kimsquest-blog1 - Tumblr blog

[kimsquest-blog1]

September is NICU AWARENESS MONTH. 〰️ 〰️ My son’s expected due date was August 17, 2015 by was born May 29, 2015 due to my placenta rupturing while I was attempting to take an afternoon nap prior to my shift that started at 6pm. I was a single mom even at that time and had to work extra hard to make ends meet and still struggled. I worked 12 hour night shifts at an aluminum extrusion plant at that time. 〰️ 〰️ My son was delivered by emergency c section. Unfortunately, the hospital we went to was fairly new and I guess hadn't had many premature births of this type at that time. They were very under prepared and because of it, my son suffered. At 4 days of birth during the time I left to get showered, my son had a seizure. Today he has Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy. 〰️ 〰️ At that point he was transferred to another hospital that was absolutely amazing. There are so many situations I could tell you about that occurred at that first hospital. So many things that should have been done differently. But that will not change anything. For the majority of the 2 month NICU stay, we had an incredible medical team. 〰️ 〰️ NICU Awareness Month is meant to honor families experiencing a stay in the NICU & the health professionals who care for the them. I just want to take a moment to pray for all the families in the NICU & thank the medical staff that care for the children. 〰️ 〰️ My son is the light of my life! . . . . . . Donate to Give Brandon His Legs here 👉🏻🔗👉🏻🔗 http://bit.ly/2QzSXOk #sdrchangeslives . . . . . . . #nicu #nicuawareness #awareness #specialneeds #inclusion #september #givebrandonhislegs #kims_quest #appreciate #appreciation #medical #hospital #viral #gofundme #myhero #instadaily . . . . . . https://www.instagram.com/p/B18vZ0WFI8y/?igshid=1oxo5ox3exjn3

[kimsquest-blog1]

“I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.” 〰️ 〰️ Definitely much closer to flying this RC helicopter again because the rain has to stop eventually, right? I can not record and ft at same time either so that limits my time to when I can record a video and not just shoe you stills. 〰️ 〰️ For now though, stills will have to do🤪. This RC helicopter is a ton of fun. B loves watching it but I do have to put his ear protection on. It is not very loud at all but the sudden take off does frighten him if too close by. His siblings love flying it. Our dog enjoys chasing it. I laugh my butt off. I am also a novice at operating flying objects so I can tell you this has survived many crashes already😂. Kind of the story of my life. With that said, hope you all had a safe and happy holiday weekend. 〰️ 〰️ You can find this toy here 👉🏻🔗👉🏻 https://amzn.to/2ZIHM9g 〰️ 〰️ Or click link in bio. Select Amazon Finds then Insta-Shares. https://www.instagram.com/p/B16ocrkFEVf/?igshid=1qdnq5apc3b9s

[kimsquest-blog1]

”Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.” 〰️ 〰️ So, I shared a bit about this on my post yesterday bit realized it just didn't fit with the kitten picture. So, I am back today to talk about my son. 〰️ 〰️ Most of you my son has Cerebral Palsy. Brandon was born at 28 weeks gestation and suffered a seizure just 4 days after birth which ultimately led to spastic quad cerebral palsy. 〰️ 〰️ I am here today to tell you that I received the call on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 that Dr. Park has determined Brandon is a good candidate for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). 〰️ 〰️ SDR will drastically change my son’s quality of life. To one day be able to see him up and playing with other children his age just warms my heart. To know he will not one day be living in horrific pain that worsens as he ages, gives me hope. To know that I have the opportunity to provide my son with a surgery that will give my son the ability to get up out of his chair and live life on his feet, makes me cry. 〰️ 〰️ I am actually still in shock, hence the loss for words and great details. 😆. I seriously was speechless when I got the call because I just had convinced myself he would be denied. I never get my hopes up because disappointment is heartbreaking. 〰️ 〰️ Unfortunately, the procedure is not covered by health insurance which baffles me because it changes lives for the better and would save any health insurance company a ton of money in the long run. 〰️ 〰️ Now, the weight that has been placed upon me is unbearable and I have to ask for help. I am asking all of you to please share our story. Help give Brandon his legs. 〰️ 〰️ If you are able to donate please do so here 👉🏻🔗http://bit.ly/2QzSXOk 〰️ 〰️ Or find that link in my bio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #linkinbio #repost #sdr #drpark #stlouis #gofundme #change #givebrandonhislegs #legs #transformation #beforeandafter #healthy #help #fundraiser #nevergiveup #focus https://www.instagram.com/p/B106yuflsm4/?igshid=865gkurw8f26

