I've suspected that I had ADHD for many years. From my perspective, my mind has been racing for many years and I found myself flitting like a butterfly from one project to another, while never finishing any of them.
When I was working, my office was filled with piles of partially completed projects. When my office space increased, the number of piles multiplied. I wanted to be different - I TRIED to be different but instead I continued along the same path. I periodically made progress in some areas and fell behind in others. It wasn't a matter of time, it was focus. Often, I didn't have enough time, but even when I did, I didn't have enough focus. Because I was a conscientious employee, I worked hard to do my job, mainly to meet the needs of my students.
Then came the arrival of high blood pressure medications! A pleasant byproduct has been a lessening of my ADHD symptoms. I find myself able to focus!! Initially, my mind was slowed too much, keeping me from being able to accomplish anything. I didn't like the feeling. In fact, I wanted to stop taking the medication.
After about three weeks, my mind began to clear and I have found that my focus is so much better. ADHD is not about will power, it is about an inability to regulate focus. I much prefer being able to focus even if my mind is occasionally foggy. I am able to listen to a conversation without my mind racing due to every little distraction in my environment. I am able to listen to a sermon without my mind racing due to every little distraction in my environment. I HAVE FOCUS!!! I know that it is difficult to choose just the right dose for BP medications (or ADHD) but I am staying with them. They will keep me healthier in the long run and I like being able to focus :)
This experience has caused me to think a lot about children with ADHD. It's helped me to understand what it's like in a more concrete way now that I have experienced the before and after. It has not helped me know whether it's better to medicate a child. There are so many issues involved with ADHD medication that I don't know about. There are also many degrees of ADHD and every child is unique.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Spring Sing Visit
Michael and Jennifer brought the whole crew to visit for Spring Sing weekend this year. The whole crew consists of Bennett and Jasper as well as their five teenage girls! This was the first time I had met several of the girls and as always, it was wonderful to see the boys again!!
I am amazed at how smoothly Jen handles the ebb and flow of activities with the girls. It's a lot to stay on top of and she does it well. One of my favorite moments was when all the girls came home from shopping with Jen and as they came into the living room, they surrounded Michael with giggles and grins and proceeded to proudly show him each item they bought and described how it would match other outfits etc. He handled it quite well, genuinely listening and responding appropriately which elicited appreciative smiles from each of the girls.
Spring Sing also happened to be Easter weekend (as it is every year) and when they were all dressed in their Easter outfits, I took several group photos out front. Here is one of them.
When Michael and Rachel were growing up, Dan preached at a small church for 16 years. We spend a lot of time with one couple there and grew very close to them. Michael took Bennett and Jasper to visit them over the weekend. Here is a picture of the boys with Margaret and Lecil:
I had been in the hospital for about five days they arrived so I had to take it easy while they were here. I rested a lot but I still enjoyed all of the time I got to visit with the boys and the rest of the family. Bennett wanted to know why I was sick and when I would get better :) I explained to him that everybody gets sick sometimes and that I would be better soon. He seemed to accept that. Jasper has really come out of shell!! He stands up for himself and is ready to argue his point with anyone who is willing. He continues to be very loving and frequently said, "Nanna, I love you".
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend that were taken by Michael and Jennifer. Bennett has become quite the camera "poser".
These last two photos are new ones I just got copies of. They are so cute!
I am amazed at how smoothly Jen handles the ebb and flow of activities with the girls. It's a lot to stay on top of and she does it well. One of my favorite moments was when all the girls came home from shopping with Jen and as they came into the living room, they surrounded Michael with giggles and grins and proceeded to proudly show him each item they bought and described how it would match other outfits etc. He handled it quite well, genuinely listening and responding appropriately which elicited appreciative smiles from each of the girls.
Spring Sing also happened to be Easter weekend (as it is every year) and when they were all dressed in their Easter outfits, I took several group photos out front. Here is one of them.
When Michael and Rachel were growing up, Dan preached at a small church for 16 years. We spend a lot of time with one couple there and grew very close to them. Michael took Bennett and Jasper to visit them over the weekend. Here is a picture of the boys with Margaret and Lecil:
I had been in the hospital for about five days they arrived so I had to take it easy while they were here. I rested a lot but I still enjoyed all of the time I got to visit with the boys and the rest of the family. Bennett wanted to know why I was sick and when I would get better :) I explained to him that everybody gets sick sometimes and that I would be better soon. He seemed to accept that. Jasper has really come out of shell!! He stands up for himself and is ready to argue his point with anyone who is willing. He continues to be very loving and frequently said, "Nanna, I love you".
