Book Blog
Welcome to This Life We Got
For the past nine years—ever since my daughter Sienna was born—I’ve been writing our story here.
What began as a blog has unfolded more like a book: chapters of family, advocacy, education, and inclusion, written with raw honesty and heart. This space is a peek behind the curtain of our lives, where vulnerability meets persistence, and where I hope you’ll find inspiration for whatever you need today. Readers often tell me it’s the honesty that keeps them coming back. I’m so glad you’re here. Use the search bar to dive into any topic that speaks to you—family, advocacy, education, or inclusion.
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So. Many. Acronyms.
“I didn’t understand any of that conversation.” My brother looks at me quizzically. “Oh yeah. How come?” I ask him curiously. “The acronyms. There are so many. It’s like another language.” We just finished an Early Intervention IEP (Individualized Education…
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The Magic of Siblings
“What do they see, Mom? She’s the cutest baby ever. Why are they staring?” Haley looks frustrated as I begin to buckle her into her booster seat. “I don’t know, honey. They just see someone different and they stare because…
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Managing a Life of Chaos
I cried at the dentist yesterday. I wasn’t in pain. I had never been to this dentist before. She looked at me, took me in, and said to me, “I can tell just by looking at you that you are…
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Happy Third Birthday, Sienna
My dearest Sienna, Two has taught us so many lessons. Two is the year we learned that hard work, patience, and perseverance pay off. During your second year of life, you’ve spent 228 hours in therapy, working to achieve your…
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The Gut Punches
I cannot believe that tomorrow my baby will be three years old. It’s fitting that this week the Today Show aired a video of Shawn Johnson and her husband celebrating the news of their child not having Down syndrome. Three years…
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Include Me
When I ask you to play, play with me. When I’m building a tower, join me. When I’m singing a song, sing with me. When we’re eating a snack, share with me. When I’m being silly, be silly with me.…
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The Beginning of our IEP Journey
Sienna runs from one side of the room to the other, shouting loudly, while chasing her sister. They both erupt in laughter. I stare at them and observe Sienna. The looming pressure hits me like a truck. How can this…
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No Limits
When you were in my belly, I wanted so many things for you. I dreamt you’d be loved. You are. I dreamt you’d have friends. You do. I dreamt you’d be your sister’s best friend. You are. I dreamt you’d…
