The first night in the room was to say the least, restless. The baby chatted for a couple of hours saying hello to all of us over and over again. I got hit like a ton of bricks with a head cold and Bella decided to wake up at about 5 and talk at a very loud volume and asked about a million questions and then began with.... "Eddie..... EDDIE..... WAKE UP!!! IT'S MORNING!!!" For the record, the sun was not up and I do not consider that morning! In my head cold exhausted fog I may have uttered a shut up unknowingly. Once we were all up and moving we headed down to conference. We sat down for some food in the conference room and then dropped the kids off to the kids club. Which I'm not embarrassed to say was the best part. I needed a kid break already, it was a long morning! We scooted up with some friends that were already sitting up front and settled in to listen to the keynote speakers. I have to be honest, the last conference we went to had the most boring keynote so we were too excited. Well, weren't we surprised.
The keynote speaker was two hysterical women, sisters actually who both have children disabilities. They've written a book together called, wait for it........... "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid". I couldn't have written a better title for a book. Actually I'm pretty sure I've said that line in my head at least 3 times a week! Everything they spoke about made me feel like they were narrating my own life. In my own little "special needs bubble" we've chatted about how even though all of our children have different diagnosis's we're on the same journey. I can blog until the cows come home but no one understands what this life is like until you've walked it. These two women not only understand but were able to put into words exactly how it feels. The best part was that they shared the humor and sarcasm I tend to apply to my own little world. I'm sure that even a parent without a child with special needs could find the support and humor in this amazing book. Let's be honest, we've all at times wanted to shut up that perfect mom! We even had a chance to chat afterwards with them and even bought a copy of their book ourselves. They are warm and extremely approachable. They were able to connect with all families there. You could tell by watching the line, they were making each family feel as if they were not alone. Living in this special bubble, nothing feels better. I encourage all of you to either get a copy of their book and/or check out their Shut up about your perfect kid Facebook Page. I can't wait to finish the book (yes, I can't put it down!) and pass it along my special Warrior Momma bubble.
We had the opportunity to learn some great stuff and had lots and lots of giggles together with some good friends Ashley and Mark. Annabella and Eddie had a great time also. The kids club was great! Annabella wouldn't leave Ashley and Mark's son Colton alone. She was by his side all day!! Eddie seemed to have fun also. He also had the chance to try out another little friends walker. Well didn't he surprise us all. I was confident that it would take a lot of work to get him to use it. It took all about two seconds for him to get cruising. What a maniac. He started walking all over the room and within minutes was practically running. He was not happy when we had to take it away. This week is seriously going to go by so slow waiting to get one for us to use! He loved it! Check out the video of him below!
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| Colton and Bella having fun at lunch! |
The next morning after a bit more sleep, we headed out to the Abilities Expo in Boston. We saw a lot of cool stuff and next vendors. There was a lot of stuff that didn't really pertain to us but it was very cool to see the products and advances out there. We did get a chance to speak with a couple of intensive therapy programs. One in Michigan and one in Florida. It seems like a neat idea and may be beneficial for Eddie. I'm interested in learning more and speaking with out local PT about it. If anyone out there has tried one I'd love to hear feedback. We were disappointed that we didn't see any therapy/service animal booths. I was really interested in learning about them and how they could help Eddie. He connects so much with animals especially dogs I was hoping we'd get some good info. Hopefully in the future we'll get more info on them.
This morning I took some time to look for some info on SB and sexual issues. I know it's far away but I was really interested in learning what Eddie's future may look like in that department and we planned on attending a workshop on it at conference but it happened to get cancelled. I checked on the Hollister Secure Start website hoping to find some info there and came across something else they do. A program called Hollister Ambassador. It seems so cool. Anyone with spinal cord injuries can apply to be an Ambassador. Have to chance to speak with others and share their experience. I thought this seems like such a great program. After this week we've seen as parents what a great opportunity it was to have a connection with other people going through what we are. It's nice to know that Eddie will have a chance to connect with others going through what he is. I found it wonderful that a catheter company would take the time out to help their customers connect. It seems that they're not just out to sell a product but to put their customers needs first!
This week should be eventful also. Hopefully get a walker to try soon and we'll be attending another workshop on Wednesday night. By next week I'm sure I'll have lots more to tell you!
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