Ticket Down To Mexico

I adapted this for when Jeremy went to Mexico for ten days. It's not the best, but it was fun.

We sent a lot of things back and forth while he was gone. He even wrote me letters before-hand and had a friend send them every day to me.

It was a rough ten days, especially at first. I grew a new appreciation for those that are single mothers. Church was hard. Everything seemed hard. But it made me stronger:)

Now I know why DSPD gives help to single parents first. I can't imagine what it is like being single with special needs children.

Although I am usually by myself with my children, it's different not to have my husband here with me to help me through things. I had some hard things happen while he was gone. I learned a lot. Isaac and Millie missed him, too.

He brought some fun stuff back, though! And we are so happy to have him back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And even thought he left on Valentines Day (favorite) we celebrated before and it was so great

NO IFSP

We were supposed to have Isaac's IFSP today, but we all have colds or something. No fun. My house is also a mess and my uncle Mark just passed away. So, pretty much I'm not in the mood for people coming over to assess Isaac and tell me that he is now in "the grey area." No thanks.

I was going to go to a Fragile X Conference in California this summer. There are many reasons why I ended up deciding against it, but one point my sister brought up is that I probably would have a hard time. She knows I wouldn't do well seeing others with Fragile X Syndrome that are very low functioning or hearing about all the hard things that I may face in the future. I also don't do well finding out more things to worry about, whether it is about Isaac with Fragile X or me as a Carrier. Like I've said. Sometimes I pretend I'm in my happy-go-lucky world in rose-colored glasses. And...sometimes I think that is okay. :)

Great Minds Think Alike

This is my nephew. He is fourteen and also has Fragile X, like my little Isaac. It is funny to see how alike they are because they are cousins and have the same syndrome. Sometimes I don't know whether it is their sensory needs, family traits, FXS, or something else, but they sure have a lot in common.

They both get this embarrassed smile, turning their heads and closing their eyes tight
They both love popcorn

They both love rocking horses, or at least my nephew did when he was little, as does every FXer in my family.

He was super hyper in this one but I'll never forget seeing how well he did this when I was so worried about other things he couldn't do. What  a natural!:)

They both like apples, though my nephew LOVES them

Needless to say, these two have a special bond.

When I first found out that Isaac had Fragile X, I had to tell all my family, which was hard. But there was one person I knew would not be sad. In fact, my nephew was so excited when he heard that Isaac had Fragile X just like him. It was a celebration. That helped me a lot.

Physical Therapy

Isaac's physical therapist is very proud of how well Isaac is doing. He is getting so close to really walking. He has taken 23 steps (I have to count every one). Right now we are working on showing him how to get up by himself in the middle of a room and walk. I think once he gets that he will walk even more. He is so close. I'm still hoping he will be walking by Millie's birthday at the end of March.

He actually put a puzzle piece in the other day. A few. We got a peg puzzle with only four large shapes and large knobs. He also likes to put big pieces of plastic money in the chubby piggy bank we have. He can get a few in there and I know he is excited about it. Some of the littlest things can be so frustrating to him, but I am so proud of how he will keep trying.

I guess we are the same way. Sometimes we can't do things...yet. We just need to be patient with ourselves and keep trying. We may have a moment to cry and pity ourselves, but the most important thing is not giving up and enduring until we accomplish the task/goal.

Isaac has taught me many things and continues to do so. I know he has much more up his sleeve:).

Help on all sides

I think Isaac knows that Daddy is on a trip because he has been so hard! He doesn't sleep well at night, if at all. I'm debating whether it is time for some medicine or whether this is just a stage he is going through. I don't want to give him anything so young, so I'm waiting it out. I haven't gone crazy...yet.
He has had multiple meltdowns. It may be several things. Not getting rest, not being in routine, etc. etc.
We've had a few doozies. I don't think a day has gone by since Jeremy left that I haven't cried twice. I feel like a little kid. It's ridiculous.
Little things have been getting to me.

For example, at church this week I took Isaac in for nursery just because he wouldn't let me be anywhere else. I know he is still young, but I realized that he IS going to be the one that is different, harder, one that needs more care. And I wonder how the Primary will handle it. Are they as nervous about it as I am?
He can't sit up in his chair. He doesn't hold still. He is easily overwhelmed. He cannot color or even hold a crayon (he just eats it). He will do great at playing with the toys, though! That's good. Hopefully this walking business will work out by eighteen months.

It's hard when you try all that you know how to do but they are so far gone that nothing helps and you just have to keep trying, keep being patient. They other day I decided that my patience came from Heaven because I don't know how I just kept loving, rocking, singing, etc. I did however break down and cry for a few minutes. That's better than getting angry. I really wasn't angry, though. I was flustered, spent, at a loss, worn out, tired...

These are the times when I see so many gathering around to help me. I have had so much help, love, and support from friends, family, and neighbors these past few days. It's been amazing. Even those that don't know he is gone are reaching out. Maybe it's because they visibly see I'm on the brink of melting down myself or just because they are inspired. Both.

But I'll tell you what, there are angels here and beyond the veil helping me through it all. And it 's not just now, but it's been this way every day of my life. And my whole life has prepared me for these moments.

I've had some of the scariest, hardest, yet most spiritual and uplifting few days.

I want to share something one of my dear loved ones shared with me by Elder Holland,

If you are the one afflicted or a caregiver to such, try not to be overwhelmed with the size of your task. Don’t assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can. If those are only small victories, be grateful for them and be patient. Dozens of times in the scriptures, the Lord commands someone to “stand still” or “be still”—and wait. ⁶ Patiently enduring some things is part of our mortal education.
For caregivers, in your devoted effort to assist with another’s health, do not destroy your own. In all these things be wise. Do not run faster than you have strength. ⁷ Whatever else you may or may not be able to provide, you can offer your prayers and you can give “love unfeigned.” ⁸ “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; … [it] beareth all things, … hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.” ⁹Also let us remember that through any illness or difficult challenge, there is still much in life to be hopeful about and grateful for. We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions!.... 
I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.” ¹² Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another,”
All, I can say is...it will all be worth it:)  

Thanks everyone!

Allergies

I had Isaac tested for several allergies not too long ago. He has vomited up peas after eating them ever since he was little. He used to have a definite reaction to whole wheat as well. There have been a few other things and I dreaded my little FXS boy having more challenges.
I got good news a week or so ago, however. He is not allergic to any of that. However, throwing up after eating peas is just as good an allergy as any. The doctor said it was just an "intolerance." So I guess he has an intolerance to peas. AKA we will not be eating peas.
No else likes them but me anyway. I'll continue my ways ha ha

PS, it's so weird. Whenever Isaac gets his blood drawn he just sits perfectly still and watches. I mean, how many actually see him sitting still ever? Maybe it is because he is always tired at that time, I say lots of prayers, he may like the sensory there.