Marley & Me

This evening was family movie night. A few weeks ago we picked up some movies at Blockbuster and haven't had a chance to watch them. This evening was the night to watch "Marley & Me". First off I need to do more research on a movie prior to watching it with my children. Great story line. Kids laughed at Marley and all the silly things he'd do. Then the end comes when Marley is getting older and not as spunky as he once was. Airen was curled up with daddy and Mara was on my lap. The end is where the kids are saying their good byes and mom is crying. Dad takes Marley to the vet and the news isn't good. Poor Marley is going home to the heavens to run and play with no pain or troubles again. I look at Airen and his face is about to crumble. He hugs Doug and says "that was sad, I think I'm going to cry". By this time Doug and I are in tears along with Airen. Mara is running around to us telling us ''you no cry, it's okay''.

How ironic it is that we watch this movie though. Our dear family dog Sadie is getting up there in age and seeming to have more and more troubles as the days go on. My parents are doing their best to keep her comfortable and like in "Marley & Me" are just waiting for that sign that Sadie has had enough and is ready to be at peace. I guess in some way watching "Marley & Me" was a good teaching opportunity for Doug and I as parents to prepare Airen for the day he goes to Naw & Pop-pop's and Sadie isn't there. As parents you don't want to discuss death with your children but for us I think the movie was a good lead into what could be in our near future. Airen didn't want to go to sleep alone in his bed. Instead he crawled into my lap and I held him like a baby until he fell asleep. I have the most loving and compassionate little boy!!!

Just yet another reason I love Autism!! Just when I don't think Airen understands something he goes and does something like tonight and reminds me that he's just like any other child around just with a few more bumps in the road we travel.

inspire

Compliments of www.85239.com. You can see the full article there. Airen took place in a dance class in July. Surprisingly he had a BLAST!!! Thursday was the last class and a reporter came to do a piece on our class. The kids didn't quite understand what the reporter was doing and really didn't care as they only wanted to get dancing. As a parent to see this article and see the video above I am beyond proud of my son and all his hard work. Its amazing to see these kids come together and have fun and learn to dance!!!

Busy summer

I am so slacking on this blog over summer break. I have so much to update and get on here for friends and family to read. Our summer has been busy and we return to school in TWO weeks. Hopefully amongst the other must do's this week I will get some new happenings and pictures on here. Till then hugs and kisses!!

Tooth Fairy visit

Airen was so excited that the tooth fairy left him a present, even though he didn't have the tooth to leave. He raced to bed that night and was fast asleep in minutes!! Here are pictures!!!

First loose tooth---GONE

Airen got home from school today and went about playing the WII like usual. Did his business with Legos and such. Comes and sits on the couch with me. I asked him how is loose tooth was doing. This morning when we looked it was really close to falling out. Well sure enough the tooth fell out and is gone. Most likely he swallowed it. He started crying and I got a bit upset also. Airen was upset that the tooth fairy wouldn't come since he didn't have the tooth to leave in the tooth fairy angel baby he has. Mommy was upset because its the first tooth. I know a bit petty to be upset about unless you are a mommy. So once we calmed down we typed up a letter to leave the tooth fairy. Airen came up with what to write and it says that the tooth fell out but we aren't sure where it went and that he hopes she will still visit him tonight. I can't wait for Airen to get up in the morning!! The tooth fairy has told me she plans to be a wonderful tooth fairy and make one little boy very happy in the morning!!!

Spring school pictures

Spring 2009 school pictures!!!

Mara's first haircut

This afternoon I took Mara for her first haircut. Of course we had many others come also, Naw & auntie & cousin. Quite the turnout for such a big milestone. I've been hesitant to cut Mara's hair because she has these gorgeous curls in the back. The girl cutting her hair said the curls seemed pretty strong and most likely won't be going away anytime soon--YEAH!!! Mara did surprisingly well. Much better then any of us thought. The first picture shows the only time Mara got upset--the hairdryer to get the loose hairs off!!!

Airen Easter Bunny!!!

Airen's class had a visit from the Easter Bunny on Thursday!! The kids all left school with cute easter baskets filled with goodies and bunny ears and faces decorated. It was so cute!! I was shocked that Airen let his teacher put a pink nose on him and wiskers. He was so cute!!!

