My Triumphant Return...take 2.

In looking back at my very first post a little over 4 years ago, I talked about my oldest son turning 10.  Well, that chapter of life is done and gone.  BP is now ten and I have come such a long way from those very first posts.  I am actually truly amazed at myself for the progress BP has made. Almost a year ago I wrote this post.

This time I am not going to apologize about my long absence.  I keep reading so many great posts from Moms of Special Needs children that I felt I needed to reconnect again and share with others.

Truly I am not sure where to begin again.  I can't make any promises that I will write every week, but I can certainly make the effort. I think I am going to change my focus just a little bit as well. This time I want to share with you what I have learned over the years. I would like as well to get feedback. It so nice to hear from other parents.  As I have mentioned before, I have all these ideas swimming around in my head, but organizing them is quite the task.  I think I have mentioned before that I am ADD.  Well now you know. No official diagnosis but my thought process constantly shoots in about 50 different directions.  I can put my keys down and five minutes later have no clue as to where I put them. Forgive me if I start to repeat myself. That tends to happen. :)

Next. See what I mean?

I have a few ideas for posts that I want to write about.  Those are food, diet, autism and how they are related. By the way, just so you know, behavior plays a huge part on how you manage your children's diet.  It has been quite an important journey for us as a family.  So that's an issue I will focus on.  I want share BP's progress, maybe share recipes.  I also want share the some stories regarding my oldest C.  This is a family blog by all means.  He is actually getting braces in the next few days!  That is a journey in is self.  Stay tuned and welcome back. It certainly feels good.

 

Back to School: Routines and Schedules

Today was my oldest son's first day of High School. Time has flown by! This will be a schedule that all of the family will have to get used to.  I will most likely hear from BP when I pick him up from school today: "Where are we going? Can we go home?" It's almost certain, especially when are driving an unusual route that he is not familiar with. But after a few times he should be okay with it. It's the homework routine after school that's the kicker, but that is for my next post. Stay tuned.

Happy Labor Day Holiday!

Happy Labor Day everyone.  Please make it best of what ever you choose to do today. Even if it just sitting down with your family to play a simple board game.  Our family will just enjoy a mostly relaxed day.  We usually don't do much.  Doing something socially is a big outing that needs to be planned and told to BP way before. Over stimulation is a biggie.  Also where we reside, EVERYONE usually heads to the beach.  Crowds of people and BP don't mix. I don't think I works for me either. Tip for today: If you do go out and if your child is like mine, don't extend your welcome.  When they have had enough, it's time to go. 

I guess I should reintroduce myself, since it's been so long.  I am a 40-something Mom of two wonderful boys, My oldest is starting his first day of High School tomorrow and BP (I will refer to my son using his intitials for privacy reasons) who has ASD is in the 4th grade now. He is verbal and a very funny boy who loves the computer,Godzilla, and other monstrous creatures.   That is just a shorten version.  I started this blog back when Brendan was just beginning Kindergarten.  He has been in the same school district and I know I am fortunate when I say that his school district is Awesome.  I feel for many of you parents that are constantly struggling with all the red tape of trying to place your children in a school that will suit them and you!  My advice:

• Please don't give up. 
• Be an advocate for your children.
• Do your research.

Enjoy the Holiday with your family today because tomorrow is just another day. Take care.

My Triumphant Return is coming...

I am not new to blogging nor I am new to procrastination.  I am on facebook daily and I would like to post about my experiences of raising a family.  I want my blog to be a reflection of who I am, not have to minimize my feelings and try to connect again with other Moms and Dads of special needs families.  Being a mother of a child with Autism is quite the challenge and I need a place to vent, share experiences, and maybe help some other parents who are new to the world of Autism.  On my personal FB page I am careful not to whine or complain, but man some days are just (insert word here).  So with that being said I soon will be up and running.  Forgive my long absence.  I attend to make a FB page for my personal blog as well.  Please be patient and excuse the mess. :) Have a great evening.

It's that time of year...

