It's that time of year again

No not Christmas (well, yes it is that). But M's birthday coming up. He's going to be 8 which is a milestone in so many ways. He's getting baptized, his IEP renewed, becoming a Cub Scout. I don't think I have enjoyed these first few years like I feel like I should have, but I guess I am just trying to take one day at a time. Especially with this precious boy of mine.

With the renewal of his IEP (individual education plan for those not in the know) coming up, I am reminded of how far he has come and also how far he has to go. But I guess we all have a long ways to go in one way or another. One day at a time... like I said. He has never been diagnosed, but M has a disorder on the Autism spectrum known as Pervasive Development Delay- Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). His school psychologist wants to label him as autistic for educational purposes, and I am not sure how I feel about that. I am going to have to talk to my friend who is also a school psychologist and see what she thinks. I am probably just freaking out for no reason, which is often the case... I mean I am pregnant and crazy at the moment so pointless freaking out is pretty much the norm lately. It makes me feel better to type this stuff out, so you might be hearing more about this in the future. Here is what I posted to a poor mother on Facebook who feels alone with her daughter in this strange world of PDD-NOS:

"Hi Stephanie, my son has not been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (yet), but he has seen a child psychologist once and that is where you need to get a diagnosis. My son is 8 and still has some speech and social issues, though he has come a very long way from when he first saw the psych 5 years ago. He told me it didn't really make a difference if we got the diagnosis at that point because we were already doing what he needed to improve (i.e. having him in early childhood education and the school district aware of it). Now he is in regular second grade and receives help with speech and social issues.

It is a VERY hard thing to deal with emotionally as a parent. I have shed many tears over my sweet son and how to help him. I feel far from understanding what I need to do and just overwhelmed over the whole thing. Mostly, I feel these things worst when his IEP comes due (this week) and I have to be reminded by professionals once again how much help he still requires. However, I think no matter what the diagnosis or label we place upon our children, they are still the children God gave us to care for and we can rely on His help and guidance... and if you don't believe in God, then just know this girl is your daughter and NOBODY on Earth knows her as well as you do and you probably know best deep down inside what is best for her.

If there are any other questions you have, feel free to post them here. I'll check this group often now that I know it's here. You're not alone!"

Update, sort of...

I only have a few minutes till Max and Ruby is over, but I am reminded every time I give someone my blog address that I should actually update it.

We're doing good. Haha!! What an update! D dislikes his job very much, and I dislike his schedule (as do the kids... mostly M). But we're persevering, and every time we make a mortgage payment, we're grateful he has the job.

I still struggle at times with anxiety and depression. I have found that if I get enough sleep and keep my anxiety under control the depression is kept at bay. So these are my priorities at the moment. Next on the list (as always) is organizing/cleaning the house. The kids, of course, are always a top priority. However, I compare too much; so I think I need to stop looking at other people's blogs and profiles on facebook. SIGH!! We all know I won't do that though. The computer is my addiction.

The weight loss thing has halted for the moment, though I do have occasional bursts of motivation. Of course, I'll keep you updated if anything miraculous should occur.