Appointments

Managing the never-ending doctor appointments

Having three kids with special needs means spending an incredible amount of time in doctor’s offices. Whether it’s a just a regular check-up or seeing a new specialty doctor, the appointments are part our weekly routine.  My son Nicholas is very medically complex. At first he just had follow-up visits after being in the NICU […]

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Autism

Communicating with pictures

One of the main goals we’re working on with my son Nicholas, besides learning to walk and eat, is communication. Nicholas is 3.5 years old, is developmentally delayed, and has Autism. He is non-verbal so he primarily communicates by using us as a tool. If he needs something he will push our hand in the […]

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Thanksgiving

I’m thankful for my mom and mother-in-law

I would like to honor my mom and mother-in-law this Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for everything they’ve done for my family in the past three years. I have three kids with special needs and they both have been there since the beginning. They’re our biggest support system. My first son Nicholas was recently diagnosed with Autism. […]

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Prematurity

Feeling grateful on World Prematurity Day

My first son Nicholas was born premature at 35 weeks via emergency C-section due to his lack of movement. I thank God every day that I was aware of his decline in movements in the womb. Nicholas was pretty active during pregnancy, so when I wasn’t feeling him moving around anymore I became concerned. What […]

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Developmental Delay

Learning how to walk at 3 years old

I’ve been told a few times by doctors that my son Nicholas may never walk. He arched his back a lot due to low muscle tone, had sensory issues, and poor balance. Since the beginning, Nicholas has been delayed with his gross motor skills. He never liked tummy time, would roll over occasionally, and never […]

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NICU

Life after the NICU: Bringing home medical equipment

The first few weeks after coming home from the NICU were rough with both boys. Their medical equipment and needs were overwhelming. And I was only taught a few times how to use it before they sent us on our way. Something I recommend to anyone coming home with medical supplies from the hospital is […]

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NICU

My first experience in the NICU

This is where our journey begins. I had never really heard or thought about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until we experienced it firsthand. My first son Nicholas was born at 35 weeks after an emergency C-section. He wasn’t moving around anymore, so after a few hours of being on the fetal monitor, we […]

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