Great visit with Martha today.

It was nice to have a play visit with Martha today, it's been awhile.  Christopher was proud to show off his couch jumping skills.  We also had a great time playing at the water table.  Christopher found a bubble in the water which led us to blowing bubbles into the water with straws!  So much fun.  Then we graduated to sucking water and transferring the water from straws into cups. Good idea Christopher.  We finished off this visit with a snack at the table.  We had to remove the Yohoo Drink because it had a straw and that was a bit to irresistible for sucking and blowing out all over the place following our play with straws.  But even that wasn't a terrible trauma.  Great transitions today.

Terrifying the other BJ's shoppers.

Standard practice Christopher and I went to McDonald's before doing our shopping.  He enjoys eating away his fries while I tend to the shopping list.  On Monday I bought a Happy Meal and in it was a dragon type toy.  He found great pleasure in making it ROAR! at all that passed by our cart.  Very cute.

Bye Bye Poops

We have recently moved Christopher's  changing table into the bathroom in order to make better association with the potty.  It's working!  When we change a poop diaper we make a big deal of dumping the mess into the potty and flushing it goodbye.  The other day once we said goodbye to the poop, Christopher wanted to sit on the potty.  Fully dressed and only for a few seconds but he sat!

Mighty Machines

I can't seem to get this theme song out of my head . . .  maybe it's because Christopher is COMPLETELY stuck on it.  This is a DVD set that we purchased for him (thank you Gram-Gram) and he loves it.  All videos with snappy music in the background of real construction, emergency, racing, and other vehicles.  But it seems we have to watch, rewind, watch, rewind, watch, rewind, watch, rewind,watch, rewind, watch, rewind, and watch the open theme song over and over.  Oh, not just watch but dance too.

All is OK - No all nighters with Croup.

So we have managed to escape any major issues this time with Croup.  Yeah.

That all to familiar barky sound . . . .

Starting a round of Prednisdone, once daily for 7 days.

Have I mentioned before how much I dislike Croup.

Leaving Christopher in the loving and protecting hands of his very capable father tonight while Hawk and I go to Bon Jovi Concert.  (TY M&P)

http://hawkchabo.blogspot.com/

Creature Teacher at Preschool today.

Even though we are usually at home on Wednesdays Christopher and I went to childcare for a special event today.  They had a Creature Teacher bring in a bunch of unique animals for a show a tell.  Christopher lasted almost 10mins sitting with the group . . . .and that was it.  He was more interested in exploring the rest of the room.  So not to distract all the other children that were sitting and watching the Creature Teacher, we left.  This kind of day sucks.  I am happy that he sat for the time he did, and that he also didn't seem to mind leaving, in his mind everything seemed fine, but in mine . . . . it's hard knowing.  Hard knowing how much to worry about his participation vs. his being alone.  I am really in a funk.

Sleeping in a toddler bed.

Another mile stone thrown into the pond.

Christopher is taking his first nap with out a crib rail on his crib.  Sleeping in his crib converted into toddler bed.  First try, success! Yeah Christopher!

Busy at play - Kinda of like a where's Waldo.

Hint :  I circled him  the background.  Busy at play while at childcare.

Hitting!

Wow - If Christopher is mad or I have in some way not jumped quickly enough to his immediate whim I am hit.  Grrrrr, this is tougher than the whining.  Time outs are challenging, most of the time they seem to help, but other times its seems more like a game.  Grrrrr.  Never minded the terrible two's so much with his older brother it was three that I remember to be the most TRYING, I believe I am beginning to get a glimpse of those TRYING THREES.  O Joy!  Sarcastically speaking and Literally speaking.    Yikes this is hard! Yeah this is age appropriate!

Doctors - Follow Ups

OK so it's been over 7 months since last seeing the Neurologist at Baystate, so just 3 more months on the wait list to go to see the specialist that he referred us to.   One specialist on staff!  So not holding my breathe even assuming we ever get appointment - what kind of follow up will there be???

So, recently I have switched the entire family to one Doctor.  No more running around back and forth to NH and MA.  Soon we will all meet her and she will loves us I know.  Ha ha ha, we'll see about that.

But wait, still one more, in a couple of weeks Christopher and I will once again travel to Concord for his follow up from having Adenoids removed and we'll learn about Tonsils and Hearing Test again then.  So I guess we still have one foot up in NH - but after this thats it.

Need to set up regular visits with our new primary care soon . . . . I think Daniel is due for vaccinations before entering JR High!  Yep, Preschool and JR High in the same year.  That's gonna be a tough day, but I don't need to go there now.

Preparations are underway for Preschool.

Can you believe it!  Christopher turns three this summer so that means preschool.  In two weeks we begin by meeting with school staff in conjunction with REACH Early Intervention to develop a plan for this transition.  More on that as it evolves.

Tough Choices.

