Enjoying the Warmer Weather

I LOVE Spring...I think it is my favorite season...no, I know it is. I love planting beautiful vibrant colored flowers in the yard, I love cleaning the house out...I adore the evenings and the chance to take late evening walks. My children are no exception to the Springtime love. They love that it is getting warm enough to play in the water. Remember when you were little and you would play in the sprinkler? I didn't have a pool, no fancy water parks...just that yellow and aluminum oscillating sprinkler. We used to try and keep away from the water, or jump higher than the sprinkler height without touching the streams. Good times. I pulled out the yellow sprinkler, hooked it up on driveway and let the kids have at it. Fun indeed!

ECing...harmonious with CDing

Yes, I know, we are hippies...but, with good reason..have you seen the world in it's current condition???? SCARY stuff! Our children are homeschooled, free to nurse for as long as they so choose, sleep with us when they want, run around the house naked, eat organic foods, verging on vegetarian....we cloth diaper, wear our babies and now...ECing. Elimination Communication. I don't know if you have ever heard of this, but really, it is just common sense. It is the reason that Trinity was potty trained so early, and I had no idea that it had a "name". It is trusting your childs instincts and reading their cues as to when they need to go potty. We all know that most kiddos pee in the tub, so why not take them out and put them on the potty? Etc. Etc... We have been searching for a perfect potty and located the right one. We change him often through out the day and offer the potty after naps, before baths, after baths, right when he gets up etc. If he doesn't go or does not show an interest, we move on..but, it is amazing how the babies respond and actually are so much happier. If you have babies, you can start this at infancy and it really increases the bond between the caregiver and child. Check out this blog, it has a ton of info on the subject.
http://doityourselfec.blogspot.com/search/label/Welcome/

You so funny!!! Talking and talking.......

Trinity is really a crack up. I love her, talking to her at times is like speaking to someone from a foreign country, the way she uses her words, mixes up nouns/verbs, leaves of important constanants.....I think it is cute that she has a speech impediment, I mean, I am sure it will leave soon, will be a memory of her that will eventually dissapear, but for now, I love it, I soak it up, I listen to every word, every imperfectly perfect word. Some examples

Mama, you silly!!!
Tupid is not a nice ting to say!
Dat was pecial to me.
Yeah, dat was punny...I tink we sood do dat again.
Mama, puhmember?

There is more, these are only a few sentences that come to mind...but her words are really something worth listening too...the innocence of it all is very endearing to me. I think about how Tristan may not say his first real words for some time, and it really changes the way I look at how Trinity is such a jabber jaw...I don't think I will ever shush her again, I want to hear my kids talking and talking and talking, I guess you take these things for granted. I want to hear him talk so badly it hurts inside. I think about the day that he is going to say "I love you momma" and I hope it is soon.

GFCF, I love you

Since we have started the FULL on Gluten Free diet we have really seen some amazing breakthrus. Some examples, today, Tristan was standing on the coffee table, normally, he is pretty oblivious to me calling his name or saying no...but today, from the kitchen I said "Tristan" and IMMEDIATELY, his head whips in my direction!!! Then, here is the kicker "Tristan, please get down, you could get hurt." He proceeds to go on his tummy and GETS DOWN!!!! I was elated. Then, he was so smily with me after nap...spontaneous smiles, genuine happy baby smiles...it was heartwarming. I know that this diet/modification to his diet is helping, he no longer has the horrible diarrea that he was experiencing everyday, he is not stimming all day long, he is responding to his name more. He snuck a biscuit from Trinity last week, and within a few hours the shit hit the fan....so, I know that there has to be something to it. So, I have to report with steadfast assurity (yes, i just made up my own word) that we are staying on this GFCF diet cause it is working!!!!!

