So many of you have asked for a Wynnie update. She is on the mend. Yesterday was a tough day but Children’s Minnesota did an amazing job. The care was exceptional as usual. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our…
Read MoreAn old friend called me this weekend to check on our family. The discussion turned to the past. When Emily was a toddler, she was easily overstimulated by sounds or crowds. We were having dinner at their home and at some point Emily “lost it”. She was crying and inconsolable. The only thing that worked was to drive her around and play a Wiggles CD in my car until she calmed down. I missed most of that evening. A few weeks later Emily got upset when I was covering a…
Read MoreHave you ever waved the white flag? Threw your hands up in the air and said no more. I’m there. Since my sweet baby girl was born on May 25 our house has been sick. Every member. 7 weeks. One thing after another. And I can’t seem to get a handle on it. We went from being healthy to constantly being at the doctor. All in all, with six people, we’ve had… Five colds. Three ear infections. Strep throat. Mastitis twice. RSV. Six negative covid tests. Ten visits to the…
Read MoreThere are a lot of things that change when you have your fourth child. Many that didn’t surprise me. Your house suddenly feels a lot smaller for one and it’s nearly impossible to find a quiet space. Your favorite car or truck that you have loved no longer fits two car seats and 4 other people and you ultimately have to decide if you are minivan person or not. I am not. I am fighting it. You can no longer fit at the kitchen island for meals. Someone or two…
Read MoreA few years ago I created a space…a space that I needed. A space for families like mine to come together online. We chat, laugh, cry, and support each other. Coop’s Troops has changed my life. I’ve made so many friends and met the coolest kids. And tonight we had our second family meet up at edinborough Park. It was so fun to watch our kids play and be themselves and for the parents to relax without worry. Because we all get it! Thank you to everyone who came. I…
Read MoreI want to say the hugest thank you to the amazing staff at Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists for providing exceptional care to Harbie today. He had ear tubes placed and his adenoids removed after suffering for quite some time with chronic ear problems. Over the years I’ve seen good, bad, and great medical care. Today’s was amazing. So much kindness for my son. If you are in the Minnesota area and need a great ear doctor, Dr, Karlan is the best of the best. As for Harbs, he…
Read MoreThere are these moments in time. They seem to slip by. As quick as they come their gone. I need to capture them, I think. I turn to look for my phone or camera, but something stops me. I forget the camera, the perfect picture. I return to the moment in front of me. My babies. My boys. They are laughing and singing and swimming and make believing. Soaking up the sun rays of one of their first summers together. Right before my eyes, they are getting to know one another.…
Read MoreAs autism parents, I think it’s a steadfast rule to celebrate the little things. We are always working towards a better tomorrow, better outcomes, better behavior. Taking it one step and one day at a time. Only planning as far into the future as we can manage and controlling what we can. Praying that all our hard work, encouragement and love gives our kids what they need to succeed. Well, our lives are fairly, predictable. I have gotten used to expecting that he wants 2 peanut butter sandwiches for lunch…
Read MoreOur house is dead silent. It’s the middle of the day and everyone is sleeping. Not just because it’s nap time, but because our entire family has to decompress from what just happened. The hour-long meltdown that just occurred on the drive home. This always happens. We can’t go anywhere anymore, without a meltdown on the way home. Even when I give warnings before it’s time to leave. It doesn’t matter if I warn him 5 minutes before or 5 times for 30 minutes. There will always be a meltdown.…
Read MoreLife has been extremely hectic and tough around here lately. My daughter, Opal, was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum six months ago, so we have been in and out of doctors’ offices, therapies, doing multiple evaluations for said therapies, and then our youngest, Lucy, has started needing physical therapy. That’s four different therapies, 5 times a week, totaling to about 32 1/2 hours. Just when I thought we were getting the hang of all of the things, life throws more lemons, and this time, they were EXTREMELY sour. I lost…
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