So, it has been a little bit since I have blogged. It has been a very hectic couple of weeks. I was under the weather for a little while but I am doing better now. Then, as some of you may know, we have been having some serious issues with our daughter. Without going into much detail, Brennah has a spectrum disorder as well as ADHD. Usually the beginning of school is a very difficult adjustment and this year has been no different. However, this year, there have been a few changes. One, she has a new doctor who is trying to take her off her stimulant medication (which we are definitely in favor of), so we are dealing with a lot more hyper than we have been used to. Second, she has become more aggressive towards me. I am not talking about a little bit of aggressiveness but a lot. Third, those closest to us that know our situation all of a sudden think it is just us. Everyone has advice -- be consistant, have firm boundaries, have rules with consequences etc. These are all things we already do. I know everyone is just trying to help, but honestly, what we need is support and encouragement. What we don't need is people making us feel worse about it than we already do. Sarah and I would move the world for Brennah. We love her more than anything else -- period. We know she behaves at school and for most other people, she is exceptional in her behavior. What others do not realize is that with the issues she has, this is a normal occurance -- trouble at home but keeping it together other places. Now, I know you are thinking, where is the positive in this? Well, here it is -- what a lucky family we are to have so many people who care about us and care about our family. Not a lot of lesbian or gay families can say they have the support that we have. People may not "agree" with our family, but they love us just the same. It is difficult sometimes to remember that people offer advice because they care not because they are passing blame. We often get defensive because of our own frustrations. I know for me, I have definitely been frustrated. It is heart breaking to see my daughter go through this and it hurts my heart everytime she has a melt down. It frustrates me for people to think that the actions we take for her behalf are for anything other than what is best for her. We want her to be a regular 7 year old little girl, and sometimes she is and we embrace that. However, there are times she is not. We have had to readjust some things and realize that Brennah is Brennah and embrace her for just that. It is what we want for her. We have always wanted her to embrace who she is and be happy with who she is. Sure, she may not be what an ideal may be, but she is our ideal, because she is Brennah. The same goes for each of us. It is in our best interest to embrace the wonderful things about ourselves and develop them to create the beautiful life we want and deserve. So, even though it has been difficult, Brennah has been the teacher this past week. We can learn from our children and from each other. Let's not push each other away but embrace and grow!! Peace to each of you : )