These little feet have inspired a lot of steps... I was tucking Cecily in tonight (one of my favorite things to do) and we were snuggling on the bed. I was telling her about how much she inspires me and asking her for forgiveness in the same breath because this weekend we had some tantrum battles and I didn't always remain calm and collected... I try so hard but sometimes I just don't quite make it.  I was giving her a lovely cuddle and was telling her how many people her little life has impacted and she is only four years old!  I told her how proud we are of everything she has achieved and for the spirt she applies to everything she does!  It is her spunk and sass that will continue to drive her forward! I also wanted her to know how VERY smart she is and that I won't put up with her non-sense because she is too smart for that type of behavior! She looked at me with the biggest blue eyes and I knew she understood.  She grinned and turned her head away so I couldn't see the smile come full-beam across her chubby cheeks.  I told her that it took Mommy a long time but that I was on to her... and these games will end.  She continued to grin into the pillow but I am pretty sure she got the message! This girl is something else and I would walk anywhere, do anything, climb any mountain, move any boulder to ensure she achieves her full potential.

Today Cecily's Closet recycled 20+ pieces of medical equipment and about 35 stuffed animals.  this breaks down to 9 gait trainers/walkers, 2 wheel chairs, 1 trike, 6 canes, and 1 set of hip huggers! In the last 6 weeks we've recycled a staggering 50 pieces of equipment and we're so excited about this burst of energy.  It is a labor of love - and I do mean labor!  I know a lot of people think Cecily's Closet is bigger than it really is!  We're happy about this but at the end of the day the equipment recycling is heavily dependent on Brien or me slugging medical equipment around town - to and from storage - every week to ensure that this equipment finds a good home.  I have to admit - it is not my favorite activity!  But when you get emails and calls from parents that are thrilled from head to toe that their child finally has the equipment they need we know we're doing something right!  If you wish to help us with this manual program we welcome you with open arms!  It is not as flashy as the room makeovers but the impacts are huge!  One family is sleeping through the night now versus having to wake every 2 hours to turn their lovely baby thanks to a pressurized mattress.  Another family is able to bathe their child more easily thanks to a roll-in bath chair.   We have countless stories just like these and I'm going to make it my mission to do a better job of sharing them because this program does make a difference for children with disabilities in San Diego.

Our sweet little Cecily inspires us to keep on trucking!  With every step she makes forward in her new purple high-tops... (yes, had to plug the adorable new shoes!) we will be right there cheering her along.  And we know that by helping others just like Cecily - and other Moms and Dads just like us - that we're doing our tiny part to make our community stronger. 

Onwards and upwards!

I love this ecard! It reminds me of my Dad! I remember as a child cringing at some of my Dad's clothing selections and wishing he was "cool"... As my Dad is from England the socks with sandals were a staple in his wardrobe! Today I can look back and laugh.  My Dad never cared what anyone else thought. He was never influenced by trends or by peer (or children) pressure.  He wore pink polo shirts (before they were preppy) and he wore funny flannel plaid shorts and he didn't even golf! He put his time and his money into ensuring that my sister and I had everything that we needed - including some of the trendy clothes that he would never purchase for himself.  As an adult I can see now that so many of the choices he made that embarassed me at the time  - were actually sacrafices he was making so we could "have it all..."  In addition, he was leading by example and showing us that it is ok to set your own limits, live by your own definition, and buck the trend of what is or is not cool!  He taught us to follow our passion, engage fully and honor our unique interests.  Now when I see my Dad sporting his sandals and socks I just smile.  I love my Dad for the wonderful, devoted, passionate, supportive, funny, witty, smart, giving and patient person he is! He has always been there for me and I know he always will.  I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

This image reminds me of Brien.  We could hang this in our house and it would be very appropriate! He is always calm.  He has faced down so many crisis situations in his life and he is never phased - never rattled. He is a beacon of strength and he is a rock for our family.  He always sees the glass as half-full and he always sees the best in our children.  I love and admire him for his devotion to the children and his committment to ensure they are all thriving and achieving their goals. Our 3 little monkeys are so lucky to have his support, guidance and love.  He values each of our children with unconditional love and is always teaching them to be strong, sensitive, and compassionate individuals. He embraces what makes each child unique and nurtures the areas that need more attention and love.  Noah has his Daddy on a pedestal.  (Cecily and Cason think he is pretty cool, too!)  It is always fun for me to see Brien with his little skateboarding/surfing sidekick!  They have the exact same sense of humor, they each think they are so very funny and they amuse each other (and the rest of us) with their antics.  Cecily makes Daddy work for smiles and kisses but she loves him dearly.  When she hears his footsteps along the corridor she chants Dad, Dad, Dad and smiles wide until he gets within her line of sight... and then she pretends she could care less!  I love that she does this every day - because it is her routine and Brien never lets her off the hook!  He is always quick to see the progress of his smart and sassy princess and he always gives Cecily the attention she needs even when she is acting like she does not care one bit! And then there is our happy, angel-baby Cason.  He just doles out the smiles for his twin, Daddy.  Cason brings out the best in everyone - and it is a joy to see the stress of work melt from Brien's face when he sees his happiest camper, Cason! 

