November 2012

Here are the Boys playing in the backyard in mid-November.
We have a few photos of Aidan's Birthday on my phone and our PC is bogged down with photos and minimal space and our CD/DVD burner for some reason no longer works...so we are in the process of figuring what to do...

October Recap

We celebrated my Mom's Birthday at my Grandparent's house.  The second to last picture on the top row is Logan's reaction to any "Happy Birthday" ending.  He now enjoys singing and will sing with us but he gets upset when you blow out the candles.  (EVEN if he tries to blow them out too.)  Our take on it...He thinks we are nuts for lighting candles and then blowing them out 30 seconds later.  

Our "trunk" at Aidan's trunk or treat.  I volunteered to decorate our "trunk" again.  Thankfully, Andrew came too. The Littles were not happy and Logan was very agitated.  UNTIL the end when Aidan's class sat on a curb to take a group photo.  Logan saw Aidan and got excited and almost 'star struck'.  That moment made all the screaming, tantrum, flailing, throwing, kicking, running away and crying TOTALLY worth it. 

Our annual Halloween Party hosted by Grandma (my Mom) came next.  Logan was Mario with Luigi's mustache.  He hates his face being messed with but requested to have the mustache on.  If it fell off...Oh the hysterics!  

Our few photos form trick or treating.  (4)

We made a record number of houses this year.  It was like 8 or so.  Aidan was ready to go, walked out in the front yard and lost it.  He had to run inside to visit the restroom and then was hysterical when he came back.  We "made" him go trick or treating only because if he did not go then after the fact he would be hysterical that he never got to go.  

Logan walked out front saw a Boy in an Angry Bird Costume and ran circles in the front yard doing his singing grunt of the Angry Birds theme song. Logan actually went to some doors and said, "Trick or treat" twice.  We walked up to a house with an orange spot light and large spiders and he stopped and said, "Oh My!!" He only fussed a few times about not going into peoples houses and twice I had to run into a neighbors house to retrieve him.  By far his best year yet! 

 Daniel was just a happy little man who quickly became sleepy since he goes to bed early.  

Let's hope Aidan will eventually enjoy it.  He loves to pass out candy but equally upset if he thinks he missed out.  Maybe if trick or treating isn't his thing he will be happy with passing out candy instead.  

Here's hoping!

Collage of September

Here's September!

The plan was to buy Halloween Costumes in increments and while there were still "good" ones.  Aidan wanted a store bought one for the first time ever.  It turns out Logan stole Aidan's Mario Costume and so I had to go back out to get another for Aidan.  Logan wore every single one we got and would refuse PJ's at bedtime. 

Aidan was on a Soccer team.  He did pretty well for the first few games.  We had some rain outs and breaks and finished the season with a bang of hysterics.  OH well.  

We finally installed the hardware to hang Logan's swing inside.  That entailed moving out a desk from our office and now our bedroom looks terrible (Still!!)

Daniel has unique way of using the sit and spin.  

We also went to Public Saftey Day.  We go every year, last year it was rained out.  This year was the first time we went since Logan was diagnosed. Instead of him enjoying it, he flipped out for most of the time we were there.  We did however finish on a happy note and there were a lot of laughter and smiles for the last bit.  Which for us means it was a success!

Friday, July 13th and the following weeks

This Child is part monkey.  I get him down, turn around and here he is again.  That is how the cycle goes.  Almost never ending. 

Newest Comfort item in July.  A Disney Cars potty seat.  Is he interested in potty training?  Nope.  We see it as baby steps though.  This seat tagged along to the OT, nap, bed, shopping trips...you get the drift.
I would see peoples fear when they  see a potty seat.  I guess thinking it's used.  I would reassure his Therapist, it has not been used.  At least I don't think.  If it has I promise my OCD tendency of cleaning as deprived it of any nastiness.  You see, we got these for Aidan when he potty trained.  The deal was, Aidan was uneasy on the big potty.  A part of his vestibular sensory difficulties. Aidan never used the potty seats.  He used the little potties, then went to standing to pee and finally warming up to the Thomas potty seat...not the Cars.  

Anyways, we headed up to Ohio in July for a Family Reunion.   Of course, we have no photos.  **Sigh**

Onward to Friday, July 13th.  

