Pairing up quotes with paintings

I am having so much fun pairing up some of the quotes that I have written to the paintings I have created.

Something Special Magazine

Well it’s official, one of my paintings is going to be featured on the cover of Something Special Magazine! It is a painting of Hailey and I can’t disclose which one, you’ll have to check back soon to see it. “Something Special” is a Magazine that is both a hard copy publication and an online publication. It is a magazine that is dedicated to helping parents who are raising children with special needs by offering resources, giving helpful hints on therapies, vacations, food, just about anything that you can think of. This is a free publication and a well written and informative resource to have. They write featured articles on many topics such as learning differences, behavioral issues, personal care and many feel good and inspirational stories as well. The woman who interviewed me was such a sweetheart and a kind and understanding soul. It’s as if she knew me for a very long time. The magazine covers a wide spectrum of disorders. You can find articles on Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Chromosome Disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome and Juvenile Diabetes just to name a few. I am not sure which I am more excited about, the fact that my painting is being featured on the cover of such a wonderful magazine, or the fact that Hailey is going to be featured on the cover of a magazine! As you all know, it is this grandmother’s opinion that Hailey is already the most beautiful girl in the world, I think her beautiful blue eyes should be on the cover of every magazine, because she is that beautiful and her contagious smile just happens to light up all of Boston Massachusetts. Our cover is the upcoming FAll issue, coming real soon. Do me a favor, in the interim, while we patiently wait for it to be published, show these great folks some love and support, head on over to their facebook page, and tell them that Janet from Painting for Hailey sent you! Can you guess which painting of Hailey they chose? Which one do you think is worthy of a cover? If you live in the Georgia area, this magazine is easy to find you can pick one up in Savannah, Pooler, Macon, Atlanta and Charleston.

Kudos to Exceptional Family T.V.

-I am a delicate flower...you are the sunshine that helps me grow copyright by Janet Lee Harrold

As many of my loyal readers know, I write occasional content for a site by the name of Exceptional Family T.V. EFTV is an online home destination for exceptional families worldwide. It is one of the best online resources I have found. It is a place where you can find useful information, you can learn first hand from other families who are raising children with special needs, and are living the same life and are on the same unfamiliar journey that we are on. The road of uncertainty and trial and error. We help each other, we cry with each other, we smile with each other and most of all, we learn from each other. That is why when Hailey was not feeling herself last week, I turned to my friends over at EFTV for advice. I mentioned on their facebook fan page that Hailey had been lethargic, she wasn’t eating, and she was downright cranky, not her usual self at all. It began to worry me a bit and I remembered the same thing happening last summer. I wondered if it was just the hot weather getting her down. So I posed the question to the 14,000+ friends who make up our special needs community on EFTV. “Does the heat affect your child with C.P.?” and within hours I had more than 27 people tell me that without a doubt, the extreme temperatures totally affect their children. I have to say that the education that we get from one another has been more informative and satisfying than anyone of Hailey’s team of Specialists. I learned that high temperatures, the combination of heat and fatigue can sometimes bring on seizure activities for kids who have C.P. and others cannot regulate their body temperature and have to wear cooling vests. Some kids just can’t cope in the heat, I learned about the benefits of coconut water for super hydration ( though i’m a bit skeptical about that one). Most parents told me they have learned to take precautionary measures and if the forecast says it is going to be above 72 degrees then they cancel any outside activities and stay in the air conditioning. Well, that would have been nice to know, sure wish the doctors would worn us about this stuff.

To Natalie, Tommy and every other Special Needs Parent out there

Here's To You:
For becoming educated and learning just what your child needs. Then MAKING sure they get it!
For the many hours spent getting the necessary therapy your child needs.
For being your child's voice, so that they can be heard.
For being the BEST parents that a child can have.
For the late nights and endless hours scouring the internet for information, products and treatments.
For having the guts to try an alternative therapy and coming up with the money to do it when it is not covered by insurance.
For carrying your 40 pound child around even though your back is aching.
For constantly wiping the drool from your childs chin, so to keep it from getting chapped.
For ALWAYS putting your childs best interest first, even though you risk losing your job.
For the ability to make the right medical decisions.
For the dirty looks you receive when your child goes into sensory overload, or even when they just go to the playground.
For the never ending doctors appointments, and the armor you have to carry to get there.
For the equipment that IS necessary even if you have to fight the insurance for it.
For the humility and grace it takes to advocate for your child.
For feeling alone because no one really understands you.
For celebrating every accomplishment no matter how small.

