The end of 2010

Believe it or not, I am not going to wax philosophical about the end of a year, resolutions, or anything dramatic. I am just going to say that 2010 was an incredibly difficult year for us, and we are thankful that all of you have supported us through it. We hope that 2011 brings us happiness and good health. We hope that we will be able to get Mairead the services she needs, and that things can start looking up for her. We know that we are blessed to have all that we do, and we look forward to closing the books on a year that has been very draining, and starting a year that includes so much to look forward to.

We ended the year with a great visit from Grandma, Aunt Ryane, and Rachael. The kids were really excited to see everyone and had a great time running around with their big cousin. Everyone from NY was incredibly generous with Christmas gifts and the kids had a great time opening and playing with their new toys.

Jack tested out the new see-saw (built for THREE!) from Aunt Ry and Uncle Dave.

Jack is Batman, by the way...

and Ben is Superman.

Mairead is a master decorator. The girls had a lot of fun decorating these snowman cupcakes. No sprinkle was spared as Mairead created her masterpiece.

Rachael made some fantastic cupcake creations!

I wish that I had more time to take more pictures during these visits- they just go by too quickly! Thanks to our NY family for making the trip out- it was great to spend some time together!

We started 2011 with a playdate at the Estees' house. It had been WAY too long since we had gotten together so I packed the kids into the van and made the drive down. Jaime and Connor were great hosts as we invaded the place. We used to spend a ton of time there when we lived on the South Shore, and I definitely think Mairead remembered being there. She made herself right at home. She especially liked seeing their dog, Bailey, again, though she insisted on calling him 'Barkley.'

Connor has a pretty awesome train table and all three kids enjoyed playing with it. The boys may end up with one in March when they celebrate their birthday. Can you believe they will be TWO in two months? I can't!

Ben kind of looks like King Kong about to topple the city.

Mairead and Connor have known each other since Connor was less than 24 hours old- we think that friendship is pretty special!

Our favorite superheroes!

Tomorrow is a big day for all of us. Mairead starts her new school and the boys and I start a new parent-child playgroup. The group is run through the same Early Intervention center from which the kids received their services. It's a playgroup that includes 8 kids who receive EI services and 2 kids from the community to serve as the typical models-- those models are the boys! It's a lot of pressure- hope we can be a good example! Thanks to my sister, Jen, who is going to pick up Mairead from school on Tuesdays so that I can be with the boys at group. You know how they say, "It takes a village to raise a child"? Well, it takes a pretty great village to raise three and we are thankful for all of the support that we have from our family and friends.

Before school and playgroup, I will be going in to Boston to meet with the neuropsychologist to discuss Mairead's test results and the doctor's interpretation of those results. I am anxious about it, of course. I already know that Mairead is not a neurotypical child and that she is facing some challenges, but it's always hard to hear someone else tell me that, or to see scores in black and white that show me what a tough road she has ahead. I know that whatever label or diagnosis is attached to her, Mairead is the same amazing kid with that label that she ever was without it. We are hoping that whatever the doctor says will be helpful in our battle with the schools. Here's hoping!