The Arizona Fortunato's

Marley & Me

2009-08-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-26T23:29:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-28T20:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-10T22:02:00.001-07:00

Spring 2009 school pictures!!!

Mara's first haircut

2009-04-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-01T20:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-01T18:23:00.001-07:00

World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2009

Congratulations kindergarten class

2009-03-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-03-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-13T21:37:00.001-08:00

Walk for Autism

2009-02-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

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?"

2009-02-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-01-26T19:56:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2009-01-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Polar Express

2008-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Last evening the "Polar Express" was on TV. We've read the book as a family many times but have never seen the film. Surpsingly Airen and Mara sat through the whole movie. It was nice to sit as a family and enjoy some real family time together. Of course at the end Doug says it would have been even better with popcorn!!!

Wise words from a wise woman

2008-11-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

This week while speaking with a good friend about happenings in my life and how my children were we got to talking about more deep ideas and such. She knows the day to day challenges I have with Airen and therapies and such. She knows my family dynamics and understands the challenges that go along with being a stay at home mom and having a special needs child. She told me the following.

"There are two types of people in this world. Karen, you are type one. Your type will be faced with adversity and challenges and many negative issues. You will roll down that hill of uncertainty but you will eventually land on your feet and make it and succeed. Type two people face these same things and only continue to roll and never get back on their feet. They need additional supports from the environment around them and never truly make it to a standing position, even with this help." She went on to tell me that because I am type one person those around me never truly see that I am struggling. All they see is the strong person I am and the wonderful mother I am to my children. Type two people are the ones that need all the help and support they can get so not for them to fail.

For this friend to say this to me meant the world. There are times that I am at the end of the rope and there are no more knots to be tied. There are days that I am just ready to put each child into a room and I sit for a few minutes of peace. There are days that I wonder what life would be like if God chose a different path for me. I then sit back and look at all the successes I have with Airen and what a wonderful loving son he's become. What a great big brother he is to his sister. I see Mara who is my trying one but is also my cuddle bug full of life. Through the eyes of each of my children I am able to embrace life and all the trials God has thrown my way. I am ready to handle the adversity and challenges because I know that no matter what I am a wonderful mother. I am a wonderful friend and most of all I am a wonderful child of God and He knows what is best for me and He won't give me more then I can handle in any given moment. I thank you God for all you've blessed my life with and hope that the type two people out there see God and His gifts and someday come to stand on their feet...alone.

Airen's Christmas Poem

2008-11-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Airen came home from school and sat down to write his own poem. In school Airen has been writing more and learning words. Each week his teacher sends home a poem for us to read and learn. Airen decided he was going to write his own poem. Airen's speech therapist came for therapy as Airen was finishing his poem. She was very impressed!! Typically with autistic children they learn to spell words and they memorize the words and the spellings. They have issues with understanding that other spellings exist, example...to, too, & two or one & won. Airen is actually sounding words out!!! He understands phonics!!! We are so excited!!!! Here is the poem Airen wrote in black, in red I wrote what he was telling me!!!

So much for writing each day

2008-11-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

Okay so trying to find enough time to sit down to eat most days is impossible. Thinking I could find enough time EVERYDAY to write a blog entry was truly pushing it. Oh well, life is crazy what can I say?!?!?

Sensory overload

2008-11-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

So the last few days Airen has come home from school a bit upset. He doesn't come right out and tell me what is wrong or if something happened at school. Yesterday it was a good day because he had OT and the therapist does ''brushings'' on his arms & legs. Airen enjoys this lots and it tends to calm him down a bit. Today he got in the van and was really quiet and had a sad face. Asking him questions on the way home I managed to get a few things out of him. He is very upset that he didn't get to stand next to a little boy in line and someone else did. He doesn't understand things with friends very well. We are working on social stories on how to be a good friend and how to give our friends space when they need it. So when we finally got home he walked in the house in tears. He sat on my lap crying and had me sing his special song, "Come Stop your Crying" from Tarzan. Almost immediately he calmed down and stopped crying. Driving to Ms W later this afternoon he opened up telling me that during reading time in his reader it is too noisy for him to ''keep his mind straight''. The poor kid has such sensory issues and any outside noise seems to upset him and he can't concentrate. So we talked about him telling his teacher when its too noisy and that he can't think straight so hopefully he can try to fix the problem by using his words. I am volunteering in the school tomorrow so I will probably stop by and talk to his teacher about the distractions he's talking about and hopefully Airen will speak to his teacher also. At Ms W this evening he and his little friends were twirling on the swings and then got to jump on the trampoline. So thankfully he had an energy release and is ready to sleep tonight.

Congratulations

2008-11-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to president elect Obama. No matter is you voted for McCain or Obama this is history in the making. For all those who have thought something couldn't be done or someone couldn't succeed in something Obama being elected is hope for all. The 44th president of the United States has made history. Instead of folks being upset that McCain didn't win they need to step back and look at the history in the making. If you have children you need to sit down with them and tell them that Obama is our president elect and that as a child they can do anything they put their minds to. To the McCain party, they fought a long battle and in the end McCain will most likely still be around and doing good things for our country, just not as president. So congratulations to the Obama family and I look forward to seeing you in action.

