She’s turning five this fall. She’s forty-three inches tall and growing like a weed. On the outside. On the inside, she’s a toddler. She wears diapers. She is slowly emerging from the parallel play stage. Following her sister around like a shadow. Getting into cupboards and flushing toothbrushes down the toilet. She flits from places…
Category Archives: Day In And Day Out
The tale of two doctors.
Two weeks ago, one of the paediatric registrars asked if we would be interested in taking part in the examination process for the doctors wanting to become paediatricians. I said yes. Ivy was the ‘patient’ for, what they call, the long case study. An hour long interview where the doctor extracts as much information and…
When friends say painful things about your child
It’s Saturday night, I’m in Chicago for the BlogHer conference. A good friend of mine lives there. This is a good friend I tend to avoid talking on the phone with since inevitably she asks, “Is Max talking yet?” “Yet.” “Yet” is a horrible word to use when you’re talking with a parent of a…
Let’s Talk About STRESS, Baybee…
So I was on Twitter the other morning and I came across this in my Twitterstream: Parents of Children With Autism Report High Stress Levels http://bit.ly/7tjBl REALLY? You don’t say! I mean, parents IN GENERAL are stressed. It’s tough these days to raise a child, let alone more than one. (At least to hear my…
Our Step2 Winner!
One of the things I love most about hosting reviews and giveaways here on 5 Minutes For Special Needs is being able to visit so many new blogs! Today’s winner was chosen by Random.org. And the winner is…………. heidimarie! Don’t forget! Take a picture of your child enjoying some ice cream and you could win…
To Tell or Not to Tell, That is the Question…
Do I, or don’t I? Do I tell them? Or do I just wait for the inevitable phone call, or note home? One of the many things I struggle with when it comes to Spiff is whether or not to tell you about his Autism. And by you I mean anyone. Teachers, Camp Staff, Friends,…
Celebrating Joys Shared: A Blue Bunny Ice Cream Photo Contest
Well, it looks as though Mr. Linky has jumped ship yet again. sigh. So just add your link in the comments section below and we’ll add them to Mr. Linky when he’s back up. I think if you could ask a parent of a child with special needs what they would like others to know…
Why I am dreading the tracheostomy
A couple of days ago, we had our followup with our ENT. Hannah has been having some breathing issues lately, and I had brought them up to her since our pediatrician and occupational therapist felt that she had airway issues. The ENT did a laryngoscopy and found that Hannah had vocal cord paralysis. She would…
The Lucky Ones
One of the things I remember most about becoming a mother for the first time was all the ‘firsts’. The first smile – the first solid food – the first word – the first steps. It was like the first year and a half of my son’s life was a constant celebration. But when you…
Special Exposure Wednesday
At least one member of the family got a Saturday sleep in. Chippy enjoys the one thing that eludes the parents of seven children. Why don’t you join in this Special Exposure Wednesday. Please remember your comment love at each link you visit. Also blogging at Three Ring Circus ;