Fall updates with a holiday twist

Putting a little human’s needs before yours all the time isn’t easy to do but it thankfully comes pretty natural… most of the time! 

I’m still getting the hang of navigating this special needs world I’m in. Seeing Audrey’s physical gains lately are truly what gets me out of bed each morning.  

These past two months, she has made some outstanding progress: 

*Weight gain! Wahoo she made it to 24 lbs! 

*Starting to hold on (huge progress) 

*Pulling to stand on anything and everything (exciting yet terrifying) and occasionally cruising. 

*Using her gait trainer walker more and more. 

Most recently, I received the news that a potentially good fit SDC (Special Day Class) preschool class has opened up with our district. I will be checking out this campus and classroom after Thanksgiving break.  If it is the right fit, Audrey will start there five days a week after the new year.

Big changes possibly happening in 2019!  

Now, to switch gears a bit. The number one reason for my blog is to help educate and raise awareness. With that being said, as the holiday season approaches, please remember that not all families get to enjoy traditions the way your family might.  There may be a reason someone doesn’t show up to your party, brings their own food or leaves much earlier than the others. They may decline invites or suggest specific gifts to give when asked.  Please realize that seeing all of their friends and family getting to do things with their children that they may not get to do isn’t easy.

Be kind, be accepting and understand that listening is sometimes the best thing that you can do.  

Learning to make our own family traditions and shifting my thoughts of what the holidays look like is something I am working on. My world, amazing as it is, may be one that looks just a little bit different.

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Author: Rachel Alves

Hi there! I am a special needs mom to a beautiful, sweet girl. Audrey has a mutation on her CASK Gene. This is a rare genetic disorder that effects her globally. It has caused a seizure disorder as well as gross motor, fine motor and speech delays. A Microcephaly diagnosis comes along with it as well. Our last 8 years have been filled with therapy, learning about our daughter's disorder and also learning to cope while finding joy. Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey. For more information on the CASK Gene, please visit my Instagram @alvesmomkickingCASK.

11 thoughts on “Fall updates with a holiday twist”

  2. That went before I was done. We are so proud of her and you and Matthew. You both continually strive to do what is best for Audrey! Love you all and are here to support you anyway we can. ❤️

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  3. As usual Rachel so inspiring and insightful! We are so excited to see the wonderful things that are happening and all the progress that is happening due to your hard work. Audrey is a little Miracle and we are so proud of all of you!! Keep on #KickingCask one day at a time!! Love you all❤️❤️❤️

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  5. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season!! Cheers to exciting changes coming your way! Always look forward to reading your blog and seeing the updates of your adorable daughter!!

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  6. Beautifully said Rachel! I loved every word of this & I’m so happy to hear about all of the progress. You are a warrior of a mother!

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  8. So inspiring. Thank you for putting things in perspective for us. Way to go and make progress Audrey! Congratulations on being such wonderful advocates for sweet Audrey, Rachael and Matthew.

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