Logan is usually awake by 7:30a at the latest.  On a super late day 8a.  We heard him talking earlier in the morning but then he was quiet.  (Which happens and don't get him..he is not ready to be up.)  Andrew left for work.  By 8:45a I was feeling funny that he was still in bed.  I checked on him at 8:50 all while talking down  my internal panic. He was in bed his eyes opened and rolling in the back of his head and I said,"Oh, you're so tired!"  Well, 5 minutes later I told my self I need to go get him.
His eyes were open and he was quiet.  He sat on me and melted into me.  (This is not "normal.")  Then I noticed a foul odor of  a dirty foot.  (Like Valerian root...) I thought to myself, "Wow! You're lovey did not reek  last night."  His eyes kept rolling in the back of his head and he was pale almost gray.  My brain kicks in that he must be nauseous and  a stomach bug was lurking.
I then smelled his lovey.  Oh the stink but his PJ's smelled too.  I thought, "My Kid did not stink when he went to bed."
So I got him new clothes because who wants to be nauseous and smell of nasty foot.
I went upstairs and decided to sniff his sheets.   They reeked too!
I got him new clothes.
I changed his diaper.  He was a limp noodle.  (this does happen from time to time)  I sat him upright and he moaned and fell over.  His eyes kept looking like he was falling asleep.
I think, "Wow! He must feel TERRIBLE!"
I went in to my proactive mode for vomit, getting the puke bucket and laying out towels for him to lay on.  I put him on the couch and he kept looking like he was nodding off.  I went and got the thermometer and he had no fever.  Very strange.  But, hey you don't always get a fever when you are sick.
Daniel climbed on top of Logan 3 times and Logan had no reaction.  Usually when Logan is trying to wake up and Daniel sits on him Logan yells and rolls away from him.
Even more strange...
Aidan started asking me why Logan was not saying anything.  Which was true!  I was so busy waiting for an exorcist style vomit session that I did not even notice he had not babbled a word.  I also was keeping calm on the outside, so I did not think Aidan was feeding off me.

I got a juice cup and put it in Logan's hand.  He finally gripped onto it and after a while I got him to drink it.
Then about 5 minutes later, he sat upright and started scripting and running around.
It was a strange 45 minutes.

No need to go into anymore of a novel, but long story short (for me anyway) even for us this was a weird episode.  I talked to Andrew, My Mom and My Sister.  Usually if I say something his weird they are a voice of reason.  They ALL thought it was weird.
I called the Pediatrician.  The nurse wanted him to come in.
They think Logan had a seizure episod.  So a script for an emergency anti-seizure med and 4 days later we had an appointment with a pediatric neurologist
I have recited these event countless times since they happened.  I never did put Logan down for nap that afternoon in fear of it happening again and we kept him in our bed that night too.
The neurologist ran an EEG.
Ultimately, the Doctor is pretty positive it was a seizure episode and possibly due to a metabolic disorder since there was the strange odor.
His EEG is normal.  Another episode could happen again or maybe not.
He told us our course of action so we can most accurately test for any metabolic disorders.  (They aren't "easy" to test for.)
If that is the issue then he could still test negative for it, if we just went and had the test run.  They are most accurate when he would be in a metabolic crisis or even just have a cold/virus/infection.
He referred us to Duke for a Pediatric Geneticist to do more detailed genetics than the developmental pediatrician did.  Only thing is, it's takes 6 or more months to get in.  We will visit them at the End of February.

I have so many people tell me, "Weren't you so scared?!"  The truth is, I wasn't.  I REALLY thought he was sick because he acts pretty similar when he gets sick, which really isn't often.

End of August

 Logan's first day of school this year and Aidan's Meet the Teacher Morning.
Logan is not in focus at all.
Aidan picked out his outfit.  :)

Daniel would not cooperate for a photo. 

Logan walking into school, happy as all get out to be there again. 

Aidan, Daniel and Andrew swinging while we killed the 45 minutes in between dropping Logan off and Aidan's scheduled time to meet his Teachers. 

 Aidan's First Day of his last year of Preschool.  :(

Logan actually is actually still enough for our little camera to focus on. 

Aidan looking unsure but mostly because he doesn't like posing for photos. 

Me and Aidan

Andrew and Aidan

Aidan's class with his  Teacher's arm.  His teacher is the wife of Logan's Therapist through TEACCH.  Small world and oddly comforting.  Aidan LOVED Mr. Ron and really loves Mary.  Yes, Aidan loves all of Logan's therapist's because they are all wonderful and help him feel included and helpful for Logan. 

