Bailey's Birthday

bailey turned 8 on monday, the 31st. time really flies doesn't it?! we have been on a home video kick lately. we watched several of bailey...when she was around 2 & 3. we were really amazed because she does the exact same things now as she did back then. there are certain movements that she does with her hands & fingers (called stimming or self stimulation); flapping her arms all the time; same sounds; same words; same everything almost. it's comical on the one side, but also disheartening on the other. to think that in 5 years, she has not really changed much developmentally. granted, she did begin to walk when she was 3, so that is one huge milestone!! woo hoo!

she is such a blessing to us, though. she is so lovable and can be so sweet! (notice the 'can be') she started back to school this year. hopefully we will get her potty trained soon. she will go willingly when taken, but makes no effort to let us know when she needs to go. we are working hard to get her out of those pull ups!

she has had no seizures in nearly 8 months! praise the Lord! so there are always good things going on with her and i am so very thankful for that. we do worry though, because she certainly isn't getting younger, but older each year. this brings new difficulties for us. she is heavier and bigger. and this is not an advantage when trying to manipulate her body into the bathtub or into the van. she's very 'stiff', doesn't like to bend at all. i think michael and i need back braces! :) she's also getting stronger...much stronger...much like an ox! ok, i think you've got the picture! so she can 'fight' us off easier now. like when brushing her hair or brushing her teeth or changing her pullup or giving her a bath and so on and so on. everything gets a little harder.

then there's the part that we really don't want to think about, puberty. not sure how to handle this situation AT ALL. i am just praying about it now because it could happen in just a few years. i don't know what we will do. please pray with us that we are able to handle this situation.

anyway, bailey dyan is growing up and is becoming a big girl! she's so special to us, as are all of our children. she brings light and joy to our lives and we love her dearly!