We are so lucky to have such a lovely family and the children are so lucky to have the world's best Dad & Grandpa!  Happy Father's Day Brien & Dad! You are the sun, the moon and the stars to our family!

Onwards & upwards!

Where did this school year go? I honestly feel like I just dropped Noah off for his first day of Kindergarten.  I remember being so nervous for him and likely hugging him a little too tightly. He was ready. I was not - but luckily he had been prepared well from his lovely pre-school teacher Miss Anne.  The fact that he is now a first grader is wild to me! I was so proud of him today at his end of the year celebration.  I brought Cason & Cecily - and it was madness!  Noah was the sweetest brother holding Cecily's hand and letting her participate right along with him despite having all of his friends to play with.  Cecily even tackled him more than three times and he just let her hang on him and carried on without even blinking.  I am so grateful for the Cardiff School and his wonderful teacher, Danan McNamara.  Noah thrived in her care and blossomed into such a good, little student.  The art program she ran was inspirational and the emphasis she placed on learning through writing, drawing and journaliing channeled Noah's energy and brought forth a new method for him to communicate.  She stirred in him a love of nature, a curiosity about bugs and how things work - and how plants grow!  She is a gift to the school and to our family and as the year ends I'm just sorry that I wasn't able to volutneer more in the classroom. We are sad the year is over but we are so thankful for the love and care he received at school!  I'm sure we'll blink and school will be back in session!

Little Miss Cecily also shined on her last day.  She was the life of the party - shrieking during the songs and dancing during the videos and making a statement with her tutu in full force!  She just loves school and had a wonderful year, just like her big brother.  Cecily excelled in the care of the most exceptional special education teacher on the planet.  To say we adore Miss Marina is an understatement. She walks on water - and I'm not alone in my hero worship. She is a real-life, SuperHero! Cecily can even say Miss Marina's name - a testament to her love and devotion for dedicated, passionate and giving teacher.  We are sad that the year is over but we are happy to have ended on a great note!  After struggling with speech for most of the year - Cecily shined in the last few months with amazing progress week after week!  Her speech teacher said of the 43 students she works with Cecily shows the most improvement and we couldn't be more proud of our little angel.  to think when Cecily started the school year she was not walking, talking or taking any fluids or food by mouth.  Now Cecily is not only walking - she's dancing! She's not just signing - she's talking (a little!) but the future is bright.  And she was able to have one feeding tube removed and is now taking more and more food and licquid by mouth!  Cecily communicate so well with touch, sign, her eyes and her heart - but to hear the voice start to emerge is just a piece of heaven.  Thank you to the amazing team at Sycamore Ridge for supporting Cecily this year and we can't wait to return for summer school! Thank you teachers, therapists, aides, and of course Cecily's nurse, Miss Kim. 

Cason is thrilled to have his brother and sister at home and perhaps he is the happiest about this summer vacation business... He just idolizes them both and I am sure we'll be having plenty of fun in the weeks ahead. I just hope I can survive without the gift of school!

Here's to the teacher's who work tirelessly to help us raise our children!  We truly love you! And a special thanks to Ms. Mac & Miss Marina for making the Ackerly school year so fun and rewarding!

Onwards & upwards!

Cecily's Closet joined the Foundation for Developmental Disabilitie's Run, Walk, & Roll 5K/1 mile event on Saturday!  We had a great day as a family despite more than a few tantrums from everyone! Cecily, Noah and Cason earned medals - and they were ALL very proud to wear them ALL day!

This was Noah's 2nd 5K race - but his first time running! I was so proud of how hard he tried and how fast he ran - finishing in 33:39!  He ran most of the way - taking a few moments to walk and a few moments to take a breather while Daddy pushed the stroller with 2 flat tires! (Go Daddy!)

Cecily enjoyed all the dogs at the event - confirming in my mind that despite our crazy life she NEEDS a dog! She curled up with Max, a lovely golden retriever and had a good snuggle.  She also met a lovely labradoodle name Brownie who had quite a few pats from Cecily & Cason. We are so grateful when people take the time to share thier animals with our kids. Cecily adores animals and dogs are her all-time favorite!

Thank you to Emily and Connor (3rd place fundraiser!) for their support in the Team Cecily's Closet booth. 

We met some lovely people and have added a few more sewers to Team Cecily's Belly Band operation!  It's always great to see how many people in the community come together to support children with disabilities.

Onwards and upwards!

Our family had a wonderful day at PoVa Day - celebrating Cecily and all of the progress she has made! Watching her ride BlueBelle and seeing her grinning with pride when she was awarded her blue ribbon is what life is all about! We couldn't be more proud of our little angel.  I just want to say thank you to Grammy, Grandpa, Grandpa Bob, Auntie Julie & Uncle JC, Kim, Abel, Tommy, and of course Noah and Cason for cheering on our little princess during her moment of glory.  PoVa is a gift to the community and we're so grateful for the love and support they provide sweet Cecily.  These pictures tell a beautiful story and you can see the love!

Onwards and upwards!