VOTE!!!

2008-11-04T06:15:00.001-08:00

Get out and vote today!! Anyone who doesn't vote today cannot complain about the way the election went. Every vote counts, every person is important in this process!!!

VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!!

Lazy Sunday

2008-11-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Today Airen got to play with his friends for a long time!! As I was leaving to get him Ms W called and said he could stay another hour. When I went and got him the kids were wound up. I don't know how she does it with all of them. Mara and I played with little people most of the afternoon and attempted a nap. Mara was too giggly for a nap so that idea didn't fly. This evening Airen is so wound up still. He's played outside today and is still bouncing off the walls. He's had NO candy today and no other junk. Right now he is teasing Mara and Mara keeps going and giving him kisses. These two are a handful today. Daddy is working late this evening as the Lego Store has a floor change to do this evening. Bedtime is not coming soon enough.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

So we had our Halloween ritual and went to some friend's house for dinner and trick or treating. Airen was excited to see his friends and was so wound up. Once the bellies were full it was time to get everyone dressed and attempt some pictures. My kids aren't the greatest when it comes to pictures so we will be attempting in daylight to get some good pictures of Airen and Mara together in their costumes!!! Surprisingly there weren't too many kids out. Both kids got a good amount of candy that mommy and daddy will enjoy!!! Hope everyone had a fun evening and didn't get into too much trouble.

NaBloPoMo?!?!

2008-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

So I've been told that November is National Blog Posting Month. The idea is 30 posts in 30 days. I like a challenge and there is usually so much going on in my life so I am up for 30 posts in 30 days. Granted some days you may get nonsense that means nothing to you but will to me!! Should be a fun month and I am off and running.

Missing a friend

2008-10-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

My best friend and her son left yesterday. Drove them to the airport and we were both pretty silent on the drive there, knowing good byes were coming closer. I cried most of the way home. Having been here in Arizona for 7 years now I've yet to make a friend such as her. Someone who knows what I am thinking without words. Someone who understands what I go through day in and day out with my children. Someone who isn't into the drama as some friends can be. Someone who pretty much knows what to say and when to say it. I miss her so much. Being so far away from her is tough. So today it was back to the phone calls and text messages back and forth. It was also a day of Airen asking when his friends from Ohio would be back to visit. He wants them here to see the boat parade in Tempe and the snow that is shipped in for the kids to play in!! So if you are reading this dear friend of mine from Ohio know how much you are loved and missed here in Arizona!!! We love you!!!

Busy week

2008-10-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

I think this week is one of the busiest I will have in a long time. Auntie and baby B leave today around 11am. At 3 pm this afternoon we have an IEP meeting at Airen's school. Naw is coming to sit with the kids for awhile. Airen has speech and Ms W today also. I also have a meeting I want to try to attend this evening. This is just today TUESDAY. Tomorrow is early release day for Airen and another meeting for me. Thursday Airen has school then he has an eye doctor appointment and Ms W. Friday is party day at school and I am going to help in the classroom. Also its Halloween and Airen is so excited to dress up and see his friends that evening. By the time the week is over I am going to need a vacation. So much to do and so many places to be this last week of October. Where has this month gone?!?!?! Cannot believe it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it.

Best friends come to visit

2008-10-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

This last week my best friend and her son came to visit from Ohio. The weather the last week has also been in the mid 90's--HOT!! So thoughts of trips to the zoo and parks were out. We did spend a lot of time just enjoying each other's company and letting the kids play. Airen loves baby B and is going to be very upset when he gets home from school today and they are gone. Auntie was wonderful with Airen. He listened to her and worked on legos with her with no issues. Of course it helps that auntie works with special needs children. Boy do I wish she were closer. Some days just having an extra set of hands around to help with Airen and Mara is what I need. We took the babies to the playground one day. Baby B found his shadow and was crawling after it, cutest thing ever!!! We also went to the small farm to check out some pumpkins. Baby B is always so smily and so cute. Last night we decided to put all three kids into the tub!!! What fun they had together and surprisingly my bathroom wasn't flooded. I am going to be very sad to see my best friend leave today. We don't see each other that often but we sure talk on the phone many times a day. Just knowing that she understands the successes and challenges we face with Airen means the world to us.

Vavo & Vavo visit

2008-10-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

making pizza
playing music
making a maze for the golf balls
riding the motocycle with daddy
Mara playing with dried beans & rice

This week we are fortunate to have Doug's parents visiting from MA. Airen is so excited they are here. Mara has surprisingly taken very well to them. She is giving lots of hugs. On Friday we kept Airen from school and Doug had the day off. We all took a trip to the Children's Museum of Phoenix (http://www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/). Airen & Mara had a blast. I am very pleased with this place. Its full of sensory activities perfect for any child, especially Airen. There was an arts and crafts room, a play kitchen room, a grocery store. There was also a place with tricycles and a obstacle course and car wash for the kids to ride around. There was also a room that had all these courses set up that you would put the balls in the shoot and off they went. Again both kids had so much fun. Airen has already asked when we can go back there. The $9.00 admission isn't too bad so we will probably go back there again. Next time I think we want to ask some of our therapy friends to join us and make a day of it with the kids.

