So, it has been FOREVER since I last posted and for that I am very sorry. I have seen some major milestones passed as well as some regression on Ryan's part and I will try my best to recount each one!
So, I will start with some milestones that we have recently seen in our wonderful Ryan boy! Eye contact, which is always a hard concept for children with Autism has been becoming a reality for Ryan! This is something I am very grateful for. He has been becoming more and more aware of his surroundings...even looking around when we are eating at an unfamiliar restaurant. We were eating at a Mexican restaurant a couple of months ago and while we were eating I could see Ryan constantly looking behind him at a woman who had long, brunette hair. I was wondering what he was thinking. I kept asking him, "Ryan, do you like her hair?" No response. After we had finished our food and we were getting our coats together, Ryan ran towards this woman and started playing with her hair!!! I was absolutely SHOCKED beyond belief. If anyone knows Ryan, you know he would never go to an unfamiliar person, let alone touch their hair!!! hahahahahahaha.... I apologized to the woman and told her I thought he liked her hair. She was laughing and said her son does the exact same thing! :) Whew...I know this sounds odd, but I was completely encouraged by this undignified act! He wasn't just functioning in his own little world. He found something around him that he was intrigued with and became curious about it. He is coming out of his shell!!
Ryan has always been very interested in letters. He knows all the letters in the alphabet and also knows every sound (Thank you, Letter Factory by Leap Pad!!! :)) Recently, he has been wanting me to make actual words with the letters. We are working on sounding all the letters out and blending the sounds. He is getting it!!! Gracie is just know learning the same concept and I have a feeling he will bypass her at some point! He loves it! As of right now he doesn't have the ability to hold a pencil, but that is coming...I KNOW IT!
He is also using his words a lot more now. We have 3-word sentences pretty much down! :) Most of the time I hear, "I want chocolate!" haha...he is my chocolate boy!!
A few regressions that I have seen lately are a little disheartening, but that's to be expected, I suppose. Ryan has a "siren" I call it. He will run from room to room squeeling in a high-pitched tone. I don't exactly know why he does this because it's pretty random. I do notice when there are more people in our house than normal it gets higher and louder. I think it's his way of coping with loud sounds around him...like he is trying to block it out using a louder sound? This is only a guess. Ben and I have decided it's fine for him to do it at our house, but we have tried to make it a point to put the boundary on when we are out in public. We have explained to him that he can use his "siren" when we are at home, but at church, at a restaurant or at someone else's house, he has to put his "siren" away. He is slowly understanding, but still has a hard time with louder atmospheres.
Ryan is still choosing not to speak when spoken to the first time. I have to ask a question about 3 times before he acknowledges me. I understand this is common with Autistic people, but it is hard as a mom...especially with three other demanding children. I try to make special time carved out for each of them, but there is still not enough time! I have had a hard time with this lately. Depression has tried to creep into my happy little home. I have been hearing the enemy tell me I am not a good mother or wife. My house is always a mess, my kids aren't responding to my discipline, my husband is going to leave, autism is too much of a challenge...might as well give up...Yah, major lies from satan himself. I have had to fight these lies SO MUCH lately. Every little mess and pile of laundry has been so overwhelming to me that it paralyzes me. This is not to get sympathy from any of you readers out there...I am just being honest. I have really good, empowering days, then I have battles. I have been at this battle for about a month now, but I am still fighting. Only with God's truth can I do this! He has been so faithful through this time and I am so THANKFUL for that. God recently told me this as I was crying at the alter at church a couple of Sundays ago:
"Nicole, I didn't give you Ryan because I don't love you. I LOVE YOU, THAT'S WHY I GAVE RYAN TO YOU!" Shew...can you say REVELATION! He knew I could care for Ryan exactly how Ryan needs to be cared for. Talk about empowering! I love it when God intervenes in our weakness. For in our weakness, HE IS MADE STRONG! Thank you, Jesus!!!