Brody and Daddy

This was a gift for my son...the original photo was taken by Jess over at Boston Baby Photos she is a genious with the camera and if ever you need photos of your family, I highly suggest that you call her, the paintings were done by me of course :) I thought I would show what the process would look like mid way. I actually love the paintings best mid-way, it is my personal preference. Boston Baby Photos

Friends, sometimes I worry about the silliest things...

As a grandmother, I think a lot of my concerns about Hailey are valid...I worry about, who will take care of her when her parents are no longer here or able to, I worry about her being bullied because she is a perfect target for bullies, being non verbal and “different” than the rest of the kids, I worry about people taking advantage of her, I worry about how much she does or doesn’t eat, I worry about her quality of life being compromised and not being financially able to get her whatever it is that she needs, I worry about most of the things that every other parent/grandparent worries about, but am I being silly when I worry about her having and making friends that will be there for and with her through thick and thin? TRUE friendship is really hard to come by, and quite honestly if you have a few friends that you are really tight with, friends that have been with you for decades, then i think you should consider yourself blessed. I am very fortunate to have a couple of friends that I have known throughout the years, friends that I know that I can rely on no matter what, friends that I can call on and they too can call on me, and we would drop everything and anything for each other. I have a friend that I met in highschool and even though we are now miles apart (Chrissy) and don’t see each other as often as we should, when we get together it is as if we can still pick up where we left off. that is a friendship that everyone should have. I also have a unique friendship, my lifelong (and I mean all of my 46 years) friend Brenda. Brenda and I have seen each other through good times, and bad times, through births, weddings, funerals and sicknesses, we know each others deepest secrets, we know what’s wrong with each other, without having to say a word. This is a friendship that I do not take for granted, that I know that I am lucky to have. Take a secret inventory of your friends and see how many are this genuine. I am TRULY BLESSED to have Brenda in my life and I know it, I think we have a very rare kind of friendship. I thank God everyday that she is in my life! Hailey is only 5 years old, I’m sure she has plenty of time to make friends, but I worry. After all, how much time does she have to socialize, she has so many weekly therapies, countless medical appointments, feeding issues that make it much harder and longer for her to eat. etc. etc. Not to mention the lack of understanding of her disability that scares so many people away. Despite her beautiful and contagious smile, and charming personality, I think other parents are afraid to invite her over for a playdate Afraid that they won’t know how to take care of her. Keep in mind a play date doesn’t t always have to be a drop-off situation. A playdate can be two moms at the park with all of their children, or moms catching up and getting to know one another over tea while their children are playing together in another room. A play date can be as beneficial for a typically developing child as it is for a child who has a disability. It is imperative that children learn at a very young age that they are all equal despite the different challenges they face. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “Hailey loves all the same things that another 5 year old child loves” She loves, to play, she just can’t run around, she loves to sing, you just can’t hear her voice, she loves to dance, she just needs a little help, she loves to blow bubbles, but she can’t blow, she can try effortlessly to catch them, and they inevidebly break, just like they break when any other 5 year old tries to catch them. One of her greatest needs is to be understood. If you can look past her disability and look right into her soul you would have a wonderful and fulfilling friendship! I saw this music wall on another blog I know Hailey would love it, I’m not sure that she can do it from this angle, she spends most of her time trolling around on the ground, (really got to get some knee pads to fit her) but maybe I can adjust it a bit, maybe hang all of this cool stuff on the back of a hollow door and bring it outside on the grass when she comes over to visit in the summer time, I think I will paint some of my utensils bright colors! I bet Brody will soon be able to play with it too. “To understand me is about taking the time to get to know me” copyright @-Janet Harrold