School update

2008-10-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late in coming but things have been crazy trying to figure out. Airen continues to have 3 different individuals working with him during the day. In the mornings it rotates between two aides and in the afternoon there is only one individual. At least in the afternoons when he seems to have the most difficulties he is with one person. On October 28th the IEP team will be sitting down for a meeting. All areas need to get on the same page with what actual paperwork says and what services need to be done. For the record our district's special ed program is NOT in compliance with the state board of education. I know speech is adding a few goals and will be doing two days a week speech. We are waiting to find out about OT. The actual reports indicate OT services but right now he's just on a weekly consultation. I am hopeful he'll be receiving full services after the meeting.

We had parent teacher conferences a few weeks ago. Airen's teacher said Airen is a ''sponge''. Pretty much everything she teaches him he remembers. Airen has been sounding words out everywhere and is anxious to start reading. He is also excited about math. He is asking all kinds of what does this and this equal. Very exciting!!! School also has requested we send Airen big boy undies and they are going to start putting him in them during the day. The first day he did well at school but came home and wet himself. The next day was early release and he refused the undies. The other days I am ''told'' he stayed dried and went on the potty. I get the potty log this week and started looking over it. Well the poor kid isn't going potty at school except first thing in the morning. He then rushes in the door and goes potty here. Then last week he had an accident at school and that was all it took for him to request his pull ups again. So much for school trying to help. I told the teacher and his case worker that we can try it but I am pretty positive he will wet himself once and get embarrassed and that is the end of potty. Sure enough. Since he had his accident at school he's pretty much refused going on the potty---urghhh!!! Starting to get really frustrated with this whole potty training thing.

Still no explaination

2008-09-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well I still have no clear cut answer to what is going on. I know I was told Airen would have two different aides helping him. I received a phone call from the resource specialist. She was calling for the director who was out sick today. Explains why I didn't get any answers today.

The resource specialist informed me that there were questions asked about how Airen was doing in the classroom and if the aide was still needed. HE'S NOT POTTY TRAINED so there is your answer about needing an aide. I told the resource specialist that given he's not potty trained and has issues with transitions we have the aide for those reasons and won't be changing that. She agreed. Airen's case worker at school was also consulted and she indicated that in the mornings since he's only in the one class with his peers and his teacher he seems to do pretty good. From lunch time on is where the issues arise. It is noted he has problems transitioning from the different specials (music, library, PE, computer lab or therapies). This is where he really needs the help. Also we aren't potty trained.

This afternoon when Airen got home he told me that he had THREE people working with him. THREE different people throughout the day helping him. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING??? Can I scream yet. I finally received a response from the director stating that Mr "idiot" Principal wanted to rotate the aides around to three different children. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???? I got the schedule and Doug and I are not happy. I let the resource specialist know that I do not like the idea of a rotation of aides to different students. I also let her know how upset we were in regards to how they decided to communicate these changes to us. She agreed it wasn't in the child's best interest on any of this. She also suggested we as parents call an IEP meeting. Doug and I had already thought about that. This week is teacher conferences this week and fall break is next week. Once we get back from break we do want a sit down meeting.

So there it is. More confusion for me and for our child. THREE people working with him throughout the day is stupid and not happening. Tomorrow I will most likely get the chance to speak to Mr Principal and hopefully he sees where we as parents are coming from.

Stupid school people

2008-09-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon around 4:25 pm I received a phone call from the school principal. Mr Principal proceeds to tell me that Airen is doing wonderful in school and is really adjusting. Fine just get on with why you are calling me this late on a Friday. Mr Principal goes on to say that on Monday there will be a change in Airen's 1:1 aide. WHAT??? Tells me that there will now be two individuals working with Airen each day. One will be in the morning from either 8-11 am or 9-11 am and the other will step in for the afternoon. NOT HAPPENING. I'm trying very hard to hold it together and hear him out. Mr Principal continues to tell me he would appreciate it if I could help this weekend and get Airen ready for the transition. Hello...Airen's main issues are with TRANSITIONS. Of course a few red flags went off in my head so I kept my mouth shut and knew who I'd be contacting next. Luckily I seem to have a very good working relationship with the Director of Exceptional Students. I emailed her and left her a voice mail at the two numbers I have for her. She is so good!!! She replied to me about 8:30 pm copying me on a message she sent to Mr Principal. She is not aware of any changes to Airen's IEP, as they have to have her in attendance for any IEP addendum meetings. She also sent me a personal message telling me she is going to get the answers for me.

