Overwhelmed! I need to vent for a second.

[christidee]

You are doing a great job. Take a step back and look at everything that you are doing for V. Maybe Fer some time you won't need to work with the private lady three times a week. You will see a lot of what she is doing and perhaps you can implement some of it yourself after a while. That could help to save for a big house outside if NYC.

it is great that you are getting an advocate. That should help you deal with all of it. However, be careful of promises that they make about V's development. Having worked with advocates on the opposite side, some make grandiose promises about what their children should be able to do when it isn't cognitively or motor developmentally possible. However, that is for special Ed kids who have many, many special needs. 

[musiclover]

You are doing such an amazing job with her, and all of this hard work will pay off when she is meeting all of her milestones and is advancing by leaps and bounds.It's not easy, but you are such a great mother to her for doing all of this now.

[angiekay84]

Trudy, don't even think you aren't a fantastic and wonderful mother, you do so much for V!! She is one very loved little girl!

I do want to piggy back on what ruby said, you may truly not need that many speech appointments. Language can be a tricky thing and I believe, especially since you SAH, two times a week (including the EI speech) is a good amount. Especially since it's not like V never vocalizes. We have seen her babble mama and since she is working hard at walking, it's natural for her to focus on that.

I know you feel overwhelmed with the appointments and V's struggles, I just wanted to offer a bright spot. She has skills that I think are great!

[orriskitten]

Big giant hugs your way! It sounds so overwhelming and scary, but it will get easier and you can do it! You are an amazing mom in every single way, even though you don't always feel that way.

Do your doctors have issues with bringing V to appointments? I know my OB has told me time and time again to never apologize for bringing her to pregnancy/post-pregnancy appointments. He said "If I were in the bringing-babies-into-this-world field and had a problem with babies being around, then I'm in the wrong world. Besides, I like seeing my handy-work. I only deliver the beautiful ones." Hes a funny guy and had me at ease and laughing in no time. I took that with me and will be going to MANY appointments with Mel once the ball gets rolling. I've found many nurses are very happy to help in situations like these. I also have no one to bring with me to appointments and DH can't take off/work from home most days that I would need, so I am switching doctors where I'm not allowed to bring her, and just hoping for the best. If it doesn't work, I'll have to figure something out.

If I can help in any way, let me know. I'm about to dive head first into a million appointments myself, but if I'm free, I'm yours.

Hang in there!

[dojo]

You have a lot on your plate but you're smart, strong and dedicated. Once you're in the thick of things you will find it easier to manage than you think it will be.

[TrudyCampbell]

Aug 7, 2013 11:58:13 GMT -5 angiekay84 said:

Trudy, don't even think you aren't a fantastic and wonderful mother, you do so much for V!! She is one very loved little girl!

I do want to piggy back on what ruby said, you may truly not need that many speech appointments. Language can be a tricky thing and I believe, especially since you SAH, two times a week (including the EI speech) is a good amount. Especially since it's not like V never vocalizes. We have seen her babble mama and since she is working hard at walking, it's natural for her to focus on that.

I know you feel overwhelmed with the appointments and V's struggles, I just wanted to offer a bright spot. She has skills that I think are great!

Yea, she has regressed and will not say mama or hi (which she was saying) and she won't really babble at all anymore. 

I see what you guys are saying though. I think I'm just really worried about the speech stuff more than anything else. I know that she eventually WILL walk etc but the speech has me really concerned, especially with the regression. She's basically at the level of a 6 month old when it comes to speech right now. 

[carawestt]

I know you've got a lot on your plate right now but you're doing an amazing job!

[skiesthelimit]

I'm sorry Trudy.  I just wanted to send you hugs and tell you that you are an amazing mom. 

[Beener]

Dude- the fact that you even have this crazy schedule with appointments shows you and the whole world how incredible you are as a mother and person. It must be so hard to do this all whole pregnant- I can't even imagine- but you are doing what is best for Violet and that's awesome.

Give it a week or two and see how it goes. If it is too much, cut down from 2 sessions/week to 1. You can do this mama!

[laurack]

Holy crap. You are amazing.

Violet and the new dot are so Lucky to have you as their mom.

((Hugs and hair pets))

[raynes]

Lots of hair pats for you Trudy. The other have all said it better than I can, but you really are an amazing mother. You are doing so much for your little girl.

I like the idea of a calendar so you can see it all laid out. And plus, I think the first week or two will be the worst, but then you'll get into a groove.

[ruby412]

Aug 7, 2013 12:54:10 GMT -5 laurack said:

Holy crap. You are amazing.

Violet and the new dot are so Lucky to have you as their mom.

((Hugs and hair pets))

Awww, baby dot. lol

TrudyCampbell, when do we get a ticker??

[TrudyCampbell]

Aug 7, 2013 12:57:25 GMT -5 ruby412 said:

Aug 7, 2013 12:54:10 GMT -5 laurack said:

Holy crap. You are amazing.

Violet and the new dot are so Lucky to have you as their mom.

((Hugs and hair pets))

Awww, baby dot. lol

TrudyCampbell, when do we get a ticker??

Possibly on Monday. I need to see this dot before I get too excited!

