Our boys sure got spoiled this Christmas. We’ve had so much fun these last few days playing with all their new toys and goodies they received! Personally, I’m not the best gift giver, but lucky for them, my boys are loved and cared for by so many people in their lives. Family, neighbors and even another mom at Gage’s school made sure they were well taken care of this Christmas.
Evan and I were very well taken care of too! We got some very generous gifts from our family, but the best gifts this season aren’t things or money. It’s the chance to spend time with people we love, including each other. I am so grateful that Evan has a job that offers some wonderful breaks. The first day he had off, Evan dropped off and picked up Gage from school and it made a world of difference for me! As a family, we’ve been able to sleep in, share lots of cuddles, watch plenty of Netflix and just relax together. It has been amazing.
We’ve also been lucky enough to spend quality time with both sides of our family this season, and visit with some great friends that I don’t get to see as often as I’d like, and all their awesome kiddos too! 
On a quick trip to my hometown, we visited my Granny in her home and got some quality one-on-one time. Caleb had a blast playing with her nativity set and my favorite part of the visit was helping Granny make her bed. We spent a fun and food filled day with my parents and we were still in town for my other grandparents get together. The chance to share a hug and quick visit may always seem too short, but I feel so lucky that it happens at all and that my boys get a chance to know their great grandparents.
Our Christmas day was spent at Evan’s parents’ house with more food and fun. My in-laws have a gift for making anyone feel welcome and at home. I’ve heard more than one of Evan’s friends recount memories from childhood sharing the sentiment that if you could just find a way to get to the Wingo place, your day would be made! So every visit to their house is great, but Christmas is extra special because the focus is on the true meaning of the season. Someone always reads the story of the birth of Jesus from the Bible out loud and the room full of all of us just pause and take it in.
So at Christmas and always, I’m feeling so blessed by the gifts of time, rest and relationships. And thanking God for the best gift of all…the birth of our savior!
break from everything and relax and enjoy my sweet child just the way he is. I think I’d do better if I could find a healthy way to balance both. Enjoying Gage is easy and natural. But when I’m in information gathering mode, I tend to become obsessive about it and then get overwhelmed. There are so many options and opinions and it’s hard to know which direction to go. Having more knowledge is a good thing, but it doesn’t always lead to having any more clarity.
Gage has his own way of doing things. He will communicate in his own way too. I hope we’ll be able to help him find a way to express himself more effectively, but I fully expect that to take practice and patience. Luckily, the MSU Speech Clinic is willing to offer ongoing support to help us try out things and find a good fit. As we discussed coming on a regular basis for additional training, I told all the students and staff that I’m willing to do that, even if it means adding more appointments to our schedule each week. I’ll commit to dedicating time to work toward communication goals to help hold me accountable. My emotions caught me a little off guard as I told a room full of college kids that my main job is being Gage’s mom and loving him. Of course I’m willing to work with him on things outside of therapy time, but in all honesty, I fall short. I’m so appreciative of professionals who work so hard to help Gage and who help me as well.