A Proper Introduction

Wow! The response to Georgia's Gifted Child on the first day leaves me speechless! But, really, I'm not so much at a loss for words that I can't talk about myself some. Ha! Thank you so much for stopping by--and those who have commented, many thanks to you. It is thrilling to think that there are people in my own backyard who are experiencing their own version of this journey, too. I figured I should introduce myself properly before we continue.

I am Angela, a thirty-something stay-at-home mom who is trying to find her way. In my dreams I am selling my original paintings while perfectly balancing the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. In reality...do we want to go there? I am a frustrated passionate artist with little studio time and a frustrated passionate mother with little patience. I share this life with my longsuffering and loving husband CG of 13 years.

We have three children: Calder, 6; our daughter Lee, 4; and the bebe Johns, almost 2. So far the younger two don't exhibit the same unique abilities as Calder. Lee and Johns seem to be...normal, whatever that means! But we draw no distinctions here at our house--however, we are not above exploitation when it is to our benefit. Such as, "Calder, read Lee and Johns this book while I finish dinner, please." For the most part we are your normal chaotic family with young children who love to tattle on each other: said Lee today, "Mommy, Calder is chewing with his food full of mouth!" And, that, my friends, is when I love being a mom to a 4-year-old. I've been chuckling about that quotable all day.

Many thanks to Dr. Spomenka Newman, a wonderfully knowledgeable and gentle children's psychologist, for the idea of this blog. My personal experience with her made the difference between desperation and renewed hope and energy for Calder's future. She is a gem.

Now, what about you? There are great comments in the first post--anyone want to share more? And, if you wish to contact me privately, click on my profile on the right for a link to my email.

Welcome to Georgia's Gifted Child!

Six summers ago my husband and I welcomed our first baby into our home. As all first-time parents we juggled awkwardly new responsibilities and stresses, desperately trying to create a new normal. Days and nights ran together as endless feedings, crying spells, and diaper changings. That sweet baby boy put us through a ruthless hazing. I found encouragement in the company of other first-time mothers. We compared notes and commiserated together. While what we were experiencing was the hardest thing we had ever done, I took comfort in the fact that it was normal.

However, as our son Calder grew, I began to suspect maybe he wasn't normal. Comparing notes with other mothers became increasingly uncomfortable for me as Calder advanced rapidly past developmental milestones and assumed obsessions incongruous with his age. Emerging from infancy, he exhibited an exemplary memory, an uncommon level of patience, and an amazing affinity for numbers. His father and I marveled at his abilities and felt grateful that Calder seemed to have "a good head on his shoulders." But it wasn't until he was four that I sat at the computer and read on the Internet about parents like me with children like him and realized with tears running down my face and my heart racing that Calder may be highly gifted. I was terrified.

Between that moment and now as I type this first post on Georgia's Gifted Child, I have read hither and yonder on the Internet about gifted children and their education. I have exhausted my options and resources near our home. I've discovered that having a gifted child is a delicate matter, not easily talked about, accepted, or believed. I've been frustrated. Scared. Hopeful. Confused. Calder is such a wonderful and beautiful blessing--but talk about a challenge!

A few weeks ago I sat on a sofa across from a professional whom I sought advice on what had become in my mind the great drama, The Impossible Education of Calder. My husband and I have decided to homeschool--but how? Could I do it? Is it the best for him? Thank goodness for her voice of reason through my anxieties. And, she expressed her wish for someone to start an online presence for Georgia parents of exceptionally gifted children. While I seem on most days an unlikely blogger on the subject, I accepted the job.

So fellow parents of toddlers reading chapter books, of children who prefer algebra to Thomas the Tank Engine, of wee ones with musical and artistic abilities of a master--welcome! Our children come in so many wondrous varieties, with special challenges and needs. It is my hope that this blog will connect us together and provide a place to share and hopefully inspire. I have vague ideas about how this blog will evolve--but for now I'm just jumping right in!

Thank you for stopping by! Please leave a comment and let me know that you were here.