Time flies when you're having fun blogging. And meeting all sorts of amazing people. And sharing—and getting—advice, encouragement, affirmation and inspiration. And paying tribute to the many ways your child and other kids with special needs kick butt.
Thanks to all of you for visiting—I am grateful every single day for your company. I have a wish on this anniversary: Tell me whether there's anything in particular you'd like to see on this blog (and if you say more Lightning McQueen, I'm going to run screaming down the street). I never run out of stuff to write about, but one of the main reasons I started this blog was to help other parents and family of kids with special powers so if there's something else I can touch on, I want to know. And, OK, one more small request: If you've never before commented, I'd love for you to say hi.
That is all.
xo,
Ellen
That is all.
xo,
Ellen
Image: Flickr/ticklymoo
Hello! I haven't commented before. My brother has autism, and I love, love, love reading your blog, especially the sibling posts. I showed my mom this and she likes it too! Thank you for sharing, and congrats on your 5th blog anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary thank you for sharing your life with us. It would be cool if you could interview famous people with specialness it would show kids who have specialness that different is cool.
ReplyDeletehappy blogaversary, ellen!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! I visit your blog everyday and I love your writing..I like your sense of humor and the spirit ...and also your blog has a lot of good information...keep going
ReplyDeleteWow, Lightning McQueen sure has staying power! http://matir-asurim.blogspot.com/2012/08/ot-potty-training-mater.html
ReplyDeleteGenius potty training strategy! Max had a Lightning McQueen seat that helped. :)
DeleteHi! I've been reading for years and have never commented. :) My mom is an autism specialist, so I grew up playing with her clients and making great friends with special needs! I'm a new parent to a little baby girl and she has a few special needs of her own. (Preemie and some facial deformity) I feel like I'm reading your blog on a totally different level now!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm new to your blog. Happy anniversary! I love hearing about Max and his success...my son lives with a rare genetic disorder that sometimes looks a little bit like autism. I am encouraged by your realness, by letting the good and the bad come through you make this life with special needs more bearable on my bad days and more lovely on my good days. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm a daily reader, but I never post. Mostly I just don't have a way with written words....speech I can do, I'm an SLP and mom of 4 (2 with significant CP). Love your blog and the advocacy you promote. I especially appreciate that you're careful to be very inclusive of all levels of disability! Thanks and happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen-- I'm a mom of a 3 year old with spastic diplegia CP, and I love reading your blog. It is always positive, which I know isn't the case in real life, but I don't really need any one else's negativity in my life. So thank your for your 5 years of blogging. By the way, I had a dream the other night that I was wearing my sons AFOs!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Ellen! Please just keep being such a strong advocate for our kiddos. You are an inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteI began reading your blog when I started writing my own blog in May, and I hope to celebrate a 5-year "blogversary" one day! Congratulations! I love that you write a variety of things (news-related, thoughts & feelings, tips & advice, siblings, and special features of other parents on this journey). And thank you for having the weekend link-ups, allowing other bloggers, like me, to share their work!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on five years!
ReplyDeleteI love your voice. Your honesty and heart. Keep doing what you've been doing!
Funny, Shell, I love the same things about your blog. Right back at you!
DeleteHappy blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteHi! I love your blog. I've been reading for a year. I have an amazing son with special needs who can't see well. I would like to read about how moms can unite to share resources, stories, therapy tips, etc. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi! Love your blog and hearing about about Max's progress!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary, Ellen! I am glad you blog. I have been enjoying your writing for a few years now, ever since around the time I became a mom. Your blog has helped me be a better mom to my child (who happens to be neurotypical) -- I really appreciate the way you keep everything in perspective and handle life with humor and aplomb. And by now, I guess I love that Max (and Sabrina) too, despite never having actually met them! I don't have any particular requests, except I do love hearing about your trips with the kids....so I guess you just need to travel a little more. : )
ReplyDeleteHappy to oblige, Mary!!! And, thank you.
DeleteI found your blog five years ago, when we were still in the PICU, at the very beginning of our journey with brain injury. I didn't realize you were new then!
ReplyDeleteWow, and I was only 23 years old back then. :) Glad to have connected with you over the years, Jenny.
DeleteHi Ellen. I started reading your blog around the time you did the end the word video, my daughter was helping out at a dance class for kids with Down syndrome at the time, that's how I got interested. I have two neurotypical kids, I second Mary, you have helped me to be a better mom. Thank you for your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I love reading your blog. I'm a mom of 4(1 asd, 1 rare genetic syndrome, 2 typical dev). I love to read your feelings about being a spec needs mom. Also love hearing about anything that can help siblings. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!! I am so proud of you for all you have accomplished with this blog and I am also very proud of all the progress Max has made since you stared writing the blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, he's made wonderful progress. And he's extremely proud that you are his aunt!