Well, that's all for now! I will probably write in about 6 months from now! hahahaha...Sorry it's been so sporatic. I only have a chance to write now because Josiah (5 months) is napping and it's so nice outside, Gracie (5 in January), Ryan (3) and Olivia (2 in January) are all playing outside!! Yes, I love these mild December temperatures this year.
I pray everyone has a wonderful holiday season with many blessings from above!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
"Temple Grandin" September 6, 2011
Wow. So, Ben and I rented the made for tv movie entitled "Temple Grandin". For those that don't know, this is a movie about a woman who was diagnosed with Autism in the 1950s. Back then the common "treatment" was sending those with Autism into institutions. Temple Grandin is an amazing testimony to proving the "professionals" wrong. She was able to manage her Autism by using it to her advantage. She saw in pictures and was able to use those pictures to create amazing technology that is being used today. She is a PH.D and a professor at Colorado State. She is also one of the leading advocates for Autism. She speaks all around the nation. IN FACT...she is coming to EKU September 22!!!!! AND I AM GOING! :) I was so encouraged by this movie because I could see the Lord's hand in this woman's life. I dont' know if she is a Christian or even believes in God, but to see the amazing "coincidences" that occured to allow her to come up with the amazing technology that is being used to this day is simply miraculous. This movie also allowed me to gain an even better perspective on how to see Ryan. Sometimes I think, "why isn't he getting it? I have told him this a million times..." But he thinks differently and I need to be able to dig deeper and see how he thinks and capitalize on that. There is great potential in Ryan and I know I haven't even begun to scratch the surface! I can't wait to see how the Lord leads him...it's going to be big!! In the words of Temple Grandin, Ryan may be different, but he is NOT less!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
"Long Time No See" August 24th, 2011
So, having 3 small children and a newborn has totally taken me away from blogging! Whew...but I am going to TRY to continue to blog as much as I can.
Well, we just got back from Gatlinburg, TN last night! My brother and his lovely family are in town from Oregon and we decided to take a nice family vacation. IT WAS AWESOME. I saw some interesting things in Ryan boy on this trip, however. As we were leaving on the trip Ryan had a MAJOR MELTDOWN. It was a "grand-mal" of a tantrum...which we haven't seen in a long time. Before we left mom and dad's house, we were all talking about swimming at the resort we were going to and Ryan thought we were going to swim in the little kiddie pool outside mom and dad's house. As we were walking out, Ryan began to flip out. I tried to call him outside, but he wouldn't budge. We tried explaining, "No, Ryan, we are going to go swimming in Gatlinburg! Won't that be fun??" "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..." Was the only response we were getting. Ben finally picked him up as he was kicking, screaming, spitting, hitting. It was a sight. After much strength, Ben got him buckled in his seat. He was completely red-faced and sweating...so was Ryan! :) I joke, but at that moment I was panicking. I was thinking, "Oh, no...have we regressed? Is this going to happen more? How are we supposed to help him? Will he be like this forever?" I began to cry. Everyone wants their children to understand them and feel "normal." My whole family met up at a local grocery store to get some last minute items for the trip and to pray, which is a family tradition before road trips. They all noticed I was crying and asked what was the matter. I couldn't even get words out. I know he is my gift from God, but sometimes our perspectives get skewed by the circumstances surrounding our gifts. It's hard work! I see progress some days, then regression on other days. And boy, that certainly goes against my own agenda! I am one of those people that likes a clean house, a schedule of events, clean children....the list goes on. Basically, I like control. God is definitely teaching me, through Ryan, that I am NOT in control, but HE IS! He created Ryan and has a purpose and a plan for my little boy.....and it's NOT my plan. Slowly, but surely I am releasing my hands on the situation and letting God move in Ryan's life and mine. It's not my will, but God's will.
God is good and He is continuing to teach me many things about Ryan, my family, Autism and life. It's a crazy life, for sure, but God is the one holding everything together. Thank you, Jesus!
