"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family."
" Faith makes life possible. Hope makes life workable. Love makes life beautiful."

The Winwards

The Winwards
Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers
Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tanner is THREE

Tanner is 3!!  


As I sit here reflecting on how much I love Tanner, my heart is filled with emotion!  He has changed me so much, and I think I've learned more from him than I could ever teach him! 


Tanner is now 3 and I really wonder where all the time has gone!  He is 39 inches tall and weighs approximately 35lbs.  He is getting so big and getting so independent.  He is usually smiling and has the best personality ever!  He loves to tease, sing, and talk.  When he was little I remember saying one time, "I can't wait until he can talk".  Well, he talks now and he talks a lot!  There are times now I wish I would have never said that! :)  Tanner knows his ABC's, and can count to 13. Why 13 I don't know... but he's so cute about it.  He gets to 13 and then he pauses and yells 20!!  He knows 7 colors and all the simple shapes.  He will be starting preschool in January, and I'm so excited for him!
His favorite toys currently are Thomas the train engines.  I was able to find some cheap off of craig's list.  Best purchase ever!  He plays with those trains nonstop. His favorite food is chicken nuggets with ranch & macaroni and cheese. He eats all the typical toddler finger foods.  His favorite snack is chips and dip.  He is a dipper.... if the food is dip-able, he will dip it!  He tells me all the time that he is a "Ranch Boy".  I think he's just a silly boy!


I found this poem online, and it reminded me so much of Tanner......

A SPECIAL CHILD
You weren't like other children,
And God was well aware,
You’d need a caring family,
With love enough to share.
And so He sent you to us,
And much to our surprise,
You haven’t been a challenge,
But a blessing in disguise.
Your winning smiles and laughter,
The pleasures you impart,
Far outweigh your special needs,
And melt the coldest heart.
We’re proud that we've been chosen,
To help you learn and grow,
The job that you have brought us,
Is more than you can know.
A precious gift from Heaven,
A treasure from above,
A child who’s taught us many things,
But most of all- “Real Love”


Tanner is now a big brother!  His brother Connor was born on 11/17/2011.  Tanner loves him to pieces.  He is always wanting to hold him, hug him, and kiss him.  There was a point about 2 weeks after we brought Connor home that Tanner was probably really jealous.  The conversation went like this.....
Tanner - "Mom, take Connor back"
Me - "Take Connor back where?"
Tanner - "To the hockpickle (hospital)
Me - "Why would I take him back to the hospital?"
Tanner - "He too noisy Mom."
Me - "But Mom loves Connor"
Tanner - "Sigh" "Ok, he can stay"

With each day Tanner is getting better and better about Connor being around.  He does have his days where he cries more easily or gets mad easier than other days. But he actually has done way better than I ever imagined he would.  And for that I am very proud of him. :)


This is another poem that I found on facebook that when I read it , it reminded me of how I feel about my Tanner. 

I Still would have chosen you 
- By Terri Banish 

If before you were born, 
I could have gone to heaven and saw all the beautiful souls, 
I still would have chosen you... ... ... 
If God had told me, 
"This soul would one day need extra care and needs", 
I still would have chosen you.
If He had told me, 
"This soul may make your heart bleed", 
I still would have chosen you.
If He had told me,
 "This soul would make you question the depth of your faith", 
I still would have chosen you.
If He had told me,
 "This soul would make tears flow from your eyes that could fill a river", 
I still would have chosen you.
If He had told me,
 "This soul may one day make you witness overbearing suffering", 
I still would have chosen you.
If He had told me,
 "All that you know to be normal would drastically change", 
I still would have chosen you.
Of course, even though I would have chosen you, 
I know it was God who chose me for you.


Mom loves you Tanner & I couldn't be prouder to be your Mom. 


Monday, December 5, 2011

Challenged......

I came across this poem on Facebook tonight and fell in love with it.  I hope that this is something Tanner will always live by, and not let anything hold him back or get him down....


Challenged 

Some say I am disabled, 
But you know that isn't true. 
I simply have a challenge 
A little different from you. 

My slight inconvenience, has taught me 
Things they could not know. 
Each obstacle is a victory, 
Enabling me to grow. 

I'm not really any different, 
I cry, I laugh, I snore. 
I don't want to be treated 
As if I'm not a person anymore. 

Out of good intentions, 
People are afraid to let me try. 
But sometimes I have to fall, 
And sometimes I need to cry. 

God gives me strength and dignity, 
And the courage to be all I can be. 
For He doesn't see me as disabled, 
He just sees me as me. 

Leslie W Ortega