There's a verse in 2 Timothy that reminds me of the amazing thing I’ve been entrusted with. A little boy who has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. 2 Timothy 1:14 says, Guard that good thing entrusted to you. Each day God reminds me that I’m Jackson’s biggest advocate. Jackson is determined and he’s working hard to find his voice; but until he finds it, John and I are called to speak on his behalf. Our job is to fight for our son. We are the only ones who will be his voice until he Continue Reading
Why Our Adoption Talk Has Been Delayed
Tomorrow we celebrate Jackson's fifth Gotcha Day - the day we legally became a Forever Family. It's a day to celebrate adoption, to remember his birth mother and to look back on the amazing story God has written for our family. Tomorrow I should be sharing age appropriate parts of Jackson's story with him. I should be talking about the anticipation we had driving to the hospital on that foggy, rainy Wednesday. I should be telling him how I listened to his heart beat all night long - scared Continue Reading
Seven Things I Learned In April
1. All about AAC, ABA and IEP A few years ago I had no idea what these acronyms stood for, but then I became the mama of a kiddo with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Sensory Processing Disorder. This month I've learned all about Individualized Education Plans, Applied Behavior Analysis and Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. The special needs journey is all about educating myself so that I can be the best advocate for Jackson. 2. My Favorite Etsy Shop has Speech Therapy Continue Reading
A Spilled Soda and the State of My Heart
Last week I lost it over spilled Dr Pepper. As the dark fizz ran from the kitchen table, making a puddle on the tile floor, I could feel my temper rising. I had just told Jackson to be careful. To not spill his drink. Yes, I was irritated by the mess, but it wasn't until he started splashing in the sticky brown liquid that I lost my cool! As Dr Pepper flew through the air, harsh words flew out my mouth. And the moment those words escaped my lips, shame covered me. I stood in the Continue Reading
Standing At A Crossroads
We've been standing at a crossroads for the past few weeks. It's not the first time I've found myself here. I remember the dreaded crossroads of our adoption journey - did we keep pursuing an Ethiopian Adoption or leave the program? Crossroads come with hard decisions. During our adoption journey, God continually impressed upon my heart: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) I've Continue Reading