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend that were taken by Michael and Jennifer. Bennett has become quite the camera "poser".
Easter Morning
These last two photos are new ones I just got copies of. They are so cute!
Mimi and Nanna Hit Birmingham
Susan and I recently joined efforts to babysit Marcus and Rachel's three kiddos while they went off for a 4 day weekend. I arrived by plane on Thursday was able to settle in and feel sufficiently bonded with Lydia and her schedule which elevated my comfort level for her sake. Since the boys were older and already knew me, I wasn't as concerned about them. Mimi arrived Friday and in no time at all we had things working like clockwork.
Mimi took the night shift which entailed Lydia's night-time bottle and any time the boys woke up. I tend to be a deep sleeper so I was worried that I might not wake up if the boys called out so that worked out well. I'm an early riser so when the kids woke up at 6 AM I was usually already awake and I got up with them.
Mimi was the main caretaker while I was the support person and with three kids, even a support person can be an exhausting position!! She did the meals, baths, and bedtime routine. I did the dishwasher, a little laundry and lots of following Lyda around. Each evening, after the kids were in bed, we were able to visit about lots of interesting things. I really enjoyed getting to know her better.
Lydia began walking while we were there. She held both her hands in the air to help balance herself as she walked. She was so cute. Rachel later called it her "praise Jesus" walk. She has the sweetest temperament - always a ready smile on her face. I think she'd make the perfect Gerber Baby!
Both Caleb and Ethan love to build with Legos. They'll work alone or together and they are both very good at it! I'm still amazed that Ethan can build intricate lego sets with little or no help most of the time. He studies the page, looks for the part, then carefully adds it to the item he is currently building.
I was lucky enough to be in town for the boys' joint birthday party at a local fun place (I can't remember the name of it). Mimi and I took turns keeping Lydia in the toddler play area during the party.
Mimi took the night shift which entailed Lydia's night-time bottle and any time the boys woke up. I tend to be a deep sleeper so I was worried that I might not wake up if the boys called out so that worked out well. I'm an early riser so when the kids woke up at 6 AM I was usually already awake and I got up with them.
Mimi was the main caretaker while I was the support person and with three kids, even a support person can be an exhausting position!! She did the meals, baths, and bedtime routine. I did the dishwasher, a little laundry and lots of following Lyda around. Each evening, after the kids were in bed, we were able to visit about lots of interesting things. I really enjoyed getting to know her better.
Lydia began walking while we were there. She held both her hands in the air to help balance herself as she walked. She was so cute. Rachel later called it her "praise Jesus" walk. She has the sweetest temperament - always a ready smile on her face. I think she'd make the perfect Gerber Baby!
Both Caleb and Ethan love to build with Legos. They'll work alone or together and they are both very good at it! I'm still amazed that Ethan can build intricate lego sets with little or no help most of the time. He studies the page, looks for the part, then carefully adds it to the item he is currently building.
I was lucky enough to be in town for the boys' joint birthday party at a local fun place (I can't remember the name of it). Mimi and I took turns keeping Lydia in the toddler play area during the party.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Budding Photographer
Who knew that a six-year-old had such an eye with a camera! Recently while we were in Birmingham, I realized that Caleb was taking photographs of everything with Mimi's iPhone. We were so busy that I never remembered to ask how it began. Three little ones can keep you very busy! As the hours and days went by, he was using my iPhone and then later, his mom's to capture images inside and outside.
Caleb proudly presented these photos to anyone that had time to view them but it wasn't until later, when I realized that he really has an eye for photography. Here are a few of my favorites that were on my phone. I would love for Mimi and his mommy to send me any of their favorites to include.
I want to add that none of these photos have been edited in any way. They are centered (or not) just they way he chose. They are in the order that he took them on my phone. Enjoy :)
Caleb, I am so proud of you! I know you took many more pictures but these were my favorites.
Caleb proudly presented these photos to anyone that had time to view them but it wasn't until later, when I realized that he really has an eye for photography. Here are a few of my favorites that were on my phone. I would love for Mimi and his mommy to send me any of their favorites to include.
I want to add that none of these photos have been edited in any way. They are centered (or not) just they way he chose. They are in the order that he took them on my phone. Enjoy :)
Love,
Nanna
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