Change is GOOD

It's so funny how you look back on certain points in your life and now find humor in situations that had you seriously stressed out!  As most of you know, I spent the summer in complete distress about Kennedy's school.  I knew she wouldn't be returning to her old school and I was so extremely worried that the change would be hard for her......that she would have trouble making friends, would be lost in a new building, etc, etc.  I spent many, many, MANY sleepless nights worrying about this big life change.

Needless to say Kennedy has taken it all in stride and has really blossomed at her new school.  She has learned her way around, made new friends, and even learned to jump rope! (Who knew??) I ask her often if she still likes her school and she always tells me yes and that she has no interest in going back to her old one.  She is amazing us all with everything that she is learning too! She breezes through homework and is so proud of herself for understanding the material--especially math!

Now, I wonder why it took me so long to accept the idea of her changing schools! Had I known it would have been such a great thing for her, I would have done it sooner.  But it all happened for a reason! We met some wonderful people, Kennedy found awesome friends, and I found one of my best friends along the way! :)

On another note.....lately, I really feel that Kennedy is becoming more aware of the things that she can't do as easily as her peers.  Understandably, this is very frustrating for her.  All kids want to fit in and it's not so easy for her. So in an attempt to boost her self-confidence, we took her to a cheer practice last week with a squad that welcomes kids with special needs.  Kennedy LOVED it!  She has asked every day when she can go back to practice and I am so happy that she has found something that interests her.  We have tried lots of other activities (dance, karate,etc) and it was very discouraging for her because she couldn't keep up with the other kids.  I am very excited to see her confidence grow through cheerleading!!

I know I always say this but I promise to get better at blogging! Until next time.....

It's been a while......tooooooo long actually

I am writing this blog with an overwhelmingly grateful heart. It's been one year-- THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DAYS--- since we have been through a seizure in our household. I am so thankful! At one point we couldn't go two weeks without experiencing a seizure! And here we are.....prayers answered!!
It was December 25, 2004 that we had spent Kennedy's first Christmas day in an emergency room after her first seizure. "Sometimes kids just have seizures" we were told but I knew it wasn't "just a seizure."
Perhaps I should back up...to my MISERABLE days of pregnancy. I was at Cool Springs mall with my mom and we saw a group of special needs kids. I remember breaking down and telling my mom I didn't want a special needs kids-- i was already preparing to be a single mom and i was sure i did not have the strength for the added pressure of a child with special need. Something deep in my gut was preparing me for what was to come---even if I didn't know it in my head.
So after we had the first seizure on Kennedy's first Christmas, we continued to have seizures. So in March we went to our first appointment at Kosairs in Louisville wit a neurologist. We went through lot of testing and it was probably harder on me than on Kennedy. At this point Kennedy was 9 months old and not doing much as far as her development goes. No sitting up......no crawling....no pulling up...... And we were given "the news." Kennedy had cerebral palsy. We were pretty much told that Kennedy would NEVER walk or talk. We were told she would probably always need more help that other kids and be in "special classes." And then the neurologist's cell rang and he talked to his wife about dinner plans while I cried my eyes out. My life was changed dramatically and it was just another day at the office for the doctor.
Needless to say....my parents and I never gave up on Kennedy and she learned to walk and talk. Hr neurologist called her "a miracle". Eventually we moved on to a doctor at Vanderbilt who found just the right medications to get her to where we are today. Sure she is a behind her peers, but she is so much more advanced than she should have been if we listened to the doctors. Every time she talks back or runs away, I am so thankful to God that she can talk and can walk.
This has been a very emotional blog so next time I will update you guys on our life over the last 7 months since my last blog. We are finally making a move in schools and it's going to be a great thing for Kennedy. I will explain more in my next blog. For now, I am giving glory to God to this great accomplishment that is only HIS doing----1 year seizure-free for my walking and talking girl!