DeleteDid Max ever make it to the movies to see "Planes?"
ReplyDeleteYes, he did--second movie he's seen in an indoor movie theater. And then, he saw Despicable Me 2! I decided not to take him to see Woody Allen's new film, though. He, he.
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!! I enjoy reading you just as you have been. I comment occasionally, but usually you say it pretty well! Hugs and congrats to you and the rest of your family!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary, Ellen! I enjoy reading your blog and learning from your life with Max and Sabrina (and I love getting to know another Sabrina too LOL)! You'll have to let me know when you get that "Cam Jansen and the Spaghetti Max Mystery" book for Max and what he thinks of it! I'm going to read it myself. I bet we'll both enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sabrina! Your parents have excellent test in names.
DeleteEllen....
ReplyDeleteHappy "Blog"versery!! ;)
I want more Lightning McQueen!! Okay, now that I got that out of my system.... Ellen?.... You can stop screaming now!! I know. I know. I am a pain in the ass!! Proud of it!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;-D
--Raelyn
Can you HEAR me?!
DeleteHa, ha, ha!! ;-D
DeleteHi Ellen! Happy anniversary. I enjoy reading about your adventures. (I have said 'hi' on facebook before, but never commented here.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog...your honesty, humor and helpful information. I'm pretty sure I'm a lurker and have never commented before, but I am a faithful reader! My four-year-old son has global developmental delays and is undiagnosed. As I have slowly realized that our family has entered the special needs world, your blog has provided much encouragement. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on five years! I have been around here about that long, and I have enjoyed every day of it. Never miss it, unless I am on the road! I love your light-heartedness, and that has helped me a lot over the years. Living with CP (as a parent of a child with CP) doesn't always have to be so serious, and you have taught me that quite nicely! Life does go on, and we can enjoy it too! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI cant believe how tiny Max was back then! What are Max and Sabrina dressing as for Halloween? My dog is dressing as a bunny.
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!! I'm sure nobody will recognize your pup in that getup. Max is (wait for it) LIGHTNING MCQUEEN and Sabrina is a skeleton.
DeleteI'm also new to this blog. Congratulations I had no idea you had been blogging for half a decade either. I dont really have any suggestions either.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Harper
Hi, Happy blog anniversary!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
-Jenny
Congrats!! I'd love to see more ranting - how your kids are annoying, blah blah blah. its nice to see other moms go through that too!!
ReplyDeleteI am all for a good rant, whether it's about maddening interactions with the insurance company or people's use of the word "retard." Sometimes, I write about stuff that bums me out or, yes, one of the kids getting on my last parenting nerve (see: Lightning McQueen). But mostly, they make me happy—hence, lack of rants about them.
DeleteHi!!! Happy Anniversary. I'd like to hear more about how you advocate for Max to get services in school.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll write about that!
DeleteHappy blogaversary! This is also the second anniversary of me reading this blog. My name is Anna.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary to you too!
DeleteCongratulations! I love what you are doing. If I think of any "new" ideas, I'll let you know. Celebrate! xo
ReplyDeleteAnd I love what YOU do, Louise. If you guys haven't yet checked out Bloom, you should.
DeleteA suggestion would be adults with special needs. In Manitoba they take all your cool devices away when you turn 18, it's like you don't exist anymore. They don't give you enough resources to live.
ReplyDeleteEeeeep. I've never hard of that, will look it up.
DeleteHappy Blogversary! I'm partial to the adults with special needs idea. I have great benefits in place, but have found there is still a large grey area in terms of management options (ie PT and massage therapy) for folks my age. Adult medicine for childhood diseases is definitely still a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteComing out from the shadows- been a reader for years, an Aussie in my twenties who enjoys reading about parenting. Love reading about Max, Sabrina and everything else. Thanks for writing :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, Ellen! And keep writing what you've been writing. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I don't have many suggestions, because I think you cover a LOT in this blog. I do like when you write about the specifics of cerebral palsy, because I've never quite understood it or knew anyone who had it (my son is on the autism spectrum). Love your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen. I love your post, and it has been so helpful and informative to me! Your post has helped me tremendously as I've been navigating this road as a special needs parent. I particularly appreciate the humor you interject into your posts -- we all need to laugh!
