1. Spend the $8 on the Lightening McQueen Pool
Because it will provide hours of entertainment to your Little Man and bring back memories from your own childhood. You’ll fumble with the plastic walls in order to fill it up, but it’s worth the hassle. After a few weeks and many hours of splashing, you’ll discover a few cracks in the plastic and toss it in the trash. But memories were made and fun was had. It was the best $8 you could have spent!
2. Jackson’s a Fish
Jackson would do well living in a place like Hawaii. The kid loves water! It doesn’t matter if it’s a pool, a sprinkler, a splash pad or the bathtub,! He had his first swim lessons this month and did so well! He tried everything the instructor asked him to, but was a little hesitant about floating on his back! Nothing says summer like letting him swim until the sun goes down.
3. Some Days Are Hard; But it Could Always Be Worse.
Our family got to attend Dream Night at our local zoo earlier this month. It’s an event for children with special needs. We had an amazing time riding the train, eating a ChickFilet dinner, and watching Jackson splash in the water play area. Having a child with special needs is hard. In the days leading up to Dream Night, we had left a gymnastics class in tears, rushed out of a friend’s house because of Jackson’s aggressive behavior, and had overall just felt pretty alone. But that night at the zoo, God reminded me that we weren’t the only one facing hard stuff. And truthfully, we could have it a lot worse. Yes, the days can be hard and lonely; but Jackson isn’t suffering from a life-threating disease. He’s not bound to a wheelchair. He is a kid that’s full of joy (you can see it in his dark eyes) and determined! He may still be searching for his voice; but each day he gets one step closer to finding it!
4. The Joy Watching Your Child Master Two Difficult Tasks
This month I watched Jackson ride his tricycle for the first time AND cut with scissors. Both of these tasks are a little more difficult for children with Apraxia to figure out. Normally I have to push Jackson as he pedals his trike. But this month, he hopped right on and took off. And then a few days later we were at Occupational Therapy and he picked up a pair of scissors and cut a piece of paper like a pro. I witnessed miracles this month!
5. I Can’t Keep A Secret
When my children’s book went live on Amazon this month, I tried really hard to come up with a formal book launch plan. But after sharing the news with Jackson’s speech therapist and a few writing friends, the word was out and I just couldn’t keep the secret any longer. I just needed to get the book in the hands of children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
6. Apraxia Steals More than A Voice
7. I’m Brave
Thirteen years ago I applied to the University of Oklahoma unbeknownst to my parents. Imagine their surprise when I showed them the acceptance letter and shared my plans to leave that tiny Texas town to chase my childhood dream. I was brave.
God might be calling our family to a new place, and I’m having to rediscover the girl I was thirteen years ago. Can I be brave again?
Every month has lovely lessons. I love yours! We’re gonna have to get this book soon! I’m so proud of you Jennifer! You’re a wonderful, BRAVE momma!!!