While she is napping

Spring has been a season of growth and change in our home.
Some one appears to be getting taller,
I look forward to seeing how much she has grown
During her well check on Thursday.
She is scheduled to have blood drawn to check her anti- seizure meds
we will also be checking her thyroid and vitamin D levels.
I'm not sure if we will add more to the list at the pediatricians request or not.
I do have concerns since someone has been catching everything that goes around,
She doesn't put her hands in her mouth and we wash our hands frequently.
She has also been very thirsty and having to potty quite frequently,
Of course I realize both go hand in hand. I'm not overly concerned but when added together
They could all be symptoms of other issues that would need to be diagnosed.

Having therapy 3 days a week has been pretty grueling.
If she was compliant it wouldn't be so tiring,
She gets very excited,
Talks about her teacher, talks about school,
Is happy to see her teacher at the office when we check in
Walks down the hallway with a spring in her step.
The minute she walks into the room things change quite dramatically.
Night and day.
She does seem to prefer some of the teachers over others,
Understandably so, her OT is very firm and has a strong accent.
Husband and I are concerned that she doesn't understand her easily
and wonder if she finds it frustrating. She also talks a lot.
Repeating instructions over and over and over.
At home I make a request and wait for her to decide to cooperate.
I doesn't even take 20 seconds for Lil G to decide to do what is asked of her.
But the OT keeps on and on, then grabbing hands and trying to force her to do the task.
Lil G has a few tasks that are very difficult for her, it's hard for me to watch her try, and fail repeatedly, then get angry. I don't know what the answers are, if there are any.

We love love love the Vision Therapist.
She is soft spoken and very deliberate about things.
I am so sad we will miss this Friday with her
We will be attending a Parents of Blind Children conference together.
I hope to meet new people and learn new things.
Two of the ladies have been very supportive.
There is child are available, I am hoping all goes well.
I have already given papa the responsibility of checking up on her,
Sneaking out to possibly give her nap time etc.
The two of them really are as Forrest Gump woud say," like peas and carrots".
I am hoping this trip will give him a much needed break from work responsibilities.

We've also learned about a 2 week summer program in July.
The BELL program was developed by the NFB
for students to have intense Braille training each summer.
I've talked with the director of the program in Atlanta and feel like it would be an incredible opportunity for Lil G. It would be a hard two weeks tho, it runs from 9-3:30 each day and we will be staying a good drive outside town with my parents. I need to figure out what time we would have to leave each day to see if its physically possible. My babysitter has even offered to travel with us to be a mommys helper.

I hope this finds you and yours doing well.

First vision therapy lesson

Grace met with her TVI for the first time today.
The teacher and I have e-mailed
and talked on the phone a few times since her first evaluation in Nov
And second assessments in February.
I was apprehensive.
I wasn't sure if we were on the same page,
And frankly I've been concerned at what this would look like.
My love of learning and desire to "get it right" sometimes set me up for unmet expectations-
Disappointment.

Lil G has had three weeks in her therapy classes and this was the first with the TVI.
There are only 2 in our whole county. She teaches preK- 12th grade.
I love her quiet demeanor and walked away from our session today
Happy, proud, and excited about our future.
I could tell she put thought and effort into planning our time together.
Here are some photos of the folder she created for us.
It has slots for homework and forms to return
and a notebook for me to write down questions/ ideas.

She let Grace try out some special hi lighters and paper for children to draw on with visual impairment. The water in the ink actually causes the paper to swell like a sponge -
You can feel the picture!
She also sent home a stylus and slate for Lil G and I to play with
to work on strengthening her fingers and feeling the Braille dots.
Most importantly we are trying to get Lil G used to using her fingers
Loosing some of her apprehension at feeling things.
Lil G also got a sticker! A green smiley face that is tactile! She was so proud.

I brought some of Lil Gs new books in with us
so she could see what we are using at home.
I purchased Braille alphabet stickers to put in a few of her favorite books
It was fun to have someone appreciate what I was doing.

Once we arrived home and ate lunch
Lil G walked out, laid her head in my lap and whispered,"come on. Come on" grabbed my hand,
Signed,tired. Bed. Then said,"nap". I asked, "Are you tired? You want a nap?"
She loudly exclaimed AND signed " yeah!" Yes.
She ran to her room and climbed in her bed. Therapy is hard work!

Here are some photos:

If you can't say something nice.....

We've been picking one foot up and putting it down in front of the other.
I haven't blogged because:
A. It requires effort and thought.
B. I don't want to be a downer. I've been trying to keep things upbeat over here.

I thought Id just be real. I know I feel better knowing " I'm not the only one"

Our 13.5 year old Great Dane finally had to be taken to the vet to say good bye. I had hoped she would pass in her sleep. Couldn't bear to let it get worse. Very hard decision. It's been a week now and I hate the forgetting and remembering process- waiting for her when letting the other dogs out. Seeing her bed empty. You know......

Then lil G came down with a stomach bug that night. I'm sorry, I don't like nursing bad tummies. It takes my control way out of my hands. Nothing I can do to fix it. I hate that.

