Summer is here!

So lots to celebrate!!!! The first and most important thing to celebrate is we got Harper's genetic results in.....and they all came back NORMAL!!! Woo hoo, thank you God! This testing was the extensive, expensive, the whole EXONE testing, where they took my DNA, Brian's DNA, and Harper's DNA to see if there was anything missing or extra and thankfully it all came back normal. So my thoughts are that Harper might be Autistic. We have a geneticist appointment July 22nd and a neurologist appointment August 1st, so hopefully we will have more answers and a diagnosis soon! Currently in the mean time I am going to take Harper to a metabolic doctor to see if she is missing any nutrients or vitamins and I have changed her diet to a gluten free and casein (in all dairy products) diet because there is research that a gluten free/ casein free diet helps children with autism. There is a great website www.gfcfdiet.com that has been very helpful for me. This is the same diet Jenny McCarthy did for her son and saw progress. I also currently have her in swim lessons which will help strengthen her core because she still has low muscle tone and I am also still continuing her in her big muscle builders class. I'm hoping and praying that with a fun busy summer Harper will learn a lot! 

I had her in art class for a day then canceled her summer art class because Harper is very oral and likes to put EVERYTHING in her mouth so art class was more like a tasting class. Maybe she'll be ready next year! :)

This year has been quite a long road... More like a roller coaster with ups and downs of emotions. I am finally starting to feel for the first time that I enjoy my road and wouldn't change a thing. 

I have had so many friends share their friends blogs with different moms with similar struggles. If you get a chance, please read these three mom's blogs. They are inspiring, touching, and I look up to these moms and I hope I can be the best mom for Harper.

http://wheredidthebirdgo.com/2013/01/optimal-outcomes-dont-wait/

http://momastery.com/blog/2013/06/20/not-your-typical-mom/

http://sippinglemonade.com/dear-mom-with-a-prenatal-down-syndrome-diagnosis/

The first two blogs are about autism and the last one is about Down syndrome, but I feel a connection with all three of these moms. I know that we are on a beautiful journey and my only wish for her is happiness! :)

Some other good news is that I FINALLY got a PE job!!! I can't wait to do what I've always wanted to do- work with kids and help them be physically fit. Last week I had trainings for 4 days and I learned so much! Talk about fun trainings! I'm used to the typical boring writing workshops and now I'm playing double dutch jump rope and dodgeball! 

God has blessed me in so many ways and I thank Him numerous times a day, especially for my little blessing that is almost two! :)