Still Makes Me Laugh

As I was looking through old pictures of my baby girl. I came across one that still to this day makes me laugh. I'm hoping to share a laugh with you today. If my lil girl has made you laugh, please comment by letting me know.



"I Can't" Syndrome

*RANT, blowing steam and trying to better my mood by writing.*

Every day I fight with my daughter to do her daily chores or what I believe would be her chores. I came to the conclusion that she has the "I can't" Syndrome. Let me explain, every time I ask her to either pick up her toys or grab her dishes to put them in the sink.. she whines that she can't. I'm not sure as to why she does this. I'm trying not to raise a lazy child who doesn't want to do things for herself. But at this point, I do every thing for her.

Most children her age wanna at least try to take care of the small things because they are no longer a baby. My daughter, she'd rather you do it all. Brush her hair (which I would end up doing anyway just to be sure) and the same with trying to bath. She doesn't want to dress herself or even put on her own shoes. This is really starting to drive me crazy.

Most of the articles that I have read say that "Kindergartners are always wanting to be helpful." Not my child. She starts school in August. I really hope that between school and the behavioral therapy, we can get her onto track. Maybe I just need to learn some new discipline tactics. Time outs just aren't working anymore.

OK enough of my rant. Thanks for reading.

Pica

Most of you already know that my daughter was recently diagnosed with a condition called Pica. I have had several people ask me to explain exactly what it is. Well, in answers to all your questions, I did some research on this condition and put together the most important facts. To learn more, read below:




Pica- a medical disorder where the person craves non-food items such as dirt, clay, ashes, chalk, lotions, sweet smelling item such as shampoo and conditioner/ perfume, and crayons/markers. Pica is most common in women and children. Pica in children can sometimes be fatal. There are several known causes of Pica. Some include: stress and anxiety, iron deficiency or another mineral deficiency, some mental health conditions such as OCD and schizophrenia. Pica is currently recognized as a mental disorder by the widely used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).


The cause of my daughter's Pica is unknown seeing how she doesn't fall into any of the common known causes. The doctor at Children's Hospital suggested Behavioral Health Therapy. This is one of the several types of treatment. This is the most common when it comes to children. They may use the cognitive approach when treating my daughter. (This is in my opinion and comes from my education in the Psychology field. I feel this would be the most beneficial to her.) The cognitive approach is a type of therapy that has been used with children that most had a positive outcome. This approach is usually short term. The doctor will probably watch my child for a series of sessions to see how she reacts to certain items. Then, in a way easy for her to understand, the psychologist will then decide which direction is the best to go. In the mean time, they will be helping her to understand what is going on with her and ways to deal with it. They will teach her how to fight against the urge to eat the non-food item and teach her that food is the way to go.


This may take a while and she may have to do this during her first year of Kindergarten. The school may also be directed to have a student aid present with her at all times to ensure she doesn't take a chunk out of the crayons or drink the glue. Hopefully, we can get this under control before that becomes an issue. As we all know, children these days aren't respectful to other's with certain needs.


Well, there you have it. A small explanation with what our near future holds. I will update everyone when the therapy is began to start.

Our Daughter's 5th Birthday

I must start off by saying it was simply awesome. My mother and my daughter have a unique bond. They've had this bond since the day she was born. When my daughter was born, my mother supported me during the pregnancy and labor. Even to the point where, my mother cut the umbilical cord. This is where I think the bond began.

My mom wanted to plan my daughter's birthday party this year. I am under a lot of stress and adding my daughter's birthday (because I would be worried with trying to make it as perfect as I could) wouldn't have been good for my overall health. So, I let her go. In our family, the 5th birthday is a big one. This marks the stage of life where the children began becoming their own person and where they began the school years.

The theme began to at first to be "back to school." This would allow everyone to be there for my daughter and they can say that they helped her with her very first year of school. Over time, it went from that theme, to a balloon theme. My mom sat for days... blowing up ballons.... and creating a ballon cluster... well two of them... to hang up... and home made sign that read... Happy Birthday Emma.

My daughter didn't know of the party. I had told her that it was a play date with her cousins at the local park. She was thrilled. We got her a new outfit and shoes for her big day. I fixed her hair and we were on our way. Of course, she fell asleep right as we got there... so I forced her to wake up. As we were driving up to the pavillion, all my daughter could say was, "What the.....what the.....what the heck?" All the while this was the look on her face:

This was priceless. I could not stop laughing.  She saw her name and the confusion got even bigger. I said, "Honey, welcome to your birthday party!" She said, "All of this for me?" I told her it was. My fiance counld get the car parked and her door open enough. She ran up and took a look around. She was in complete amazement.

