I Won't Let Go.

I have always been one to relate to music.  Today I heard the song “I Won’t Let Go” by Rascal Flatts.  I immediately thought of Ashton and this path that we are on together.  This song truly touched my heart today.  As tears trailed slowly down my cheeks, I took this song to heart in two unique ways.

God has given me this amazing gift, a gift that has taught me more than I ever would have thought possible.  God not only sees how much of a blessing and joy Ashton is to me; He also knows my struggles, the pain, the heartache and my incessant worries.  He knows there are very dark days where I feel lost, helpless, hopeless and alone.  This song reminds me that even on the darkest and hardest days, even when I feel so alone…..I’M NOT.  He won’t let go!   

This song is also a declaration from me to Ashton.  Words can’t express how proud I am of my little guy; he works incredibly hard each and every day on things that come so naturally to most other children.  I know we have quite a journey ahead of us but I am here; here to love, support, comfort, encourage, and fight the fight…advocating for him.

I love you, Ashton.  Mommy is so proud of you and how far you have come.  I know some days are so much harder for you than other days.  I know you want so badly to be able to tell me what’s going on, I see it in your eyes.  I know we have some hard days ahead but I just want you to know that I am here.  You’re not alone.  I will stand by you.  I will help you through.  When you’ve done all you can do and you can’t cope; I will dry your eyes.  I promise to fight your fight.  I will hold you tight and I won’t let go!

First Love?

Ashton rides in a county car to and from school, instead of a typical bus.  There are two to three other children that ride in the vehicle as well.  Beth, our driver, told me the cutest story that I have to share. 

Yesterday afternoon Ashton’s aide fastened him into his car seat; a little later the 4 year old little girl that rides in the car seat next to him was buckled in.  As soon as she was in her seat, Ashton took her hand, held it with his and lifted it to block the sunlight that was coming into the car shining brightly into his eyes.  He then let her hand go and she put it back down in her lap.  A few seconds later, he looked at her and took her hand again, this time just holding it in his. They sat there holding hands all the way home.  How cute is that?!

Thanks Mrs. Beth, for sharing this story with me as well as being an awesome driver!!  We love you!

Long Time, No See!

Ok, so I have been MIA for a little while.  I really want to keep this going so let’s play some “catch up”.

Updates:

Kayleigh - It’s really amazing how far this little girl has come in the last couple of months.  She is now singing her alphabet (not 100% accurate, but it’s a working progress); She is requesting a lot now even without verbal prompts, which is awesome (drink, snack, she will even request kisses); her vocabulary is steadily growing; She can name and make the sound for about 20 animals; She has finally started correctly identifying body parts (eyes, nose, mouth, hair, ears, tummy, foot); She is labeling things like crazy.  As I am typing this I hear her in her room saying “eyes, nose, mouth” to which I am guessing she is identifying body parts on one of her stuffed animals, which she loves to do (all the time).  It’s really too cute to watch.  Maybe I will get a video and put it on here soon.

I would like to also note for the record, that she said “I love you” to me before bed this week.  I can’t describe how that felt.  I know both of my babies love me beyond any doubt in the world, but hearing those three little words did something to me in that moment.  Did I cry?  Do I even have to answer that one? haha

Ashton – My little guy is doing his thing.  Last night when he was done with his dinner, he said “all done” and did the sign!!!  Did I cry..omg YES, I did.  He amazes me every single day, he is a trooper for sure.  During a recent conference with Ashton’s teacher I was told that in a 30 minute session they have recorded as many as 20 random words from him.  That just blows my mind.  He is loving singing and will request for you to sing his favorite song to him by saying “winkle winkle”, which of course is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  He even sings along.  I catch him singing and saying things all the time but they are ALWAYS on his terms. Hehe 

I am really going to try and make an effort to keep this blogging thing up.  Not only is it nice to look back on the progress of the kids, but it’s just nice to write sometimes. 

I did notice that I have some new followers, welcome.  Hope you are enjoying it here. =)