The past year or so has been very difficult for me - spiritually, emotionally, professionally, physically...
Let me start by saying I am truly grateful for how my life has been blessed over the past year. Scott continues to excell at work and in school. Spencer continues to be healthy and happy and I have survived one of the more difficult years of my life (even though at times it has felt like too much).
Having a child with special needs - even though Spencer's needs are relatively minor - is simply exhausting. Compounded by the fact that I have the calling that I do (Relief Society President for the past year) and need to work full-time (for the time being), I suppose I constantly feel guilty that I am not home enough or don't have enough energy to help him. We are definitely learning to be more patient parents- as he tends to become frustrated/angry very easily with his inability to communicate.
Starting Spencer with Early Intervention at age 2 was a welcome relief to have the help we needed to address his speech delay. Melanie, our speech therapist, was fantastic at drawing Spencer out and working around his (at times) stubborn nature. In the beginning, Spencer made no attempt to form words, but it was great to see that as time went by, he started making a few sounds - b, m, s. His interest in communicating words in other ways, like sign language, has really taken off in the past few months - we love Baby Signing Time videos at our house! He can sign when he wants "milk", needs "help", wants "more"...and his frustration level has been decreased. He still has a long way to go, but we have truly been blessed with wonderful people (therapists, babysitters) who support us - and I need all the support I can get!
And just when we thought life could not get more complicated, I experienced 2 miscarriages relatively close together (July 2010 and November 2010). I did not know how difficult it was going to be for me to cope...especially after the second time. Not a day goes by when I don't think about the "whys" and the "what ifs," but I have to believe it is all necessary part of my learning during this earthly experience.
In spite of it all, I can say I am grateful for how we have been sustained. Thanks to all of you who have offered prayers on our behalf. We know our Heavenly Father loves and cares for us...as evidenced in the fact that we are still smiling!
Apparently he loves experimenting with self portraits with the photo booth app. Apple...we love you!
My niece Eliza is in the purple hoodie and pink pants. And verrrry small in the distance (right side) you can see Santa waiting to wave hello to the kids.
Daddy elf was tuckered out after putting the workbench together (and it was missing parts, of course!)
Gabriella has always wanted a giant pencil...ask and ye shall receive.
Spencer actually takes after me and LOVES the snow. He was always looking for excuses to put his boots on and go outside. Here he is helping daddy remove the snow from our cars. 
And he built a lovely little snowman. 
Even though all the cars were driving through slowly, we all had to slam on our breaks as the giraffe herd suddenly took off running across the street...I would be scared if I saw a giraffe running in my direction!
I think the Lion was a little hungry 'cause he was keeping his eye on Spencer who was sitting in my lap in the front seat as we drove past.
After the safari, we went into the theme park itself and Spencer actually enjoyed his first solo ride. He was a little scared at first (good thing those lap belts are super tight), but by the end was asking for more!
This year we dressed Spencer as Diego from "Go Diego Go"... one of his favorite shows to watch. Diego is an animal rescuer...and since Spencer LOVES all things animals it was a perfect fit.
Spencer really understood Halloween this year and was disappointed if a neighbor wasn't home. If a neighbor's house was dark, he would still knock on the door and yell "How-ween" (his version of Halloween) as if shocked that not everyone was home to give him candy. And he loves his candy...he won't even share with Daddy. :)
Dad came to visit in early October and we took a lovely drive to visit Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. Hopefully Spencer will learn to love history as much as we do.
As a special treat before he left, Grandpa took Spencer to "Build a Bear" for the first time. He chose a monkey and loved helping put it together. This monkey is his new favorite sleeping companion. It was great seeing you, Dad!
Starting preschool, however, necessitated a change in my work schedule so we had to say goodbay to Sadhia who had been watching him on Fridays. Sadhia was a very sweet woman who lived in the town over and we will miss her - Spencer most of all!
