on the other side!

Transitions are hard for T.

Holidays are really hard for T.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It shows in her inabilities...

to look at the camera

 find a natural smile

 or enjoy much of the "festivities" at all

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her deficits make it difficullt, almost impossible to understand [most] expectations

or healthily perceive the happening around her.

The gatherings, gift giving, card getting, festive music, ALL contributed to

 REALLY BIG ANXIETY!!!

Despite our intentional parenting and decision making

T was in SURVIVAL mode much more than not :(

Her stress manifests in

verbal outbursts

the inability to obey

unkindness

feeling injustices of all kinds

tantrums

etc

** But we survived, and relished some moments of joyful memory making!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T's sisters and brothers headed back to school today,

and as expected it been a tough day :(

Even going back to a normal schedule is a transition... and causes some "fall out"

But I'm ready for a more predictable routine again,

to make steps forward in our attachment [therapy] once more.

I'm under NO illusions, however, we'll just slide back into a desired "mode".

It no doubt comes with much determination & intentional parenting, lots of patience & flexibility too!

Hey, we made it to the other side of Christmas... Phew!!!

And it's a NEW YEAR ... 2013 is going to be GREAT... if even just in perspective!!!

Happy New Year Friends!!!

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances..." I Thessalonians 5:16-18