[kimsquest-blog1]

“Be thankful for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow.” 〰️ 〰️ We brought home this little girl today. I am very impressed at how #unbothered my big old pit bull is. He is curious but no obsessed. Though he did spend his first 1 and had years with a cat. We are calling her CoCo. 〰️ 〰️ SOOOOOO....ONTO ANOTHER IMPORTANT TOPIC....My son has been accepted as a candidate for SDR by Dr. Park. I am still in shock. 〰️ 〰️ If you are interested in donating to help with the expense of the surgery please click link in bio to find his GoFundMe. 〰️ 〰️ 🔗👉🏻🔗👉🏻 http://bit.ly/2QzSXOk . . . . . . . #kitten #pitbull #gofundme #fundraiser #donate #drpark #stlouis #sdr #selectivedorsalrhizotomy https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zRFABFj_i/?igshid=13f6tljt2eblg

[kimsquest-blog1]

We did it. I was willing to loosen my bear hug on my baby to send him to preschool😂. He just left on the bus so pray he has a great 1st day and that I don't have to go pick him up. This is the first he has been away from me like this since he was just a few months old. I feel like I can't breathe 😆 just being so overwhelmed with worry and excitement. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1v0nv2lamF/?igshid=1vhkb9cjzi56s

[kimsquest-blog1]

My son, “To the world you may be just one person, but to me you are the world.” 〰️ 〰️ Yesterday was to be Brandon’s first day of PreK but about an hour before he was to get picked up to go to school, I found out that his health insurance still needed to sign off on his side for school hours. Unfortunately, Brandon could not go to school yesterday. I was heartbroken but he definitely didn't seem to mind hanging out with Mom all day. HE DEFINITELY WILL BE GOING TOMORROW (THURSDAY). I cannot believe my little boy is really going to school. And yes, I am definitely having a harder time than he seems to be about him going and being away from each other for those few hours😂. 〰️ 〰️ I will be okay once we get through that first day. To help him process all the new sounds and better manage his sensory processing disorder, I will be sending his @amazonbasic kids ear protection along with him. These work great to muffle the sound. They only cost around $10 USD and are just as great as the more expensive brands. 〰️ 〰️ #linkinbio AMAZON FINDS...INSTA-SHARES 〰️〰️ 👉🏻🔗👉🏻🔗👉🏻🔗 https://amzn.to/2Zu2Gc1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #spd #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ears #earprotection #safety #kids #amazonbasics #founditonamazon #amazonfinds #instadaily #instashares #cerebralpalsy #cp #cerebralpalsyawareness #cpkids #thisiscp #specialneedsfamily #momsofinstagram #momsbelike #motherhood #parenting #quoteoftheday #dailyquotes #inspirationalquotes #myworld #milestones #firsts #parenting101 https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tsh0uFKSg/?igshid=1j92c6htwzu07

[kimsquest-blog1]

”When was the last time worry ever solved a problem? Breathe and know that you are perfect in this moment.” 〰️ 〰️ #AD I cannot believe this lil man starts PreK tomorrow. I am doing my best not to freak out, stress, break down crying, etc. It is a happy time and I know he will love it. 〰️ 〰️ Another huge milestone is potty training time is going to start beginning Sept 1st. I picked a date to start so I will not find excuses why I should not. I have waited this long because of him being differently able and certain challenges he faces but as of now he can say ”poo poo” and he will answer yeah or no when I ask him if he needs a new diaper or wants to be changed so the best thing to do if give it a try and see how it goes. Besides that, who would not want to get out of a diaper for a bit even if it is just to sit on a potty!? 😆 〰️ 〰️ To help with potty training we will be using this Pottywrist Training Watch that will remind at either 30, 60 or 90 min intervals that it is time to go to the potty. He has worn it all day for several days and it does not bother him. It does show time. It even fits his itty bitty wrist. We recommend you check this out if you are potty training your little. So grateful for having the opportunity to review this and share my honest opinion with all of you. 〰️ 〰️ #linkinbio : Amazon Finds -- InstaShares 〰️ 〰️ 👉🏻🔗👉🏻🔗 https://amzn.to/322pAZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #pottytraining #watch #sponsored #toilettraining #specialneeds #cerebralpalsy #founditonamazon #amazonfinds #instashares https://www.instagram.com/p/B1o8ERml8lQ/?igshid=1a5eidis0szqt