Her and Him

Yeah, I know, not the best use of proper English, but hey, cut me some slack, it's late and my brain is wrecked right now. Anyway, on to the title..her and him. Trinity and Tristan. I love that little girl...she really is something. I remember before she was born, I had a healer do a blessing on my belly...this was even before we knew the sex, and I remember we were told "She is going to change the world one person at a time." It is so true. She brings a smile to everyone she meets, she is light in a dark world and in my world. She is the best therapist to her little brother and I am so sure that she is the key to helping out of this place he is currently living in. Last night he fell, she cried harder than he did...I was sitting on the bed cuddling him and she was nestled in my curled up legs, hand on me and a hand on her brother. She calmed down once he stopped crying and while rubbing his face she says "His cheeks are so soft, *bending down and kissing him softly on his red spot* I love you Tristan...." My heart literally wept joy. I am so blessed to have such an amazingly supportive and loving daughter in all of this. Most children may act out in jealousy, which, I will be honest, before his diagnosis, she did a bit of that at his Play Therapy sessions...BUT, it is like now that she knows that there is a reason behind Tristan's happenings, she can also better respond to it.

Today they were playing, and she was so patient with him. There have been plenty of times in the past that I would hear in a sassy tone "TRISTAN!" because he took a toy away, or "AAAHH, TRISTAN!!!!!!" because he got in her way...but today, I watched silently as he did both of those things more than once, and with a patient tone and a loving tone, unaffected by it, she says "Here you go buddy, is this what you want??? This is a BALL, it's a BALL Tristan." Who needs speech when I have my own ABA Therapist right here LOL. Her and Him...they really work well together.

Now what?

Last night was rough, I think I cried for about 2 hours....I love my husband, I am so appreciative of his support, but, I have also realized that I need a better support system outside of just us. I don't really have a large circle of friends, not what I thought I did anyway. I am determined to find an actual group that I can be a part of that I have PHYSICAL contact with people...I enjoy emotional support, but am realizing that sometimes I feel like I just need a hug you know? I mean, hugs from 4 year olds are amazingly therapuetic, don't get me wrong...but...sometimes, bigger things call for bigger hugs, like now. Thank you to Amie, you are amazing to me...to have walked through this journey for sometime now, implemented a complete GFCF diet, STUCK to it, and help me on so many levels by listening (even if just by email LOL)...all the while raising your family too...I really appreciate you.

I have been reading a book for sometime now, Louder Than Words by Jenny McCarthy, I am sure that most of you have heard of it. Great read really, but it takes on a WHOLE new meaning when you actually receive an autism diagnosis. The book rings so true on so many aspects. I have gone back and re-read things that I once skipped over, they make sense now. What amazing woman and great writer. This book has become a new bible around here. Kinda like when you are having a REALLY rough day with your child, and you watch an episode of Nanny 911 just to help you through it?? This book helps me feel that way, I can see what she has been though, and it kinda prepares me. It helps me realize that I am not the only one that is going through this or that it is ok for him to do certain things that other kids are not doing.

So, now what?? We have a long road of therapy ahead of us, and truly, I am greatful and ready to take it all on. I know that what awaits us is uncertain...but realize with all of my being that we all love this little guy. I am certain that we are going to stick together as a family and defeat this, it's just a matter of time.

"Autism is not a dead-end diagnosis. It is the beginning of a journey into faith, hope, love and recovery." -Dr. Jerry J. Kartzinel

It's Official

Tristan had his appointment with the Developmental Specialist Pediatrician yesterday evening...this man was amazing with both him and Trinity. There was a 6-9 month wait for him and most other specialists, but upon me calling them last Friday and explaining our concern over the MRI and wanting a last minute 2nd opinion, they squeezed us in after hours. We filled out a bevvy of information, and he called us in. He played games with Tristan, observed him in play, did some non verbal tests, verbal / language tests, physical exam...and then, the diagnosis. High Functioning Autism. I have to say, eventhough I was pretty sure there was "something" it still a surprise to us. I feel a mixture of feelings, obviously I would wish that he did not have this disorder, but, he does, so wishing really doesn't help him much does it? On the other hand, knowing is better than not, so now we can really get the help he needs without wondering what or why he does certain things or doesn't. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives, we are going to focus on breaking the barrier. I am hopefull that we will get through and Tristan will have a great chance at living a "normal" life, whatever that may be! The doctor went on to explain that he scored very high on his non verbal IQ, that he is extremely intelligent, social, emotional and has appropriate eye contact. He thinks that it is mainly a language barrier of sorts (with some SID - sensory integration), and if we oversaturate him with language, speech and music therapy that the outlook is amazing. He was so happy that we came to see him and that we received a diagnosis so early (the earliest that he has ever given...that he ever knows of to date). The doctor also urged us to cancel the MRI. He said that they only prescribe this if there is a concern for mental retardation or cerebral palsy which he is certain that he has neither. He went on to explain that the risks outweigh the benefits, general anesthia is a tricky thing and that different kids respond differently. He has heard of children on the spectrum that have had the procedure with sedation that have actually regressed....We are going to schedule an EEG instead since Absence Seizures are a concern and those can DEFINITELY be measured on an EEG, which is a non invasive procedure!!!