Of course telling Airen that his current aide isn't going to be with him has already upset him. He told me he thinks he's going to be sick for school this week and went off crying. He's really taken to his aide and is finally comfortable with her after 5 weeks in school. We are finally to the point of getting to school with no fights or tantrums. Of course Mr Principal and I always talk in the mornings at drop off so Monday is going to be a bit akward since I went above him on this issue. Oh well. You'd think they school would know not to mess with this momma as she plays by the rules and will file state complaints should she see fit. URGHHHHH!!! I have confrontation so that is my biggest worry come Monday. Oh well don't mess with my son's education and that's what happening now.

So everyone please say a little prayer Monday morning. Say a prayer that Airen gets up and dressed and breakfast with no fights. A prayer that mommy can hold it together when we arrive at the school. A prayer that should Mr Principal wish to discuss this situation that I can hold my emotions in check till after leaving the school. A prayer that since I will have Mara with me that she behaves the right way at the right moments---scream should the time be right!!! Prayers that Airen can make it through the day with no problems. Prayers that this mommy doesn't totally lose it before Monday.

Sometimes I really hate being an adult and dealing with issues like this. So another prayer that mommy has the strength to stay strong and fight the fight for her children.

Airen amazes me

2008-09-25T18:14:00.001-07:00

Airen has been coming home almost daily singing some song or another. His teacher teaches with songs and its working wonders for Airen. He can count to 100. He knows the days of the week and the months. He has also started to sound words out and is asking how to spell things. He just amazes me on how fast he's learning things. His teacher tells me almost daily that Airen is just a sponge and is a joy to have in class.

This weekend we have our first birthday party. It is at a bounce place so I am sure the kids will have a blast. Jumping is a good release for Airen and helps him get back in focus and helps with his outbursts.

Fall consignment sale

2008-09-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

So I do these consignment sales twice a year. This time I took about 500 items and was really disappointed. I only sold 70 items!!! I didn't make nearly what I made in the spring so I was really disappointed. I know it has a lot to do with it was a fall/winter clothes sale and it has been around 100 degrees lately. So I listed things on craigslist and again disappointed as things aren't selling. There is another consignment sale October 4-6 in east Mesa. Its pretty far from us and we have a lot going on that weekend so not sure if I am going to take stuff. Of course the organizer of the sale has said I can bring my items to her and she will take care of getting them to the sale. She also offered to take the items to another sale the following weekend. I did start my tags for this sale but now my printer isn't working. If its not one thing its another. Of course I am getting tired of looking at the stuff in the living room corner and the garage has been taken over by extra boxes of clothes as I try to get pictures by size of the stuff to put on craigslist.

If anyone is looking for boys fall/winter stuff sizes 6-9 months up to 5T and girls stuff newborn to 6-9 months please have them contact me. A lot of Children's Place, Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, All Mine, Circo, Cherokee, Okie Dokie. All in excellent condition and priced to move!!!

Mara's new shirt!!!

2008-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today Doug was off so we ran a few errands to Target. Well we got Mara a new shirt that is just so fitting for her!! I will include a picture!!

Doug and I also got a Lego set for Airen's classroom. Today was major discount day for employees so we were able to pick it up for next to nothing. I took it to his teacher this afternoon and she was so excited, she was almost in tears she was so greatful. After the kids had afternoon snack and recess they had show and tell back in the classroom. The teacher got to have her own show and tell and the class was so excited!!!

Taj Mahal

2008-09-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of Doug working at Lego is putting sets together for display in the store. And since he's the manager he gets first picks on putting stuff together. The other night he came home with the Taj Mahal. It has 5922 pieces and I am putting it together. I am having so much fun putting this one together. Typically which ever employee puts the display together gets to keep it. We have quite a collection right now. Originally we were going to raffle off the Taj Mahal between his staff but now I am considering keeping this one. Its very impressive.

Back in the saddle again

2008-09-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I've been reminded by a few friends that I've not updated my blog for awhile. So I am taking a few minutes to ME time to do just that.

Airen has been in kindergarten for a month. He's doing wonderful. He really likes his teacher and he is making some friends. We have our first birthday party of the school year next weekend. Its at PumpIt up! Its an inflatable place with all sorts of play areas. I will be attending also for the ''just in case moments". I am excited to go and hopefully meet some other parents. Airen is continuing his home therapies, occupational, speech and music. His therapists are adding new goals to challenge him and hopefully work new areas. He's been having music as school and is coming home with new songs. Today it was "This land is your land, this land is my land..." It was so cute. He had hand motions and all. His teacher also does a lot of teaching to songs. We are still waiting for the school district to get an occupational therapist hired for school therapy. Airen has also decided he wants to get hot lunch from school. I am glad he's finally opening up to more food choices. We also go to school in the mornings and have breakfast there. All in all he is doing very well.