Impact Dance Fundraiser for Hailey

I just want to thank everyone who contributed to helping Haileys fundraiser to happen. Whether you dug deep in your pockets and made a cash donation or you shared the information with your friends, or if you couldn't afford to donate but still enjoy following along with our story. I just want you to know that we thank you for your loyal and loving support of Hailey. Meghan Mccaffrey of Impact Dance Co. has worked effortlessly at making this fundraiser happen for her. It is down to the last few days and she is just a couple of dollars short of making her dream come true. Pledging ends on May 30th. So please click on the link to Impact Dance Co every single dollar adds up, whether it is $1, $10, $25 $100. We appreciate your support.

an almost life size painting of beautiful Hailey

I've been crazy busy and no time to blog, but I managed to squeeze out a painting...

I think I need a bit more work on the eye...and maybe on her smile, this painting does not fully reflect just how sweet her smile is but I keep getting asked why I haven't been blogging so I had to put something up to satisfy my loyal readers, even if it is unfinished :)

"No need for words"

Just a little insight to where my mind goes most of the time.

No need for words, I can hear your heart speak to me. It softly reminds me of what is most important, and where I want to be. When I am with you it's as if the entire world comes to a hault. The only thing in the room that matters is you, the slight tilt of your head, your contagious smile. Makes me believe that it is all worth while. They said it would be different, how could they have known, that your smile would change the world. So glad we got the opportunity to get to know you, to love you, to hold you. @copyright Janet Lee Harrold

An Interview with Parenting on the Peninsula

I have recently been contacted to do an interview with Donne Davis a columnist from "Parenting on the Peninsula" (POP) is a monthly journal serving the San Francisco Peninsula and the Silicon Valley whose sole purpose is to provide valuable parenting information for parents of children of all ages. She thought my blog was so beautiful and touching. Isn't that sweet? The publication is both online and in print, however since I am not in California, I can't just walk into the local coffee shop and pick up a copy. To read the interview with me, click on the link below and  scroll down to page 6! Then go back and read the rest of the publication.
http://www.ponthep.com/issues/2012/april-shine.pdf Donne Davis also has a great website where Grandmothers Brag, Bond and Benefit. It is called the GaGa Sisterhood It is such a great site, you won't want to miss it.

The kindness of others

If it is one thing that i’ve learned on this special needs journey / belonging to this very special and exclusive club. Is that the many families that we have met, believe it or not on the internet, whether we met them networking, blogging, or even on facebook, we have met some of the most very special friends who’s love and compassion knows no limit. Are family is very grateful today for the kindness of A loving family that Natalie met on Facebook. On Sunday we took an 8 hour road trip to Peru Maine to pick up an Adaptive Bike that the Jamison Family so graciously gave to Hailey. The beautiful young girl who formerly owned the bike has the same type of C.P. that Hailey has, she no longer uses the bike and her mom asked if Hailey could use it! We were thrilled. (Thank you Erica). We have been looking for a bike for Hailey for some time now, this has proven to be an EXTREMELY DIFFICULT task. Hailey’s lack of core strength and mixed/low muscle tone makes it impossible for her to sit safely on just any bike, and the adaptive bikes typically cost thousands of dollars. We have been to a few bicycle shops trying to adapt or create our own bike to suit Hailey’s individual needs, but have been unsuccessful. So you can just imagine how happy we were to be given such a wonderful gift.

The idea of seeing Hailey be able to troll around on a bike like other children is heartwarming for me. She was so excited to sit on it. Unfortunately we discovered that Hailey is too small for this bike right now, but at least we have it to look forward to in the future. A very special thanks to the entire Jamison family for their kindness and their generosity. I know Hailey is going to enjoy her new bike as soon as she can reach the pedals! Hailey and Grampy trying to fix the pedals so that Hailey could ride it

Look at her desperately trying to make it work

Well its almost time!!!

