Solo Cup Photo Contest

Solo Cup Photo Contest

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Small world

How small has the world has become. I am a South African married to a man from India and living in USA. Small right but it has become even smaller with all the social networking sites. I have met people I would never come across in my daily like. Some for a couple of years and knowing some one out there with similar every day challenges , I know I am not alone. Just a pick me up when I am down and also to share my joys.

I am happy to get all the feed back of ideas on how to work with my kids and also give mine so it may help someone else. The internet has changed the world as we know it.

Good times

Good things happen during bad time. Yes it is true, my husband is out of work for couple months now and the children have gotten more close to him. My daughter is a daddy's girl but my son is a mommy's boy and with his dad been home was a bit difficult for him. From me been there to his dad, it was out of his routine. My son has autism and does not do well in change but as time went on he looks to him for help. The best part was he choose his dad over me for certain things, which made me sad and happy at the same time. To be honest it is kind of a break for me. It is so good to see them get even closer and I know they would not change.

Letting go

I always thought going to the county fair would be a challenge with my son. As long as someone sitting next to him he would be fine and that would be the only way he would sit trough the ride, I was scared of him trying to get off the rides while in mid motion. His dad went with him on the first ride , all went well. One the second he dad let him go alone, to honest I was not happy at all. But I bit my tongue and just prayed everything would be fine. I could not wait for the ride to be over, and it was. I was over joyed and at the same time felt not needed. But as I watched him ride more rides on his own, I noticed something he looked so proud. It was good seeing that look on his face. I know I have to let him spread his wings and become more brave and independent. One thing for sure he might need me less. I always let him know we will always be there for him whenever he needs us.

Cheese over candy

Taking my daughter grocery shopping is not so fun, with all the candy, soda all right at the check out. She would cry for for her candy which I hate buying. But this trip to the store was so funny. We had done shopping and was paying. Then all of a sudden she started to scream and cry, I thought oh no the candy, yeah I gave in and gave it to her. But she said no and I could not figure why she was crying . She pointed to the bags in the cart, so I carried her over and looked in the bags yo see what she wanted. I could not believe she was crying for her string cheese. Yes string cheese I could not believe it. But at the same time I was so proud she wanted her cheese compared to candy. It is good to see that she looks up to her brother, he had gotten her started with cheese. I feel so proud to see they are learning from each other. Now I just hope they only learn the good habits. I know wishful thinking but I can hope.

Mother Natures Wonders

Wow, I have to say summer has the most beautiful sunsets. Who needs to pay money to see what beauty Mother Nature has to offer. I just stood there taking the sunset, watching as the sun disappears . 'Mommy' was the word that brought me back to earth. I called to my son to see the sunset and did not want to . How ironic it is because of him I started to enjoy the simple things in life. Taking note of all that we seem to forget in our busy lives. With both my children I begin to see life in a whole new way.

Two worlds as One

I never thought the day would come, the when both my children play with one another. My son who has autism and my daughter has CRS, two different forms of disabilities, how could they meet in the center and play. They knew each other was there but did not play one on one. I used to sit with both of them and use hand over hand and make them play together. I would always be there helping them play together. Then one day out of the blue he walked to her and sat opposite her took her hands in his and started to sing. She looked at him laughing and trying to sing. It was such a good feeling to see them play together and I did not have to the medium. All I can yes kids from different worlds and disabilities can play together all they need is patients and a little help.

Sea Lions

Going to the docks has one of the best perks, seeing sea lions. The children loved seeing them in real life and not just in books or television. My children don't like staying in one place for a long time but they love seeing them that they did not want to go. It was very calming looking at them even if they just lay there.

I will find a way

I was having my 4 month ultra sound done when the Dr looked at me and said " I think there is something wrong". My heart dropped to the floor and been brave asked what is wrong, She might not be able to move from the waist down and needed to do an intensive ultra sound to be done. Did all the ultra sounds and it all confirmed it. I cried and cried but knew I had to be strong her her. Getting to know all that was to be known about Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS) and accepting the worse. Thinking of how I am going to do this, having a son who has autism and having a baby with CRS. When I looked at the monitor and just seeing her knew I can do this. Scared out of my mind of not knowing what will happen. But when she was born, nothing seemed to matter. Seeing her face for the first time, I knew I can do this.

When she came home, my son was a big brother and keeping a watchful eye on her all the time. I wanted to do everything for her, did not want her to feel any pain. But I knew I had to think with my head and not just my heart. Sitting in front of her and waited for her to figure a way she has to move to get to me, was the best thing ever. She worked her way to me and I saw that joy in her face of "I did it". That gave me the courage to let her find her way to do things. And today she has she has such a will power to do things her way, does not like to be helped unless she ask for it. And she loves her freedom of moving with her cool wheelchair.

I am happy she is who she is and she is not her disability

Water

Having got my children to drink more water, I used to buy bottle water so they would think it's cool to do so. Now wanting to lessen our carbon footprint decided to to go with reusable water bottles. I thought I would be going through many reusable water bottles. I was wrong. I am still on the first bottle I got them. My son who has autism manages to remember to bring his bottle back at the end of each school day. In a way it also have thought him to be a bit more responsible for his things. As for my daughter, she also remembers to bring her bottle home with her. I have to say I am very surprised they have become responsible of their belongings. In my books that is a good thing.

Little joys

The little simple things makes my children happy. When my little one came from school with a bead bracelet she made for me and put it on for me. Her face beamed with joy as she waited for my reaction. I looked at her and said thank you. For the rest of the day she kept looking to see if I still have it on, and the joy returns to her face. When I look at it, it brings a smile to my face and I can see her face beaming with pride.

Sweet sounds of waterfalls

The sweet sounds of a water fall is so relaxing. But when the real thing is miles away, a water fountain is the next best thing. Which I personaliy think every home should have one. At the end of a busy nerve raking day, just to sit down with your eyes closed and just listen. Soothing away the hectic day. And most of all have a good night sleep and ready to take on the next day.

Diet vs Lifestyle change

"Diet", oh that word is so wrong in so many ways. Why should we be on a diet? I cannot understand why don;t we try to be and eat healthy. When I think of Diet and I know x amount of days have to watch what ever goes in my mouth. And then after those days I can eat whatever I want. I am NOT on a diet but I choose to make a lifestyle change. And what I put in my mouth is what I choose to and not anyone else letting me know if I can eat it or not. It is about 2 years I changed the way I think of food and what I choose to eat made a big difference. I know I am on the right path for a better lifestyle for me.
Diet - no thank you
Lifestyle change - yes thank you

I can swim

Going to the pool used to a dreaded feeling for me. My daughter who is in the wheelchair is unable to swim but given the chance she shines and surprised me. She got into her ring and swam. Yes, she paddled with her hands and was on the other end of the pool. Shocked was I but now I know given the opportunity she will shine. One thing for sure children with limitations are children without limits.

Camera in the hands of an Austic boy

My son has autism and giving him a camera was the best thing we have done. He is limited speech and he takes photos of what he likes. This really helps with understanding his likes and seeing things through his eyes. It is also interesting to see what catches his attention, and animals is what he love alot.