Transition's

Transitions are hard for us.  We are preparing for some emotional transitions ahead of us.  A lot of changes.  I know I need to be better at praying about it.  I was raised to work hard.  So we do it.  We are busy working on physical transition's in Carsen's therapy right now.  Since he is getting heavier, I need to make sure he can get himself in a good position where he can do things on his own, instead of me picking him up.

We had a blast working on his transition from sitting...

to kneeling...

to standing...

Then back to scooting.  He is happiest when he is scooting.  He tolerates standing activites very well.  He likes to be up and about like the rest of us.

Transitions in life are usually never easy.  Carsen has taught me that you can't get from sitting to standing very easily with out trying hard in between.  It is the motivation and drive you have to prepare oneself for the transition.  It is the ambition and faith you have in order to keep going until that transition is complete. 

Then we celebrate!!! 

I am mentally preparing myself for a big transition for Carsen this Fall.  Preschool.  The "chair" has been brought up two times this week.  I asked Carsen's special Ed teacher, "Why is it so hard for me to think about a wheelchair?"  She said, "From the beginning we are used to teaching how to talk and walk. It feels like you are taking his walking ability away from him by using a chair.  Then she said, "We are not taking walking away, we are just going to make things easier on him in between walking."  I think it would be easier to just keep him at home with me!! :)  I would love to but I know he is going to LOVE school and the new friends he will make.  This is where courage is going to have to take place.

My courage sign was given to me when Carsen was very little from a friend of my sister's.  Her friend has a little sister with special needs and thought I needed this sign.  It is posted in our window of the therapy room to remind us how we will make it through some tough days.  It has been such a blessing to have as a positive reminder!

After therapy, we go outside and just enjoy the grass and the weather.  Carsen is so happy outside.  He is busy listening, watching and feeling. 

I have fun outside too!

Carsen is learning how to drive the lawn mower with daddy. 

 

You should see how Carsen chases after his bouncy ball.  Video will come soon.  It is quite the site!

Carsen gets strapped into his walker and bolts out of the garage and into the grass to see Matt mow.  He is getting better at walking and notice he is using his arms!!!!!!!!  He never used his hands before.  I am very happy about this.

Makes it look so easy! 

We will accomplish our transition and come up with a new transition.  It is a part of life.  We are learning to work hard and enjoy the in between.  I think Carsen is teaching me more to life than I ever thought possible.  Thank goodness for him!

Schmidgall Family

What would we do without family?  I don't even want to know.  What would we do without friends?  Prob not survive!  I am so fortunate to have such amazing friends in my life!  I know Carsen is "special."  Of course, I worry about friends for him someday.  Life is not fair or easy for a typical child and making friends can be hard.  As for now, Carsen is surrounded by such wonderful family and friends.   We have spent a lot of time with the Schmidgall cousins that are visiting for 2 weeks from Illinois! 

First, here is a pic of these two when they were 4 and 6 months old!

Abby has always been so good to Carsen.  She always makes sure to include him in play and conversation.

Our every day is jam packed with crazy fun and I am still sad when our day ends!  When thinking about what is best for Carsen, the first thing that comes to mind is a sibling.  We all know that isn't gonna happen anytime soon.  So, he has awesome friends and cousins that fill his life with laughter and craziness!!  Thank goodness!



Going on a rock hunt!  The boys showing off their rocks!



Kyler and Stone love to push Carsen in his trike!





Best buds forever!!  I asked the boys to put their arm around Carsen, I took a quick pic so that Carsen could catch his breath!





Carsen's only girl cousin, Brynley!  What a busy girl! Full of fun!





Giggling at his auntie Alissa!



Lovin his swing!

Did I mention Carsen is getting a puppy?  Yes, I gave in.  Carsen deserves some puppy love!




First time holding our new puppy!





UH OH!  He squeeked! This might take some getting used to!





Kyler loves the puppies!





Meet baby Schmidgall!  We haven't decided on a name yet.  She is super adorable!





Taelyn hugs!



My newest nephew, Cade! Just 8 weeks old and a wonderful baby!

Our  full of life Bryn!

Abby, Tae, Stone and Logan having a blast at the pool!

Logan loves the water!

Logan and Carsen always get in their Pj's and hang out.  They were hooked on cartoons this night.

Spending time with the Uncles

I don't know how she did it, but walking with Carsen and holding another child is close to impossible.

Grandpa Ruth says, "Let's help Carsen up!"  They rush in to help him up and he is giggling like crazy!

Team Effort? I think SO!



Matt's cousin, Brandi, is so amazing to Carsen.  She has a special bond with him and spends a lot of time with him.  There are no words to decribe their friendship!  She even watches him so that I can get a break and go for a run! How awesome is that!

Thank you to all of you who give us smiles when we walk by, those who visit with Carsen even though he won't visit back and those who love us no matter what!