This Thursday Hailey will become a big sister! Everyone is very excited/nervous, excited/nervous, excited and nervous. Sure i'm excited for my new grandson to enter this world, but also because I am going to be able to spend some quality time with Hailey. I have taken my vacation in ½ days so that I will be able to spread my vacation time throughout several weeks and be of more help to my family (Thank you Richard) I thought I could take advantage of this time off to do some of the things with Hailey that I never have the time to do. For several months i’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out some fun things to do while still incorporating therapy that she needs. Here are some of the activities that are on tap...we have signed her up for adaptive aquatics! Hailey loves to go in the water, and the heated pool is exactly what she needs to relax her tight muscles, only this time she will have a professional instructor working with her, instead of Grammy wading around in the pool. Ever since Hailey danced with Meghan at Impact Dance Co.

I have been emailing dance schools in our area trying to find a class for Hailey, she enjoyed it so much and seemed so comfortable trolling around on the floor, I really wanted her to be able to take a class like every other little girl who dreams of being a ballerina, unfortunately, I couldn’t find a class that was willing to take her, I finally contacted a woman who owns a dance/gymnastics school and she has decided to take Hailey in one day a week and do some creative movement type things with her privately. Although It isn’t exactly what I was looking for, it is still very exciting (wait til’ Hailey see’s the trampoline, she’s going to love it)! I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to dance and feel the music.

I’ve also been thinking about some crafty things, I believe that being creative is very therapeutic, and since Easter is just around the corner. I have a couple of Easter projects in store as well. I found this wreath on Pinterest and it got me thinking...

even though Hailey won’t really be able to do a craft that is so detailed, it sure will be fun to dump a box of Easter accessories, pastel eggs, ribbons etc. on the kitchen table and she can pick out what she wants me to glue on, tell me where to put it and when it is complete, she will be proud that she helped create this masterpiece and I hope it will make her smile everytime she goes in the front door. I also found this on pinterest... I know, I know, I actually hate these tacky egg tree’s myself, but it isn’t about me, I actually found myself outside today looking for the perfect branches, so that Hailey can hang eggs from each one and be proud that she created this too.

I have been wanting to try music therapy as well, Hailey really responds well to music, she loves playing the piano, and visiting her fathers studio. I just know she would enjoy it. It is so difficult to find the right balance, we have to constantly remind ourselves to just let Hailey be a little girl. So, I hope that these therapies are more fun than some of her other therapies.

" Between the earth and sky above, nothing can match a grandmother's love.

Sassy Grow up Cup

Hailey has a new cup and i’m so excited! Something most of us take for granted every single day is the ability to use our tongue, the ability to chew and eat our food, and the ability to drink from a cup. This is something that has always been very challenging for Hailey and for most people who have Cerebral Palsy. C.P. is a mobility impairment that affects the gross and fine motor skills, your tongue uses fine motor skills while eating and drinking, so you may imagine how it can be difficult for her to control her tongue. The ability to suck, swallow and chew is also compromised as well as the ability to speak. There is a famous myth that the tongue is the body’s strongest muscle...it’s not true, but it doesn’t make the tongue any less impressive, or less important. This is the way Hailey initially got her water...

Then her sucking got a little better and she was able to drink from this cup...It is the "Platex Lil Gripper" because Hailey also has trouble holding onto things the handles were key here and also the straw to help her with her sucking motion, the straw was also made of very hard plastic which was important so that it didn't constantly collapse like other flimsy straws. She used this cup for a long time. The problem was when Hailey tried drinking from this cup, often times she couldn't seem to concentrate on tipping her head back, so her head was always in the downward position, and when she sucked up, the water just kind of fell back out of her mouth

But now she has this cup. It's the sassy grow up cup. No spill, no spout. This cups looks a bit more appropriate for Hailey's age as well. She can experiment with getting the cup to her mouth without the liquid being gone by the time it gets there. Cuts down on her frustration level and hopefully she will get her drinking requirement each time she takes a drink and maybe, just maybe it will help her transition to an open cup.

