All most there!

I'm on the shuttle to see Macy. My feelings are so mixed. Got Bon Jovi and the scenery to keep me occupied. I will try to post daily, hopefully with pictures. Wish me luck!

Other helpful info

A good friend of mine has been trying to educate everyone.  She did a Podcast recently.  Please take some time to listen.
http://toginet.com/podcasts/connectwithjulianna/?s=connectwithjulianna

Ready for a Visit

We spoke with K today and Macy is doing so well she is ready for a visit.  I'll be traveling the 1st week of December for a few days.  I am excited to see Macy, but also feeling anxious.  I am not going to set my expectations to high so I won't be disappointed.  I am more excited to let Macy see that she is still loved and missed.  I can't wait to share pictures with everyone when I return.  K said she has changed so much.  Our little Buddha is back.  She was such a thick girl when we got her and now is doing so well that she has put on some weight, healthy weight.  The family is so excited for me to go.  They will be working on little gifts to give her.  I'll keep you all posted.

Here is another blog where other parents share about RAD:

http://nhacademy.blogspot.com/

November 4, 2011

One holiday gone and the best to begin.  I have been really busy with respite kids.  The holidays always cause more anxiety for RAD kids, which is more stress to mom.  I am getting a lot of calls from moms desperately needing a break. 
Scott and I have both talked to K recently and are soooo happy to hear of big changes.  First, Macy is putting on weight and her feet are growing.  Her feet haven't grown in the last two years.  She was so shut down.  Now she is beginning to thrive and her body is growing.  Second, I talked to K today and she was excited to share that Macy is making the shift.  She is doing what is asked, receiving the rewards and is happy and laughing.  I don't know if I ever heard a real laugh from Macy, can't wait to hear it myself. 
Everyone is doing well.  Getting excited about the holidays, they will be here in no time.
Thanks for your support.

October 25, 2011

I took some time off from checking in with K.  The phase that Macy was in was the most difficult for me when she was at home and hearing K go through stirred up a lot of anxiety and stress for me.  I left Scott to check in.  He spoke with K recently and things are going well.  Macy is thriving in school work.  She is not playing games with her work and is asking for help when needed.  This is great!  RAD child rarely feel they need help, and never ask for it.  They like to turn situations like this into a control battle.  Macy is finally enjoying learning!  The next step should be wanting to work on her life and what she needs to do to want to be part of our family.  I am hoping that she will continue these steps forward and I will be able to go for a visit after the holidays.  Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

October 4, 2011

I haven't posted anything since Macy had left.  I don't know if anyone is following our story, but I thought it would be good to share if anyone is.  I am not much of a blogger.  Truthfully this is the first time I have ever done it, so if anyone is following our journey, I am sorry for being so late. 
It has been two months since Macy has left.  Her drop off was quick.  She expressed some sincere emotions that lasted about 20 minutes.  The two days prior to her leaving were pleasant.  I think that Heavenly Father softened her heart so we all could experience some better days together. 
Macy's progress:  It is nice to say that Macy is showing progress.  To some of you the progress may seem crazy, but trust me it progress.  Macy is being very defiant and raging (this is the progress).  Why is this progress?  She is expressing her true feelings.  It usually takes 4-5 months for these children to show their true colors and Macy started showing it the 1st month.  K (the person working with her) believes that with what we have worked with her at home and her ability to express her emotions, that Macy will come home a normal, healthy child. 
A specialist visited Macy the first month and assigned tasks for her to do.  These task used certain parts of the brain and could tell us what parts are under developed.  With this knowledge, K can work with Macy on the parts needing more development and get it to where a 7 year old child should be.  Why is this important?  Children with RAD have brains that are under developed.  They lack a lot of the development that we get as infants because of the lack of nurturing, love and touch.  This was really exciting to us to be able to focus on specific parts of her brain.  It also re-assured us that this is the right place for her to be.
The rest of us are doing well. The boys and Scott are busy with football.  Taylor is just getting ready to play High School lacrosse and Skyler is busy with work, internship and his social life.  Now that I have gotten emotionally stronger, I have decided to help families with RAD children.  I offer emotional support for the distressed moms and give them a break ever once in a while by watching their kids.  It is important for these parents to have a safe place for their RAD children to go where they won't come home a mess.  It has been really rewarding to me and has made me stronger. 
Thank you for your love and prayers. 

If you have any questions about RAD please feel free to email me.