Happy Birthday, Logan!

September 25, 2012
 
Dear Logan,                                       

I can’t believe you are 10.  It seems like just yesterday you were born.  Did you know I took one look at you and thought, “I’ve given birth to a papoose!”  You had such beautiful dark skin and eyes.  Your head was covered with black hair.  Of course, I only got to look at you briefly because your daddy whisked you away and wouldn’t give you back.  In the hospital, you were constantly in his arms.  I had to beg to hold you.  At the slightest noise, your daddy would scoop you up.  He was enthralled by you!  You seemed perfectly content to be daddy’s boy- then and now!   

I am so proud of you.  You have accomplished so much in the 10 years you have been alive.  Most of all, you are kind.  (Except to Joey.)  Daddy and I watched you last weekend at the aquarium.  You would walk up to any of the children with special needs and start a conversation with them.  You weren’t even a little intimidated.  You are amazing with the kids on our baseball team.  I was so impressed that you didn’t want to play on a league yourself because you wouldn’t get to be a buddy to a player in the sunshine league.  You are patient.  (Except to Joey.)  You are helpful. (Except to Joey.)  I am so impressed by the person you have become.  

I can’t wait to see what you do with your life.  I know you can do anything you set your mind to do.  I hope you have a happy birthday and a GREAT 10^th year.  (Hey- work on the Joey thing.)

I love you,

Mom

Attention Moms (and Dads, too!)

From the day you announce your pregnancy, you enter into a world where you are constantly given advice!  Don't get me wrong.  I love to get advice from other moms who share parenting tips and strategies that work for them.  I learn so much from my friends who are parents, especially those with children who are older than mine.  I mean, they've been there..... in the trenches of parenthood..... where the kids are closing in and you are unsure where to fight, surrender, or run away!  Don't act like you don't know what I am talking about! :)  The helpful advice is always welcome.  The support is great, too.  After a particularly stressful Joey episode today, one of my co-teachers said to me, "This too shall pass!"  I needed the reminder.

However, it is the unsolicited, unhelpful advice I have a problem with.  If your "advice" is meant to insult my ability as a mom or insult my child, it would be especially helpful if you could just keep it to yourself.  Every mom has those moments where she questions if she is making the right parenting choices.  Every mom has her moments of doubt.  Therefore, shouldn't we encourage other moms during these moments instead of bringing them down further?

For those who are unaware, I am a mom of three.  Each of my children are a gift, unique, and precious.  Each have their own challenges.  My oldest, has down syndrome and autism.  My middle, is a freaking genius.  Keeping him challenged at school is a concern for us.  He was reading at two.  He is currently reading and doing math at a 6-7th grade level- he is in the 4th grade.  No, we are not letting him skip a few grades.  Emotionally and socially, he is a 4th grader!  (Sorry, I digress.)  Our youngest has been diagnosed with ADHD.  Currently, he tops my mommy worry list.    

So, for fun... to vent.... to let out the pent up anger and frustration.... I want to issue a challenge.  I want to hear it!  Tell me what "advice" you have gotten (or people you have had to deal with as a parent) that you have gotten frustrated with.  Then, pass the post on to you parenting friends so they can vent, too!  Let it out, Moms and Dads!  We'll call it a BITE ME list and I will start.........

To the nurse who answered all of my medical questions regarding my son who was on life support at the time with the same generic answer of "it's because he has Down Syndrome." -BITE ME!  (Even children with Down Syndrome have regular health issues, Moron!)

To the wonderful people who suggest my son's ADHD would be "straightened out" with a good spanking.... BITE ME!

 Go ahead, don't be shy, add your own........... I'm sure I will be adding to the list, myself!