Lego weekend

This weekend Lego had a master build weekend. Kids of every age got to help build an 8 foot tall Pirate. I took Airen up today and he had a good time. Lucky for me the van is having brake issues or I am sure we would have been at the mall all weekend!! As it was we went this morning then back this evening with some friends to see the final project. The kids had a blast but us mom's were a bit worn out keeping track of 3 boys ages 4,5,& 6!!! YIKES!!! They had a good time and Mara just kept laughing at them the whole time.

Airen James Fortunato

Cheesy Airen

having fun at the park with friends

trying to fit into the huge stocking he has

brushing the goats at the zoo

first loose tooth--before the tooth is out

World Autism Awareness Day

April is Autism Awareness month. April 2, 2009 is World Autism Awareness Day. Thursday morning many morning news shows will be focusing on Autism. See a few notes of the major morning shows and what they will be doing.


Tune-In: World Autism Awareness Day

All times are EDT. Check local listings for channel in your area.

7:30 a.m. – The Early Show (CBS): ABA and the state of insurance reform interview with Peter Bell, Autism Speaks Executive Vice President of Programs and Services
8:00 a.m. – The Today Show (NBC): Autism early intervention interview with Dr. Geraldine Dawson, Chief Science Officer of Autism Speaks
8:30 a.m. – Good Morning America (ABC): State of autism awareness and advocacy initiatives interview with Bob and Suzanne Wright, Co-founders of Autism Speaks

This is a day that many in the autism community will band together and show support to one another and show appreciation to the many who help our children. This is a time for those who do not understand or have questions to please ask. We want to answer questions and let others know what autism is. Please do not tell us you are sorry to hear our child is autistic. We do not dwell in the diagnosis, only strive to make things easier for our child. You won't see us feeling sorry for ourselves so please don't for us. We are everyday families who are doing the best we know how for our children. We are mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, therapists, doctors and friends. We all have a common goal...loving and supporting our loved one with autism. If you ever have questions about how Airen is affected by autism please ask. As a parent I want others to be informed and have a better understanding of my son.

Autism Mothers ... Update March 2009

World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2009

Congratulations kindergarten class

The following article was published on our city website. This is Airen's kindergarten class. There were so excited to win a pizza party for the most Box Tops and the same week they won an ice cream party for selling the most chocolates (we sold NO chocolates). I did send in close to 150-175 box tops. We collect these all year long. So family and friends reading this, if you do not have a child who collects these for school please consider donating them to our family. I will send you postage if you have some to mail me!!! Way to go Mrs Duffy's class!!!


03.25.09 Orbitel Congratulates Mrs. Duffy-->

Wednesday March 25, 2009 Maricopa, AZ: Orbitel Communications hosted another pizza party for the winning class of Box Tops for Education at Santa Rosa Elementary School on Thursday March 19, 2009. Mrs. Duffy’s kindergarten class collected 428 Box Tops, valued at $0.10 cents each, totaling $42.80 of generated funds for the school. The entire school collected 3,630 box tops total which means $360 of funds for the school for teaching materials and supplies. Orbitel Lead Customer Service Representative, Crystal Kanouse, attended the party to celebrate their accomplishments and deliver the pizza, drinks and prizes for Mrs. Duffy and her class – all provided by Orbitel. This is the fifth year that Orbitel has sponsored the competition. Congratulations to Mrs. Duffy and her kindergarten class!

FIRST loose tooth

I got Airen from school today and he's in the back and says "mommy there's something weird behind my tooth" What are you talking about Airen?!?! So I get stopped and look to see what is bothering his tooth. He's got his first loose tooth and the new tooth is coming up behind it!!! I asked Airen how long as the tooth been wiggling? He tells me "oh a few days and nights mom". Sure enough the tooth is really loose and probably will probably be out by the weekend!! Cannot believe my little boy is growing up!! Airen had me rush home and find his tooth fairy bear he's had since he was very little. Of course I've not seen that bear in ages so I was a bit worried where it was hiding. Airen said look under my bed with all my other stuffed animals. He wasn't there. So we looked on his dresser where he's got a few small animals and there it was!!! So glad that was found.

Highs & lows

The last few weeks have been a bit busy. So much going on lately that I am starting to feel like I am drowning.

Doug enjoyed his week in CT and the kids were so excited for daddy to be home. Airen was excited as daddy made sure to bring him home some very hard to find lego sets. Others were brought home and added to my gift shelves.

