When it comes to talking to your family, friends and caregivers about what challenges and struggles your child has in regards to Sensory Processing can be hard. Trying to explain and define your child’s challenges can at times feel like a hopeless cause. But it is important, possible and can lead to amazing connections and outcomes.
My son has sensory processing disorder.
He is curious, he is thoughtful, he is kind, he is inquisitive, he is mischievous. And he has sensory processing disorder.
To be honest I wish is wasn’t called a disorder as I rarely, if ever, think of Declan has having a “disorder”. And I wish there was more social knowledge about children with SPD (sensory processing disorder). The fact is that sensory processing disorder is a controversial topic and so we are still learning a lot about how it effects children and the best strategies to support them.
Cuddle up in your favorite pajamas and embrace telling your own story. Grab your coffee and see how we are trying to teach our toddler to tell his own story.
Recently we have been using the phrase tell your own story when we talk to Declan. He’s really infatuated with what Brendan and I were like when we were growing up and therefore wants to tell our story and make it his own. And as I thought more about this I realized the importance of encouraging Declan to tell his own story.
One year ago I hit PUBLISH and my life changed. Today I am celebrating my one year blog anniversary… blogiversary and I am feeling, well, a bit emotional.
I can not believe how much I have learned in the last year (and I know everyone says that- but it is soooo true). I started this journey with such limited knowledge and only a dream. I set goals for myself that I thought were lofting and have met a few. I have spent countless sleepless nights writing blog posts in my head only to publish a handful. It has been is a W I L D 365 days.
If you follow me in Instagram (which you should) you may have noticed an increased presence of both Declan and Brendan… Well these are my people! At the beginning of the day they are there. Each night they are there. So, it was only a natural step to weave them into this “new life” I have.
One of the reasons I started Pish to Posh was to begin to define myself in a new way. And I felt, at that time, I wanted to be defined apart from Declan and my family. I had spent the previous 2 years intensely connected to Declan- through all his medical needs and deciding to become a full-time mom and then moving across the world where he seemed to be the only constant I had- I was ready for a break. I began the blog with a heavy and narrow focus on fashion and that worked!!! I loved it!! Living in London it was easy to focus on the fashion, to be continuously be inspired and to find new ways to express myself. It was exciting to start this adventure and to become something other than Declan’s mother and Brendan’s wife. Pish to Posh was born, nurtured and developed under this idea of creating an identity exclusionary of my family.
It worked gloriously in London and even when we got back to Denver, for a while. And then it started to feel yucky, disconnected and inauthentic.
Of all the things I wanted or thought this blog would become I always strived for it to feel authentic, organic and connected … but now I was feeling resentment and bitterness towards my family … and no happiness or authenticity. HOLD UP. Not okay. These are my people. This is my life.
For whatever the reason I am finding myself drawn to include and embrace my life as a mother and wife; first and foremost. For whatever reason I find happiness in capturing candid moments of Declans life and then sharing them with you. For whatever reason I am drawn to share my marriage with you here and on social media. And I am not one bit upset about it. I love these people. More than I love anyone else, more than I love myself and certainly more than I love fashion alone.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
I am in love with these shorts and this brand!! Everly Oak has the cutest stuff (like the floral dress from this post) and I can’t stop ordering from them!!! These shorts are so versatile, under $40 and the perfect fit ( I mean who doesn’t love elastic waste??). They are only available online so make sure to check out Everly Oak! I grabbed this tie knot tee that last time I was at the J . Crew Outlet and I am so happy I did. It is the perfect easy to wear neutral tee for summer. The tie knot detail on this tee spices it up the perfect amount! These sandals are currently sold out but I have linked a similar pair <here>. Below I linked everything (with exception to these shorts- check out their website to snag them) including both Brendan and Declans outfit. Brendan is head to shorts J. Crew Outlet and Declan is in both Target and Old Navy. Happy Shopping.
So, here they are. On the blog and on social media. Filling my life (and my feed) and helping me create an identity I am proud of. In hindsight, it was ridiculous to think I could successfully create a blog and define myself without including Brendan and Declan. While I am not defined by them; they do play a major role in defining me. I love being a mother. I love being a wife. As time goes on and I hone, sharpen and refine myself you will see that reflected on Pish to Posh. Like life this adventure is a work in progress. Each day I learn more about who I am, what makes me happy and how I want to live my life. As life changes I hope this space changes, I hope Pish to Posh changes… in order to remain authentic and organic here it is only natural that iy mirror my life.
There will still be plenty of posts centred around fashion. My goal is still to inspire you to feel happy and confident in your own skin and style. I still love to get dressed and share that with you. But I also want to share with you that my life is more than one dimensional.
I hope you learn to love them as much I do (or close!).
With Love,
Happy birthday Declan. Three years old- you are no longer a baby but you will always and forever be MY baby. For the last three years I have watched and traveled an incredible journey with you. From a teeny teeny newborn on oxygen in an incubator to a walking, talking (too much at times), intelligent toddler. From our home in Denver across to world to London and back again. You are smart, you are funny and you are the absolute sweetest boy I know. Your passion for life and Peppa Pig bring smiles to my face everyday. Your love for London, trains and Papa’s trucks make you unique and special. Each day I am given the gift of motherhood and I thank you for being my little guy.
I have learned a great deal in the three years since you were born. Obviously, I have learned what it feels like to love unconditionally, I have learned how to be selfless and I have learned the power of distraction to diffuse a tantrum. But there are less obvious things I have learned since your birth; there are less obvious emotions and undestandings that have come from you being a part of my life.
Photos: Alesia Aguinaldo
To start, my marriage and your father. To say I am lucky is an understatement, To say I am blessed still doesn’t seem to do it justice. While you were in the hospital all those months it was your dad who truly was the saving grace for our family. His strength, love and determination proved to be the strongest link in the bonds that tie us together. Your father’s love for you and for me continue to be the grounding force of which all our happiness resides on. Without you I am not sure where our life would have gone, I am not sure I would have seen this side of your dad and therefore I am grateful each day that you came along and helped me see your father for who he truly is.
Next up, passion. So I have always been a passionate person but now I have a direction and an outlet for my passions. While you don’t sit and write blog posts with me what you do is provide an inspiration to continue down this journey. Knowing that there is something bigger than myself now, someone I care more about and a desire to model happiness drives me to continue down this journey. My passion is a happy life and each day with you I am given the opportunity to use my passions to demonstrate commitment, overcoming self doubt and following your own path.
Thank you Declan, For all the late nights, for all the laughs, for all the tantrums, for all the Peppa Pig, for all the learning, for all the happiness you bring into my life. Today is your day- let’s eat smoked salmon, go on a lunch date to the cafe, drink apple juice, watch trains, ride in trucks, make silly jokes and read books. Each day I hope I show you a little bit more of just how special you are- starting with today- your 3rd birthday.
With Love,
P.S. This is a new category for the blog ‘family’. And while I will continue with styled outfit inspiration and shopping links for most of my pots I am hoping to sprinkle in a bit more about my family life. You can find it all here!! Hope you enjoyed a bit more personal post today.
