First, we had a great Christmas! On Christmas Eve, the whole family got together at George's grandparents' house, and we all had a relaxing time talking, laughing, eating, playing, reading, singing, and of course, opening gifts!
Then, on Christmas morning, the boys woke nice and early to open gifts, and enjoy our traditional breakfast of cinnamon rolls and orange juice. We've been eating that Christmas morning breakfast ever since we got married, and the kids are learning to look forward to it!
Then, after our family morning, everyone from my side of the family came over, and we all enjoyed the day together!
Now, a Noah update! He's been growing up before our very eyes it seems!!! He is now sleeping in his big boy bed almost every day, and is really starting to get so many more words.
We had his hearing checked, and it came out perfectly. We also had a visit to the speech therapist where we decided that speech therapy would definitely be a benefit for him. I'm waiting to hear back from them regarding when we should start. She is pretty booked up, but is expecting to get some openings soon. Noah LOVED this woman. He was flirting with her like crazy, and enjoyed showing her all of the toys and books he brought along. She kept saying how cute he was, and he was soaking it in! :)
We are also going to be making an appointment with a behavioral therapist. It is the conclusion of many people, that Noah may have something called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Pretty much, this is a fancy way of saying that he processes things differently in his mind. Sometimes he gets extremely overstimulated, and just doesn't know how to calm himself down.
I've been reading a book called The Out of Sync Child Has Fun. It's full of activities for kids with this disorder. Many of the things in the book are things we are already doing with him, but they also give a lot more ideas that I am looking forward to trying with him.
I've been so encouraged to hear stories about other parents of children who act very similarly to mine! It's good to know I'm not alone, and that it's not my "bad parenting" when my son freaks out about putting socks and shoes on. We are slowing learning how to communicate with each other, and life is getting easier in that aspect! It's really teaching me not to sweat the small stuff, which I sometimes have a problem with.
We decided to move the television out of our main family room, and I've packed up and stored over half the boys' toys (which they haven't noticed in the slightest). Now, with less "overstimulation" going on, the kids can really focus on what they are playing with, and the overall mood in our home has gotten so much more relaxed!
A few nights ago we were at "the cousins'" house, and the boys had a great time playing play-doh, and dancing with the girls. Of course, Josiah kept talking about how much fun he had, and the next day we went out and bought an ice cream play-doh machine ("Like Sophie and Lydia and Sophie") has. Josiah tries so hard to remember all their names. Hehe. Josiah and Noah, both, have been enjoying playing with it every day since, and it's been really fun to watch! Noah hadn't been allowed to play with Play-doh for a long time because he kept eating it, but that is no longer a problem!!!
Josiah is growing up too. He's so sweet, and so kind. He's really into Buzz Lightyear these days, and spends much of his time pressing his button and extending his wings (complete with sound effects, of course), and flying around the house saying, "Buzz Lightyear to da rescue!" If I had a nickel... :) I can't wait to watch him grow even more this year! It's happening so fast, and I'm trying to savor every day with these precious blessings of mine!
And now Deborah Joy. I can't remember if I've posted recently about her name, but we have decided to name her Deborah Joy because every time we look at her pictures, she emits such light and joy. She truly has a beautiful spirit about her, and brings joy to everyone she meets! There is a rare picture where her face is not adorned with a smile! And she has already brought so much joy into our lives. It's so hard waiting for her to come home!
I received a call from one of the social workers at our office the other day. She was very concerned that we understood what we were taking on by adopting Deborah. I assured her that we were completely committed to this little girl, and that we were very aware of her physical and mental status. She discussed, in length, the probability of her capabilities, and expressed her concerns that we had two other very young children at home. I assured her that we had done our research, and were able to provide her (and our own children) with all the time and attention they each need. By the end of the conversation she said it sounded like we were very prepared, and was happy to finish writing the paperwork for our referral!
I understand their concerns. I understand on paper, we probably look a little crazy. :) 25 year old couple with a one and two year old wish to adopt two year old child with cerebral palsy. I get it.
Is it going to be hard? YES! Three kids 16 months apart, I'm not living in a fantasy world! I don't think my day will consist of my two boys playing cars happily side by side while I have a tea party with my perfectly well-mannered girly girl. But is life supposed to be as comfortable and easy as possible? No. Are we put on this earth to think about ourselves? No. Sometimes we are called to do what we could never dream of doing on our own, and that is when we can point to God and say, "It's only because of him!" This is one of those opportunities for our family. I could not stay at home with three children 16 months apart (who have cerebral palsy, speech delays, diapers, tantrums, tempers, SPD, and all that) without giving God the credit!!! Heck, I can't stay at home with one "perfect" child without the help of God (all mothers, can I get an Amen!?). LOL. Sadly, I was unable to use that exact reasoning with the social worker on the phone, but I'm glad I was able to get the point across.
The Lord has called us to parent each of these beautiful children. All three of them, and yes, it may be hard for me, but it's not about me. I believe that Josiah, Noah, and Deborah Joy are all destined for greatness. I especially believe Deborah Joy will have a wonderful testimony to give when she is older. I wish I could tell her how loved, and how desperately she is wanted by so many people here.
So, there is the most recent happenings in the Lyons' household! We are looking forward to what this year holds in store for us! We are excited!
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