 Yep, cold and flu season.  You know when something's up when BP just wants to snuggle with you on the sofa.  That happened on Sunday.   I asked him of he wanted a blanket. "yes" and from then on he stay there curled up and gradually becoming warmer.  I told my other half that I thought he wasn't feeling good and coming down with something. 

It's a strange notion when children with autism become sick.  As parents we are so used to heightened activity, constant movement, that really we don't what to do with ourselves!  So this week he was out of school Monday and Tuesday.  Ouch.  We all know what that means.  Returning to school is a major accomplishment.  It's quite funny, BP doesn't do Mondays, Tuesdays are just okay, Wednesdays are an improvement, Thursdays are good and by Fridays he is ready to start the week.  Maybe it is because they have fun Fridays at school in his class. Do you think?

 We do struggle with school issues, but I must say that this year is much better than last year.  Change of teacher and change of school might have something to do with his improvement.  I have problems here at home with homework.  He simply doesn't want to do it.  Don't mention the "h" word, but he usually beats me to it!  He flat out tells me, "no homework!"   

Meltdowns: those happen less now, but we still have many issues such as food, scheduling, overstimulation, potty issues, communication (I find that the most frustrating part for me).

 Since my year long absence we have working on the food issue.  This summer I was able to have an Nutritionist from our Regional Center here and evaluate BP.  He is overweight and needs to loose some pounds.  Sometimes I wonder why he doesn't loose weight easily.  BP is CONSTANTLY moving and loves to play outdoors.  His favorite activity at school is adaptive PE.  The food issue became a problem when what I gave him wasn't enough.  He would still be hungry and ask for more.  It got to certain point where if I didn't give him the food he wanted, major meltdown would occur.  Of course being the Mother, I was tired of the meltdowns and gave in to his wants. MY BAD.   The Nutritionist suggested I reduce the amt of food I serve him and see what happens. She also suggested trying to sneak in veggies with the meal.  BP is very picky as most children with Autism are.  He likes about 5 different kinds of food and won't try much else.  We don't deviate much from his meals on the weekends, but he is good about some foods at school.  His weekend lunch will consist of White cheese(cottage cheese), cheese crackers, fruit snacks and juice.  Lately he has been on this kick of replacing the white cheese with those yogurts with the Oreo cookie crumbs. 

 This particular post is just shortened version of things to come.  He's been invited to a birthday party, it would be his first one to attend, but I am not sure whether he will go.  Being sick this week has made me have second thoughts. Not sure I want him bouncing for two hours and becoming over stimulated.  Becoming tired his behavior tends to escilate.  I will let you all know what the outcome is.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Earth.  I have returned from my long absence from this wonderful blog that I have so neglected.  I have to apologize for being gone so long.  It's one of those long list of "got to do's" that just wasn't done.  How is that for contractions?

I decided that I need to reconnect with the people, places of my son's journey with Autism.  It's something that holds so strong in my heart and I want to share my thoughts, feelings and seek advice from those who taking the same journey.

It is nice to be home.  My life is different from whence I came.  So is my BP (for privacy purposes) I have to decided to call my son (BP) in this blog.  He has made much progress, but still has many milestones to go. Officially diagnosed at 7, he is nine now and is doing well in public school in a Special Ed classroom.  As most of you can relate to, special education means changing schools frequently.  Just to find the suitable school for your child.  That is another journey and another post.

Me, I am still figuring out this parenting thing. Nor will I ever.  My motto still stands as,  "One Day at a Time" 
Chaos is my middle name.  Sometimes I wonder why I still have hair left.  Any of you wonder the same?

BP and company (my eldest son in middle school, that could be another blog :)) are the center of my world.

I am back now and I am happy to make connections, friends and share my daily musings with everyone.  Please comment of you like and stop by to say "hi".  I love comments and enjoy any you have to say!  Declare the love. 

Have a great day,

Aspiring Creations: Got the Itch, but can't Scratch

Aspiring Creations: Got the Itch, but can't Scratch