Daniel was pretty restless at night and always banging into the crib all night long.  He would also sleep the "short" way in the crib. So for us (even though we felt he was a little young) we saw these signs a time for the Big Boy Bed.  His transition was smooth and wonderful!  (WHAT?!  One of our Kids?!  Our Kid who screamed for over 12 hours a day, birthed in my pants, puked wonderful nasty arcs of vomit all the time and breaks out in eczema and rashes over most foods?!) YES!  It was "easy" for him and us!  

He loves his bed and so does his Big Brother's.  :)

Last few photos from June.

Andrew works 7 days a week and works looong days.  This was my first time starting the charcoal grill.  Of course I called Andrew and he walked me through it.  

Sweet Baby D eating some muffins on a lazy breakfast day. 

 Cooper loves my banana muffins too. 

 Roxy not please to be photographed. 

 Aidan smiling while scarfing muffins. 

 Logey Joe with a mouthful too. 

 A failed attempt at making bread.  I learned some tricks so now we have bread with minimal junk in it. 

End of June and Father's Day

Meme celebrated her 81st Birthday.  Bitty was ready for some cake. 

On Father's Day we made a day trip to Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium and Fort Macon.  

We love the beach and this was the "vacation" that was in our budget this year.  :)

 We were SUPER surprised Aidan posed for a picture and even more surprised he did it with a giant penguin!  Unfortunately, we never got to see the new penguin exhibit that day.  :(

 Logan LOVED the otters. 

 All smiles again for the Otters.  Then onto the fits due to the crowds and unpredictability of where we were. 

 Aidan being Silly and Sweet in the Gift Shop

 Onto happiness for all the Boys. 

 D enjoyed digging in spite of being exhausted. 

 Logan embraced the sand surprisingly enough!

 Aidan loved the ocean before and EVEN after he got tossed by the surf.  

He had a full cartoon feet in the air effect.  We grabbed him and pulled him up quickly and he did not show any fear afterwards.  Whew!  This is a HUGE improvement for him!

 Mom and Me watching Andrew and Aidan wade out into the water. 

 Aidan eating it up!  Thanks to my Dad for taking all the photos when we were on the Beach!

 Grandma and Logan. 

 Showing Logan how to build with the sand.  He mostly dumps it on his head and eats it.  

18 Months Old!! (in June)

Sweet Baby D was 18 months old in June.  

Here he is on his 1.5 Birthday. 

At 18 months our Sweet Baby D was:

32.5 in tall (73%)

25 lbs 14.5 oz (50%)

and a large noggin

circumference of

19.74 in (>95%)

D's words are slowly coming but communication is there.
He still has to avoid dairy, soy and nuts to avoid gastrointestinal upset, rashes and eczema.  

Overall, a sweet happy little man.  

End of school party for Logan

I was invited to go to Logan's End of School Celebration.  He only goes to school 3 days a week and this party was on an "off" day.  I was concerned he may not like me coming with him and staying.  Luckily, this was not the case!  The kids played at the water table.  A few parents showed up.  Then they ate treats we all brought.  Then it was time for dismissal.  

Here is Logan after his snacks. 

I did not think much of going. The moment where we all sitting down inside his classroom was a little surreal. 

For me I always wanted to be a Mom and dreamed of being a Mom and all it entails.  My dreams did not ever contain being in an Exceptional Children's Class.  ( I really like that better than when I was in school...it was the LD class or Special Ed...)  

It really hit me.  Just another bit of reality knocking on the door.  It is our every day so, I don't always notice. Other days it is obvious, we are not "normal."  But what is normal anyway?
 There is a documentary I want to see called "Neurotypical" meaning non-autistic.  On their flyers for their film it said, "Normal is a cycle on a washing machine."  

But, being in the class just really solidified what is.  Almost an out of body moment.  

I can't explain it very well...perhaps because I am writing this 6 months later.

However,  when I was pregnant with Logan I always had an "off" feeling. 

I could never place it.  Then after the little bit of drama before his birth, I thought.."THIS IS IT!"  

But that feeling never went away.  I felt a black cloud always lingering over me.  I physically could feel it in me.  

I went to a few doctors not able to get anyone to figure it out.  

That feeling never truly went away until we got the diagnosis.  

The weight went away, but soon I was filled with a tremendous amount of overwhelming anxiety. 

