Big October events and Spina Bifida Awareness

Drama, drama, drama. Sometimes that's just life with two little girls. The slightest disturbance to their ideal world and there's a fit thrown or tears shed.

It must have been the adjustment of going back to school, but there was a LOT OF DRAMA in our house in September. And most of it seemed to come from very ordinary things.

Now that October is here, the girls have mostly adjusted to their school routine and made new friends. Daddy is enjoying his days with Judah. And Mommy is staying busy at work, while trying to find balance in home responsibilities and the fun stuff we do.

Last night, I took Adria out for our first Mommy-Daughter date in a long time. She has been asking me to go out just the two of us since before her birthday a month ago.

Mommy-daughter date last night

Adria and I had a great dinner together at Grotto Pizza, then headed to her pediatrician for her 7 year check-up. Unfortunately, we were the last appointment of the day and had to wait a looooong time. Our date ended with Adria spazzing out when they tried to give her a "Flu mist" vaccine in her nose. I thought it would be better than a shot! Drama indeed. She was sad that was all we had time for, but she's got more to look forward to in October

We have some BIG STUFF planned for the next two weeks!

Apple-Scrapple Pageant

Tomorrow night, Adria will be doing something very new for all of us. She will be participating in a little pageant for girls age 5-8 at our town's fall festival called Apple-Scrapple. The weekend event draws thousands but the pageant is only open to girls in her school district and is geared toward having fun while the girls learn confidence on stage.

Judges will interview the girls and then the girls will do a talent. Adria will be dancing to "It's a Beautiful Life" :)  She's been practicing, so we'll see how it goes!

When the sign up sheet for the pageant came home from school, I asked her if she was interested. At first, she was very nervous about the idea of being alone on stage in front of people (aren't we all?!). I tried not to push the issue too hard and let her know it was her decision. She said yes and now is both nervous and excited!

The Pageant is at 6:30 p.m. Friday night behind the Bridgeville Fire Hall. We'd love to see you there!

Adria practices her pose.

Children's Run and Half-Marathon

Next Friday will be a big day too! Both the girls will be participating in a Children's run in Pennsylvania. It's part of the Runner's World weekend of events that concludes with a half-marathon for adults on Sunday. I'm supposed to run that event but am very nervous because I have not been able to train for it well.

The girls will be running a half mile. Adria tries to practice for it when we can, and I'm hoping she'll be able to complete it. Last year, she showed us that she could complete a half mile race, even if she finished in last place. This year, she talks about wanting to WIN the race...

I don't want to tell her she can't win, but the reality is that she is not able to run as fast as most children because of her weak lower legs that require braces for support. I just try to encourage her to do her best when she is out there. I tell her there is no way mommy is going to WIN her race, but that we run at our own pace and finish the race when we can. That's our goal...to finish the Race!

October is Spina Bifida Awareness month

This makes for a very busy month for us, but I think it's very fitting that Adria participates in both of these events at this time. October is actually SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS month!

Adria can show the community that in spite of the limitations and challenges that she faces with spina bifida, she can enjoy life and push the limits!

A couple weeks ago she told me, "Mom, I don't feel like a spina bifida kid. I'm like the other kids at school."  I was glad to hear her say that because I don't want her to feel different.

Then just two nights ago, after I catheterized her, she said, "Mom, I wish I was like the other kids at school who can just go potty without a catheter. And I'm the only one who has to wear braces on my legs. Sometimes I feel like I don't fit in."  Ugh, it's hard to hear her talk like that. I assured her that she has many wonderful friends and teachers at school, and I'm so proud of how well she does.

It's just like that. Some days are much better than others. You know, Drama comes and goes.

How I love this girl and pray that I'm doing the right thing by giving her the opportunity for these big events. Go Adria!