My wish for Tristan is that he is treated equally. It pains me to think that someone will ever be mean to him, he is so sweet, so gentle, and because of this, so vunerable to the meanies. I am so tired of peoples obsession with perfection and their sick way of pointing out people's inadequecies and only hope that if this happens with Tristan, that I am there to put them in their place. When did the world become so heartless? I know that we have a long road ahead of us, but luckily, we have a really big bag of snacks, ton of tricks up our sleeves, and enough love to fill a small country to get us through it.

Tristan and Jenny

I love our EI Therapist...in the months that Tristan has been working with her, we have seen great leaps in his development. He adores her, and she him. I love how she interacts with both him and Trinity (although, Trinity can be a bit of a pill sometimes when she is here..but, it is to be expected). We have played at Bounce U together, done numerous fun things here...she is really a great person. Tristans face lights up when she comes over, and that makes me happy. During his last session, we saw something that we haven't seen before...a true connection. He really connected with her and interacted more on a one on one level. This is huge. He has also been doing this with Trinity, whereas before, he would be happy just spinning a wheel in the corner..he actually watches her, and mimicks what he sees. He has his MRI on the 18th of January to rule out any possible precursors for the delay, I am starting to become more hopeful that they will not find anything....I am seeing so much more in him that we have only hoped to see. Thank you Jenny for all that you have done with Tristan, here's to many more sessions of wonderful therapy..for all of us, it really works.

Gingerbread Houses - LATE POST!!!

I have pictures of this..but for some reason, they are not loading! ARGH!!! BUT, here is the post until I figure that all out!

Trinity and Tristan had homeschool group on Tuesday and it was time to make Gingerbread houses! I can't even begin to tell you how much she has been waiting for this day. She loves to construct, Tristan loves to destruct, so, it worked both ways. It was so sweet to see all the kids of all different ages smashed together on 2 large tables just going at it. Tristan knocked over 2 cartons of sprinkles, apparently, he loves sprinkles...to be everywhere. Trinity caked so much frosting on her house that I got cavities just looking at it...and don't even get me started on her sprinkle bonanza. She did it all by herself, her own little creation...it is amazing to watch them do these tasks unassisted...no more "Help me momma", now its "No thank you momma, I can do it by myself", bittersweet really. I love my kiddos, and I enjoy watching them flourish into these amazing individuals that they are becoming.

Yumm, Corn on the Cob!!!

Tonight was the first time that Tristan has had corn ON THE COB. He has has plenty of corn in his lifetime, it is one of his favorite veggies, but tonight, he went to TOWN on some corn on the cob! It was really fun to watch how much joy he got out of eating this corn...at one point, he stole a second cob from the plate and was double fisting them...that's my boy, loves his vegetables!!

A Dip in the Sink

Sooo, my daughter has recently decided that she all of a sudden HATES having a bath....she will take a shower with me or daddy, but HATES having a bath! So, last night, we had both kiddos resort back to the sink bath like when they were wee babies. It was fun, it renewed her love of baths, and well,,,,it was cute.

There's no need to fear......

...UNDERDOG is here!!!

We had a great Halloween, were supposed to go to my parents house, then to his parents house, but ended up staying at ours! It was a good decision, since we had fun seeing all of Trinity's friends in the neighborhood and really scooped up a ton of candy. Trinity wanted to be Underdog this year, so I scrambled to whip up a costume last minute...that's how we roll I guess LOL!

Tristan was a "stray puppy"....Trinity picked that one :) He was wearing a size 2T costume that was too SMALL for him...oy, I have a big boy on my hands!!! I thought the puppy was fitting though since according to Trinity "puppies like to nurse, and so does Tristan."