Mara is now 15 months old. She's still my little drama queen. She throws some really great tantrums!! She is still a peanut weighing about 18 lbs. She is such a picky eater. This week she had a toasted cheese sandwich that she stole from her brother's plate. At this rate if she eats it I am all for it. Her vocabulary is growing. Her favorite is ELMO and finally is saying ELMO not MELMO. She is funny cause we have one DVD of ELMO and she will go into the den on her pink chair and sit waiting for us to put it on for her. She grabs her ELMO dolls and points to the TV over and over again yelling ELMO!!! She's too cute. She sees pictures of dogs and says ''ruff ruff''. She's too cute. She also calls AIREN all day while he is at school. She misses him so much. When we go to pick him up in the afternoon she sits in the car waiting and calling AIREN. When he finally gets into the car she is blowing him kisses.

Doug is enjoying the Lego store. Currently we are building the Taj Mahal, it is 5922 pieces!! Its been fun to build the last few days. Doug's schedule is nice because he's usually up in the mornings with us and helping to get kids dressed and ready to walk out the door.

Remember Me

2008-09-16T17:16:00.001-07:00

To all our military and their families. We support you, we love you and thank you for your sacrifices.

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

2008-08-15T18:36:00.001-07:00

If you've not had the opportunity to read his book please take a look at this video. It is long but well worth it in the end.

First day pictures

2008-08-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

First day of Kindergarten!!!!

2008-08-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

Yes you read right!! Today was Airen's first day at kindergarten. Yesterday he was so excited to help me pack his lunch. Hopefully he eats what he took!!! This morning Airen woke up and got dressed without hassle. We got to the school and Airen was ready to go. He saw the kids playing on the playground and was excited to go see his friends. Once he was over there he came running back to me and said that none of his friends were there. It didn't look like any of the kids from his preschool are at his kindergarten class so he will make all new friends. We met up with his aide Ms L. and Airen seemed to get a little more comfortable. When it was time to line up with his class and say bye to mommy is when he got a little more anxious. He was clinging to the stroller and my leg. Finally he was good to go and Mara and I left to the car. Of course once there is where it hit me that my baby boy isn't a baby anymore!!! He has come so far and still has so far to go!! I am getting ready to go pick him up in a few minutes and cannot wait to hear all about his day and what he did. I will post some pictures later!!

Birthday pictures

2008-07-22T15:31:00.001-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Airen

2008-07-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Airen!!! Cannot believe he's five!! Airen will be starting kindergarden in a few weeks and then it will really hit me!!!

On Monday Airen had a small party with his friends. We took cupcakes with Wall-E on them and the kids all enjoyed them. Tuesday we went to Naw's house. I made him a lego block cake and it turned out pretty good. Naw & Pop-Pop got Airen his first two wheel bike with training wheels. Airen was so excited and couldn't wait for the sun to go down so he could go ride it. He did really well on the bike and had a blast.

Saturday we had Airen's party with some other friends. We had a blast. We got lego sets for the kids to build. We were glad we got to spend some time with family friends we'd not seen in awhile. All in all Airen had a wonderful fifth birthday!!!

Adult only lunch

2008-07-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Today Airen went to hab/respite. I mentioned to Ms. W that Doug was off and that I thought we were going to try to grab lunch today. Our wonderful provider offered to watch Mara while we (DOUG & I) got to enjoy a meal with NO KIDS!! I was a little hesitant at first as there were her kids plus my two---5 kids total. So at 12:30 I dropped Mara off with Ms. W and the kids were so excited to see her. Mara went to Ms. W with no problems and I walked out the door not to look back. Doug and I headed to Harrah's casino down the road. We had a buy 1 get 1 free coupon for their Harvest Buffet. Can't beat a lunch for two costing $9.99!! That's my kind of deal!! Doug and I enjoyed the people watching. All the little old ladies coming in with their special necklaces and needing to sit at the special table was fun. You see all types at the casino and it is fun. I tried to get Doug to go play $6.00 at the slots but he said no way. $6.00 would have been gone in under 5 minutes but he's a poop and doesn't like casinos. Has no interest at all. I'm not big on gambling either but just a few minutes would have been fun. We went and got the kids around 2 pm and Mara did just fine. She had a blast playing with her brother and the other kids and they had fun with her. I am so thankful to Ms. W for letting Doug and I enjoy an adult only meal!!!!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Want to say Happy 4th of July to everyone!! A special thank you to all the military for my freedom. Thank you to all the families who are separated from loved ones. Their service is much appreciated and all you sacrifice means the world to the freedom my family and I have.

R2D2 build

2008-07-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

Airen got to help build R2D2 during the LEGO build. It was a great thing for kids. There were so many people that showed up all weekend. There were constant lines just to get into the store. The LEGO folks had to limit the number of folks in the store. Mall security was all over the place watching the number of folks and the fire hazard. Sunday R2D2 was finally finished and he was amazing. Going to include some pictures.

Airen & Doug's TV appearance

2008-07-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning we went to the LEGO store for 4am!!! Yes you read that right. 4am!!! Channel 3 news was sending Brad Perry on location at the LEGO Store for the morning show. Last minute Doug decided that we should all go. Airen was wonderful and had so much fun. The master builder from LEGO was so much fun. Brad Perry was a blast. Of course through the whole thing he kept saying he was at the Chandler LEGOland Store. Not quite but you get the point. Brad did an on air interview with the master builder Dan and also one with Doug. At the end he went around to the kids and asked them what they built. Surprisingly Airen was great talking live on air.

