Bailey is getting older, taller and heavier....she's simply getting bigger. And with this physical growth, her emotions and lack of controlling them also grows. We have had VBS all week, which means her routine was anything but. I was teaching a class, so I couldn't be with her the whole time.
There are ladies in our church who take on the responsibility of caring for Bailey without thought. They naturally tend to her and see that she is protected and happy. That sounds all warm and fuzzy, but it can be the total opposite. Bailey can be.. ..for a lack of a better word....difficult to deal with. She doesn't think twice about screaming if unhappy, scratching when unnerved and hitting anytime she deems necessary.
These sweet ladies patiently reprimand her (usually with no luck) and deal with her with so much love. I know that if it were me dealing with someone else's child, I wouldn't be so nice. But I watch them even when they don't know I am. They never yell at her or even sound angry. They calmly talk to her and try to appease her.
Of course, during this time she is usually just staring at them and continuing to misbehave. It seems like all of their efforts are in vain.
I never have to worry about Bailey while at church. I know that these ladies will come to her aid and are prepared to put up with her antics although she can show no signs of gratitude. I do appreciate them. And I know that
They Must Really Love Her!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Dear HEB Shopper....
Dear HEB Shopper,
I enjoy a relaxing stroll through the grocery store as much as anyone, so I feel that I must apologize for ruining your shopping experience today. I could tell from the ifsheweremychildshewouldnt
I am so sorry that I thought I could take my child into that store without being stared at with pious eyes and and having harsh judgment passed upon us as we walked down each aisle. Your body language was certainly loud and clear as I had to nearly drag Bailey down the aisle as she wailed in rebellion, scratching my arms until blood was surfacing. Her desire for lunch had overcome her ability to mind her manners. And my patience was beginning to wear thin as you seemed to be publicly stalking me to find another way to prove my inability to control my child.
Who was I to think that perhaps compassion would be applied rather than shesanunfitmother glares. I will be sure next time to choose from a wide variety of discipline: a) drug her before going b) perhaps borrow a straight jacket and dog muzzle c) or even handcuff her and staple her lips shut
These are just a few suggestions so as to not interfere with your precious trip to the grocery store next time.
Thank You
****severe sarcasm must be applied while reading!
I enjoy a relaxing stroll through the grocery store as much as anyone, so I feel that I must apologize for ruining your shopping experience today. I could tell from the ifsheweremychildshewouldnt
I am so sorry that I thought I could take my child into that store without being stared at with pious eyes and and having harsh judgment passed upon us as we walked down each aisle. Your body language was certainly loud and clear as I had to nearly drag Bailey down the aisle as she wailed in rebellion, scratching my arms until blood was surfacing. Her desire for lunch had overcome her ability to mind her manners. And my patience was beginning to wear thin as you seemed to be publicly stalking me to find another way to prove my inability to control my child.
Who was I to think that perhaps compassion would be applied rather than shesanunfitmother glares. I will be sure next time to choose from a wide variety of discipline: a) drug her before going b) perhaps borrow a straight jacket and dog muzzle c) or even handcuff her and staple her lips shut
These are just a few suggestions so as to not interfere with your precious trip to the grocery store next time.
Thank You
****severe sarcasm must be applied while reading!
Friday, July 23, 2010
potty episode # 7,830,220,416
We are in what I feel will be a life long training session...in other words, I do not really feel confident that Bailey will ever be potty trained. This is especially true when she makes a mess and mommy has to clean it up.
It's Wednesday, I have given her a bath (whole other rant there!) and she is squeaky clean. She is wearing her big girl panties! woohoo! I get a bath, do my hair, get dressed, etc.. About 10 minutes before we leave for church I put her shoes on her. I ask her if she needs to go potty and do the little potty sign to go along with it. She shunned me, so I figured she'd be fine until we get to church.
I am in my room and I hear Michael say, "Mama...Bailey has a surprise for you!" Which, being interpreted means, "Bailey has pooped in her big girl panties....clean it up" (now don't get all grouchy with Michael...cleaning your 8 year daughter is not the same as cleaning a baby girl...a little uncomfortable for him...although he will and has done it if I'm unavailable...he's a super daddy...)
Ugh, the first thing I think of is, "Ugh, I'm already dressed! I'm gonna get all wrinkled and plus, I'm a big girl...and big girls sweat! Now my hair will have that sweaty look to it!"