Well, we just got back from Gatlinburg, TN last night! My brother and his lovely family are in town from Oregon and we decided to take a nice family vacation. IT WAS AWESOME. I saw some interesting things in Ryan boy on this trip, however. As we were leaving on the trip Ryan had a MAJOR MELTDOWN. It was a "grand-mal" of a tantrum...which we haven't seen in a long time. Before we left mom and dad's house, we were all talking about swimming at the resort we were going to and Ryan thought we were going to swim in the little kiddie pool outside mom and dad's house. As we were walking out, Ryan began to flip out. I tried to call him outside, but he wouldn't budge. We tried explaining, "No, Ryan, we are going to go swimming in Gatlinburg! Won't that be fun??" "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..." Was the only response we were getting. Ben finally picked him up as he was kicking, screaming, spitting, hitting. It was a sight. After much strength, Ben got him buckled in his seat. He was completely red-faced and sweating...so was Ryan! :) I joke, but at that moment I was panicking. I was thinking, "Oh, no...have we regressed? Is this going to happen more? How are we supposed to help him? Will he be like this forever?" I began to cry. Everyone wants their children to understand them and feel "normal." My whole family met up at a local grocery store to get some last minute items for the trip and to pray, which is a family tradition before road trips. They all noticed I was crying and asked what was the matter. I couldn't even get words out. I know he is my gift from God, but sometimes our perspectives get skewed by the circumstances surrounding our gifts. It's hard work! I see progress some days, then regression on other days. And boy, that certainly goes against my own agenda! I am one of those people that likes a clean house, a schedule of events, clean children....the list goes on. Basically, I like control. God is definitely teaching me, through Ryan, that I am NOT in control, but HE IS! He created Ryan and has a purpose and a plan for my little boy.....and it's NOT my plan. Slowly, but surely I am releasing my hands on the situation and letting God move in Ryan's life and mine. It's not my will, but God's will.
God is good and He is continuing to teach me many things about Ryan, my family, Autism and life. It's a crazy life, for sure, but God is the one holding everything together. Thank you, Jesus!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
"A Long Night" June 8, 2011
Well, recently Ben and I have had many people tell us of some interesting research that reveals that gluten in the diet has an adverse affect on children with autism. I have been looking into it, but honestly, not very hard. Basically, the three ingredients you want to avoid are wheat, barley and rye. What foods don't have those ingredients in them?!? I don't know if any of you have had to change your diets....but it's HARD. We are used to eating certain foods and learned to like those certain foods VERY MUCH! :( So, I have been resisting this disruption....UNTIL TODAY! I made fettucini alfredo last night. Yes, LOTS OF WHEAT! And, boy, did we pay for it. Now, the research that has been done regarding gluten and children with autism has revealed that it just doesn't settle right with these kiddos. Children with autism don't have the right processing elements physically that "normal" people have anyway, so processing gluten is a nightmare! They call it "leaky intestine", which is basically diarrea and gluten also has a "drug-like" affect on them. Their senses are dulled and they don't feel pain like they normally would. So, when you take gluten out, they are sharper and can concentrate better, supposedly....as well as have normal bowel movements. So, last night...after the carb load...Ryan was awake from 1:30am to 5!!!!!!!!!! Not sure if his little body just didn't know what to do or what. He hadn't taken a nap that day either, so I know he had to have been tired! After a very, very looooong night, I decided to research as much as I could about changing our diet. Thankfully, many people are on the search for gluten-free diets, so the mainstream grocery stores are starting to provide for this need with gluten-free signs and aisles. It will be yet another interesting process to start, but I am very willing to seek help for my Ryan's health!
If any of you know anything about gluten-free meals/recipes/ideas/suggestions for kids, I will take all of the advice WILLINGLY! :) Thanks!!!
If any of you know anything about gluten-free meals/recipes/ideas/suggestions for kids, I will take all of the advice WILLINGLY! :) Thanks!!!
