Another Spring Coming...

So another Spring is around the corner, and I can't believe how fast the last few years have gone. The last 4 years have really been a whirlwind, since having 3 little girls in 3 years has kept me very busy. Not only busy, but really feeling most of the time like I'm running to catch up, and not accomplishing most of what seems important. I keep looking forward to the day when I'm leading and directing instead of feeling like I'm just barely keeping up. It has been an emotional roller coaster since Madison was born, and I've gone from feeling like I *can do it, to feeling like I'm a complete failure.

The training and loving of toddlers is a tasking adventure, even when you have one. I've had three, (this time around with toddlers) and it seems to take forever to move from toddler to preschooler. Hannah is finally becoming the sweet and (sometimes) obedient little girl I've been praying she would be. Abigail is clinging to toddlerhood in some areas, but also blossoming into a sweet and loving little girl. Madison is a whole new world for me, and I think I've mentally kept her a baby. She is so smart though, and wanting to do everything her sisters are doing. She loves to color and draw with them, and follows them around and joins in their play.

Seth and Ethan are fast approaching little men. I worry about Seth sometimes, as he is such a young "man" most of the time. But, he loves to play with his siblings and isn't afraid to love and kiss on them. He wants me to adopt more children. We need a girl (he says) in between Ethan and Hannah to help play with the girls. (not happening that *I know of) Ethan is content to play either toddler games, or hang with his brother playing board games or whatever.

Having a large family has so many dynamics. I never considered how many directions your children can go at once. How do I pull it all together in a cohesive manner? Most days I don't. There are times when everyone is needing me at once, and times when they are all building forts or playing with Legos together. Times when Seth is picking on some younger sibling or other, and all the kids are screaming. (sometimes in joy, sometimes in anger)

At times I do get a glimpse of what life will be like in a little more time. A little more organized, a little less pressured.

I have hope, and faith that that growing up in this family will be a blessing. :)

The Best Thanksgiving Ever!

Madison surprised us all today by walking across our dining room several times. She is now 22 1/2 months, and has taken a few steps here and there, but always has to be "tricked" into it. She has now realized that she *can do it! It is so exciting, and I keep thanking the Lord over and over as I consider all that she has accomplished in her two short years.

It was a very precious day, and all of our children were here to witness it, as well as other close family members. I knew she was getting close, but didn't realize how ready she actually was. Just another reminder that our children are always a step ahead of us. :)

Just Pondering....

As many of you know, this October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month. While Madison is closing in on two years, I never gave much thought to how the world in general views these wonderful children that are born with this affliction. Madison is just so much like any other child, its hard to imagine that someone else could look at her (or any of those on the SB kids blog) and say "I wouldn't want a child like that." It is ultimately heartbreaking.

I never thought about the upwards of 50% of these children that are aborted after their parents find out about their SB. It saddens me beyond measure that families would discard a person simply because of some challenges. Most wouldn't consider it if their baby was born premature, they would fight for that baby like nothing else. Prematurity can cause as many or more long term issues as SB. If their newborn baby were diagnosed with cancer, would they just let them die? If their 10 year old were in a car accident and ended up in a wheelchair, would they wish they hadn't had them? Some would say these are extreme comparisons, but not in my mind. I have a child that was diagnosed when she was 17 weeks old. Not before she was a child. Just before she was born.

I don't regret for a moment having her, and I know she has blessed our family in more ways than I can even notice on a daily basis. She also blesses everyone we meet. She is beautiful and funny and smart. She lights up the room with her smile and her laughter. She is also very loud! You cannot ignore her. :)

I have seven children, and Madison is the youngest. I have grown up with a fear of having a special needs child. I always worried that God knew I had a weakness there, and would give me a baby like Madison. I can't say how thankful I am that He did.

First Steps!!

After a great day at physical therapy, Madison was toddling around the kitchen with Linda, and took 3 separate independent steps! Then a few minutes later, she took 2 1/2 at one time!!

I'm so excited, I'm posting it everywhere I can think of... :)

She is now 20 months.

Getting Closer!

So we have been having physical therapy every week, and working on trunk strength, balancing, walking with one hand, or with hip support and no hands. Madison is doing very well, but balks at holding her own with walking. She just leans hard on whoever is working with her. If I leave her standing in the hall, she will use the wall and sidestep down the hall, (if she's in a cooperative mood) or just drop to her knees and start crawling.

But she is making improvements, and her therapist is pleased with her progress. Sometimes it seems so slow! But I know that there are a lot of factors involved with her walking that most kids don't have to worry about. It is a very conscious effort for her to keep her feet aligned, and her hips in control. She looks a bit squirrely when she walks, but her therapist said yesterday that it has tightened up a lot. Very encouraging.