Below are links to a few of the news clips that made it to Channel 3's website. Hope you all enjoy!!!

http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=258101&shu=1

http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=258110&shu=1

http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=258147&shu=1

Mara's 1 year doc appt

2008-07-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday June 25th Mara had her one year appointment with the pediatrician. Mara is now 17.8 pounds and 28 3/4" tall. Her weight is in the 3% and height is in the 30%. The weight is the concern right now as the 3% is on the road to a ''failure to thrive'' diagnosis. Mara is now to drink one pediasure a day in hopes of it putting some weight on her. We will also be going for monthly weight checks. This child is the worse to feed. Early on she would eat whatever I put in front of her. Now its a fight. Screaming and crying and mommy and daddy getting all upset!!! Fingers crossed the pediasure works.

9 yr old David Militello - sings - 2008 America's Got Talent

2008-07-02T16:05:00.001-07:00

A weekend of LEGO fun!!!

2008-06-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the grand opening at the LEGO Store. Doug is so excited!! For those local folks Brad from Channel 3 will be broadcasting live from the store on Thursday from 5-9 am. The AZ Republic and East Valley Tribune were at the store today taking pictures and getting stories together. Not sure when those will be in the papers though. Doug is anticipating huge crowds this weekend. There will be a small LEGO freebie give away to folks who come to the grand opening. Doug said its a cactus/Arizona theme. Anyone has any questions please feel free to drop me a quick email. I am sure I will have pictures to post at the end of the weekend.

A Weekend of LEGO Fun!

Friday, June 27, 2008 through Sunday, June 29, 2008
Fun, games and prizes are all part of the plan as the LEGO Store arrives at Chandler Fashion Center.

A real LEGO Master Builder will be on hand to construct an 8-foot tall LEGO model of Star Wars' R2D2. Children and LEGO enthusiasts will use small LEGO bricks to build a larger brick, which the Master Builder will use to construct the large model.

Throughout the event the Master Builder will conduct trivia contests and games, awarding LEGO sets to winners. When they complete their large brick, each participant will receive a voucher to be redeemed at the LEGO Store for a Certificate of Achievement. At the end of the event, those who participated in the construction of the model will be able to have their pictures taken with the completed model.

The LEGO Master Builder will be at work on the model during the following times:

Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-06-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

I wanted share this. For you Christian folks you might want to get the kleenex close by. Enjoy

Potty training successes

2008-06-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

So we've been really focusing on getting Airen potty trained. Its been a huge challenge for us all. No matter what we try or bribes we use it doesn't work. So finally over the last week Airen has been going on his own to potty!!! Today he started going on the ''big'' toilet and not the potty chair so that is awesome!!! Possibly by the time school starts August 11th he will be fully potty trained!!! Of course there are still the times that he's so absorbed playing that he forgets to stop what he's doing and go potty. At least we are heading in the right direction!! Yeah Airen!!!

Week in review

2008-06-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last week was a bit crazy. Tuesday Airen woke with a bit of a stomach bug. He had the poops all day. No therapy for him that day. Wednesday he was feeling better so that was good. Thursday early morning I woke early with the flu bug, thanks Airen. Again no therapies for Airen this day. I pretty much lived on the couch and the kids just had free rein.

Thursday was also the opening day of the Lego Store so Doug was busy with that. The last few weeks for Doug have been busy working to get the Lego store up and going ready for opening. Doug is amazed at how popular the store has become and the sales numbers are just off the charts. I'm happy to hear that as the bonus system is based on the sales!!! Yes I am money hungry, but who wouldn't be with the gas and food prices how they are.

This week my best friend (yes I have more then one!!) in Ohio booked airfare to come visit with her son in October. I am so excited to see her and meet her little man!!! At least she's coming once the weather is a bit cooler rather then the 110 degree temperatures we are having now.

Yesterday we (as a family) reorganized the den and Airen's room. We moved the train (now Lego table) to Airen's room. We moved a bookcase from his room to the den and then moved toys to the garage. The den now has more floor room for the kids to play. Airen loves having all his toys in his room away from his sister!! Next the living room toys will be moved to the den and my living room will be toy free and only for therapy and tv watching. YEAH!!! It's taken some time but we are slowly getting organized. There is still some clutter of books and such but we are getting there.

Not too much planned for this week except Airen's therapies. Its going to be 110 degrees or higher all week. Hope everyone has a good week.

Mara's 1st birthday party

2008-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had Mara's first birthday party. Want to thank my parents for letting us have it at their house. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We ordered sandwich trays from Costco and had salads and fruit to eat. I wasn't cooking. Doug's parents flew in from MA on Friday night especially for the party. Mara had two special cakes for her to dig into!!! She really seemed to enjoy the cake part. She also like vanilla ice cream. With Airen he would never, and still doesn't, touch sweets. Going to include a few pictures, they aren't the greatest as I was trying to be photographer and keep kids happy. Want to thank a special APA mommy for making Mara's shirt, it was a huge hit!!! Can't wait to get one for Airen.

