I love to read other people’s stories, about their lives, what they do, their routines, their day to day. Triumphs and sorrows. What people like, read, do, wear.. I am sure maybe a lot of bloggers are like this. A curious lot.
I get a lot of questions when I tell people we homeschool, or when people learn Wyatt has cerebral palsy. Maybe people in general are just a curious bunch. Inquisitive. Our lifestyle is a bit untraditional, but Wyatt has grown by leaps and bounds these past two years in many ways. In some ways, we have lost some ground due to the pandemic, but we will get there again and regain those triumphs. My biggest concern right now for Wyatt is having friends – and I am hoping this summer I can find some social interactions for him.
These things look different for us. Things people don’t think about or consider because, why would they? How can they understand our life unless they are in it, or experience similar situations? I am constantly learning and watching and evolving, trying to understand better the experiences of others, as they are all different.
Pre-pandemic, Wyatt went to preschool 4 days a week, half days, and therapy three times a week. It was a pretty grueling schedule for a three year old, in my opinion. Then in March 2020, things changed. I started homeschooling Wyatt myself, and have watched him thrive. He is talking non-stop, where before we were lucky if he said two words all day. Some of this is age and development, but I also think it is in part to being in an environment where he is able to express himself. I listen to him. He has a voice and is able to make us hear it here at home.
Wyatt is also doing things that we were told he probably wasn’t capable of. And I don’t blame the teachers – it was one teacher and one para for a classroom of fifteen kids all needing special help and attention. There was no way again, that they could do it all or fully understand Wyatt. They did the best they could, I believe that 100%. I come from a family of teachers and school administrators – I worked in a school for 15 years before Wyatt. I know just how hard teachers work, how much they care. Homeschooling just works for us right now. It might not be what we do forever, but now, it is perfect. I can focus on Wyatt’s strengths and particular learning styles. We can spend time on areas where he needs extra attention, and not stick to a schedule of how many days he needs to learn it within before we move on. I can work around his medicine that he takes for his epilepsy, that makes him a little tired mid-day. I can schedule his numerous specialist appointments without disrupting his schedule, and our open schedule allows us to get in places easier, like therapy, as we are not bound by certain times.
And we have so much fun, honestly. I know that we are making memories everyday, and I want them to be full of good moments, art and music and nature and just hanging out, feeling loved. I know we are lucky that we are able to do this. We sacrifice for this opportunity – we live on one income and feel blessed that we are able to do what we can with it. But we don’t have a ton of disposable income, which is ok. As long as we have money for food and books and the occasional treat, that we can pay our bills. Take a trip here and there, visit new places and have more experiences. That is more than a lot of people have, so I don’t worry about what other people are doing. I am happy and content in our quiet little life. (Except I do wish we had more trees in our yard. I will say that. And maybe some chickens and ducks and a goat.)
I guess I am just feeling..grateful today. Grateful for all that I have. Love for my family and friends.
What are you feeling grateful for today? No matter how big or small! It can be just a warm cup of tea, a ray of sunshine streaming through the window, anything at all. I would love to hear what you are feeling today!
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 
Erin, this is such a lovely post. I remember those days of early motherhood…I had three under the age of four! I am also a retired public school teacher and began my career as a special education teacher. My vote is always going to be what’s best for the child! I think you’ve definitely made the right choices for Wyatt. Isn’t it rewarding when you see him doing things others thought he probably wouldn’t? And, like you, I don’t fault the teachers. It’s truly a matter of enough hands and time. I am grateful for having three beautiful children who are successful adults and three amazing grandchildren! And, I’m also grateful for the ability to live as I want…something many people are not able to do. Thanks for the reminder today!
http://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Aw thanks Marsha!
Special ed teachers have a special place in this world! There are so many expectations for them and so many students and like you said, not enough hands or time! I absolutely adored his preschool teacher and para- they just were stretched so thin, which was not their fault at all!
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I love how you bring out the creativity and individuality in Wyatt with your homeschooling and nature walks. The books, too. I think you have used the challenges of the Pandemic to bring out the best moments for him. Congratulations!
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Thanks Laurel-Rain! That is definitely one of our “things” as a family, encouraging creativity and individuality, so I am glad to hear that you think we are accomplishing it! “)
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I’m so glad that homeschool has worked out so well for your family! It’s been a decision I know my family has been really pleased with – especially with the pandemic and Will’s diagnosis. I love the pictures you shared of Wyatt’s day! He looks so happy and engaged!
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Yes! I can imagine that it is such a blessing for your family as well right now, to be able to educate Will in a way that keeps him safe and learning and works around his life right now.
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You are such a great mommy! I can tell from your posts and pictures how much love there is in your house.
Today I’m grateful that my 4-month-old finally got over his fever from his vaccines earlier this week and is back to his smiley, babbly self!
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Aw thank you Angela!! What a nice thing to say!!
And that is definitely something to be thankful for!! I remember those days! I am glad your little one is feeling better and is back to himself again! 🙂
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I love that photo up top with the two of you smiling widely! He seems like a precious little guy who is thriving at home and with specialized care that only someone who knows him so well can give him. I homeschooled one of my children for a few years and it was fun for both of us. But then he returned to school and I to work and that was okay too. Every family is unique. Thank you for sharing your day in the life with us!
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Yes! I don’t know if we will do this forever, but, for now it works! He may end up going back, and like you said, that will be ok too! Situations and things change and we all just change along with them as needed. And you are right, every family is unique and have different needs and different solutions!
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Wyatt sounds like a delightful boy! He’s very lucky to have you as his mommy.
I’m feeling grateful for the ability to finally travel again. We are in Nashville (actually, Franklin) visiting our daughter and son-in-law. It’s been over 2 years since we’ve since them, thanks to the risks of covid, especially in TN.
Thanks for sharing your “day-in-the-life” post, Erin!
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This is a thoughtful and well-composed post of your innermost thoughts. Thank you for speaking your truth. I am honored to be a part of your virtual circle and to learn about you and your family in each post.
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