As time passes it gets easier but there are some days where my mind is clouded and I can't think straight. My chest burns/hurts so much I feel I am breathing fire.  Those days I quickly lose my ability to cope with most everything going on.  

Luckily, those days are few and far between now instead of consuming all of who I am, like they started to.  

That said, I was/am always grateful for what we were given.  God knew we needed this and put this sweet little frustrating man in our hands, on this Earth for a great reason.  

Deep down, I know it, I feel it.  

Doubters can doubt but I trust my gut.  

This Little Man just may help change the world. 

That's my story and I"m sticking to it!

At Lake Lynn

Back in June we took the Littles for a walk around a local park with a lake and the Biggun' rode his bike that  my Sister kindly lent to us.  

First we fed the "ducks" mostly geese.  Logan really got a kick out of it.  

Here is a little clip of Aidan riding.  He needed a little bit of help on the uneven path.  We are working with him on strengthening his core to help him be more stable.  He is a little "floppy" with some things. 

He rode the entire 2.25 miles around the lake.  Not to mention the path that leads to the 2.25 mile loop.  

This is a bumpy video..a warning to the queasy. 

Aidan's Thinking Glasses

Back in June Aidan wanted to play on Disney Junior while his brothers napped.  He went and got these glasses just for his "work."

Uncle Matt's Birthday

We celebrated Uncle Matt's Birthday.  It was a rainy night.  Logan showed Uncle Gavin all about Angry Birds and this is the first time he has ever cuddled with Uncle Gavin!  :-)

The Big Kid's dancing and singing.  

Recapping from April

These are from the middle and end of April.  

The first photos are when Aidan and I went to Ohio for my Uncle's funeral. 

My Cousin's Sweet Boy Noah.  

He and Aidan were two peas in a pod.  This was their 3rd or 4th time meeting.  

Noah is Logan's age. 

Hanging out in Great Grandpa and Grandma Crase's yard.  

My Cousin Jeremy and his Son, Carter.  

Aidan playing on Noah's play set.  My Cousin Kori is Noah's Mom and at the time cooking a Baby Brayden. 

Trouble with a Capital "T."  We don't have a power wheels and when Aidan took the wheel, it was pretty scary...

Aidan happy to be home and Logan claiming his Momma. 

Baby D's curls and probably the reason why people would ask if he was a girl or a boy.  I was savoring those sweet shiny curls. 

SATURDAY!!

Saturday is the day! Please if possible help donate to our Team we created for Logan. The proceeds of this event support the statewide programs and services of the Autism Society of North Carolina. The therapies that help people with these difficulties, like our Logan are not cheap by any means. This is not a labeling epidemic. I used to think so,getting to know people on the Spectrum and education helped me realize that was not the case. 

Bitty's Buddies Team

Up and Coming Events

This year I am happy to say, we created a team for the Autism Society of NC in honor of Our Bitty Boo.  

Last year we missed out. We learned of this event after the fact. I told my Mom then and there that this year will be different.  I am sure as the years go by I will feel more organized and have a better idea of how to be a Team Captain.  I know that may sound silly but it is something very important to me.

I am very lucky to say that the wonderful group I work out with has decided to join our team too.  Bitty will have a good sized team.

Anyways, I would love to write more but yet again cannot focus to save my life.  I have no ability to get out words on what this means to me or to give it the justice I feel it deserves.  I used to have coherent thought and hope to regain that ability one day.  For now this remains a bland post of something I want to do and hope that others may want to join our team and/or make donations.  Donations are greatly appreciated whether they are your precious time or  monetary form.  Everything matters!  

Here is a link to our team if anyone wants to check it out.  Pretty basic set up they have but it gets the job done. 

Bitty's Buddies

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Triangle Run/Walk for Autism will begin with a USATF certified 5K competitive run at 9:00am in Moore Square. Following the competitive race there will be a non-competitive 5K Run/Walk, a recreational one mile Run/Walk, and a one block Kids Dash.

There will be musical entertainment throughout the morning and a children’s play area with face painting and an inflatable castle. A variety of businesses, service providers, and local support resources will be available to showcase their products and services.

Proceeds from the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism support the statewide programs and services of the Autism Society of North Carolina. 

Each day two North Carolina families have a child diagnosed with a form of autism. The incidence of autism Is now 1 in 110 births and 1 in 70 for boys.

Individuals on the autism spectrum and their families need help and support in order to reach their full potential as contributing members of society.

30

Mid April, I turned 30. 