PENGUINS?!?!?!

2008-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well I just saw on the news that the Penguins have lost again. They aren't doing too well with the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Redwings are kicking some serious butt. Haven't been able to watch the games as we've been busy with Doug being home but I do make sure to check out scores on the news each night.

Congrats goes out to a friend I worked with at Dobson. She is now engaged and enjoying some vacation time in Hawaii!! I am so excited for them and their new life together.

Its off to bed in hopes of Mara sleeping more then two hours at a time.

and she's off---walking

2008-05-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

For the last two weeks Mara has been taking a few steps here and there then falls on her bum. Yesterday she was taking more and more steps. Today she's all over the place walking!! She starts moving fast and then falls and gets right back up and off she goes again. Of course she's so cute to watch walk because she is so short, only 27 inches tall. I keep calling her my little pixie!!

Not too much going on for us this holiday weekend except enjoying having Doug back home. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and stays safe.

Daddy's home!!!

2008-05-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Picked Doug up last evening around 9:30 pm. Airen was so excited!! Mara hasn't let daddy out of her sight and I am just relieved to have another set of hands here with me. Doug of course brought presents home. Airen got one Star War Lego set right now and there is a box of others on the way. Doug got me this beautiful charm bracelet from Brighton. It's got a birthstone charm for each of the kids and a pretty heart charm. I was so shocked he picked it out on his own!! Before Airen went to bed he crawled into Doug's lap and started crying and hugging daddy. Told Doug how much he missed him! It was so sweet. I think Airen was starting to think that daddy wasn't coming back. Two weeks was a very long time to be away.

Today we got laundry finished then drove to Queen Creek. Doug's parents arrive Friday night so we got the house cleaned up for them. It was so dusty but now its cleaned and ready for them to arrive. While we were out in Queen Creek we stopped at Wal Mart for a few things and Miss Mara would not let daddy put her down. She wanted him and no one else. It was very funny!!

I am off to finish making Mara a tutu to wear for some birthday pictures. A nice mommy friend made a beautiful custom appliqued shirt for Mara. It has a cupcake and a candle and Mara's name on it. I cannot wait for it to arrive!!! Doug keeps laughing saying I am so not that girlie mommy and here I am making a tutu and a matching shirt!!! Oh well I am enjoying having a girl!!

Graduation pictures

2008-05-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

Wanted to share a few pictures from the preschool graduation last evening. Still in awe over how well Airen did. This morning the teachers and aides all commented how far he's come in a year's time so that made me proud.

Preschool Graduation!!!

2008-05-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

This evening was Airen's preschool graduation program!! I was one proud momma!! How great things change in one year. Last year's program Airen was spinning in circles and chewing his fingers and wanted nothing to do with the singing. This evening he was right next to his friends singing and doing the hand motions. I was so proud of him! He did a wonderful job and has come a long way. We cannot thank his teacher and the room aides enough for all they've done this last school year. They truly love their jobs and the children and I am forever greatful for their love and service. His teacher will be moving in a few weeks to be closer to family and we will truly miss her. We've come to consider her a very close family friend. We've both shared good and bad times together over the last 18 months. We wish her and her son lots of love and luck with their new adventure. Of course Airen thinks he will be in the kindergarden class right next to his preschool class. He isn't understanding that she won't be there in the fall.

Tomorrow Doug will be going to Enfield to the Lego corporate offices. He's excited. Airen is excited as they have a company store with discounted/discontinued Lego sets. Hoping Doug doesn't come home with too many sets. I am getting sick of seeing Legos everywhere I turn!!

Doug will be home Friday night and we cannot wait!! Its been a very long two weeks--too long for Airen. I am hoping I can get a nice 3-4 hour nap Saturday or Sunday--yeah right, who am I kidding?!?!?

I HATE meltdowns

2008-05-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon mom and I and the kids ran to the grocery store for a few things. Things were going great with Airen in one cart and Mara in another. Gathered what we needed pretty quickly. Then Airen noticed the toy section. Before even heading there it was known that no toys would be bought at all. NOTHING. He was doing okay to start with then found something he just had to have. He was told NO and we continued to head for the checkouts. Let me just tell you that unless you've experienced first hand a child with autism and what can happen from over stimulation you won't understand the next part. Airen all out throw an all out classic screaming fit. I think the whole store heard us and I know employees were concerned as one lingered near us to make sure we weren't hurting the child I am sure. So much for the cart full of stuff. I just needed to get Airen out of the cart and out of the store. Kicking and screaming I make my way out of the store carrying him. We get outside and he is so upset he is about to throw up. More store employees outside watching. More people watching and making their own conclusions to things going on. Let me tell you it is just horrible to have Airen react like this. Most times he doesnt' even remember the screaming, the hitting or the kicking. I just have to keep reminding myself "He is doing the best he knows how" no matter what others think.

