Planning or O.C.D.?

Yep, I'm a planner. No shame in it...right?!

I love the idea of having my days planned and knowing basically what to expect. When I look at my calendar I have every one's schedule in one place and thanks to Google Calendar I print it out and place it on the fridge for everyone to see. It allows me to keep track of Kevin's work schedule, Breanna's visitation, Cameron's Home School, Doctor's Appointments, family activities, daily menu, etc. (I guess you get the idea). It seems I can never plan enough. I was once told that my insistence on my perfection in knowing what is going on is just a clinical term called O.C.D. So...maybe it is. I think that if you are going to be O.C.D. then organization is the way to go. I happen to like going to bed every night knowing what tomorrow has in store. Of course practically speaking our life is really unknown. Cameron's situation is always changing and of course causing things to change on our calendar regularly. Planning helps us to keep him on track and allows us to help him remain comfortable with all upcoming events and changes before they happen. If you have a child with ADHD or lives with elements of paranoia this is an essential part of their life. So I may plan most of our day but it certainly isn't written in stone. Maybe they should classify me as Flexible O.C.D. Hmmm, I wonder if that is to contradictory.

Blessed

I was reminded yesterday at the doctor’s office how blessed I am. Of course I know this but it is a good thing to be reminded. Cameron and Breanna went for their school physicals yesterday and needless to say it was an adventure.

Both as always were concerned about whether or not they were getting shots. I wasn’t sure if Bre’ was but I knew it was a definite for Cameron. So I prepared them both and carefully prepared Cameron. He was very anxious and had paranoia, constantly talking about it until time to go and all the way there. He had worked out a plan that he would go first so he could get it over with. Well we all know that when you are at the doctor that it could take what seems to be a lifetime, especially when you have a child that is obsessed with the appointment already.

The first hour was filled with non-stop talk and pacing. Breanna didn’t seem to be effected due to iCarly playing (she loves TV). As we proceeded through the hour I thought to myself that I might want to remind Cameron that his doctor would be examining all parts of him. Well this immediately sent him into a high manic state and for the next hour I listened to non-stop laughter. As a mom, your child’s laugh is the most precious thing in the world to hear. Manic laughter is very different and as time goes on can seem a bit scary. Cameron tried to make light of his paper gown, the decorations on the wall, the fact the nurse said he would be getting a couple of shots and then decided four would be the number, all the while managing this with uncontrollable laughter. By this time I had a headache and from previous experience the best I could do was keep him from getting loud and disturbing others. Breanna however seemed extremely entertained by the situation. Cameron is her funny big brother, she has no idea.

Finally the doctor comes in and examines Cameron (we sent Bre’ across the hall). As we are reviewing his medical history and filling her in on the up to date happenings, she turns and looks at Cameron just shaking her head. She proceeds to ask Cameron if he knows how lucky he is (of course he knows, we tell him all the time). In her words she says to Cameron, “You are a miracle and lucky to be alive today. You should count your self blessed that you can have a relatively normal life. You can enjoy things and have fun doing them. You have arms and legs that move. You might have to deal with some messed up emotions and a few learning disabilities but we will help you with that as best we can. You have a brain that just acts a bit different that everyone else but you are a real miracle. Always remember you are blessed.” As I watched her sincerity and the facial expressions on Cameron’s face, tears came to my eyes. I don’t know if he needed to hear this but I sure did. God puts you in places to benefit you sometimes and after two hours of me trying to maintain my sanity he knew I needed to hear these words. I speak of my blessings everyday but everyone gets weak from time to time. After that Cameron calmed down and while we were waiting on the nurse to bring in his shots he said to me, “I’m driving you crazy right mom?” I told him “maybe a little but its okay.” He hugged me and returned to his seat for the dreaded shot session. No incident arose for it; he just took deep breaths and worked his way through it. Breanna came in and had her physical and of course talked non-stop with the doctor telling her everything she could fit in from Christmas up through our planned weekend mini-vacation. Yep, a politician or lawyer here.

I may have to sit up night after night with Cameron due to his issues but at least I have a lot to think about. But most of all I’m very blessed to have him and Breanna in my life. I’m thankful for every day, the good and the bad because I know I have a wonderful loving family and God that has me on his mind.

Caffine is our choice now.

Amoung Cameron's issues, he deals with ADHD like many other children and adults. He was diagnosed at a typical age in the first grade. We have had many stuggles with medication. I prefer no medication and I don't feel that all individuals that have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD have to rely on medication. You should look at all options and choose the one that best suits your families needs.

In the beginning it was a struggle to find what type of medicine and dosage worked best. Over the years we have tried mulitple things on the market and in different dosages and combinations. We have also checked into diet adjustments. It is a trial diagnosis. Summer-time is the best to adjust diet and medications. It gives your child the flexibility to be his/herself. My concern was always how others were effected by Cameron's stuggles. I was concerned at what people might think at school, church, resturants, stores and of course family gatherings. I never wanted his issues to be obvious to anyone (we are and have always been very open about Cameron's diagnosis) or be any sort of disruption. We have modified his behavior greatly over the years and that, as he has grown has been the most effective way at controlling his day to day life issues.

About a month and a half ago we went to a new psychiatrist and he decided for my reasons to ween Cameron of his medication. I had been investigating articles about higher doses of caffine rather than taking a medically prescribed pill to control his ADHD. His new doctor seemed very incouraged that it might me an option to try now. So from that point on Cameron either drinks a Mountain Dew or coffee with breakfast and then another high caffine drink at lunch. I haven't been confortable with energy drink (Cameron keeps pressing me) yet. I think they might just be over the top for me and am thankful that it is all my choice as a parent. I have noticed Cameron is as settled on caffine as he is with his ADHD medication. I think as we move into our homeschool year I will be able to evaluate his focus better but it does look promising.

If you have the desire to try other options for ADHD in yourself or your child please consider this option. I'm not sure if it would have worked earlier or not but I'm very happy that we have tried it and for now it is the right choice for us.

A New Beginning...

Well this family is going through lots of changes and decision making. Some have been hard and some easy. Kevin and I wil be married five years this November and our family seems to have a really good balance going on. It has been an adjustment with a family of four on different schedules all the time.

Breanna will be in the 2nd grade this year and is really looking forward to going back to school to see all her friends. As every Summer we miss her during her visits to Alabama and she misses us. This year has really been interesting so far, trying to manage her feelings of not wanting to go see her mother. Time will tell how that relationship will go I guess. So sad sometimes it just breaks your heart.

Cameron, if you can believe it will be going into the 7th grade and has decided he wants to be homeschooled. He has been back in public school for two years and finds it difficult with his issues of socializing. This year he realized he was different, that added to his challenges. We are now on no medication, other than an herbal drink to sleep. We are taking it day by day and with God's help making it through.

I'm planning to dedicate time to blogging (yes Cindy, I just may set my alarm, lol). I'm not sure if everyday but I'll work something out. I want to try to expand my blogs to helping with special needs children, projects that make family time fun, savings for the family, homeschooling, organization, parenting, blending families, cooking, time saving, budgeting and most importantly God. I'm sure there will be lots of topics that come up as our life moves forward. I hope this blog is a helpful inspiration to anyone that reads it and allows our family and friends to keep up with our busy day.