"Wake Up" June 7, 2011
So there are multiple times during the day that Ryan will come up to me, grab my shoulder and say, "Wake Up! Wake Up!" Obviously, I am very awake and I tell him that. "Yes, Ryan, mommy is awake!" But the other day when he did this, the Holy Spirit very gently said, "Nicole, are there places in your life that are 'sleeping'? Have you "fallen asleep" in some areas in your life?" Wow. I was taken aback at first. As I was pondering about this question and folding laundry I was taking an assessment of my life. Now I have to say, I didn't feel condemned in the least! God wasn't trying to hit me over the head or anything...He was just gently using the Holy Spirit to reveal to me some areas that needed to wake up! The area that really stuck out to me was speaking truth and life into my circumstances. The verse that was highlighted after that revelation was Ezekiel and the dry bones (Ezekiel 37: 1-14). When God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones (dead places) and the bones awaken...that hit me hard! But I like how the focus is not on Ezekiel, but on the LORD! "Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it, says the Lord." We merely rely on the Lord for guidance and He does the work! He breathes life into the dead/asleep places in our lives when we walk out the obedience! Whew...all that with one simple phrase that my little Ryan says to me all the time..."WAKE UP!!!" Thank you, Lord, for using my wonderful 3 year old boy!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
"The Potty Training Blues" - May 25, 2011
So, we have been trying to get Ryan on the potty for months now and it's still not working! :( I wake up to poop on the ground pretty much daily! The problem is, he takes his diaper off when he has to "go", but refuses to do his business on the toilet! I know this is a lot of times just an age thing, but I am just a little frustrated with cleaning up the messes!
But even as I write this, I am reminded of my little "messes" everyday! And yet, God never gets tired of cleaning me up! Whew...what an amazing God we serve. Constantly there; constantly ready to clean our messes; just CONSTANT. There is a song by Francesca Battistelli that has been on my heart for about a month now that is that title: Constant. And boy, has it hit home for me! Here are some of the words:
"I'm just a little bit afraid of where I'm goin
And it feels like a hurricane is blowin over
Though I can't find the ground blow
I've lived enough to know
I've lived enough to know
YOU're my CONSTANT
In every moment
CONSTANT
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my CONSTANT
Before I was a thought on earth
You knew me then and You gave me worth
When all of this is said and done,
You will be the One I stand in AWE."
Thank you, Jesus. You have given me so many promises along this journey already. I know you are walking with me during this time! Even when I find "messes", You will always be MY CONSTANT in every moment!
But even as I write this, I am reminded of my little "messes" everyday! And yet, God never gets tired of cleaning me up! Whew...what an amazing God we serve. Constantly there; constantly ready to clean our messes; just CONSTANT. There is a song by Francesca Battistelli that has been on my heart for about a month now that is that title: Constant. And boy, has it hit home for me! Here are some of the words:
"I'm just a little bit afraid of where I'm goin
And it feels like a hurricane is blowin over
Though I can't find the ground blow
I've lived enough to know
I've lived enough to know
YOU're my CONSTANT
In every moment
CONSTANT
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my CONSTANT
Before I was a thought on earth
You knew me then and You gave me worth
When all of this is said and done,
You will be the One I stand in AWE."
Thank you, Jesus. You have given me so many promises along this journey already. I know you are walking with me during this time! Even when I find "messes", You will always be MY CONSTANT in every moment!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
"Baby Moon!!" - May 20-23, 2011
So, this past weekend Ben and I were given a WONDERFUL gift from Ben's parents to take a Baby Moon!! For those of you who don't know, a Baby Moon is like a honeymoon except it's right before a baby is born instead of right after the wedding ceremony! It's like the last time you and your spouse can get away before life gets a little more hectic!! :)
Back to the story...