The Life That's Chosen Me

The first time I heard this, I heard it on one of the sites that I write for on a regular basis, I am proud to be part of The Kidz Krew. We are a team of bloggers who write regularly about our challenges and our triumphs, we share knowledge and inspiration, we share ideas and we share tears. I have learned so much from these amazing woman, most of them Mothers to children who have special needs. If you haven't been over to the site and want to learn more about children with special needs you should head on over to Kidz This song really helps to relay a strong message, if you listen to the words you may better understand the life that so many of us live.

Source: kidzorg.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

Adaptive Bikes

Looking for and finding the right bike for a child who has poor muscle tone and other related issues can be an overwhelming task. We have looked at so many for Hailey and have come up completely empty. Last spring we purchased a bike for her and then had to return it as it did not suit her specific needs, but recently Hailey has been offered an adaptive bike by another parent who Natalie networks with and we are so blessed and I hope it will be a good fit for her. After doing the necessary research, we discovered how difficult it is to find the proper bike. I was so pleased to run across this helpful article written by the Friendship Circle Blog I have listed only a few options, but to see the entire list and their links please visit their site.

Trailmate Mini Tike The Mini Tike is great for young children that have mobility challenges. The low step-through design makes access easy. The bike comes with a rear basket and additional options are available. Price: $379 Ages: 3-6 Purchase from: Trailmate

Skuut Wooden Balance Bike The Skuut is a wooden bike for children. It has no pedals and no training wheels. The Skuut is perfect for learning balance, steering, coordination and independence. Having mastered balance on the Skuut, the transition to a traditional two wheeler bike is easy. Price: $60-$70 Ages: 2-5 Purchase from: Amazon.com

Glide Bikes Glide Bikes use special balance bike technology that allows children of all needs and skill levels to quickly and easily learn how to ride a bike. The low center of gravity and ease-of-use makes it easier for children with special needs to ride a bike. Price: $100-$300 Ages: 3 & up Purchase from: Amazon.com

Fat Wheels Fat Wheels is great for adults or children with special needs who have balance issues but want to ride a bicycle. Fat Wheels come in a variety of sizes. Price: $90-$200 Ages: 4-8 Purchase from: Fat Wheels

AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle The AM-12 AmTryke features a combination hand/foot drive. Designed to build strength and coordination for a wide range of children with disabilities. The hand /foot cycles are intended to stimulate reciprocal movement and increase range of motion. Price: $750-$900 Ages: 5-12 Purchase from: AmTryke

MacKenzie and Griffin

I love this one of Mackenzie and Griffin from Georgia Soo Adorable

"Just The Way You Are" Matty B

This video has been on the special needs circuit for quite some time now, but it makes me smile every time I see it. I wonder if Bruno Mars has ever seen it?

SIgn Language Video

As some of you know, awhile ago my blog was nominated for the About.com "Readers Choice Award" for The best Grandparent blog, I recently found out that I am now one of the top 5 contestants (Whoo Hoo)!!!!! Thank you for those who took the time to vote for me. I appreciate it. But anyway, the reason for my blog is while I was taking the time to peek at my competition, I ran across a blog called "Grandma's Briefs" (I couldn't help it, the title of the blog peaked my curiosity) When I looked at the blog I was pleasantly surprised to find a video that she had made after learning some basic sign language from baby signing time. This is all the rage for typically developing kids to be able to communicate earlier than they are able to speak. It cuts down on frustration and is also known for encouraging speech at an earlier age. I also need to get up to speed with my sign language in order to be able to keep up with Hailey's communication, she has learned a bit in school and I want to be able to understand her when she is trying to tell me something. I hope this helps dome of you as well. Thank you to Grandma's Brief's If I don't win the contest, I hope that you do!

"Just Because"

This was a poem I wrote last year for Hailey on Valentines Day.
You have my heart there is no doubt,
my fragile flower, I can’t live without.
my heart is yours, as well my soul
I love you more than you’ll ever know.

A little girl, with long brown hair
her smile it spreads from ear to ear.
her words unspoken, I don’t care
I know she loves me, i’m well aware.

Her future holds no certainty,
but then again who’s does
i’ll just take it day by day
and love her just because.

xoxo Copyright by Janet Harrold

For Natalie and all of "The Special Moms" out there