Sit and Play

Today, is Laik's 11 month birthday!  We are getting closer to his FIRST birthday!  And exciting things are beginning to happen....

I first reported Laik sitting INDEPENDENTLY on April 28 to my friends and family.  It was just a few days past 10 months.

Now, he is sitting and playing.  He is able to keep his balance, though he does tire easily sometimes.  He is much more interested in toys.  He is able to transfer toys from hand to hand.  And he also is beginning to paw at food on the high chair tray now as well.  All are big milestones for Laik and very exciting for us!

We are working daily on crawling.  I remind myself often:  Patience is a virtue.

For now, we'll just sit and play!

Support

Do you have a good support system?  When folks find out that you have a child with an issue, they always want to know who "your people" are?  Do you have a supportive family?  Do you go to church?  Are you going to have help?  You may want to join a group to help you cope.

It always makes me laugh a little on the inside, because for those of you that know my family well....we've got plenty of people....that means bloods and long term honorary members.

My family is a pretty tight knit group.  We spend a lot of time together.  Doing so is a result of my grandparents. Growing up we were always together.  As adults we are still all together.  I'm not talking about special occasions and holidays, I mean at any given time.  It could be a Tuesday afternoon and you might find my entire family...parents, both sisters, brother-in-laws, nephews and probably a few cousins eating together.  For us, this is not a big deal.  It's just what we do.

Since Laik's birth, this has been fabulous for me.  Being a first time parent at age 36, I never knew just how exhausting parenting would be.  I am certain that "having babies" is a young woman's sport for a reason! With that said, having the troops around in full force is wonderful!

Laik is often so stimulated that I worry we overstimulate him sometimes.  The boys enjoy getting in the floor and playing, taking him for a stroll, holding him and most of all, loving him.  I am certain that Laik has progressed because he is constantly in motion with this family.   His eyes light up when the back door opens and another member of the gang arrives.  He watches with intent to figure out just what is going on.

Our son has a such a multitude of love surrounding him, he is guaranteed to thrive!  If I can say one thing about this family of mine, it is this:  regardless of circumstances, situations or conditions, my family has my back.

Todd and I have no worries about being surrounded by supportive people because we don't have to look any farther than the back door to find a helping hand, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on because someone is always stopping by to see us....well really to see Laik, we just happen to be here!


And that,  is just the support we need!

Wedding Day...

Saturday May 21, 2011 was Laik's first wedding....to attend!

A longtime friend of my nephew's was celebrating his big day and we were lucky to be a part of it.  But, as I sat in the church pew in the beautiful Patten Chapel at UTC, I started to think about my own wedding.  Todd and I had planned to marry there, but things changed and we ended up having a beautiful outdoor wedding almost a year sooner than expected. Everyone asked if I was pregnant?....Really?  If they only knew our story...it's not that easy!

Having these thoughts also made me think of the future....Will Laik ever marry? It is not likely and that is ok.

Each day as we live this life, I become more and more at peace with Laik's condition. This child of mine enlightens and puts happiness in the hearts of everyone he meets.  His smile is infectious! That gummy grin can make the day better for anyone within seconds.  And that gives me joy in my heart!

And as far as weddings are concerned....You can count on him being in at least five, because all our nephews are going to marry someday.....we hope!

Happy Birthday today to Mimi too!