaming and fear

Chilling in a chair waiting for the ENT visit

Lion had a lot of wax in his ears, so the ENT had to clean them out. They found a little fluid in there, so we have to go back in 2 months to see if that is gone. If not, we will talk about putting tubes in his ears since we dont want to risk hearing loss. As of now, Lion’s hearing is perfect and his speech is right on track. That is what we want to keep.

After we finished at the hospital, I got to do a little shopping at a mall and then we ate at the Whole Foods Market. Next came the game!

Not sure why the picture was cut off but it was a good one

The game was fun and we won 8 to 1! Lion had a blast, and fell asleep at the end.

Our day in St Louis was great! And we don’t have to go back to the Down Syndrome Clinic for another year! Hard to believe that my baby boy is getting so big!

What fun adventures have you been on with your family lately?