Different not Less

So we watched the movie - Temple Grandin tonight....this is what I have to say.................

When you saw that weed in your garden and weren't sure if you should pull it or not....did you consider or stop to think....1,000 years ago someone saw a carrot frond and thought - different not less. 

Thank you Temple Grandin

2.13.10 - my funny valentine

I am sorry it has been so long since a post, but I have been a little busy!  :)  I went to a class on ASD (autism spectrum disorders) and it was very informative....All moms out there - be glad we weren't born earlier....apparently years ago - autism was blamed on "frigid mother syndrome"...moms didn't care enough or at all about their children and that made them become "autistic".. All mom's fault!!!!!  whatever.  I am just glad that  science has come farther than that!

So......anyway......Cole is turning 4 on Sunday!! yes, he is a Valentine's Day baby. Our doctor apparently did not celebrate V-day and so that is when Cole came into this world.......it was questionable at first if he was going to make it.  He didn't make a sound................but suddenly, he let out a Rambo yell and peed on all the nurses in attendance.  That was his grand entrance.  And he always makes his presence known.......World here I come - naked and screaming here I am!!!!!!

If only all of us had that fabulous ability to not care what others think of us.  Pee on your nurses.  Here we come. 

1.31.10 - Adventures in Babysitting

YEAH!!!!  Today Cole had his first-ever, non-family, BABYSITTER.  Granted, it was only for 2 1/2 hours, but it was wonderful.  The babysitter arrived and I walked her around the house and explained to her every possilble thing she might need to know ( I am sure I over-explained things).   She was probably thinking "ok lady, just go already - as long as the house doesn't catch fire we will be fine".  Anyway, Cole saw her and immediately wanted to be near her.  He loved her and possibly saw the opportunity to score as many snacks as he wanted while mommy was gone.

I came back to things just as I left them - perfectly fine.  :)  Yippeee!!!!

In the meantime, while I was out I met someone who teaches special needs kids - yoga.  Starting at age 4!!!  I am going to look into it more, but I think that would be great!!!!!!!

1.28.10 ................when did mommyhood get so scary?

So, yesterday we went to FVSRA for an assessment.  It was great.  I learned a few things I didn't know about autism and my son.  Maybe he was nervous, but I did appoligize for his gassy-ness while we were trapped in the tiny room for assessment!  That was the only non-plus item yesterday..........I also learned last night that you never want to turn to a channel with a stock ticker and then switch channels or there will be pint-sized hell to pay!!!!!  He loves the stock ticker....maybe we should get him interested in the stock market early?  By the time he is old enough to buy or sell stock he will actually know what he is doing! (unlike mommy)

One thing that was suggested yesterday was to get him involved in some team sports (with a helper of course - at least to begin).  Why oh why is that the most frightening thing I have heard recently?  I am sure he would not be worried, or even notice the other parents staring and hopefully at his young age the kids won't notice anything, they will just want to play.  The fear of the other parents is totally on me....I realize this.  But it makes me feel like I am preparing for my first day at a new school.  Who will be a friend?  Who will make a big deal of our differences?  Hopefully, my fears will not come to fruition but I just don't relish the idea of feeling like I have to explain "us".

Just a little rant for the day.......

1.26.10 - Big Daddy (Frankenstein)

Ever seen the movie Big Daddy???  Cole will probably disown me when he is older for this, but here is what he chose to wear to bed last night........  :)  Adorable, I know. 

Off to school in a few minutes.  Apparently, he had a GREAT day yesterday there... I love to hear it.  No problem with transitions and participated.  That is what I like to hear.  Let's see about today.  He is already mad b/c I won't play Wii this morning.  (He likes to watch).

1.24.10 - Coffee Anyone?

"Researchers estimate that between 40% and 80% of children with autism have difficulty sleeping. The biggest sleep problems among these children include:

• difficulty falling asleep
• inconsistent sleep routines
• restlessness or poor sleep quality
• waking early

A lack of a good night's sleep can affect not only the child, but everyone in his or her family." - from WebMD

Highlight the waking early part.  Why else would I be on this blog at 6:21 a.m. on a Sunday?  I have been up for an hour..........need coffee.  Or maybe some of those chocolate chews I saw yesterday that include as much caffeine as a Red Bull!  What is really sad is that by the time my husband gets up today - he is sleeping in - I will have been awake for 4 hours (at least)!!!!  So, to anyone who sees me on the weekends, or really any day and I totally fall asleep with a glass of wine in my hand but miraculously wake up with no hangover................that's because contrary to popular belief - I really am as tired as I say I am!!!!!!

I do feel bad for Cole though.  I wish he would sleep in a bit more; his record for sleeping in is 8:00 a.m. and of course that was on a weekday when he needed to get up for school.  When do kids start to figure out that Saturday and Sunday are days where the whole world should be sleeping in?  I would settle for 7:30........

1.22.10 - Spongebob vs. Mr. Hyde

Mr. Hyde ( of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) has not appeared yet today. I was greeted by my new favorite line from my son, (looking at me and holding my hand) "Hi mommy! It's me Spongebob". I won't even point out that my son is not yellow, nor does he wear square-pants............even with a slight hangover you have to smile at that and hope that Spongebob is triumphant over Mr. Hyde today.

Thanks to all that commented or emailed, etc. It is good to hear from friends and nice to know there is support out there.  On that note, I will let you know my reservations about some of the Mommy groups out there.....I am not knocking them, but just not sure they are for me.  I have never really been a part of "the mommy club".  I don't get my nails done or go to lunch or have play dates with other mothers (ok....once in a blue moon we have a play date).  It is not that I have anything against "the mommy club"  it is just "not my bag, baby".

I guess this blog is therapy enough.................