[kimsquest-blog1]

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” -Herman Cain 〰️ I believe that this artist loves what he does.... I first discovered @squiggles_sloan through another Mama, @ourlifeshared, just a few days ago when she shared the squiggle artwork of her daughter. I love what @squiggles_sloan does because it is unique. Yesterday he sent me this squiggle of Brandon and wanted to share it with all of you because why not!? 〰️ 〰️ Update: I interviewed a home health care aide yesterday evening. We need someone to assist Brandon at pre-K and I think she will be a good fit. So excited for him. . . . . . . . . . . . #art #artwork #unique #cpmom #squiggles #squigglesbysloan #sloan #cpkidsrock #cerebralpalsy #friyay #tgif https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gh2cslQGO/?igshid=1j1vdxjmisczo

[kimsquest-blog1]

When life puts you in tough situations, don't say "Why me" say "Try me". 〰️ 〰️ I love that quote because we all know life tends to have more hard times than easy ones. 〰️ 〰️ Yesterday I went on ranting about my son not having an aide and has not had one because the agency had not been looking like I was led to believe. We do have a meeting with a potential aide today that would attend preK with him when he starts next weeks keep your fingers crossed that she is a fit. I am worried though even if she is because the first day she will have with him is his very 1st day of preK. We will get through it though. 〰️ 〰️ Brandon did have open house at the school yesterday and I am very pleased with Miss Lisa and her assistants. B would also continue with his early intervention therapy services while at school on Tues and Thurs so they are several familiar faces for him which makes me happy. 〰️ 〰️ Now, onto something totally else. I turned this old poster frame into a dry erase boards of sorts. It is plastic (maybe plexiglass) not glass and we been using the gel crayons which wipe off just as easy as dry erase markers on a white board. We have been having a lot of fun with it. . . . . . https://www.instagram.com/p/B1d7KMKFgWr/?igshid=2x09hx7fozr9

[kimsquest-blog1]

“Follow your passion. Listen to your heart. Trust the process. Be grateful. Life is magic and your dreams matter.” 〰️ 〰️ We have something fun to show you from @thenaturalchildca . I actually won these on a contest over on @facebook .He is loving making me play the pick up game from his seat at the kitchen table most but hey, what are mom’s for!? 〰️ 〰️ We are really enjoying them though as you can see by looking at the pure happiness in his face as you swipe through the pics. Definitely happy to be able to add them to our slowly growing wooden toy collection. The perfect sizes for his little hands. Thank you so much @thenaturalchildca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . #woodentoys #naturaltoys #thenaturalchild #thenaturalway #toys #children #finemotorskillstoys #finemotorskills #motorskilldevelopment #cerebralpalsy #thisiscerebralpalsy #differentlyabled #disABILITY #cpmom #specialneedsparent #family #parentingtips #dailyinspiration #quotestoliveby #happy https://www.instagram.com/p/B1cKvi8FySe/?igshid=1qd2z2kv7vmkr

[kimsquest-blog1]

“Don't let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.” 〰️ 〰️ Being a single mom of any child is hard work. But it is also extremely rewarding and definitely never lonely. 😂 I honestly feel at this point that I may just be single forever because my son refuses to allow me any alone time...just as the universe seems to do. 〰️ 〰️ I am so frustrated that my son’s home health care agency and health insurance company had all spring and summer to find him an aide to attend daycare with him 2 mornings a week and still have not found anyone. It was just confirmed yesterday by the child center that even though my son was supposed to start next week that unfortunately he cannot do so until he has an aide by his side. I feel as if his case is not a priority to his usual agency because we have had so many issues with their services over the years. But why the insurance company cannot find another agency is just beyond my understanding. 〰️ 〰️ I been extremely excited for my son to get into a classroom setting and meet some other children his age. It will still happen but it is extremely upsetting that he cannot start with the other children. So upsetting that I am tearing up as I type this. I fight and I fight for him to have the most normal life then setbacks like this occur. 〰️ 〰️ That does not mean we are not prepping and getting certain things he will need though. We are waiting on his new adaptive chair I was hoping would be here in time to start school. And maybe him not having his chair is why the universe hasn’t put an aide in our lives just yet. I have been searching for a clip on fan for his chair & I end up with a flexible tripod 😂. It will hold my @nikonusa DSLR or my @apple IPhone 8 Plus perfectly and safely to take tons of pics of B when he finally does start preK. It does come w/ a Bluetooth remote as well. I do love @amazon & this tripod but still need that fan....maybe they should sell aides as well... 〰️ 〰️ 👉🏻🔗🔗👉🏻 https://amzn.to/31MaGG . . . . . . . . . #momminainteasy #momproblems #parenting101 #dailyparenting #momlife #amazoninfluencer #tripod #camera #cell #inspirationalquotes #dailymotivation #inspire #specialneeds #cerebralpalsykids https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YpaPcl1rx/?igshid=78veedkfae1b

