Today wasn't so bad...

Well after spending the whole day running to dr appts and ballgames, Addisyn reminded me of how sweet she can be.  Today we missed her dose... So I was dreading the ballgame because of her anxiety.  I figured it would be a total disaster.  She really shocked me... she was funny... helpful and just amazing.  She actually did really well at her game... no complaining and seemed to want to be there.  Everytime, I am in the dumps about this stupid ADHD stuff GOD shows me what a blessing she is and how my life would NOT be the same without her.  Thank you God for blessing me with her.  Thank you for the not so bad day...

Our world in a nutshell

Looking back when my baby was 2 or 3 yrs old, I had seen signs of maybe just an "A-type" personality.  You know, when everything had to be in order, when toys had to be lined up by size, color or whatever she wanted them to be lined up as that day. When getting dressed was a nightmare, because the material itched her skin and her socks just didn't feel right.  I would find holes in everything, from scissors magically cutting holes.  Trips to the store would turn into me dragging her thru the store and her screaming because she couldn't understand why she couldn't get anything.  This was JUST the beginning.  Pre-school comes and it is hell.  Constantly "reds" on her behavior chart, Kindergarten was the same... and so on until we made it to 2nd grade.  It was at the point where we were contemplating holding her back.  It took me months to get the school and doctor office to agree to test her for ADHD.  The teacher and my scores matched perfectly and that is how our ADHD journey began!  She presented all the signs

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
• Has difficulty remaining seated
• Runs around or climbs excessively
• Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others 
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Has difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not appear to listen
• Struggles to follow through on instructions
• Has difficulty with organization
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Then... we learned there are coexisting disorders that commonly exist with ADHD.  She was found to have the anxiety disorder and oppositional-defiant disorder.   She presents all the signs ...

• involves a pattern of arguing with multiple adults
• losing one's temper, refusing to follow rules
• blaming others
• deliberately annoying others
• being angry, resentful, spiteful, and vindictive

This is where I want to scream at the top of my lungs... we don't just need to spank her more.
Please, try to put yourself in her shoes... and this is our life in a nutshell.

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE?

Oh is there anyone out there? 
I am starting this blog to just let me vent my frustrations, feelings and our journey with ADHD/ODD.  I am not looking to be judged, I get that enough from society.  I wake up praying for a peaceful day, a day where I can finally be at peace with what God has blessed our family with... A child with ADHD/ODD.  Is there anyone out there who understands?  Anyone else who struggles with others opinions on how you should medicate your child?  How the child should be punished?  My list of questions run a mile long.  I hope my blog can educate the uneducated and help the ones who are struggling to find balance and peace in the home and embrace such a wonderful child God has given us. 

This is our beautiful family.  Our ADHD child is front and center... where she loves to be :)