The Benders

 I'm quarantined to my room sick and thought maybe I'd update our blog but I think I'm going to nap instead and just publish a unfinished post I started in September. 

My blogging has digressed because I have yet to figure out how to do it from my phone. Until that happens I might be a bi-yearly poster. 

These are pictures from this summer. 

Our photographer Julie Anna (www.julieannaphotography.com) and her husband Ryan are good friends of ours and Ryan was shameless when it came to getting a laugh. Reese was however not amused, more terrified.

Rise Family,

I have been thinking about you all morning. Tomorrow is Graduation and I am so proud of each of you. To say that I miss you is an understatement! I miss the kids, I miss the staff, I miss the families but mostly I miss what it all means. Rise is a place where you can become part of something bigger than yourself. You can come along side one another and the more you give to Rise, the more you will receive. Its a place where children with a disability are not just accepted and cherished but held to a higher standard. There is no slacking, there is no free ride, its hard work and it is a blast!

There isn't a teacher that works harder than a Rise employee. I know the endless hours you give and believe me its worth it, nights like tomorrow night are always faithful. I miss it. I admit I haven't quite felt whole since I left. I believe we are all created in the image of Christ. No easily is that seen than in the face of a child with a disability. I was constantly being encouraged by our kids. They taught me how to see beauty and true joy, relishing in accomplishments and milestones that may seem small but each one is our gateway to something bigger. I miss solving the puzzle, finding the function and bringing out the ability. 

Jan,

This is to be a letter and not a novel so I'll simply say, some people influence others you empower others. I've never met anyone with so much wisdom and humility. I am so impressed by you and studied you and more than anything else, you love well. I learned that to help you have to love.

I know that Graduation Day can be scary for Rise Families. I know that some people say Rise is a bubble. Its not, its boot camp. Its our job to prepare the children and the families to not just participate but lead. You see we understand that your child is unlike most, that it is special and that it is a gift that comes with a responsibility. We want to prepare you to advocate and break barriers because your child has an opportunity to stand out from the rest. Let people stare and notice the difference. Let them see determination, patience, grace, compassion and ability. They will be blessed for it. Go forth and know you are never alone, that is what makes Rise a family and not a pit stop. I am a better mom for walking with you all those years ago. Thank you for letting me into your life. 

To my former students and team: I wish I could have taught you a tenth of what you each taught me. Thank-you for investing in me. Thank-you for letting me come along side you all those years ago. We had so many good times. I feel fortunate to be a part of your story and to have you part of mine. Greatness is amongst you and within you. 

If you haven't heard of the The Rise School of Houston its worth your time, www.riseschool.org/houston

If you are looking for a good investment The Rise School, a non-profit is your best option, I have never seen a greater return. 

All my love,

Reese Garner Bender
born: 10.18.2011
A baby, almost three months ago and just now blogging about it...

Well that doesn't sound like me, or truth be told this isn't surprising any of you!

7lbs 10oz. and 20.5 inches long

Yep, that's her dark hair and all. Lots and lots of dark hair! There is so much to share. She is the perfect addition to our family. We are loving our time with her. She is sweet and full of smiles (she started smiling at 2 weeks).
She battles with Colic and Reflux (...aaawesome) but "bless her heart" (as any good southerner would say) she tries so hard to not let it get her down. She will cry and smile all at the same time. She was blessed with lungs. She can wail and scream in a way that lets you know she is in pain. She is on medicine and it helps some. But she still gets the most precious squished, red face that goes silent right before she lets you have it. This usually happens when she is tired, in pain and offended that I might think she wants to eat or be rocked. She is easily soothed but the pattern repeats when she has another episode. You can just hear her tummy rumble and roll. A good burp or passing of gas usually follows. To which Amelia always announces with a surprised delight...."Reesie toot!"


She is a talker like her momma! She coos and smiles A LOT but also can coos in a way that sounds more like she is chewing you out and I think she is. I can tell her personality is a little stronger than big sis's.
I cant believe I'm subjecting myself to public humiliation but here we are baby voice and all. 

