So I think I'm doing this a little backwards. This probably should have been my first post. You know the one that tells you who I am, What I do, What I want to tell you about, etc etc. However, as you will realize my life doesn't exactly follow the guidelines. I like to do things my own way. Hell, I have to do things my own way.
So Who Am I?
Well, my name is Jenn. Actually, it's Jennifer, But I only get called that by my mother when I am in trouble. And being that I am a grown adult who is 32 and has her own children that really doesn't happen very often these days. I have 2 of the most beautiful children. I know I am biased but I am often told this by other people too. First, we have my daughter, Madison. She is 7 turning 17. Attitude for days. But she is also one of the most sensitive and empathetic children you will ever meet. If you read my first post, you've already been introduced to my son Kailem. He's 4.5. He's so funny this guy and he knows it. Then there's my husband, Ian. We've been together for 11 LONG years and married for 2.5 of them. He honestly is the love of my life. He is my rock. We've been through things that most marriages fall apart from and we are still together. We also have 2 dogs. One GIANT lab/sheppard/chow mix that Kailem likes to ride like a horse named Badger. Badger is about 120lbs and he is 10 years old. Because of his size, we know that we are on borrowed time with him. Then there is Diesel... I kinda hate this dog. But he is AMAZING with the kids. Especially Kailem. How many dogs will sit there and let a child jam his thumbs into his eyes and do nothing but wag their tail?
What do I do?
Well, What don't I do? I am sure every mom will say the same thing. I work full time as a Customer Service Representative at a bank. I advocate for both my children. I try (and mostly fail) to maintain my home. I try to keep up with my art when I have time. I used to dabble in photography before my camera went missing from my vehicle.
What do I want to tell you about?
My life. My families life. My son Kailem has Autism (ASD). He was diagnosed officially at 2.5 We knew from about 18 months. My daughter Madison suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), was clinically diagnosed with a phobia of heights, and they are watching for ADHD which is most likely going to get added to this list. My husband has ASD, GAD, ADHD, Depression and to top it all off Diabetes. This is why I say I have to do things my own way. There is a lot going on in my house. It takes a whole lot of energy to keep going. There are days I want to just run away. That everything is too much for me. But then Kailem says a new word or Madison does something awesome at school and it makes everything worth it. I'll make posts that talk about our journey and how we got this point.
Why do I want to tell you?
Because I want people to see a real special needs family. You hear all these inspiring stories online about all these awesome things people are doing for special needs people. But that doesn't shine a light on the rest of us. Doesn't really give people insight into what everyday life is like. The Real moments that matter. Like the first time Kailem said I love you. If someone else heard him they wouldn't have known what he was saying but I did and oh man did I cry. Or Madison walking on the balance beam unassisted at gymnastics for the first time.
Well, that's me in a nutshell.
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