McKenzie's 5

5 years ago, I was given the most precious gift ~ McKenzie Raye.  I had waited my whole life for this baby but had no idea just how much this little one would change my life.  Her entrance into the world was a rocky one.  She was whisked off to the NICU with daddy hot on their heels.  She was 7lbs and 7oz ~ 100% fighter.  McKenzie was born with an unnamed chromosome disorder.  She has challenges but almost always has a smile on her face.  There are some really tough days when you are the parent of a child with special needs.  More doctors than you care to juggle.  More therapy appointments than can possibly be scheduled in a week.  Sleepless nights either because they are awake or you are awake waiting to hear a noise.  You have to learn how to navigate questions, comments and looks, and accept a completely different way of life than the stuff you imagined.

The great thing about having a child with special needs is that you find the best doctors.  You are taught physical, occupational, speech, and other types of therapy.  You become very organized ~ because your priorities change. You are able to navigate questions, comments and looks ~ sometimes with grace ~ sometimes with sarcasm!  You welcome a completely different way of life.

The best part... you find people that love their children for everything they are and are not.  Parents that truly celebrate each and every milestone. People with huge hearts that would do absolutely anything for your child.  It's never about where you live, the car you drive, your job title, how many vacations you take... it's about waiting for that first step, that first word, sorting colors, coloring for more than 10 seconds, grabbing your hand to communicate their wants, signing "more" when swinging and listening to the most awesome giggle in the world. 

I love you

Happy Birthday McKenzie!!! 

10 Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child with Special Needs

1.  You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.  Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something to worry about.

2.  Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and the little-kid sweetness.  I love being able to still cuddle McKenzie and at her rate of growth I'll always be able to cuddle McKenzie.

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house!  Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs.  Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space!  Although in our case, daddy built us that living space... I need Ty to finish it!

4.  Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.  Your child works so hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.

5.  Every day is a learning experience.  Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always and education.  Since becoming a mommy I've also become a therapist, doctor, nutritionist, transit authority, lawyer...

6.  You have the privilege of putting several doctor's children through college.  Someone once asked me how I had a certain doctor's cell number.  I simply replied "It's one of the perks of paying his mortgage and car payment."

7.  You meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups  Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.

8.  You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.  You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church services, but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it.  It also moves you to the front of the line at Disney!  I overheard a little boy tell his mother "Thank goodness we have her with us!" as they approached the long line.

9.  Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.  They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's.  Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.

10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.  You will never take for granted a gift that your child brings to you.  Not ever.

I found this awesome article written by Terri Mauro (http://specialchildren.about.com) and had to post with a little of my own experiences. Thank you Terri for this great list!

Story Of Cosmetics