I must tell you, there is no easy way to remove poo poo panties from a child who doesn't 'think' like we do or follow directions accordingly. Long story short.....20 minutes, poop up to my elbows, poop all over her legs, all over the toilet, 372 wet wipes and a dehydratedfromsweatingprof
It's Wednesday, I have given her a bath (whole other rant there!) and she is squeaky clean. She is wearing her big girl panties! woohoo! I get a bath, do my hair, get dressed, etc.. About 10 minutes before we leave for church I put her shoes on her. I ask her if she needs to go potty and do the little potty sign to go along with it. She shunned me, so I figured she'd be fine until we get to church.
I am in my room and I hear Michael say, "Mama...Bailey has a surprise for you!" Which, being interpreted means, "Bailey has pooped in her big girl panties....clean it up" (now don't get all grouchy with Michael...cleaning your 8 year daughter is not the same as cleaning a baby girl...a little uncomfortable for him...although he will and has done it if I'm unavailable...he's a super daddy...)
Ugh, the first thing I think of is, "Ugh, I'm already dressed! I'm gonna get all wrinkled and plus, I'm a big girl...and big girls sweat! Now my hair will have that sweaty look to it!"
I must tell you, there is no easy way to remove poo poo panties from a child who doesn't 'think' like we do or follow directions accordingly. Long story short.....20 minutes, poop up to my elbows, poop all over her legs, all over the toilet, 372 wet wipes and a dehydratedfromsweatingprof
Monday, July 19, 2010
FEET
They are a funny thing, these feet we have. Feet support our weight and make us mobile. They are super cute after a fresh pedicure and horribly smelly after a day of vigorous work. They are small things that probably do not get a lot of thought, in the grand scope of things...but when you have a ones that do not work properly, they somehow begin to consume your life; taking over your thoughts, yours emotions, everything. Or at least that's what they've done to me...and they aren't even my feet.
Ten little toes, some perfectly fine and others twisted and distorted, attached to flat feet (one of which is severely turned out) support this little girl each day. Three sets of AFOs (leg braces) have been bought and used to no avail. With no communication from Bailey, we always thought the issue was more cosmetic than anything. You know, people stare at this child who limps and can't walk as fast as a toddler, who cannot run on the playground, who cannot climb the monkey bars alone, who is very unstable on anything less than level ground. But after nearly 6 years of walking (since she began at age 3), we have grown accustomed to lingering behind the rest of the crowd and taking our time to get places.
It wasn't until a few months ago that she began to grimace, to show signs that she was hurting. Never does she show signs of pain...maybe only a handful of times in her life...she has such an extremely high tolerance for pain. Now, every time she stands, she makes horrible faces and groans and whines. The pain must catch her by surprise, because she immediately reaches to grasp anything in reach for stability and looks so scared. We stand there waiting, whether in a busy restaurant, waiting room, parking lot, where ever, for her to be able to get her footing and walk. Now trips that were twice as long because of her disabilities, now they seem three times as long.
She finally gains the ability to walk and feels partially confident with doing so. Holding her arms for stability, she walks as if walking on glass, short quick steps that seems to shoot fiery pains through her feet and up her legs.
Applications have been filled out to go to a specialist, but who knows when we will hear back from that. Each day grows worse. I really wish she could just tell me exactly what she's feeling. Does it sting? Do they tingle? Is it constant? Do they throb? Who knows?
The Lord does, I am sure of that! All I can do is pray that His will be done. Whether that means healing her Himself...which is more than able to do, or allowing us the help we need from a specialist, I will be sure to give all glory to Him!
Ten little toes, some perfectly fine and others twisted and distorted, attached to flat feet (one of which is severely turned out) support this little girl each day. Three sets of AFOs (leg braces) have been bought and used to no avail. With no communication from Bailey, we always thought the issue was more cosmetic than anything. You know, people stare at this child who limps and can't walk as fast as a toddler, who cannot run on the playground, who cannot climb the monkey bars alone, who is very unstable on anything less than level ground. But after nearly 6 years of walking (since she began at age 3), we have grown accustomed to lingering behind the rest of the crowd and taking our time to get places.