We received word that we had a new support coordinator with DDD. The new person shows up the week while Doug is gone. What a joke this guy was. Seriously was in my home for a 90 day visit for 18 minutes. Walked in my door at 2:01pm and walked out at 2:19pm. Honestly told me he had no idea of Airen's diagnosis or what therapies and such he is receiving. Way to get to know your new clients. I had to tell this guy new behaviors and he decided to call Airen over and ask him ''why are you chewing on your clothes?" Talk about making a deal to a child who is already upset that its happening. I was not happy with this guy. We now have our orginal coordinator back--YEAH!!

The same week I also received a letter from our developmental pediatrician. He is leaving the office and heading to The Children's Hospital of IL. His last day is March 31st. We have a scheduled appointment April 1st. I've been calling each day in hopes of him having a cancellation before his last day. I was fortunate to speak to him this morning on the phone. He is such a kind man. He is so genuine in his caring for my child. Always open about things we can try and giving us articles that pertain to Airen. Speaking to him today he's agreed to write me an updated letter about Airen and his autism diagnosis. When Airen turns 6 in July we need to recertify with the medicaid program so this note is very important. For the time being we will be followed by a nurse practioner that we've seen in the past and also the main doctor of the practice. Unfortunately this doctor doesn't have the same thinking about autism as Dr L or our family so it may be a bit of a challenge if we have to see this new doctor.

Last week I received notice that its time for Airen's annual IEP meeting. I truly hate this time of the year. I haven't been sleeping well as I am worried about Airen going onto first grade. He's fortunate this year as he has a 1:1 aide. I've already been warned that the aide issue is a topic we will cover, basically they want to rid him of his aide. There are pros and cons to this action. With Airen's new behaviors and new stresses an aide would be helpful. Airen still isn't going potty on his own, he has to be told every hour to stop what he's doing and go try pottying. Airen also doesn't speak up if someone is bothering him. I am fearful of bully issues as he gets older. Its been suggested I go purchase a digital recorder for our meeting and I have a friend who can't attend but has agreed to listen to the meeting and offer her thoughts.

Airen is going to take swimming lessons starting in June. Miss W's kids are taking lessons and Airen got all excited. With her boys he does wonderful. He's now having music with her oldest and does wonderful. This past week he didn't make it home from school and Airen had a horrible time at music. So again more behaviors to worry about.

Saturday night Miss W and I went out. We hit Ikea and closed them at 9pm then headed to My Big Fat Greek restuarant. After a wonderful meal we went to WalMart. We didn't get home till after 1 am. We had so much fun and it was much needed for both of us. Miss W has been busy moving the last two weeks and is finally all in the new house but still has a lot of unpacking and organizing to do.

Another high is on Good Friday a good friend of mine is closing on her home here near me. I am so excited for her and her family!!!

My grandfather was here visiting for two weeks. Unfortunately everyone at mom's managed to get pretty sick. I only got to spend two nights with him and was very sad not to have more time with him. The kids love their pop-pop2. Mara kept taking him by the hand and when we were leaving she got very upset and cried. Broke my heart but it was a special evening and one to be remembered by me for a long time. We got a generation photo and it was interesting to say the least!!

Successful playdate!!

This morning Airen got to have his first playdate (outside of therapy). Airen went armed with a new lego set for him and his friend and the little brother. The boys were so excited to see the legos and had a blast building them. The parents were so nice and I had a nice time sitting and chatting with them while the kids played. The boys played hide and seek and ran around with Star War toys. At one point we heard them the boys giggling and the BIG bin of legos was dumped!!! What a mess. Lots and lots of legos all over the floor!!! The mom and I just laughed and went on talking. It was such a pleasure for us to meet another family and for the kids to have such a great time playing. Of course the boys didn't want to end but we know they will get another time to play.

Airen has been busy cleaning up his room and the den/playroom. He really wants to have two of the boys form his class to play with legos. Doug and I have been busy organizing toys and books and suff around the house too. We have a bit of excess furniture in our house and garage. We are looking to get rid of things. Right now we figure we have a futton, a formal dining table & 6 chairs, a kitchen table (from my parents house when we lived in PA, its really old), a huge desk, and possibly a hutch. Doug and I are looking to find a small kitchen table for our tiny dining area. We are also thinking about getting a king sized mattress and bedframe/headboard. I am so excited!! I have wanted a king size bed forever!!!

Playdate!!

Yesterday afternoon I received an email from a mom of a little boy in Airen's class. Really out of the blue and unexpected. She was writing to ask if Airen could come play on Sunday. I had to re-read the email a few times. I was so excited. Airen is always talking about a few of the kids he plays with but we really don't get a lot of details of their play. So for us we weren't sure if he was just observing the play or if he indeed was engaging in play with these children.