We started her speech and language, OT, and vision therapies after the lengthy evaluation process. I thonk thats where weve been getting the tummy bugs. I am trying to focus on the good. Really I am. It's hard. I will share the worksheet G's speech and language teacher did with, I mean for her. Was the handwriting there for G's benefit? For me to read the prompts? You see-

Thursdays are meant for dancing!

Lil G loves dance class on Thursday afternoons!
She also loves Fresh Beat Band,
Here are some blurry but cute photos of her dancing and drumming.

Yarn along

I look forward to Wednesdays,
Such sweet ladies sharing what they are reading and knitting.
Surprisingly I'm not reviewing a book right now!
We've been in the midst of preparing for Lil G s IEP
It's actually called a service plan for drop in services since she is a private schooled student.
I was pleased with the meeting last week.
She had her first Occupational Therapy appointment yesterday.
I am assuming there is always an adjustment period!
She was awful.

I am thankful for my knitting right now.
I used Jared Floods Wool leaves baby blanket pattern to knit a wrap.
It will be slow going but I do have the pattern memorized which is a bonus. (For those of you that aren't knitters I have cute photos of lil G enjoying her pocket. Silly girl.

Dancing is fun!

“We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche

Yarn along

I'm linking up with Ginny again,
I just love this part about Wednesdays.
(Sharing what we are knitting and reading)
I knit a baby blanket in a little under a month!
Since I was focusing on trying to pray and knit
It took a little longer than I think it would have if I was only knitting
I will be honest and share that I was not 100% successful with this.
But this baby will be literally covered in love and prayers when this blanket is used
That's the truth.
I used Jared Flood aka Brooklyn Tweed's wool leaves baby blanket pattern
It was worth every penny I spent. You can find it on Ravelry or on the Internet.
I love this cascade pacific washable wool. I held the yarn doubled and used a sz 13 needle.
Here are some photos,
Sorry, I haven't been reading anything other than my Bible and a bedtime story here and there.
There might be an extra photo thrown in for good measure of our darlin Lil G.
She really has stolen my heart.....
What was left of it that is!

Time to go to the park!

The weather has been beautiful.
I took lil G to the park twice last week
And so far twice this week!
Not long adventures mind you,
I don't have much stamina.
( I am happy that I've been getting out tho! Baby steps)

It's been great to enjoy a change of pace.
Today I took her cane.
This was a huge step for the mama.
I posted about it and shared a photo of it,
A few months ago.
It's hung on the entry closet knob since then.
Waiting for me to feel ready.
I had planned on us going to a park that isn't used much,
But we were greeted with a ," do not enter " sign where the grass had been sprayed.
So after much thought I took her to the best and most crowded park around.
I guess we got to jump in with both feet.
Nothing like a white cane to scream," my child is blind!"
Of course we got lots of looks, I'm cool with that.
The first time Id ever seen a child with a cane was in November when she had her evaluations,
(Remember that would've been only 2 months post diagnosis.)
It choked me up.

Can you believe we are now six months post diagnosis?!
One thing I noticed was how much she needed me in situations like today,
And how extremely important this process is.
Lil G will be 8 in November.
Eight year olds do not need to constantly hold their parents hands
and basically stand back and watch the other children playing.
My job is to prepare her to become independent,
And I need to start exposing her to environments that aren't familiar.

She also needs me to advocate for her,
something as simple as a yellow or even multicolored stripe
on the steps would give her independence.
She cannot tell with the wood slats where the steps are because there are so many grooves, the local playgrounds have so much that makes them accessible to different abilities, this would be an easy fix for the children with visual impairments.

I read an incredible book an orientation and mobility by Joe Cutter.
I also had a great packet of info sent to me by the Nation Federation of the Blind,
Along with her first cane.
They have a program called "young explorers".
Basically everything I mentioned above was provided free of charge.
She seemed to really enjoy using the cane at moments,
She is very strong willed tho and had moments where she Was. not. Going. To. Touch. It.
I took it all in stride and figure that one day she will enjoy the independence it gives her,
Instead of the familiarity and comfort she finds in holding my hand
and hearing My voice warning her about using her eyes,
be careful, pay attention, and "step!"

It was hard work, I am proud of her.
It's new and she took to it right away which was unexpected.
Here are some adorable photos.
(I know that's the only reason you follow along! )

A little creative break- what's going on in my studio

Joining up today over at Studio JRU.
its been too long ladies, thanks for not writing me off the list!

My mother and sister were in town last week.
Mom went shopping and bought Lil G two adorable outfits.
I'm not sure if its the same where you live,
But here in the South we love some big hair bows on our girls.
When I shop at Gymb@ree I like to splurge with a matching hair bow.
Since these outfits were purchased elsewhere I had to come up with a plan.
Off to a few crafty stores to purchase ribbon, hair clips and hunt up my glue gun.
Why is it that I never seem to put the hot glue gun away with the glue sticks?
I mean really.......
I used this tutorial
(I apologize that my blogger app doesn't make pretty links.
If someone knows how to make this IPad app work let me know) :
http://simplethings1.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/how-to-make-a-korker-hairbow/

And got busy.

