Adoption Interview

Adoption Bloggers Interview Project 2012

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Rough Weekend

It's been a tough weekend in the Spontak house. Since Hannah is still at risk for bleeding after her surgery and because of her pneumonia she's not allowed to do much activity. This poses a BIG problem since most of her sensory diet revolves around proprioceptive input-jumping on the trampoline, swinging on her bar or us swinging her around, spinning, running, carrying or pushing heavy stuff, etc. These are not only on her sensory diet, but they are her favorite activities. She's such a sensory seeker that it's almost torture for her to be banned from them (for both her and us). Since her sensory needs are not being met she's been in rare form as far as behavior is concerned. We've been dealing with LOTS AND LOTS of hitting. Usually it's not hitting for any reason in particular, just a way to meet a sensory need that is normally met elsewhere. Tonight she was crawling and lunging all over me on the couch and just being wild. I felt so bad for her. It's hard to know where to place the limit. Hitting is not allowed. She knows that. We enforce that. BUT when she can't meet her needs any other way because we aren't allowing it. It's so difficult to see her struggle. It's like she simply can't control herself. After each and every time out she can easily tell us why she got the time out, but it doesn't do anything to deter future incidents. Top everything off with the fact that she feels crummy and her entire world is disrupted right now as we prepare to move and you've got a recipe for disaster. I've found myself with less patience than I should have because I'm also stressed about the move and how it is/will affect Hannah and that lack of patience is the exact opposite of what is needed right now. Please pray that after Hannah's follow-up appointment with the ENT on Wednesday she will get the go ahead to resume normal activities so that we all don't go crazy!

5 comments:

Matt & Lori said...

I finally had a minute to catch up a little on Hannah's blog. I can't believe everything you've been going through and I had no idea. I'm sorry I've been out of touch. It sounds like you are doing an awesome job of giving Hannah everything she needs to be a happy little girl. I can't believe you are moving. Congrats to Kyle on his new job. I can't imagine how scary it will be to move to a new place so far from family, especially for Hannah. I'm sure she'll adjust quicker than you expect though since you are obviously planning well ahead for her needs (and having two great parents that love her will go a long way!). I guess this means we won't be seeing you at reunion this year but maybe next year? Even though I'm like you with very little "me" time as a mom, if you ever need someone to talk to, vent to, or tell you crazy stories of other children so you know you aren't alone, just give me a call! T&P for a safe trip and patience as you all adjust to a new home.

Saran said...

Natalie - I am so sorry Hannah is having such a tough time and in turn you guys! I can only imagine how stressed out you are right now and yet you are so amazing to take time out and offer advice and comfort to us even though our week has been no where near as tough. Don't be hard on yourself. You and Kyle are amazing parents.You are all blessed to have each other.
Sending you huge hugs and lots of prayers
Saran

Patty O. said...

That IS tough. When a kid can't get their sensory input, it seems almost cruel to punish their bad behaviour, but like you said, you can't condone hitting. I have been in this situation before and I hate it.

I wonder if working with really thick putty would help her. We have theraputty and we put beads, coins and small toys in it and my son has to play with it and feel around to get the stuff out. It is actually pretty hard work for his fingers....You could probably find some sculpting clay at Walmart or a toy store or even a craft store. I don't know if that would help her get some of her energy out.

Good luck!

Lora said...

Along the same lines as Patty O, I was trying to think of things she could do while sitting still. Though I'm sure just one or two things won't help as much as her usual routine. We got walter a 5 pound weight. He loves to just carry it around, and have it on his lap while sitting. We play a game where we name an animal and then pass the weight to the other person. Or name a word that starts with a certain letter, then pass the weight. Just an idea. Hang in there!

Elizabeth Channel said...

Oh, I will pray she gets the OK to jump and spin soon!

My E had his tonsils out almost two years ago (also for apnea); he hardly ever gets sick now, it is amazing! (I will pray it is the same for Hannah.)

It was so, so challenging to keep him still those first weeks! When they've got to spin or jump, they just have to do it! So many times he would leap out and I'd just pray he wouldn't start bleeding...

Praying for you!