Socialization is a huge challenge for Airen. I cannot tell you the number of mornings I drop him off at school then sit in the parking lot watching how he interacts with children. Most mornings he is running around the playground in a very particular routine, that typically does not involve other peers. These are the mornings that break my heart. Other mornings I watch him jump from one person to another without much interaction.

So back to another proud moment!! I picked up Airen from school this afternoon. As he was walking to the gate so many of the kids were saying ''bye Airen'', ''see you tomorrow Airen''. To hear the kids acknowledging Airen was so great because to me it means he is learning to socialize with the kids in his class. We will work on the playground down the road!! I received another email from the mom. She sounds so excited. I sent her a message back thanking her for the invite and I can't wait for the boys to play Sunday. I am not sure either boy is going to make it through the next few days!!!

Thursday picnic

Last evening I took Airen to urgent care. He's had this horrible cough that comes and goes. I was getting worried because he was was wheezing and having trouble breathing and his little heart was racing. The doctor last night said he has croup. I wasn't sure of the diagnosis though. Overnight Airen was up coughing for about 1-2 hours and just so miserable. Decided to keep Airen home from school and get him into our pediatrician. Like I thought he doesn't have croup. Instead just a respiratory issue. So Airen gets to do breathing treatments as needed. As I type this Airen is starting to cough yet again--urghhh!!!

After our doctor's appointment we went to the store to get his albuterol prescription. Airen asked for a lunchable so I agreed. I knew we probably wouldn't make it home without him getting upset. So we got our groceries and decided to have a picnic. The grocery store has picnic tables outside so we set up and had our lunch together!! It was a gorgeous day. Clear blue skies and sun shining and just a light breeze. It was perfect. Airen and I had a wonderful time talking and enjoying each other's company!!! I love my little guy!!!

SARRC orientation

This past Wednesday we had our family orientation for the Jump Start program at SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center). What an amazing place it is. I was pretty much in awe of the facility. They have a preschool program and the classrooms were so great. They also have an outdoor play area for the kids. Airen went right into the Jump Start classroom with no worries. Usually I worry about him in new situations but he did really good. There are only 5 kids total in the program so its very nice. While the kids were in their classroom the parents had their own orientation. Doug and I had to take a quiz on information about autism. Boy was Doug coming up with some great answers--NOT!!! I learned that I don't know all I think I do about Autism. I can't wait to work through the program. I cannot thank the state of Arizona for the opportunity and taking care of the cost of this program!!!

Autism Walk

Walk for Autism

I have a wonderful friend!! She made herself a video for the arthritis walk coming up. I told her what a wonderful job she did and how it would be cool to have something like that for the autism walk we do in the fall. Ms D made me a video. When I received it this afternoon I was pretty much in tears over how great it turned out and how she took the time to make it for me. Ms D I cannot thank you enough for making this video. I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I do!!!

"What Kind of World Do You Want?"

I am not sure if I've written about this website or not but please take a look at it. www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com This evening I received a email from a friend who told me to check out a few new videos on the site. All I can say is WOW!! I just sat watching a few videos and so much I can relate to with my own battle of successes and challenges with Airen and our own trek. Also with this site when you view videos money is donated to organizations...autism speaks being one of them. Once again watching these videos makes me want to get a video together in honor of Airen. I've sat here taking some notes and hopefully I can pull something together. Of course I am not all that creative so anyone has suggestions please send them my way!!!

Fun morning

This morning I had the pleasure to go look at houses with a dear friend. It was fun walking through the houses and seeing how excited she was. For me I was excited at the thought of having a new neighbor--well not exactly neighbors but very close to each other. I hope and pray it all works out with the house she likes and she will be moving here near me!! Good luck my friend!! Keeping you in my prayers and have those fingers crossed it all works out for the best!!!

Jump Start Autism Program

About a week ago I finished up a very long packet of information and mailed it back to SARRC. I was applying for a program they offer called Jump Start. The program is mainly for newly diagnosed children and families. In our case the program wasn't an option previously as it has a very high price tag, $3000. I recently found out that if we are receiving services from DDD and have an autism diagnosis we could apply and get in with a grant from the state paying for it. I was so excited to get the phone call this afternoon telling me that we got in a program to start on April 1st and ending on April 24th. We will go Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11:30am. Airen will have to miss school these days as its an hour drive to the center then an hour drive back. Luckily Airen is doing so well in school that I really don't think him missing some days is going to hurt him. Once I get the next packet of information in the mail I will be sitting down with the principal, school case worker and teacher. My thoughts are we will just get the work to do at home during home therapy sessions and all will be good. I am just so excited that I was able to get into this program before the funding is stopped.

