The Frustration of being Mom to Hemihypertrophy

The fact is my son has hemihypertrophy and it is visible to my eye, so I know he needs special doctors to treat this, but the selfish side of not wanting to constantly monitor everything is there, I need to make these appointments more enjoyable for me. I am going to do this, yes I have to bring him but he and I are going to have a special day. We have to do this so what can I do to make it awesome. October 4th snuck up on me and I didn't have his yearly appointment on the calendar but it's time to focus on the leg and when it needs to be lengthened he's almost 5 years old and I know he could shoot up 4 inches a year, I did. I was one of those tiny kids for a long time, I remember when I finally got to 55 pounds in 5th grade but then I shot up in one year 4 inches. I don't know how fast or quickly Nate will grow but I know his one leg needs to be lengthened and no homeopathic doctor is going to be able to do this....then again one never knows if one doesn't know about something, what is going on. Sigh. Chemically be able to do this is what the guy from Emory said. For now I am trying to have everything taken care of at MCG.

Now to call his pediatrician.

Four and a half years old WOW

And so I have neglected your blog, it's been hectic and I forget to write. I keep track of somethings on your facebook page. Your okay, your growing and I need to take you to the doctors again. Speech is no longer anything but your family making you say things and you are doing incredibly well.

I'm a bit concerned about the difference in leg lengths and it's time for another sonogram, and blood work and your well check for a 4 year old that should of been done in August.... behind I was for your 3rd and now more behind or ahead for your 4th year well check. Time for a long week in Augusta.

You've come so far in one year!!!

Looking back a year ago. http://wife-mom2ddand3ds.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html Last year I remember crying a lot and wondering if we would ever talk to one another and how I would know you. This year, I know what you want, and what color. You want Lollies and you want the orange one as your first choice.

I have so enjoyed four days with just you and me and a bit of your Dad, but for the most part he's been busy working. I've been busy watching you and smiling, and crying a few happy tears. For the most part, you are just like any other child. It was so much fun watching and listening to other parents at Disneyworld. There is so much more of you to know, but I got to see you as you for four days. No interference from other siblings and I think this is where I need to step back and realize how important this one on one time is to your well being and my comprehending you as a person.

A weekly trip to a new place is important for your health. New places, and new situations and watching how your mind works. It's been amazing to watch you. And Dawn was so correct in music being a key element to your learning. Reflecting on last year and reading what you were doing then verses how far you have come. WOW!!!

Autism Speaks

Nathan speaks....sometimes he doesn't shut-up. He sings, he talks, he tells you somethings but he isn't a normal 4 year old, or maybe he is....he does his own thing. Autistic, I'm not sure...people who have autistic children look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them his diagnosis is autism. I agree this kid isn't autistic, he's quirky and probably somewhere on the chart...but it is very different and yet similar at times depending on his mood.

He plays with toys, he sleeps through the night, he's potty trained, he is very naughty. He pretends, he dances, he acts out stories, he has very good manners. Thank-you Peter. Please...

"Jump, jump, weee." He says as he jumps off the couch. "abre'!!" "NO, Peter!!" "A treasure chest, hello Mommy."

when asked to bring something to the trash, "NO." When he doesn't want to do something he fakes snores.

Whatever but he's Nate. He's four and he's growing up.

Strong willed and annoying

Interference.... I was going for a pass and ended up getting tackled. There are days when I can plan my life and then something happens and I end up with so much stress from this child...complicated by other siblings.

I booked my oldest child to watch her younger brother. She did but then for some odd reason felt like coming to watch her younger siblings and ruined my day. I get so annoyed at the younger child who lacks the ability to sit through any performance but the older siblings seem to not think.

I've gotten to the point where I don't want him coming anywhere with me if I want to enjoy something. A movie, forget it. At age 4 he isn't like other children and lacks the ability to sit still, not make a scene.

I wonder how other parents with special needs children handle them. He can seem so normal that you forget how much of a handful he can be in public. At home he is fine. He watches too much television, but is happy doing that, playing with legos.

Trying to figure out what is best for him. Intense therapy....I don't see the point. He has a normal attention span of a 3 year old. (yes he is 4...) I don't see the point in driving 30 minutes one way, and spending 30 minutes playing with some toy and saying the names of the items, driving 30 minutes home.

He's improving, it is just becoming more obvious that something is wrong. "He doesn't act like a four year old." an observation by one of his 10 year old brother's friends. No, he doesn't. He won't talk to you much. He's quieter but if he wants something or wants to behave a certain way, expect it to happen or an extreme moment where he is so annoying you wonder, is it worth it....yes, because maybe the next time he won't do it.

Learning to Share

co-op...it's interesting. You are with 11 other kids. I forgot the break through I had with you sharing...I was so shocked. You had your cars/trucks lined up and pitched a fit....so I removed you from the room and we spent some time sitting in a corner. It took a while but you wanted to go back to the other room.

"here, you go." I was shocked, as you handed the toy to Abram and continued to play. The other teacher looked at me and said, it's like another child. I don't understand why or when, but there are days where you take a huge leap forward and this was a day you turned a corner.

Going Out to Eat

I don't like taking you out to eat. Often you are very difficult but today you were better behaved. Maybe because it was a buffet. You sat and ate rice. You got out of your seat once and ran around the restaurant but for the most part it was a success. It's the little things that make my day.