Lexi's School Birthday Party

Before Christmas break I took some treats into Lexi's class for her birthday. She was the only one for the month with a birthday. I think I would have been a great Classroom Mother. I hope I get to help with my other kids.

Sedated Hearing Test

Back in October Alexis had a bunch of ear infections and was practically deaf. At least I felt that she was. So I took her to an ENT. He scheduled a hearing test for her after she had taken all of her antibiotics. At this appointment we were going to decide whether or not she would need tubes in her ears as well. When we got to her appointment she did not have fluid in her ears so she would not need the tubes however, her hearing test showed mild hearing loss in her left ear. The person who did the hearing test wanted Alexis to be tested further through a sedated hearing test. So off to Grand Rapids we went.

I was worried about her being sedated. The last time she was sedated was when she was two or younger. I was impressed with the medical staff there. They made her feel very comfortable and she didn't even fight when them it came to get her IV put in. She was a trooper. The test came back that she has mild hearing loss in her left ear. No big deal for now because her right ear is fine.

A Little Late

I know that this is late because we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving next week but it is important to share.

Alexis had a Halloween party at school. I found out the day before and freaked because I hadn't finished her costume yet (okay... started it yet). So right after she went to bed I went to work. She wanted to be Mickey Mouse because we are going to his house for Christmas and it is always on her mind. I made her red shorts using a pair of other shorts as a pattern, I had bought white gloves, and then I made her ears out of stiff felt. It was homemade with love and she loved it and was very excited to wear it.

The next day I put her into a black turtle neck and black leggings so all she would have to do was put on the accessories and shorts. However, when I got to the school she had had an accident and was put in her back up clothes. Oh well. Turns out though we were the only ones in costume. What can I say the Kinghorn's like to have fun.

Always Changing, Always Challenging

Taking care of Alexis has been very hard lately. She has been having fits worse than her two year old sister. It doesn't help that she is 110 pounds and dead weight when she goes to the floor.

I have been struggling lately to connect with her.It seems as though she has lost her hearing. I did take her into the doctor's and she has two ear infections right now. Before that, however, I was already feeling unheard. She has had selective hearing for awhile now but this has gone over and above that. I will stand right in front of her and yell at the top of my lungs (because it is the third or fourth time trying to get a response)and she will just stare at me.

Maybe I wouldn't be so upset if she had always done this but she hasn't. Once upon a time I was able to have a conversation with her or was able to redirect her. For now those days are over. 

I pray every day that I will be able to reconnect with my daughter, that I will be able to parent with more Christ-like abilities, and that we will have peace in our home.

It was a lot easier to have just Alexis and to focus on just Alexis. I would not change having more children for anything. I get to know what it is like to have "normal" kids and to watch them discover life in ways Alexis never would have. Alexis also gets to have the opportunity to learn and grow as a person. Even though she is special needs, she still needs to be stretched as a person. Someone who learns how to be kind, loving and someone who will learn how to share.

In our faith we believe in a second ressurection when Christ comes to the Earth again and at that time we will all have perfect bodies. I think about that a lot. Will Alexis know who I am? Will I know who she is or recognize her? Will she be grateful for the struggles I had? Will she thank me for always pushing her in her challenged state? Will she be disapointed that I was angry with her sometimes? Would she have wanted me to do more?


It is beyond me now. I hope that all of this is good for something. I hope Alexis grows up a little bit more. I hope we survive the teenage years. I hope she knows that I love her.

School Year 2010-2011

Alexis started school this year with great excitement. That has turned into our normal morning routine of her not wanting to get up and fighting me when I bathe her. She has had a hard time adjusting to her new school and teacher. This year she is in the middle school which terrifies me. We have been in school for almost a month now and it seems that the bus is finally on a regular schedule. 

 

Cast Off

Wednesday morning Alexis got her cast taken off. It was traumatic for all the kids in the room. I had to hold her tightly so that the doctor could saw it off. She screamed and when I looked over at my other children they were screaming too. After wards Alexis' brother had a look of concern for a long time. After the x-ray, we found out that Alexis is a quick healer and only needs to wear a splint for another three weeks. No more horse riding until then.

Bathing has been made a lot easier. Eating isn't so messy. She just seems to still not want to use her arm. We will have to work on that.

Support

Alexis had her second outing with her worker (I don't remember the official title). She took Alexis out to the Humane Society. While there they worked on  Alexis not talking to strangers and not touching other people. Alexis had a good time. She bugged me all morning until it was time for her to go.

Last week was the first visit and the worker stayed in our home and played with Alexis so that they could get comfortable with each other. I was able to get the dishes done while they worked. I asked the worker what I am supposed to do during their time together and she told me whatever I wanted to do.

I am so thankful for all of the support that I have been given since Alexis was discovered to be Special Needs.