This weekend we had plans. Plans to include the entire family.  Travel to Baby Shower, then to the St Patrick's Day Parade.  But with the weather a bit iffy (turned out beautiful) and not knowing what the environment of the Shower would be we once again tag teamed the weekend.  Dan kept Christopher home and I took Daniel on the outing. In the end it was the right choice.  But it's hard knowing, hard not knowing, hard having to separate all the time, hard to be OK with making the best choice. Sometimes choices means someone doesn't get their way so that someone else can.  Guess it comes down to turn taking.  Which I have to say, in regards to turn taking I think we have that down pretty well.  Daniel is amazing in his ability to understand that our time sometimes unexpectedly needs to be spent with his bother and he is always (and I really do mean always) gracious about it.  And Dan Sr. and I are understanding of our missing out to take turns staying at home.  Which quite frankly sometimes in rather nice.

New Inside Activity

Dry Split Peas, Lentils, Beans, and Noodles PLUS Dump Trucks and Excavators = FUN.

Rainy Day Fun

Thank you Sarah for taking Christopher to the French King Bowling Arcade.

Sounds like you had FUN.

Eating at the Table

Guess it all depends on what's being served.  McDonald's French Fries always a special treat!  Never had to ask him to come sit down.  He spotted them, boom! Sat down and they were GONE.

Busy here.

Sorry no new posts.  Not that there isn't any, just haven't made the time to sit down.  Stay tuned.

Free Seminar in Keene

Connect with the greater Autism/Asperger’s community on March 20th.

Location: Antioch University New England

This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the University’s lobby at 40 Avon Street in Keene. 

http://www.antiochne.edu/news/calendar_detail.cfm?News_ID=833

Lindt Gold Bunny

http://www.lindtgoldbunny.com/index.php

SWEET CHOCOLATE - YUMMY!

Christopher and I just went to BJ's.

Saw large two pack of the gold bunny's there.

Great link to Food Pyramid

With Christopher's selective eating habits I was doing some research and found this great tool.

For the Kids
http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/Plan/index.html
For the Adults
http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx

Wow, I do not eat enough Vegetables or Fruit.  Try this link it was eye opener for me.

Whining!

Ok - so we have had A LOT of whining the last few days!  I am trying to stay calm and firm asking him to communicate differently.  Wow, this is hard, but I hold faith on my belief that things get harder and harder till they get better.  So I am looking forward to the better I know is coming.  Yeah, yeah I know live in the moment right, well I am doing that too, but with an eye for whats to come.

Fire Safety

Hawk (Big Brother) thought it would be funny to shoot off several rounds in his room at the smoke alarm.  Little experiment . . . wondered if the smoke would set off the fire alarm . . . guess what . . . IT DID!  Dan Sr was on the phone in his office, didn't stop him, Christopher was watching a movie, didn't stop him either.


Time for a fire drill. 

Cat Not In The Hat.

Learning about sap from Childcare Campus.

It's ok Christopher, Mommy never wore her hat either. 

SHARING! SHARING WITH FRIENDS!

Today Christopher and his friend from childcare rode bikes together.  Not only is he sharing but he's allowing his friend to hold on to him.  THIS PICTURE IS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME.  Again, way to go Christopher!  Good job!

Keeping him safe ! ? ! ? !

About a month ago he opened the car door while we were driving!  Two weeks ago we learned that he had figured out how and is strong enough to open the 8' sliders to the outdoors.  Today we learned that he can now open the back door on his own.

The child safety's are now turned on the doors in the car.  And the sliders are now locked with long boards from the outside, which means no one can open them. And for now the back door lock will be enough . . . untill he figures that out too.

Ugh - it's a big yard out there, lots of woods, lots of dangers.  Staying one step ahead of  him is going to keep me young but is graying me early.

I just added two mattresses to the floor behind the couch since keeping from climbing onto the back is impossible - now not a matter of if but rather when he falls it will at least be a soft landing.

What a little bugger!

FUN WITH WATER TABLE

Well we don't always where a coat to play at the water table, but we had just come in from outside and he wasn't ready to give it up.  Even once it was completely soaked!  I mean completely dripping with water he didn't want to take it off!  Strange he is so completely satisfied to be wet, loves going in a pool but when it comes to personal hygiene and bathing it's as though I am the worst person on the face of the earth.  Someone recently suggested that he may prefer cold water - well when I can bring myself to stand in a cold shower then I might be able to wrap my mind around that but I can't even imagining bathing in cold water.  More on that as it reviles itself to me.  Mean while we'll keep having fun with the water table. 

Should have bought a cow instead of chickens.

We are done with bottles.  No return - we've made it!  Now we just need to figure out how to get him try more food options. Milk consumption is way down and has increased his desire for water, both plain and flavored.   If I figure we have gone through near three gallons of milk per week since his drinking milk that figures to be near 230 +/- gallons of milk that he has consumed already in his life time.  STRONG BONES!  We should have bought a cow instead of chickens.

Hockey Play Offs for Big Brother and His Team

Water Table

Christopher has really taken to water play.  So after a few days noodling on how to create a water table without spending a lot of money I figured why not cut a hole in an existing table that currently has not much use in our house.  I pulled the sink bucket from under the sink that simply collects various household cleaning products, and boom - add saw - cut hole and now we have a water table.  Simple and easy on the budget.

Fun at childcare.