It wasn't until a few months ago that she began to grimace, to show signs that she was hurting. Never does she show signs of pain...maybe only a handful of times in her life...she has such an extremely high tolerance for pain. Now, every time she stands, she makes horrible faces and groans and whines. The pain must catch her by surprise, because she immediately reaches to grasp anything in reach for stability and looks so scared. We stand there waiting, whether in a busy restaurant, waiting room, parking lot, where ever, for her to be able to get her footing and walk. Now trips that were twice as long because of her disabilities, now they seem three times as long.
She finally gains the ability to walk and feels partially confident with doing so. Holding her arms for stability, she walks as if walking on glass, short quick steps that seems to shoot fiery pains through her feet and up her legs.
Applications have been filled out to go to a specialist, but who knows when we will hear back from that. Each day grows worse. I really wish she could just tell me exactly what she's feeling. Does it sting? Do they tingle? Is it constant? Do they throb? Who knows?
The Lord does, I am sure of that! All I can do is pray that His will be done. Whether that means healing her Himself...which is more than able to do, or allowing us the help we need from a specialist, I will be sure to give all glory to Him!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Big Sister Shelby
At only 11 years old, Shelby Grace Wiggins is a better mother than most women with children of their own. Having her own childhood shortened in order to help 'tend' to her baby sister, Shelby has grown up quickly and has had to mature at a fast pace. I do not see this as a bad thing, mind you, as I know that this 'practice' will help mold her into a wonderful mommy for real one day.
These early life lessons in feeding, changing, bathing, dressing, etc. has somewhat aged my firstborn. There was a short span of time that she seemed to be getting a little resentful of the circumstances dealt her. But those feelings are gone now. She simply accepts her role as mini-mom and goes about the business that title holds with no argument at all.
For instance, this past Sunday I laid down on the couch. Michael was resting in his recliner and Brody was watching TV. I kinda sorta maybe fell asleep....but it was one of those sleeps where you can still hear what is going on around you. I suppose that Shelby must have seen that I was napping, and so she stepped in as mommy for about an hour, without thought, like it just came naturally to her. "Come on Bailey, let's go get a nap. I will lay with you." I could hear her talking to Bailey. Through my in and out state of sleep I heard Shelby in there talking so sweet to Bailey. Bailey LOVES music, so Shelby took her IPOD in there and let her listen. I could hear Shelby singing to her and clapping with her.
I remember thinking how blessed I am to have a daughter as special as Shelby. I thought of how Shelby always has Bailey's best interest at heart. Upon waking up, Shelby says, "Ok, I took her potty and she went. And I've already brushed her hair and teeth. So she's good to go."
What an amazing, compassionate, self motivated young lady she is. Because of her love for Bailey and willingness to be a help to her own mom, she went the extra mile. I cannot brag enough on her. God has been so good to me. I am so very thankful that I have Shelby, but I am more thankful that He has placed in her a sweet spirit and an unconditional love for her sister.
These early life lessons in feeding, changing, bathing, dressing, etc. has somewhat aged my firstborn. There was a short span of time that she seemed to be getting a little resentful of the circumstances dealt her. But those feelings are gone now. She simply accepts her role as mini-mom and goes about the business that title holds with no argument at all.
For instance, this past Sunday I laid down on the couch. Michael was resting in his recliner and Brody was watching TV. I kinda sorta maybe fell asleep....but it was one of those sleeps where you can still hear what is going on around you. I suppose that Shelby must have seen that I was napping, and so she stepped in as mommy for about an hour, without thought, like it just came naturally to her. "Come on Bailey, let's go get a nap. I will lay with you." I could hear her talking to Bailey. Through my in and out state of sleep I heard Shelby in there talking so sweet to Bailey. Bailey LOVES music, so Shelby took her IPOD in there and let her listen. I could hear Shelby singing to her and clapping with her.
I remember thinking how blessed I am to have a daughter as special as Shelby. I thought of how Shelby always has Bailey's best interest at heart. Upon waking up, Shelby says, "Ok, I took her potty and she went. And I've already brushed her hair and teeth. So she's good to go."
What an amazing, compassionate, self motivated young lady she is. Because of her love for Bailey and willingness to be a help to her own mom, she went the extra mile. I cannot brag enough on her. God has been so good to me. I am so very thankful that I have Shelby, but I am more thankful that He has placed in her a sweet spirit and an unconditional love for her sister.
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