Learning to Love- a book review

I pray this finds you and yours Savoring the moments of Holy Week.
(If you follow along you might be rewarded by an adorable photo, or two, of Lil G!)

I've recently read a book and would like to share the review.
I read ," Learning to Love" by Heidi and Rolland Baker

Stories about missionaries, God doing amazing things in Africa and seeing lives changed. What a beautiful back drop for a good book. This book was written by a husband and wife working together on the mission field, sometimes there is even an excerpt written by someone else on the team. I loved the topic of the book, Love has to be tangible first- someone can't hear the gospel if their stomachs are growling or they are in mind numbing pain. Heidi and her husband Rolland have actually put love in action building churches, putting their lives in danger daily, digging wells, bringing food and gifts to children that have never experienced Christmas, setting up orphanages and schools to give the children a hope and a future. 
I had a hard time writing this review because I believe in the message the authors are trying to convey, that you and I can be doing the same thing in our world. We don't have to work on a mission field to be meeting the real tangible needs of others and forming relationships that will make a difference. Sadly many of us are too busy running after the "American Dream" instead of being aware of the big picture. It's a message we need to be reminded of. 
I do have to comment on the book though and say that the writing was not fluid. I had a hard time following the story because it was snippets of stories then some scripture or exhortation. It didn't fit. It felt disjointed. I wanted to like it yet struggled to stay focused. There were many pictures throughout and I found those were a distraction as well. Maybe if they had been put at the beginning of each "chapter" or in a cluster in the middle or back of the book ? This is the reason I will only give the book 3 stars. 
I want to end this review by stating there are many beautiful quotes and paragraphs of encouragement that are highlighted in my copy. Specifically one paragraph that really touched me where Im at. You see, we adopted Lil G 2.5 years ago and I see stories of other families doing the same thing- yet adopting more children and serving in big ministries as well. I struggle that I am not doing more. 

Pg 142 speaking of Jesus, " He stopped over and over again for just one person, for just one life. (Emphasis on one) God is looking for laid- down lovers who will give themselves up for just one person. I truly believe that in heaven, your reward will be just as great if you really loved one person, as if you saw a million people give their hearts to Jesus."

I will close by thanking Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was in no way compensated for this review and the opinion expressed here is completely my own. 

Now for a few cute pictures of our silly Lil G! 

Food

I was reading a blog post today and had an, "Aha!" Moment.
You know, lightbulb going off.
Slapping your forehead thinking, "duh
I read over at, "the blessing of verity"
Mama is posting of all the progress that is being made at their house.
Beautiful post through the eyes if Katie.

Here is what was said,
"Oh yes, here’s more progress. My family has noticed that I’m getting pickier about food. Do you know what that means? Only prosperous people have the luxury of being picky about food. My pickiness is saying loud and clear that I am feeling all the way secure that there is plenty of food, more food than I need, all the time, and I don’t have to worry about being hungry any more. So Mom is happy that I’m picky!"

We have had so many battles over food since lil Gs bout with seizures last June,
I had forgotten that she is an," Orphan no more!".
She no longer needs to fill emotional holes with food.
She can decide she simply doesn't like what is being served,
There will be another meal, or healthy snack later.
(I'm not saying she ever went without, the children were well fed at her Orphanage)
She can also choose not to eat, simply because she isn't hungry.
Thank you Adaye for the reminder.
http://theblessingofverity.com/2013/03/hi-everybody-its-me-katie/

Lil G enjoying cooking food for breakfast.
And eating her supper.

What have we been up to?

The past few weeks have been crazy- full.
Last week I was able to get G's pleat neck tunic done!
It really looks adorable on her.
I am so glad I ripped it out and reknit it.
(See adorable photos below)

I finally had my outpatient surgery on Friday and I'm on the mend.
I hope this will indeed help resolve the anemia I've been having.
The Dr said it could take three to six months for my iron stores to be rebuilt.
(More adorable photos of lil G doctoring mama and baby doll)

I also received a book to review and read it in only 4 days!
It was so so good!
The book I read is titled "Firefly island" by Lisa Wingate.
Firefly Island is an easy read, filled with romance, and action- lots of suspense and drama.
The author grabbed my attention in the first paragraph and held it tightly in her grasp until the last word.
The main character, 30-something working in DC and educated, is swept off her feet by a handsome man. He has an adorable son whom she falls in love with as well which only adds to the sweetness of the story.
He gets offered a job in Texas so they plan a whirlwind wedding.
Much to their dismay things aren't as they had hoped for when they arrive in Tx.
They learn how to be a family and make a home together in the midst of small town politics and drama. I loved getting to know the folks from Moses Lake and was so sad to see the story come to an end.
This book was written as part of a series, thankfully it stands well alone but the other two, "Larkspur cove " and "Blue Moon Bay" are now on my must read list.
Thank you Bethany House for sending me the review copy of this book.