Hello friends,
How are you all on this Friday? I hope the week found you all, well. It’s been a relatively quiet week, over here in the suburbs of NYC. The bitter cold, struck yesterday, making it painful to be outside even for a few minutes. The real feel yesterday, was 15 degrees: today, it will be 8 degrees. The funny thing(I can that sarcastically as there is nothing amusing about it at all), is that on Sunday, it’s supposed to be 60 degrees. This unpredictable weather is not cool, and probably part of the reason, that people can’t shake their colds, or runny noses: whatever they are feeling.
Anyway, moving on…
We have another big family party tomorrow,(if inclement weather doesn’t damper it: there is supposed to be snow and rain), as we celebrate my niece’s 1st birthday. My mommy anxieties will be in gear, as there are set to 100 people at this party. There will be a lot of potential over-stimulation and noise, and I am imagining the ways both of my children will handle it all. They are both excited for this party, especially my daughter, who has brought it up daily, since we received the invitation, as couple of months ago. I am well aware that it could go either way, for both of them, and I will share it with you all next week. I will not be alone. I will have others who now understand and accept my children, and they will be there for love and support.
That is, because…
I have a wonderful immediate family, and it makes the holiday season that more wonderful and joyous, to be able to spend it with them, whatever chance we get. Here is a look back at my holiday season, a year ago, at this time.
Originally posted December 22, 2015.
Hello friends,
How are you all on this Tuesday? I hope the weekend found you all well. My family and I had been dealing with a stomach virus, since last Wednesday: but by Saturday night, it seemed as if it had disappeared from the household. Which was good, because that allowed the hubby and I to take the kids to Old Westbury Gardens to see the mansion all decorated for Christmas, and get a surprise visit with Santa. They had someone playing Christmas tunes on a piano, and refreshments in one of the rooms as well. We then headed to a local botanical garden, where they had a “Winter Wonderland” on display, which included a train set that my son adored.
Moving along…
Last week, my brother and his wife welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl. She was 12 days past her due date, so to say she was much anticipated, was an understatement. So, it was even more disappointing to me that I could not go and visit them in the hospital, because I, myself, could not get out of bed. YUCKY and BLAH. This morning I, along with my mother, are paying them a visit. I will finally get to see my niece! My brother is the youngest of my siblings. I am the oldest, and there are two sisters in between us. It boggles my mind that my brother is now the father to another human being: but it makes it that much more special, because he is the youngest. I am so excited for him and this new adventure in this life.
Tonight is also my daughter’s Winter Concert at her school. I am excited for her. Excited, because she will be doing one of the things she does best(and thoroughly enjoys), singing. It brings her such joy. I would be lying though, if I did not say that I was also nervous. The concert begins at a time when I am normally getting my children ready for bed: will this change affect her behavior? I am also nervous because lots of noise and people can equal over-stimulation. I tend to doubt myself too much though, when it comes to these situations, as my daughter has shined every time she performs on stage.
Family. That is really what this post is about today. I am blessed with an amazing family. My hubby and the rest of my family are so supportive of my endeavors, and we are such a close-knit bunch. Our bond is extremely strong.
I was given two amazing children. My daughter with her ASD, has taught me so many new things about life. She is creatively gifted, especially when it comes to music: singing and dancing. Last week, my hubby went to an IEP meeting for my son. He is going to need OT therapy plus some extra help with his sensory issues. While in that meeting, some amazing things were said. The school psychologist was so excited. My son as it turns out, has 99.8% superior intellect . He is in Kindergarten and is turning six years old next month. Not only that, she said “she had not seen numbers like these since Harvard.” We knew our son was smart: he has been reading since he was four years old. When he entered Kindergarten in September, he was reading at a 3rd grade + level. To hear others confirm it though, brought tears of joy to my eyes and a new-found excitement within me. Other encouraging things were said in that meeting: but I will elaborate on them in a future post. I am thankful that both of my children are the sweetest, most loving human beings you will ever come across. I am not just saying that because I am their mother. I am very fortunate.
Christmas is my favorite time of year. It is a reminder of so many good things in life: at least for me. Not because of material presents: it is the presents that I get to enjoy each and every day, that at one time might not have been a possibility for me. They are the presents that are filled with laughter and smiles. They are the presents that sometimes have anger, sadness and tears. They are the presents that each and every day, make me a better person, and make my life that much more extraordinary.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
That is all for now, folks. There will be no post on Friday, since it is Christmas. So, until next Tuesday.
Remember to be kind to one another, and to love and laugh.