We were able to travel to Illinois and drop the kids off with "Mawmaw and Pawpaw" and get a quick, but much-needed 24 hour period alone!! It was super hard to leave, however. I broke down right before we had to go because Ryan refused to eat or put clothes on...yet again! It was a longer tantrum...probably because we were at a different place. He also wasn't feeling the best all weekend. He had a fever and diarrea, so needless to say, there was more going on than just not wanting to do something. Regardless of the tantrum and tears (on my part), Ben and I made ourselves leave. And to be honest, it was probably the BEST thing we could have done. We were able to just be together with no distractions and focus on each other, which in turn helps us focus better on our children! When we have time together, our communication is better, which helps in our parenting! You really forget how your marriage was before children until they aren't with you!! All around, it was a wonderful time away. Beth (Ben's mom) gave us updates during the day and made sure we knew Ryan was doing really well. Ben and I have decided to make it a priority to have time for each other as we go through this season. It's amazing how life just gets in the way and you forget to keep each other a priority! So thankful to Beth and Mark for watching the kiddos for us while we were gone! :)
After our 24 hours away, we came back to the grandparent's house and Beth had just read a devotional in one of her books the day before that really applied to our situation. It was a summary of a bunch of different scriptures that were all about being wonderfully made and that God doesn't make any mistakes. She replaced all the "I's" and "me's" to Ryan, so this is how it read:
"I give thanks to You, O Lord, and I stand in awe of You, for Ryan is wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works! Thank You that You uniquely designed and created Ryan with the same care and precision You used in creating the universe...that you formed Ryan in love exactly to your specifications...that You embroidered Ryan with great skill in Nicole's womb. I am grateful that Ryan's looks, Ryan's abilities, and Ryan's personality are lik a special picture frame in which You can portray Your grace and beauty, Your love, Your strength, Your faithfulness, to the praise of Your glory. I rejoice that You have gifted Ryan for the special purposes You have in mind for Ryan's life. I thank You for Your loving wisdom in allowing the things that will influence Ryan's life --the things that will prepare Ryan's heart to respond to You and live for Your glory. It's wonderful to know that You are not the least bit dissastisfied with Ryan's inborn talents, intelligence, aptitudes, appearance, and personality, for Your hands have made and fashioned him. Ryan is one of Your original masterpieces! I worship and bow down; I kneel before You, my Maker"...and so will Ryan! (Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 12:3-6, Psalm 119:67, 71, Psalm 119:73, Psalm 95:6)
Back to the story...
We were able to travel to Illinois and drop the kids off with "Mawmaw and Pawpaw" and get a quick, but much-needed 24 hour period alone!! It was super hard to leave, however. I broke down right before we had to go because Ryan refused to eat or put clothes on...yet again! It was a longer tantrum...probably because we were at a different place. He also wasn't feeling the best all weekend. He had a fever and diarrea, so needless to say, there was more going on than just not wanting to do something. Regardless of the tantrum and tears (on my part), Ben and I made ourselves leave. And to be honest, it was probably the BEST thing we could have done. We were able to just be together with no distractions and focus on each other, which in turn helps us focus better on our children! When we have time together, our communication is better, which helps in our parenting! You really forget how your marriage was before children until they aren't with you!! All around, it was a wonderful time away. Beth (Ben's mom) gave us updates during the day and made sure we knew Ryan was doing really well. Ben and I have decided to make it a priority to have time for each other as we go through this season. It's amazing how life just gets in the way and you forget to keep each other a priority! So thankful to Beth and Mark for watching the kiddos for us while we were gone! :)
After our 24 hours away, we came back to the grandparent's house and Beth had just read a devotional in one of her books the day before that really applied to our situation. It was a summary of a bunch of different scriptures that were all about being wonderfully made and that God doesn't make any mistakes. She replaced all the "I's" and "me's" to Ryan, so this is how it read:
"I give thanks to You, O Lord, and I stand in awe of You, for Ryan is wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works! Thank You that You uniquely designed and created Ryan with the same care and precision You used in creating the universe...that you formed Ryan in love exactly to your specifications...that You embroidered Ryan with great skill in Nicole's womb. I am grateful that Ryan's looks, Ryan's abilities, and Ryan's personality are lik a special picture frame in which You can portray Your grace and beauty, Your love, Your strength, Your faithfulness, to the praise of Your glory. I rejoice that You have gifted Ryan for the special purposes You have in mind for Ryan's life. I thank You for Your loving wisdom in allowing the things that will influence Ryan's life --the things that will prepare Ryan's heart to respond to You and live for Your glory. It's wonderful to know that You are not the least bit dissastisfied with Ryan's inborn talents, intelligence, aptitudes, appearance, and personality, for Your hands have made and fashioned him. Ryan is one of Your original masterpieces! I worship and bow down; I kneel before You, my Maker"...and so will Ryan! (Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 12:3-6, Psalm 119:67, 71, Psalm 119:73, Psalm 95:6)
May 18, 2011
Today was wonderfully calm! Whew....had one melt-down in the morning when I tried to get him to stop playing with his trains long enough to eat breakfast. Other than that, he has been calm the whole day. My mom had a prayer time with a church friend and my dad last night to pray over this entire situation. It felt good to give EVERYTHING to the Lord and really release all my fears to Him. I felt like a burden was lifted. God is good and He is going to show HIMSELF strong in our family. AMEN.
Psalm 108:1-5
"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth."
Psalm 108:1-5
"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth."
"A Spiritual Battle" - May 17, 2011
Well, today started out great! Everyone (Gracie- 4, Ryan - 3, Olivia- 16 months) was in great spirits. Ryan woke up at a decent hour with all his clothes on!! A rarity lately! :) The afternoon changed, however. I was trying to get Ryan to pee on the toilet today since he was refusing to keep his diaper on. He was doing exceptionally well in his underwear. But melt-down occurred when I tried to get him on the toilet before lunch. He refused to the point of tantrum. As I was trying to put his underwear back on he was kicking and screaming. He wanted to be completely naked. I tried to get him to come to the table, but he was refusing the whole time. The only way I could calm him down was to show him a "Thomas" movie. After he knew we were going to watch a movie, he let me dress him and he ate some of his lunch. I think visual things help him to calm down and focus.
The rest of the day was great! I think when Ryan gets frustrated about something, I need to learn to step back from the situation and let him regain focus again. He is such a good little boy. We are really beginning to speak the truth over him. Above everything, I want him to know we're NOT ashamed of him or autism. It doesn't define who he is in the Lord. I'm even praying that we could all use this for ministry opportunities! God knows exactly what He is doing and He doesn't make mistakes!!! Thank you, Jesus!!!!
The rest of the day was great! I think when Ryan gets frustrated about something, I need to learn to step back from the situation and let him regain focus again. He is such a good little boy. We are really beginning to speak the truth over him. Above everything, I want him to know we're NOT ashamed of him or autism. It doesn't define who he is in the Lord. I'm even praying that we could all use this for ministry opportunities! God knows exactly what He is doing and He doesn't make mistakes!!! Thank you, Jesus!!!!
Ben's Promise from God - May 16, 2011
Here is the verse Ben got from the Lord upon praying about the diagnosis of Ryan:
Matthew 7:7-8
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
"A Hard Weekend" - May 16, 2011
Well, it's the first week after learning of Ryan's (my 3 year old son) official diagnosis with Autism. To say I have fully begun to process what all that means is a lie. I had a super hard and emotional past couple of days. Letting family and friends know has been cathartic as well as torturous. I don't think I have cried this much in years! And yet, I know this is not the "end of the road" for Ryan. This is only the beginning of a journey that may be unpredictable and scary at times, but will also prove to be very rewarding. God is and always will be in control and I am STANDING on the fact that Ryan has come intou our family for a purpose. He is WONDERFULLY made. Right now I am simply struggling with the education focus we need to start thinking about. Do we put him in public school or do I homeschool? This already has been a very contrversial issue in our household. I go back and forth constantly. I am praying God truly gives both Ben and I DIVINE wisdom and guidance for the answer. I have seen Him do it before...I know He is faithful to do it again!