 

Amelia is in love with her "baby Reesie." She has been amazing. That's not to say she hasn't tried to pull her off while I've been feeding her ("Reesie off, Reesie off... why do toddlers say it twice, unfortunately, child I heard it the first time) or accidently sat on her (I think it was an accident, she's not the graceful kind). 

We've had our moments but I couldn't be prouder of Amelia. Its the sweetest thing to watch her love and care for her sister. It makes me so happy to know they have each other.

The other day she was in the swing and began to fuss. Amelia stopped what she was doing and went in there to help. I could hear her saying "Its alright Reesie, smile, Reesie, cheeses Reesie..." When I walked in Amelia has placed her lovie, 3 pacifiers, and a stuffed animal in the swing with her. I love listening to their conversations.

These days
Amelia is way into her babies. Caring for them the way we care for Reese. These babies are diapered, swaddled ("Momma, help Mia swaddle baby") and Amelia even feeds her babies the way I feed Reese. She is frusterated at her lack of milk production though and often asks me to feed her babies as she tries to shove them up my shirt, when desperate she does this to Kyle. She has also asked me to feed her and Kyle as well. I have walked in on her a few times with my pump and she is trying to pump milk from her belly button.
Here are a few of Reese over the past 3 months

 this is mid stride

 Jo, the only true ring around the rosier

We had a blast at the pumpkin patch this year. Amelia loved running around and being with her friends.

Amelia started pre-school today at the church. She did great! We went to meet her teacher last week and check out the room. She was already very familiar with the room because it's the same one she's been in for Sunday School for the last 6 months. She also knows that dad's office is literally around the corner about 10 steps away. 

 Girl has been all about her back pack but then today

mom: "Amelia, want to put on your back pack?"

Amelia: "no, mommy do it." "mommy, get it"

Drop off was very smooth. Amelia opted away from the class' chaos and drop off drama. She used the opportunity to snag some one on one time with the coveted baby in the class and the kitchen, so we snuck out too. She was all smiles when we returned. She saw Kyle and just pointed and said "dada!" but kept on playing, she has gotten used to him passing by. But when she noticed me she knew it was go time! She booked it to the door, running into a table, falling down (have I mentioned she isn't that cordinated?? She comes by it honestly, I never know where my bruises come from), getting up, waddling fast (which is her run) to the door.

Kyle said he is slightly distracted taking note of every cry to judge if it is Amelia's (it was not thankfully or I'm sure he wouldn't be able to help himself from peaking to see her). He reported that each time he walked by she was very content. She pretended to wash her hair a lot with a bottle of shampoo (as I've noted before she is really into good hygiene).

She is still reserved around her teachers and keeps a good distance from them. I'm sure she will grow to love them though. She loves playing in all the centers especially the home center with the kitchen, the books and balls. She mostly keeps to herself playing with various toys and offering an occasional toy to a friend if they are near by. I cant wait to watch all these relationships grow over time. 

The teacher noted that she was "so good and calm." Its just a matter of time before she lets loose :)

We celebrated a great day by going to Chick-fil-a. Amelia was so excited that Kyle and I were both going to lunch with her. She insisted on using the adult fork and did well. She then climbed all the way up the play scape by herself (huge accomplishment, she is typically timid and requires company). 

It was a good day, yea Mia!!!

The other day while at The Malachowski's house Amelia found these pink goggles. She knew exactly what to do with them and did not see reason to ever remove them. They especially became handy during bath time to keep the water out of her eyes. This is the face she made at herself in the mirror for a good 5 minutes. 

Thank-you Lauren for sharing your goggles.

That is one sick mullet, but what am I to do, I cant cut those curls are you crazy? 

clothing is now optional during nap time

When I opened Amelia's door this afternoon to get her from her nap I noticed on the floor her diaper and clothes (as she's pointing and saying "diaper, clothes"). There she was just wearing a smile. Luckily no accidents. She was so proud of her accomplishment. 

I hope this doesn't mean she's a liberal. 

  At least we dont have to worry about her being a "Never Nude." (Arrested Development anyone??? all five of you???)

PS, she's so tall, I feel like she could just hop over (luckily she has my "hopping" skills, which means she aint getting Up and over anytime soon. :)