We also went to my parents house on the 27th for a Festival, which was SUPER fun. Trinity was WonderWoman that day, and, she won 2nd place in the costume contest!! She earned a $10 gift card to Walmart and traded it in on the way home for 2 prizes. Tristan was as happy as ever, even with the teething! Here he is signing his version of "drink". He peirces his lips together and makes a kissing sound...super cute and hard to miss.

Trin competed in her first "Pie Eating Contest"...although, she only wanted to "lick it like a puppy" and didn't really eat any of the pie (don't say I blame her!)

Shannon and I both dressed up this year, he was Otis from The Barnyard Movie, I was a Fairy / Butterfly (just a black outfit and some wings, add a little glitter...viola!)

I think this was my favorite Halloween!! We all enjoyed seeing our neighbors, walking our streets, and enjoying being so close to home...we may just have to make this our new tradition.

Everybody was a NINJA fighting!

So, everyone knows, Shannon is a BIG kid...I swear, it is like I am a mom of 3 "Now, you 2 (me talking to Trinity and SHANNON) calm down, its getting late and you need to go to bed soon" EVERY NIGHT LOL. They are the terrible twosome, always have their hands in something naughty *not like, WEIRD naughty, but...you get it* They are in it...This weekend Shannon broke out some of the Halloween dress ups, and they just went at it...Tristan even got in the action, though, I think he was just worried about Daddy when he was pretending to be knocked out! I love my house, it's crazy, but SO MUCH FUN!

August / September Updates

Man oh man....kids, they really do just grow up before your eyes! LITERALLY. Trinity has outgrown pretty much all of her clothes...WHY!!!!! She is going to be taller than me I think. I was putting pjs on her last night...no, wait SHE, was doing "BY MYSELF MAMA"...so, SHE was putting her pjs on last night, and they were so freaking short, and tight..I kept telling her "Baby, those don't really seem to be fitting all that well..." she cuts me off "No mama, this is how they are made..see" *shows me the flood style leg and the belly hanging out..."Right, that is my point exactly..." She still went to bed in them. I mean, I am not going to win that one...she was determined, and I was apparently wrong :) They are supposed to be that way, RIGHT!

Anywho...she has been SO stubborn lately, not really to a fault, just enough to still remain sweet and cute..lucky girl..lucky us! She said to me, when I asked her to go play upstairs for a bit because i needed to mop "But mama, I don't want to" Again, I ask her...she says NO...this time I tell her, "Honey, mama is telling you now, so I need you to listen, please go upstairs"...she says, with a sad look on her face "Mama, I just love you so much that I HAVE to be beside you all the time..so, sorry mama, but no, I am not going upstairs." AHHHHH, who can mop when your little one says something like that...so, needless to say, the crumbs are still on the floor LOL.

Tristan..OMG...he has been amazing us left and right! He LOVES his EI Therapist...I like her too...she is pretty amazing. She is working on walking with him, alot, and he really has taken to her. She uses a TON of play therapy, which is good, cause my kids LOVE to play. SO, UPDATE....he is taking steps!!! YAHOO! (not the email provider, but the saying YAHOO!) he is almost there. We are working on loosening up his upper body too, which we all have noticed a change. Next, he is working on strengthening his trunk to help with his balance. Here he is taking steps today...he is really growing up! Still nursing, like a champ, but we all know how I feel about that :)

What else.....Trinity is having Homeschool everyday, she LOVES it. I approach it in a way that it is not TOO terribly structured, afterall, we have the rest of our "grown up" lives for that right? We play a lot, sing, do tons of arts and crafts....she is the one who bumped it up to 5 days a week, so, following her lead here, we are schooling everyday! We have opened up one of the days for one her friends Tatum to join, Trinity really enjoys that. She is spelling and reading more now, some of her favorite words are : CANDY *really*, GOODY, CLOWN, MOM, DAD, TRINITY, TRISTAN, CAT, DOG, BOO, BOO BOO, EMILY, NANA, PAPA...she is working on a ton more, but these are her favorite so far.

We are excited about Trinity's 4th birthday, I just LOVE parties!!!! I will be blogging about that too I suppose.,...so, until then, keep smiling :)