[kimsquest-blog1]

“For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” 〰️ 〰️ When I think of it like that, is it really worth being angry over the small stuff? Definitely not because life is too short. 〰️ 〰️ One thing that makes me happy is knowing I am doing my part to reduce plastic waste. This wonderful laundry detergent by @seventhgeneration does just that. 66 loads in this small bottle. 〰️ 〰️ I have discovered that for my he @samsungus top load washing machine that it seems to work better when I squirt detergent in basin rather than the detergent dispenser in the machine. 〰️ 〰️ 👉🏻👉🏻Have you tried this @seventhgeneration product? Do you have a favorite product by Seventh Generation? I would love to know what you all recommend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mondaymotivation #dailyquotes #quoteoftheday #mondaymood #reduceplasticwaste #seventhgeneration #lavender #plantbased #happyfamily #naturalproducts #specialneedsfamily #cpmomlife #parenting #parentsofinstagram #motherhood #parenthood #momlifeisthebest #momsofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V9TxYFcom/?igshid=3g50txbuo8n1

[kimsquest-blog1]

“You will get there when you are meant to get there and not one moment sooner... so relax, breathe, and be patient.” . . . . . My #bookworms https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OpVF8lqNd/?igshid=1nbm166tquikz

[kimsquest-blog1]

"Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself." 〰️ 〰️ This little person has made me want to always be the best version of myself. I fall short some days as being a single mom of a special abilities child can be exhausting, to say the least, but I am still a better version of myself now compared to what I was even last year because every day I am learning something new about myself through this whole process and how to apply it to be a better person. There are many days where I feel like I cannot do it, that I am failing him, that I just am not good enough and he deserves better. But I see that smile and he reminds me that I am exactly who he needs, that we have made it this far, that I love being his mom and cannot imagine life any other way. I love who I am today and all I have been through in my life has made me into the strong and determined single parent that I am today. 〰️ 〰️ Who has been your person to affect your process the most? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #quoteoftheday #dailyquotes #instaquotesdaily #instadaily #trusttheprocess #loveyourself #personaldevelopment #journey #specialabilitiesparent #differentlyablednotdisabled #parenting #child #momlifebelike #momlifeisthebestlife💕 #cerebralpalsy #PVL #instadaily #happy #smile https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KZOA4F6Xv/?igshid=jv2ujc71r01l

[kimsquest-blog1]

"Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest, it's about who walked in to your life, said "I'm here for you," and PROVED it." 〰️ 〰️ I have had many friends come and go for a number of different reasons. You find out who your real friends are when you are at your worst. 〰️ 〰️ I am so curious to see what type of friendship these two will grow as they continue to grow as individuals. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1GmVVSFpZ3/?igshid=jxcw3zzhaimn

[kimsquest-blog1]

Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. 〰️ 〰️ I am definitely one who tends to stick to my comfort zone. My son is who actually inspires me to do things beyond that each and every day. Who inspires you? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mondaymotivation #childrenofinstagram #boymom #toddlermom #mothersofinstagram #cpmom #cpkid #cpstrong #specialneeds #instadaily #parenthood #inspiration #quoteoftheday #dailyquotes #momlife #mama #happy #smile #followme #cerebralpalsy @theellenshow https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FQKXoFenV/?igshid=1if2f4yafh5cw

[kimsquest-blog1]

Don't cry over the past, it's gone. Don't stress about the future, it hasn't arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful. 〰️ 〰️ #besties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #childrenofinstagram #fireflybyleckey #splashyseat https://www.instagram.com/p/B09ojaVFVun/?igshid=1fedje6yb99sq