Mom had my family party at her house the day before.

The next morning Andrew went into work super early.  (He works 7 days a week to help off set the cost of therapies.)  He came home with a tomato plant, a cup of Starbucks and a biscuit.  I was excited to have him home and had high hopes of spending the day with My Boys.  I wanted to go strawberry picking and plant my veggie/herb garden.  That was my "dream birthday."  

Well, the farm nearby was closed for ripening.  I tried to find another farm near but most were closed on Sunday.  After many foiled attempts we made our way to the Farmer's Market.  I was enjoying walking around and looking and dreaming of all the things I would love to plant.  

After 20 minutes or so Andrew said, " I don't mean to be an ass but.."  

I wasn't sure where he was going with this. 

"I made plans for you today and someone is supposed to pick you up at noon and I keep sending them texts pushing back the time.  Can we hurry it up?"  

I said, "Well, why did you go along with me wanting to go everywhere?!?!"  

He said, "I can't think on my feet!" 

So, we picked up the pace and headed for the van. 

I then played 8 million questions with him on what he had planned. 

He would not budge.  

On the highway I saw one of my friends.  I tried to wave but she was all eyes on the road.  (This is a good thing!)  So I sent her a message saying, "I saw you on the highway!"  

We arrive home and I see a van parked out in front of our house.  

Andrew did at least say that she I were going to lunch.  

So my friend and I got in the van and went to lunch.  

As we pulled up to an already planned place I wondered if Andrew had made more plans than lunch with me and a friend.  I quickly passed off the notion and was happy to have a lunch date.
Then we walked inside and sure enough there was a table of friends waiting there.  Andrew was busy inviting people to come and getting something coordinated.
It was a very nice surprise and had a great lunch with friends.  If only I was prepared I would have take a picture.  After I came home snuggled my Boys and loved it.

My Grandfather in Ohio is the oldest of 8.  One of his younger Brother's (#6 of the 8) had been sick.  That night when Grandpa and Grandma called to wish me 'Happy Birthday', Grandpa told me they had just visited Uncle Jack.  Grandpa said he did not think Uncle Jack was long for this world.
Grandpa then told me they talked about  a story that Uncle Jack would tell me every time I would see him.  Seriously..ever since I was 4 years old and got into Uncle Jack's skoal.  That would always be the first thing Uncle Jack would say when he saw me.
 About 20 or so minutes after I got off the phone with Grandpa and Grandma, my Mom called to tell me Uncle Jack had went to Heaven.  I know I call him Uncle Jack because he is my Uncle.  If you get technical he is my Dad's Uncle, but due to my Grandpa being the oldest Uncle Jack was only 9 years older than my Dad, Jack was much more of a Big Brother to my Dad.
It was a great wonderful 30th Birthday but also a little sad.  Uncle Jack passed away at the young age of 69. 

Logan Turned Three!

And now four months later I am finally attempting a three year old post.  We did not take many pictures during the Party, but the few we have will do.  We always try to video the Boys waking up on their Birthdays and Christmas.  I know the videos can be long and they usually make me pretty nauseous HOWEVER, I love that we have them.

By the end of his party he was more than overstimulated.  The day was great.  We busted our butts making sure the playset was ready, that our interactive Angry Birds set up was done and worked well and that they cake was free of food dye.  

The cake was "fun" enough but the vivid colors would have made it much cooler.  However, as much as possible we will be food dye free due to the way Logan AND Aidan react to it.  Hives, flushing of the cheeks, lethargy and much more.  Once we figured it out with Aidan (took an eternity) it was easier to figure out with Logan. We currently have not had hives for over a year now.  Pretty good since they kept popping up for weeks on end.  

Anyways, Logan's Birthday was fun!  Can't believe 3 years passed since his scary enough arrival. 

I don't believe I shared these before.

At his birth again (as with Aidan) Andrew could not cut the cord and we could not hold him right away.  Special Care was in the room to take care of him and make sure he was able to breath on his own and not in any distress.

Our Little Tiny Man was perfect!

Music to any Parent's ears. 

Holding him for the first time.  Thinking of all the diapers in my future...3 years later..I still have two in diapers!  :)

Tiny Bitty...Two days old and under 5 lbs at home. Big Bro Aidan staying near and 17 months old. 

At 3 years our Bitty is still small, 26.8 lbs and 37 in tall.  

 Wow!  Babies are truly amazing.