It's been a long time

since I've posted. Life has been busy, and complicated. I've thought about posting a few times, but have just been putting a lot of energy into work and family lately. I've been away for work a lot lately, been doing a lot of really fantastic learning, but it's always hard to be away from home and from work.

I've been doing a lot of learning that has given me the context and big picture for things that I know make a different in the way that I do my work and exist in the world. A few weeks ago, I got to see Dr. Gordon Neufeld speak for two days. I'd heard a lot about him, and the two days definitely lived up to my expectations. His message affirmed what I already believed, that "it's all about relationships." There was a lot of relevance for the work that I do with students, and it was very powerful learning for my role as a parent. I'd highly recommend his book, "Hold on to your Kids" to anyone!

We bought an elliptical trainer a little earlier this fall, since going to they gym just hasn't been fitting into my life since child #3 entered our family, and I've been feeling a desire to be healthier. I've actually managed to fit it into my regular routine, and so have the kids ;-) This picture just cracks me up... she looks like she's really working hard.

L has been growing up very quickly these days. She's not getting any less dramatic, but she's learning to have a little more control over some of her bigger moods. She's been a great playmate for her brother lately, and they've been making up some very amusing SonicX "plays." She's often in charge of costumes ;-) She loves to dance, to dress herself, and once she's over her morning "grumpies," she really likes to be helpful. She even cleaned up her own room tonight!!!! (Just a few weeks ago, during children's time in Church, she announced to the whole church that "I'm supposed to clean my room, but I don't. My mom does." -- what a proud moment!).

We've been having a lot of ups and downs with G lately. He's been struggling, and that's okay. It's not surprising, there's been lots of change in his life over the past month... lots of new adults that he needs to begin to see as guides and to develop trust in, some illness, lots of anxiety, and a huge increase in sensory issues (we've had to buy a whole bunch of pants that aren't jeans and need to have a variety of socks on hand each morning). School hasn't been going all that well for him lately, and it's been pretty exhausting trying to figure out what's going on and how to deal with it. I've appreciated the caring attitudes that all of the staff members in his school have been showing, but I'm sure they're getting frustrated. The problem is that there aren't any quick fixes or band-aids for most of the challenges that he's facing. He's really doing the best that he is developmentally able to do... and everyone who's supporting him and us are doing the best they know how to do... Some days, this is just tiring. I love him even more during these times, and I'm even more protective of him... but it takes a toll on me.

This one will be two in less than a month! I can't believe how time is flying with all of the kids, but this one is changing so much every day! She is flirting with the idea of potty training, and having some success. She is learning new words every day, and has a lot of really funny sayings (especially concerning all things related to diapers and potties). Her imagination is expanding every day. She loves to play with babies, read books, and make a mess. She LOVES junk food... something the other kids hadn't even been exposed to at her age, but it's been pretty unavoidable with two older siblings in this case. She tries to climb out of her crib, so she'll be moving to a big girl bed much sooner than I'd actually like. She loves Barney (ugh)! If you ask her to sign a song, she rolls her eyes back, puts a hand on her hip and opens a storybook like she's holding a hymnal, wiggles, and uses a sing-song voice to say "sing song sing song"... very cute. She has a cute little dance. She throws food, tantrums, and occassionally hits... watching us the whole time to see what we'll do.