The entire day was awesome. Close family and friends were there to spend the day with us. The surprise of Emma opening the gifts she got was funny. One gift she even kissed and hugged. Another she said she's always wanted it.

It amazing how just the smallest thought and gester makes the world of a child. In conclusion, I would like to thank my mom (Rachel) and my step-dad (Roger) for putting on an amazing party. And for all those who came to celebrate with us. You all made this party... one to remember!!!


Happy 5th Birthday, Emma!!!

Mommy, come Play with Me

This morning started off as any other morning. I came downstairs, started my coffee, and got the mail. Then, I offered my daughter her breakfast and we sat in the kitchen enjoying our morning. We told each other about how our night was. Once she was done, she began to watch television while I checked my email and wrote a blog. (I didn't get to write yesterday on my other blog. I try to write one everyday.) Once I was done, my daughter came over and we began to play. Using our imaginations. First, we cuddled up and watched one of her favorite shows. Then, it was craft time. We are in the process of creating a "garden" in her room. (Her idea) We made butterflies out of items I had around the house and now those beautiful butterflies are hanging in her room. (Will add a picture of them later.) Next, she asked me if we could play reporter... let me tell ya... the confusion that went through me... I had not a clue of what she wanted to do.

She grabbed a small note pad and a pen. Then, began asking me questions. (She's seen this a few times when I was being asked questions about my novel.) After about several questions, she handed me the paper which said, "Emma <3 Mommy". All the time she was writing, I didn't realize what she was doing. This warmed my heart. I knew she knew how to write her name but I didn't know she watched me when I wrote my notes to her.

This had to be one of the best mornings I have had in a long time.

Trip to Pittsburgh and Dr's Visit

When people say that Pittsburgh is confusing... they aren't lying. LOL Our trip up wasn't too bad. When we finally managed to get there, parked, and went into Children's... my opinion on the hospital began. It was so colorful. Bright colors every where. Games for the kids to play. My daughter's first words about it, "This place is awesome." Our wait wasn't too bad. It felt like forever because I just wanted our turn to talk with the doctor.

Finally, when our time came (a few hrs later), they were very pleasant with my daughter. Making her laugh and giggle as they did the routine check on her. Then, time came to explain about her situation. The doctor listened to me with an open mind. Once I was done telling her about every thing that was going on and she was done observing my daughter, she diagnosed her with Pica. When she said this, I felt the weight that I carried on me lifted a bit. Finally, after almost 5 years of the unknown... an answer.

The next step is for behavioral therapy with a Pediatric Psychologist. They will watch her and observe her. Test her and then teach her about the proper ways to eat. They will teach her how to handle the unusual cravings she has along with putting her on medication. We are now waiting for them to call me with my daughter's next doctor's appointment.

We are going to try to see if the program is offered closer to home before making the final decision to take that journey to the horrific Pittsburgh. They are also going to help her with ADHD and the way she reacts with others.

In the doctor's own words, "This sounds bad but the best way to explain it is, the psychologist will "reprogram" her to relearn everything that she learned but without the bad habits. This isn't something that you or her father did. Sometimes this just happens. I can see that you both are taking the proper steps to ensure her health isn't being affected. Her weight and height is perfect for her age. We will take care of her and get her to where she should be. It will take time and patience. It will take work. But we can do this as long as we all work together."

I must say, those were the most comforting words I have heard in a long time from a doctor. Most of the time I was told I was just a paranoid mother and what my daughter was going through was a phase.

My last note of this blog: Mother's intuition isn't fake or unreal... it's there for a reason... and I don't care what medical book says otherwise.. I will use it even if the doctor's disagree!

Planning the Trip to Pittsburgh, PA

Today I finished the plans to our Pittsburgh trip. Let me remind you that it's been a very long time since I even went close to Pittsburgh. I think the last time I was up there was back in High School on a field trip. The total ride up there is about what I expected it to be... around 2 hrs. Normally, we allot enough time for road construction and other unexpected events.

This trip makes me more nervous because it's been a while since we took a "road-trip." The last time we went on a road trip the total time there was 9 hrs to visit my fiance's side of the family. Our daughter really won't remember that because of her being so young.

I believe our daughter also has ADHD. So, this trip is definately going to be a journey. I have some kids apps that I plan on downloading to my Nook Color to help keep her busy along with her Leapster2. Hopefully, that will keep her busy. Then, I have my small shopping list for our "snacks" for the ride.

Not really looking forward to this trip but when it has something to do with finding out my daughter's "sickness." I will travel the world to ensure an answer and help her on her road to recovery.