As I was thinking about what to write, I was drawn to Ephesians 6:13:
"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm." (NLT) This verse is a promise to me. If I choose to put on the armor everyday, I WILL be able to stand firm after the battle. It doesn't say we will always win the little battles that I will go through at home...I know I will have an "off" day here and there...but it does say I will be standing firm no matter what! Thank you, Jesus!
I guess the purpose of this blog is to be able to write out all my frustrations, successes, hopes, fears, etc. I have never walked through a season like this, so I think I need a safe place to divulge my feelings and maybe connect with others going through the same struggles.
So...here is today's report on Ryan:
-Ryan is continuing to take his diaper off at night and at naps. We put the small toilet in his room, but he doesn't quite understand the concept yet.
-He had a "melt-down" this evening when I was dressing him in warmer clothes to play outside. I tried to ask why, but he didn't answer. He just kept pulling at his clothes. This lasted about 5-7 minutes. His turning point was the mention of playing at the park.
-Much of today was spent playing inside because of rainy, cold weather. Ryan played with his trains most of the day. When he wasn't playing with his trains, he wanted to watch a movie. This is typical behavior.
-He has been making a lot more eye contact lately, which is a huge success! Though sometimes he will look at me and smile or laugh like his is thinking about something else. Sometimes I wish I could read his mind.
-There are times when he starts laughing hysterically about absolutely nothing! Sometimes Ben and I say he is laughing at one of our guardian angels! They must be making bunny ears behind us!! :)
I have felt incredibly blessed by the amazing outpouring of love from our family and friends. Everyone has been so amazingly understanding, offering beautiful words of encouragement and wisdom. I am so thankful for the family of God the Lord has placed us in!
And now to begin a journey that will take us to places we have never been before! As we place the armor of God on us, we will stand firm during the battles that will come!
As I was thinking about what to write, I was drawn to Ephesians 6:13:
"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm." (NLT) This verse is a promise to me. If I choose to put on the armor everyday, I WILL be able to stand firm after the battle. It doesn't say we will always win the little battles that I will go through at home...I know I will have an "off" day here and there...but it does say I will be standing firm no matter what! Thank you, Jesus!
I guess the purpose of this blog is to be able to write out all my frustrations, successes, hopes, fears, etc. I have never walked through a season like this, so I think I need a safe place to divulge my feelings and maybe connect with others going through the same struggles.
So...here is today's report on Ryan:
-Ryan is continuing to take his diaper off at night and at naps. We put the small toilet in his room, but he doesn't quite understand the concept yet.
-He had a "melt-down" this evening when I was dressing him in warmer clothes to play outside. I tried to ask why, but he didn't answer. He just kept pulling at his clothes. This lasted about 5-7 minutes. His turning point was the mention of playing at the park.
-Much of today was spent playing inside because of rainy, cold weather. Ryan played with his trains most of the day. When he wasn't playing with his trains, he wanted to watch a movie. This is typical behavior.
-He has been making a lot more eye contact lately, which is a huge success! Though sometimes he will look at me and smile or laugh like his is thinking about something else. Sometimes I wish I could read his mind.
-There are times when he starts laughing hysterically about absolutely nothing! Sometimes Ben and I say he is laughing at one of our guardian angels! They must be making bunny ears behind us!! :)
I have felt incredibly blessed by the amazing outpouring of love from our family and friends. Everyone has been so amazingly understanding, offering beautiful words of encouragement and wisdom. I am so thankful for the family of God the Lord has placed us in!
And now to begin a journey that will take us to places we have never been before! As we place the armor of God on us, we will stand firm during the battles that will come!
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