THINK SPRING ! ! ! !

So I'm proving to be less than consistent when it has come to my blogging lately. I often think about what to write about or hoping that I'll remember or something else the kids have said, in hopes of having something good to let you in on. Jeff's birthday was February 5th and he did get his table saw. I've gotten a hair cut and have heard no more comments from Dylan about my 'bad hair'. Jeff's job search continues with nothing promising as of yet.

I am so sick and tired of the wind, cold, the snow and not getting over 32 degrees. Today was nice and sunny, but it was too cold to do anything. It has made for a extra long case of cabin fever at our house. We are very thankful to have a home in a great neighborhood, the best ward possible, and still feel gratitude to pay on the mortgage than on rent. That being said, 1000 sq. ft. is just not very much for three energetic kids to run and play in warmth AND for the parents to keep any sanity. Thus, I CANNOT wait till the snow melts, and the bikes can come out, when the swing set will be used again and we can go on the walks we so enjoy with temps over the freezing point. I'm really looking forward to spring. Too bad the forecast is for snow this week.

What kids won't say....

On a recent trip taking Dylan to speech therapy, Taylor and I began a conversation of what we should get Daddy for his upcoming birthday...

Me: Do you have any ideas what we can get Dad for his birthday, can you think of anything he might need?
Taylor: Hmmmm, (long pause) I know! We can get him a job for his birthday.
Me: I'm not sure I can do that Taylor.
Taylor: You're right, that won't fit in the van. Maybe just a table saw, he really wants a table saw.

Dylan and I on Monday...

Dylan (with a handheld mirror): Mom...look at the mirror. What do you see?
Me: I just see me Dylan, that's all.
Dylan: Mom (sounding so disappointed) you have BAD hair....

(I guess I need good hair....)

Taylor (Monday evening):Mom, do you think I was born to be a cheerleader!?!
Me: (taking half a moment to catch my surprise) No Taylor, I think you were born for a lot more than that.

What can you say!?!

Bearing one anothers burden...

For $20 I will bear 80% of anyone's burden for 15 minutes.

I accept paypal.

Autism Spectrum Disorder:Frequently Asked Questions

Dylan - About 17 months old...

1.What is Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD?

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms. One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms. But they both have an autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the autism spectrum disorder category includes:
Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism)

Asperger Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)(or atypical autism)
In some cases, health care providers use a broader term, pervasive developmental disorder, to describe autism. This category includes the autism spectrum disorders above, plus Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

2. What is Dylan's diagnosis?

Dylan's diagnosis is PDD-NOS. It seems as though the psychologist seemed hesitant to give him the diagnosis of 'Classic' Autism, due to his history with brain surgeries, although it is very possible that in the future, a diagnosis of 'Classic' Autism will come.

3. How does this change things in general?

It doesn't change very much. We were not surprised, in fact we were expecting this. To us, he is still Dylan. Our seven year old who is very loving, outgoing, who loves to be the center of attention. The one that teaches us to 'make your heart happy', who loves the outdoors as much as anyone I know. In his evaluation, the recommendations came strongly to seek developmentally therapy for him. So, that is our next step, to find a place and a great team with whom he can receive such services.

4. Why the blog on it?.....

A)To educate others. I want you to know that I'm not afraid of talking about it, I don't see this as being taboo. Also I see this as a lesson to be careful on judging. He looks just like any other 7/8 year old boy. But sometimes when we go out in public, that is NOT the case, and I know that others wonder why I can't or won't discipline my kiddo.

B)To inform you. I know that it seems like I let my motor-mouth, motor a little too much, and as a result, I drag you all into the soap-opera of my life. I think that perhaps I will take the same approach on this that I did with his surgeries/MRI's....I will try not to talk about it unless you ask me first. That way I won't be thrusting any unwanted information into your face.

C)I need your help and your input. On one hand, I want Dylan to be treated like any other kid. I want him to have the same chances for things as anyone else. That being said, Dylan is certainly not like any other kid. And I want him to have all the extra help and benefit that can be given to him. I guess I'm a little torn that way.

5. Websites that I've found to be helpful...

National Institute of Health

Center for Disease Control

US Autism and Asperger Association

Dylan's 7th Birthday

Although this is not the best picture I've ever taken, it illustrates how cute Dylan was as we sang 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' to him. We'd sing "Happy Birthday to you," and he would say, 'That's me'. "Happy Birthday to you", (Dylan) 'That's me.' The whole song thru, that's how it went. He had a great day, (Dec. 22nd). We took the whole family bowling, then got happy meals at McDonalds. WOW!! I still can't believe he is now 7!!!