It's Gettin' Real in Herre (To the Tune of Hot in Herre. Obviously.)

There is something we've been working with in our home for a while now, and I thought I'd share a little bit about it with you all because, you know, you're awesome and you'll just get it. You may have even been there yourself.

Earlier this year, we were told that our sweet Buggy Boy likely has Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD. This, they think, is what is causing his delays in gross motor, fine motor, and speech development.

To us, this just made sense. When we started researching SPD, there were some aspects that didn't fit our Bug at all. But then there were parts that fit him to a T.

SPD has absolutely nothing to do with a child's intelligence, but rather how he processes the world around him. And, like many other disorders, it comes with a wide range of effects on the child.

So, I thought I'd share what SPD looks like in our house.

In our house, there is A LOT of falling down. And bumping into things. And tripping over things. And stumbling for no reason at all.

There are messy mealtimes. Forks and spoons have evaded our sweet Bug for some time now, and we're just now figuring out the concept. But fear not, he's a good eater and when all else fails, his hands make quick work of any rogue peas (or salmon, or brussels sprouts, or cherries, or potato chips, or literally anything. I've had to explain more than once why he can't eat rocks. Seriously, this kid's a garbage disposal).

(Exhibit A.)

There are rarely squeals of joy or laughter at a new toy. Usually there are several minutes of staring and flipping over trying to figure out exactly how it works (and often how he can break it). Then, if he really loves it, there are smiles. Followed quickly by obsessive play sessions, usually ending with said toy thrown sideways on the floor, a "sleeping" sign, and a jagged toddle away.



There are thousands and thousands of stories read, songs sung and games played.

There is more signing than speaking.

There are occupational therapists. Physical therapists. Speech therapists.

There is a lot of explaining, preparing and practicing.

There are comparisons made that shouldn't be.

There is frustration.

There are tears.

There are reassurances.

Because he is still a typical toddler, there are battles and bribes. There are tail pulls and reminders to be gentle. There is hiding and seeking. There is snot. And mud. And poop (Dear God, the poop!).

There are very few smiley pictures. And every one is a small victory to catch on camera what we see everyday and don't often get to share with everyone else.

Because there are lots of smiles. And laughter. And cuddles. And hugs. And kisses. 



In our house, there is fun. And silliness. And joy.

And so much love.

You may not see it. It takes him hours to warm up to new people. And new experiences take a while to understand and adjust to. But for us lucky few, it's all there, and it is so, so worth it.