Update on Lizzie

So, I don't get to blog very much anymore because the typing (no matter how quiet) seems to wake my girls up, and if they are awake, they want to type just like mommy. I don't think anyone wants to read a blog in baby jibberish, so I will type fast! Things are going well, although we are all pretty wiped out most of the time. We have been in our house just over six months now, and it is so nice to feel settled. There is a lot more peace in our lives and a lot less anxiety, which opens up more teaching/learning opportunities for Lizzie. For those of you that don't know, Lizzie has always struggled with speech. We noticed it pretty early on, but we were told that it was too soon to tell, that she was just on the low end of average, she was just immature, etc. When we moved here, I decided it was time to get her tested, regardless of anyone else's opinion. Our new pediatrician was skeptical but supportive and told me how to start the process at the school district. After having her tested, etc., it turns out that she does have an issue with expressive and receptive language. I think all of us that know and love her can testify to that! The screaming, the frustration, the inability to follow directions or understand multi-step processes...all the things that have been driving me crazy are all related to this issue. I know all toddlers are difficult, but I have thought, "this can't be normal" too many times! It was so hard to watch her perform terribly on the assessment tests, but it is such a relief to know that she is going to get the help she needs and that we are starting the therapy early enough that there is a good chance that she will be ready for kindergarten on time. The simple advice the speech therapist gave me after the initial assessment helped me change my approach and the difference in Lizzie's speech (and, therefore, attitude) is incredible. Of course, maturity and routine have helped a lot, too. Dealing with all of this in addition to having a husband/father who is around intermittently makes for an exhausting life, but we are doing the best we can.

As I am sure you can tell from my many fb status updates that mention it, I have been taking Zumba at the Y. It is probably the most fun I have had in years! I guess I forgot how much I love to dance. Not just "we're in a club, I guess we should dance a little" or "we're at a wedding, let's act dumb with our friends", like, dance your heart out and forget about everything for a whole hour! I wish I could go every day.

The girls are mostly behaving, so I will talk a little about San Jose. Matt doesn't really live here yet, so I am not sure if he will feel the same way when he gets down here, but I am loving it! Who knew there was one magical place that had so many things to like? I love our house, I love how close it is to San Francisco (future career opportunities), I love the people, the weather, etc. It has been chilly here and I love it.

Uh-oh, Addie is crying. I think my time is up! Love to you all.