A brief statement about the program from the website.
Teaches parents of newly diagnosed children about the characteristics of ASDs and how to begin improving communications, reducing problem behaviors, accessing state services and coordinating with service providers. Also supports skills development for children with ASDs in school and community settings.

Potty Success!!!

It has been ONE MONTH!!!! Airen has been using the potty and wearing his undies. At school and home he is using the potty with no issues. At night he will still wear a pull up but when he wakes he's dry. Our next step is him wearing undies to bed. My only concern with that is he tends to have night terrors and usually he wets himself during one of them. Its a step by step process and I am just thankful he's doign so well. Today daddy brought him home a small Star War Lego set in honor of him using the potty for a month. Airen was so excited!!!

Autism Night Before Christmas
by Cindy Waeltermann

Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse

We tried melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract

The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my OWN head

Did I get the right gift
The right color
And style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile?

Our relatives come
But they don't understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands.

"He needs discipline," they say
"Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent..."
And on goes the attack

We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side

We know what it's like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions...

But what they don't know
And what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity

He said "hello"
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene!

He peed on the potty
Who cares if he's ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again!

Others don't realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on
At the end of our rope

But what they don't see
Is the joy we can't hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride

We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste,

But what they don't know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity.

We don't get excited
Over expensive things
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings

Children with autism
Try hard every day
That they make us proud
More than words can say.

They work even harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky

So to those who don't get it
Or can't get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I'll assure you

That even 10 minutes
Into the walk
You'll look at me
With respect, even shock.

You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you

That you won't say a thing
You'll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned.......

If you made it to the end of this little posting, thank you!!! Many of the words written here are things I have felt many times during our trek with Airen and understanding autism. Many comments and looks have been given to us. Many tears have been shed in my house because someone just didn't get what I was going through or cared to take the time to ask about our life. I assure you I try my hardest to let those folks not know they get to me. There are times that I have snapped a rude comment or look and walked away from the situation. If you have questions please ask. A quick ''hello'' means the world to us. We do get excited over the little things and secretly cry at night for the challenges and successes. Know more then anything we need our friends and family to surround us with love and support and prayer. We love you!!!

Potty time

Happy 2009!!! Our holidays were very nice. Nothing too exciting and over the top around our house. Quiet and calm how I like things.

First off let me preface this by saying yes I get excited by the little things when they involve Airen. This is one of those excited times for me!! Many will think to themselves that its not normal for a 5 year old not to be potty trained. Others will comment that so and so is already doing the potty thing and they are 2. We are not the normal family. Read on!!

It has been two weeks now that Airen is going on the potty!!! Two weeks ago he got out of the shower and said he wanted to wear big boy undies!!! I jumped out of my skin and Doug was so excited. Airen did great and hasn't had any accidents since!! Of course he's been constipated a bit and we are hoping he starts to understand the other ''end'' of using the potty. That too will come so we will be patient.

Airen returned to school on January 5th. It was a really really rough day. Kicking and screaming getting to the van and driving to the school. I had to park and carry him across the parking lot. Luckily the principal and I are friends and he really understands what Airen goes through with a change in routine so he was all smiles and such. Once Airen got to his class he calmed down a bit but when his aide walked through the door he went running to her and was a lot calmer. I was able to slip out the door. When I got to the van and was driving away I saw Airen on the playground with some of the children.

This past Thursday was music therapy as usual. He hasn't had music for two weeks due to the holidays. (also why I haven't posted in forever--crazy holidays!) Let's just say if there was a hole big enough for me I would have liked to be there at that time. Airen screamed and tantrum the whole 45 minutes of music. Our therapist tried everything to get him to calm down and cooperate. While this is going on Miss Mara escaped baby jail. I figured she was in Airen's room on his bed. NOPE!!! She was in the bathroom and had unrolled the whole full roll of toilet paper. When I found her she was putting the toilet paper into the toilet. Not a good day for me. I will try to post a picture of Miss Mara.

I will also include some pictures over the next few days of our holidays and our fun activities we did.