Well Three Days Still No Bottle . . . .

Ok I think we did it . . . . only heard him ask twice and never really seemed to mind being redirected.
Another amazing job Christopher, way to go.

No more bottles.

Yesterday, Monday, was first day with out bottles.  Christopher did ok without a bottle.  I offered milk and water in sippie cup, cup with straw and open cups.  He seemed to prefer the open cup.  He has two cups of choice, small purple cup and small snoopie cup, both of which I have packed in his lunch bag.  I am going to get dixie cups today since that is the size he seems to prefer and so we don't have to be so concerned with locating special cups. 

He did really well yesterday, only asked once for bottle and was easily redirected.  I am a bit worried that today being day two may be harder and since he will see otheres with bottles today - but I do believe he's ready.  He ate 5 slices of pizza for dinner last night and selected water over milk.  He drank two glasses of water with dinner.

Kiss

This morning timing was a perfect storm of family cuteness.  Dan and I both went in to get Christopher from his crib, next the three of us went to Daniel's room to wake him for school.  Christopher brought his cow in with him.  Climbed onto Daniel's bed and shh'd us because Daniel was sleeping.  He laid cow next to Daniel's head and proceeded to give Daniel a very gentle kiss on the head before laying down next to him.   So cute, mommy cried a little.

New Hair Cut

I see you.

Choo Choo!

New Hair Cut - Mommy needs a drink!

Phew - just finished cutting Christopher's hair.  Took about a half total from chair to shower to pj's, so not to bad considering. I had to wrap his arms to his body with a blanket into the chair so that I had only a moving head to deal with.  He's getting so strong and well, his will has always been so strong so this was definitely a no hands free job. I hope one day hair cutting will not be so much pain for him.  He's over it now . . . but I will take longer to recover.  Pictures tomorrow.

Interesting Link found in article that Autism Speaks put on their site.

http://dashboard.ianexchange.org/statestats.aspx

Falcons Hockey Game to Celebrate Big Brothers Pee Wee Division Championship

Bring on the Chocolate!

http://www.lindtgoldbunny.com/index.php

LINDT ENTERS SECOND YEAR OF PARTNERSHIP WITH AUTISM SPEAKS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR AUTISM CAUSE

February 17, 2010Lindt Chocolate, the world's leading producer of premium chocolate, and Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism research and advocacy organization, today announce the second year of their partnership. To provide support to families affected by autism, Lindt will again support the non-profit through donations from sales of the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny. In addition, new partnership elements this year include an online auction and e-card donations to raise additional funds for the cause.

"We are thrilled to build upon our partnership with Autism Speaks this year, and to increase our support for families affected by autism," said Thomas Linemayr, chief executive officer and president, Lindt USA. "Not only is Lindt Gold Bunny the #1 chocolate bunny in the United States, it is also the bunny that gives back."

For every Lindt Gold Bunny sold in the United States, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks, beginning today and continuing until Easter, April 4, 2010*. Additionally, consumers can further support Autism Speaks by sending free e-cards available on www.LindtGoldBunny.com To enter a Lindt Unsung Heroes of Autism nomination or to view the official rules and guidelines, please visit www.LindtGoldBunny.com. For every Lindt e-card sent, Lindt will donate an additional $1 to Autism Speaks*.

"Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability, affecting one in every 110 children in the United States," said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks. "We are so pleased to continue and grow our partnership with Lindt and value the company's commitment to support families affected by autism."

Lindt will also expand the Lindt Unsung Heroes of Autism program to select three people making a difference for the autism cause in their family, home or community. The three Unsung Heroes will be honored at an event in New York City on April 1. To further support the partnership, this April Lindt will host an online auction of a collection of porcelain Lindt Gold Bunny figures, each autographed by a popular celebrity, including top actors, athletes, musicians and entertainers.

Lindt Gold Bunny

First introduced in 1952, Lindt Gold Bunny is the company's iconic Easter character. Today, Lindt Gold Bunny is the #1 selling chocolate bunny in the United States. It is available in six sizes and three varieties: white, milk and dark chocolate. Lindt Gold Bunny is the ideal premium addition to any Easter basket, and a perfect way for people to celebrate spring and help give back at the same time.

For more information on the Lindt and Autism Speaks partnership, on Lindt Gold Bunny and other seasonal products, or to send an Easter themed e-card that gives back, please visit www.LindtGoldBunny.com. For more information about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

*Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Lindt Gold Bunny purchased from February 15 - April 4, 2010, up to $100,000. Lindt will donate $1 for every e-card sent, up to $5,000.

About Lindt & Sprungli

Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 80 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 6,300 worldwide. Lindt USA operates more than 70 retail stores throughout the country and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels. For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

About Autism Speaks 
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

On the train. On our way back from Boston.

So these pictures are a bit dark  . . .  but considering they are our reflection in the train window taken from my phone I think these are great.  As was our trip.  

WBZ News Link.

http://wbztv.com/local/early.intervention.program.2.1529321.html

Be sure to click on the video with in this link as well.

Our trip to Boston to be heard!

Just back from Boston . . . will post more on this story later this evening.