Happy Birthday Shaelyn!!

This one is all about Shaelyn.

 I have to say switching schools was by far the best choice we could have made for her.

The following post comes with a disclaimer. When reading this, we fully appreciate that having the privilege of going to school with one's dad is not something just any child can do. But Todd and I both  recognize that although Shaelyn's physical body is not afflicted with EB, her emotional well being is affected by it. Her needs are often secondary in our home. She faces the turmoil of dressing changes and often becomes the target of Kourtney's misery as soon as she walks into the room (that being said, it isn't always a EB thing but a sister thing).

Last year it was a battle getting her to school, and she would have tummy aches every morning.  This year she always has a smile on her face when she crawls into the backseat of Todd's electric blue Jetta. The 35 minute ride into Maple Ridge is good downtime for her as she plugs in her iPod and sings to her music.

Last year I dreaded picking her up from school as she greeted Lexi and I with the "complaint of the day".  I would have to stop her when she complained and make her tell me at least one good thing that happened. For her it was very difficult to do. This year there are only positive, happy stories and all I see is a happy confident Shaelyn.

Last year she would come home hungry as she would not eat her lunch. She is a picky eater, and would not eat sandwiches, nor did she like cheese or meat as it was " sweaty" after sitting in a thermal lunch kit all day. This year, she gets her lunches heated up for her by her dad, her diet is so much better- a little spoiled? I have to say no, because the mornings are still taken up with dressing changes. That the extra little touch goes a long way for her.

The biggest improvement has been in her skipping. At the beginning of the year, Shae would complain bitterly about going to practice. In November she performed half-halfheartedly in one of the record events. I have to admit - I am just a little competitive, and Shae isn't at all. So I had a bit of a "heart to heart" talk with her. I told her that this would be the last year of skipping if she continued to complain every time I would take her to practice. I also said that I really think she could push herself more in the speed events, as she barely broke a sweat during the 3 minute speed event. She rose to the challenge, became so much more positive, set goals for herself . . . and yesterday at the records day event, showed improvement, and even placed in everyone of her individual events. Proud mama bear and papa bear for that matter as well.

I feel that all children need a chance to be heard, although not many people have the luxury of changing schools and choosing their teacher, it is very important to find out why your child is not happy or doing well. For Shae, it was recognizing what her capabilities are and nudging her along the way. I don't want to be one of those parents that push their kids until they are bitter, but I want to do what is best for their own individual needs.

Keep reaching for the top Shae, follow God's plan for your life, and see the beauty that following God can be.

Happy Birthday my dear one!!