ReplyDeleteHappy Fifth Anniversary Ellen! Thank you for writing such an informative, honest blog. I love your humor. Who doesn't need a laugh in this life? I am also really taken by how brave you are. Not just because you're putting yourself out there, but because you are fierce when under fire! Parents have many super powers too ;-) Mostly, I appreciate you because your blog reminds me to be conscious of all the life lessons….that I've learned but sometimes forget… Thanks Ellen!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Ellen! I look forward to blog every single day. My son is a few years older than Max, but similar in many ways. I also have a younger son, so I relate to the sibling relationship, too. You have inspired me to reach farther, push harder, and appreciate more. Thank you for sharing your family's journey with us and giving us a public voice!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I'm a mom from Buffalo, NY with three young children ages 6, 5, and 2. My 6 year old daughter has Down Syndrome. Your blog is the first special needs blog I happenend upon, and thanks to you I've discovered so many more! I love reading your post every morning, and you always make me smile and often get me laughing out loud. Thanks for sharing your family with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen - I think I have been following you for the last five years, but cannot remember if I have commented. It is great to be reminded of all the positive things our special kids can do - can achieve - and can contribute to society. Thanks for your input.
ReplyDeleteEllen Hello! Congrats on the five-year anniversary. I have a 7-year old with mild CP/hemiplegia on his right side and your posts have been a great source of info and inspiration. You remind me that I'm not in this alone, that life is funny and people can surprise you. That, and it's always good to have a cookie on hand when on the phone with insurance folks. Thank you Ellen and cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on five years. I read every post from well now living in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada. I am 23 and have mild CP/hemiparalysis, ADHD and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. I also work with children with disabilities many with cp.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I Ave ever posted but thought I would take up your wish and say hello
Hi, Ellen. Even though I've never commented, reading your blog is part of my morning routine while drinking my coffee and starting my day. My daughter is almost 22 and I'm still learning new things every day thanks to you. Some days it's just your humor that gets me through. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHello! Do emails count? I emailed you once (and yes, you were nice enough to email back, in case you were wondering), but I don't think I've ever formally posted before. So...happy anniversary!!! As for suggestions/requests, if it's not too personal, I'd love to know how parents of special needs kids find time to be a couple. There are days when my spouse and I kid around that when we do see each other for non-parenting stuff, we practically have to re-introduce ourselves! I know I'm not the only one dealing with that (right? maybe?), so I'd love to hear suggestions from others. Worst case, LOL, I"ll happily settle for commiseration/humor on the topic. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGee, I can't relate to that at all. HA HA HA HA!!!! I will write about this. No easy answers.
DeleteHappy Anniversary! So so glad to have found your blog!! Thanks for letting us into your family in all the ways that you do. :) My personal favorite blog entries are about the outings and trips you take as a family.
ReplyDeleteI have commented many times and read your blog every day. My 3 year old granddaughter is special needs and developmentally delayed. My request would be for information on vacation or fun day experiences that are available to families with special needs kids. My son's family recently went to Williamsburg, VA - which by the way has been his fav place to go as he is a history buff - and they experienced a heart breaking dining out experience as the restaurant staff were completely ill trained on how to handle a young child with sensory issues and more disappointing than that, customers who openly mocked my young family trying to deal with the issue. Their 5 year old is like your Sabrina - "normal" with the issues that the age brings! If your readers could just send in some places they have been that worked, I think a good list could be developed within a short time. Thank you so much for what you do and thank your readers too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to develop a list of places that are welcoming to kids with special needs, PJ.
DeleteHi! I found your blog a couple of years ago researching for a science project (a paper on prematurity, but specifically researching brain bleeds in infants). I love reading about Max and Sabrina, and Max's story among others has solidified my decision to become an occupational therapist.
ReplyDeleteHi,I found your blog a couple of months ago and I have to admit i become hook onto your every entry, Your strength, your positive attitude and your determination made you stood out from others. I never could say I understand fully your condition as I am not even married let alone have children, but each one of your entry allows me to see special need from a whole new perspective. Hats off to you as people like makes the world a better place..:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogging Aniiversary!! I just want to say...I love your blog. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy 5th! Both my wife and I enjoy your blog tremendously as our son Zac with CP is a few years behind Max and we have learned a lot from you!
ReplyDeleteKevin Jordan
Oh, Elle, all the best to you on this blogversary! I love, love, love your sense of humor....but the common sense approach to what we don't all have in common is when I really benefit. I appreciate your deep thinking and thought provoking posts. I need your perspective on how to approach and address those with special needs. And I enjoy learning about your family and how you manage....thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Traci
WOW. Thank you all for taking time to share thoughts/love. I am bookmarking this post so I can refer to it on those days when I'm feeling fried!
ReplyDeleteI have commented on occasion and have been reading for a few years now (hard to believe!) I am not a parent, but I have learned a lot. This year it really started to pay off as I had some really good conversations with people in the special needs community that I would not have interacted with otherwise. And, I did it BETTER than I would have done it otherwise. Thanks for putting yourself and your family out there.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI've never commented before (In fact, this is the first time I've ever commented on any blog!). I'm not sure how I found your blog. I am in Ireland and have no connection with the special needs community, but still enjoy your writing. Congratulations on your anniversary.