[bean47]

Oh Trudy, you're doing such wonderful things for V. That sounds truely overwhelming. You have to do what feels right as a family. As an OT, I think that is a lot of services, I've only had a few kiddos with that much therapy. V is so lucky to have a great set of parents who are able to do so much for her. If at any point you think it is too much, it's okay to back off some! You've got a lot in your plate and V is getting lots of support not only from the therapist but also from her parents. I'm not saying you shouldn't have all the therapies, again do what feels right, but also keep in mind that a private therapist is never going to be stingy on their recommendations. I can't wait to hear about her progress, she's going to do great!

[charmediamsure]

Aug 7, 2013 11:09:24 GMT -5 shevacc said:

You are an AMAZING mom! Reread what you just wrote about how you're taking V to 7 therapy sessions a week. You're doing such a wonderful job and just think about all the progress she's made physically the last several months. Hugs and hair pats for you!

All of this.  You are a rock star.  I'm sorry that you are overwhelmed and I wish I could help

[shmoo]

I want toguce you tons of hair pats and hugs and acknowledgement for what you do for Violet! You are a wonderful mother! Is there any chance some of the therapists could double up? I know our developmental therapist has offered to do therapy with the occupational therapist on occasion when she knows our week is really full. Just a suggestion to try to free up a little time.

[PatBenatar]

Hair pats and good thoughts for you. You are doing an amazing job!!!

[fusion]

Take it one day at a time. V is a lucky little lady to have you as her mom.

[cat19]

You are rocking this. You are amazing! Take rjamz and @orriskittin up on their offers for help - I can even help out occasionally if need be, you're only a drive a way. You are doing so much more then most folks in similar circumstances. You remind me a lot of my sister (the perfect one) that had do to a lot of similar things for my nephew - and because she did, he's doing amazingly well.

Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help. I'm finally learning that lesson and it's pretty friggin amazing what people will do for you. Promise.

[jaime183]

Everyone else has had amazing advice and I agree you are a rockstar for getting her the help she needs.
I think the next 8 months (or even just give yourself 6) is a great goal to go all out for every service she needs. Scheduling your day like you would if you were in an office with meetings would be good too!

You are an awesome, loving mom! You've got this and she is so lucky to have you

[fryjack2]

I'll give you some hair pats and tell you that you are an amazing mom.

The big house will wait a few more months than planned. Its ok. It will probably be even cheaper then!

This is temporary right? You have a good plan lined up---lots of therapy now so that hopefully, V won't need as much later and life can calm down a bit when the baby comes.

More hair pats.

[TrudyCampbell]

Violet stood on her own in PT today! I don't even think she knew she was doing it because we distracted her with yo gabba gabba, haha. But that's a good step!

[ruby412]

Aug 7, 2013 16:22:41 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Violet stood on her own in PT today! I don't even think she knew she was doing it because we distracted her with yo gabba gabba, haha. But that's a good step!

Woo-hoo!! Way to go Violet C.!!

[rjamz]

Aug 7, 2013 16:22:41 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Violet stood on her own in PT today! I don't even think she knew she was doing it because we distracted her with yo gabba gabba, haha. But that's a good step!

Yay!!!!!!

Sent from my SPH-D710 using proboards

[JuliaGulia]

Lots of hair pats Trudy! You are an amazing Mom!

[creamsiclechica]

Aug 7, 2013 16:22:41 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Violet stood on her own in PT today! I don't even think she knew she was doing it because we distracted her with yo gabba gabba, haha. But that's a good step!

That's huge!!!!! Go, Violet!!!

[Deleted]

You are doing awesome! Just know if you need to drop a session a week if it gets to be too much that it is okay to do it. Sounds like V is doing really good with the physical stuff now too!

[bean47]

Aug 7, 2013 16:22:41 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Violet stood on her own in PT today! I don't even think she knew she was doing it because we distracted her with yo gabba gabba, haha. But that's a good step!

That's fantastic! Go V!

[AndyCohen]

Aug 7, 2013 11:19:22 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Yea, the PT gyms are in Brooklyn, luckily. The speech therapist (who was great) has friends at two local ones so we're trying to get in there because it will help for the speech and PT to be able to talk about Violet and figure stuff out together. And the EI people come to us which helps a lot. 

She also recommended we have a monthly meeting with ALL of Violet's therapists to try and work on plans together so we're going to try and organize that too. 

I know all these appointments + pregnancy is crazy overwhelming, but these sound like excellent suggestions from the therapist. I know you have to work on it at home too, but if V is going 3 times a week, I feel like it would be ok if you did less at home. I'm also willing to come to BK and help out on Dr. Appt days. I totally recommend our sitter, but at $20/hr I don't know if that would help you out much. She is awesome though.

[TrudyCampbell]

Aug 7, 2013 11:22:01 GMT -5 sunshineluv said:

Lots of hair pats for you!!!

I am impressed with all you are juggling, you are doing an awesome job!

PS) On the zofran, you don't have to wait until monday, my ob perscribed it over the phone. (Its worth a phone call :-))

I called and got it and took it and an hour later I am already feeling MUCH BETTER! OMG. I could cry. This better last!

Thanks for the push to you and creamsiclechica!