There are some days that I just want to run and hide from autism. There are other days that I am just in pure amazement of my son. He's the most loving and caring little boy. Out of the blue he will say ''mommy I love you'' and its those moments that my heart melts. Of when Mara is upset and he starts to sing songs to her ''to make her happy''.

A dear friend of mine reminded me of somethings this evening. She told me the following
"you are a strong woman, and I think God gives special kids to special mothers, cause not everyone can handle as much as you!!" I thank her for reminding me of this and for putting things back into perspective for me. To my friend again I tell you ''thank you for being there this evening when I needed a friend. I love you!!"'

With this said 7 more long days till Doug returns from Boston and I cannot wait. Two weeks is a very long time to be gone and I know the kids miss their daddy.

Half way there

2008-05-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Penguins 2 Flyers 4
Really thought the Pens would win this one. Better luck next game.
Yes I am following the scores for you my dear friend!!! Kept looking at stats on FoxSports most of the night.

So tomorrow is Friday and the kids and I have made it through the first week. Of course I have an ear ache and sore throat. Hoping to get an appointment with a doctor tomorrow. Also need to get the van in for brakes. It is so embarassing driving around with this loud pitched squeaking.

Not much else going on around here. Both kids are asleep. Hopefully Mara sleeps for more then 2 hours. All week she's been up every two hours and then it takes another 20-30 minutes to get her back to sleep. Stupid upper teeth are coming in and making things horrible.

Happy weekend to everyone!!

Penguins 4 Flyers 1

2008-05-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Penguins could take the series against the Flyers!! No I am not into hockey as much as I used to be when I lived in PA. Heck I was in love with Jagr!!! I remember one birthday I received a ton of Pittsburgh Penguin stuff from a friend. I think I still have the plush penguins in storage. I followed the Pittsburgh Penguins faithfully. Then life happened. These days I can't even seem to watch all that is on the TIVO before I hit the 100% full message and no more can be saved. So for now I am just having to resort to checking the scores online and remembering the old days when I could sit through an entire game late into the nights.

I just got Airen back to sleep from a night terror. I HATE NIGHT TERRORS!! They are horrible. If one hasn't had the pleasure of experiencing one, be glad. Basically its a bad dream Airen has escalated 1000 times. He's not really awake and is shaking and screaming and sweating. NOT FUN!! Of course now that he's got the loft bed I had to wrestle to get him down and to the floor all the while he's screaming in my ear. Once on the floor I attempted to get him to walk around and snap out of it. Once he was awake he kept saying over and over again ''no don't hurt me''. So my guess is someone or something was after him. Of course he doesn't even remember what happens most times. He was kind of upset at me and just wanted to go back to sleep. Told me when he laid down not to wake him again. Thankfully Mara only stirred a bit and is still asleep. The joys of autism.

Tomorrow is our free day. No school or therapy or doctor appointments. Might see how Airen is acting and see about getting the van to a mechanic. The front driver's side tire makes this awful squeaking noise only when accelerating. Not when I apply the brakes. And the noise is only there at speeds under 55-60. Its really annoying. If anyone has a clue to what this could be please comment. Doug's car also needs to get in for an oil change. I don't think it's had one for awhile so figure get it all ready for his return in 10 more days.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy friends!! I hope everyone had a very special day with their children.

Friday evening Doug took me to dinner since he was leaving for Boston today. We had a nice dinner at Logan's Steakhouse. Had never been there before and it was excellent. We will probably go back there again in the future. It was also the first time in a very long time that I've had a drink--amaretto sour---yummy!!!

Saturday mom and I went to pick up a few more pants for the men. We also hit up Children's Place for some awesome deals. Airen and mom sat outside the store and Airen was falling asleep on the bench. First sign there was something not right. I felt his head and he was burning up. Usually he gets a fever and its an ear infection so off we went to urgent care. I dont' even call the pediatrician anymore. Sure enough he had a fever of 101.8 and has strep throat. I was so impressed he let the doctor swab his throat with no complaints. Doug was doing interviews all day with Lego so he missed on this fun. Also while at urgent care I was informed that Airen's long term care/Medicaid insurance was inactive. WHAT THE HECK?!?!? I was in shock and very upset as there was no warning to this. Of course the weekend customer service can only tell me it was made inactive as of April 30th. So one more thing to add to my Monday ''to do'' list. Now I have to worry about the week of therapies he's already had. Trying to stay positive. We know that with the autism diagnosis we really can't be dropped without notice so we are hoping it was a computer issue. Hopefully we get this figured out so I am not having to cancel his therapies and respite/hab for the week.

Doug was so great and got me an iPod shuffle. Yes we are behind the times with electronics. Doug figured he'll be gone for two weeks and this will give me something to do while he's gone. Like taking care of two children isn't enough?!?!

And for my bestest friend in the East.

Penguins 4 Flyers 2.

Penguins lead the series 2-0!!!

LOVE YA!!!!

Good bye Barnes & Noble...Hello LEGO

2008-05-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today was Doug's last day at Barnes & Noble. I think he was a little sad to say good bye to many co-workers. He really did enjoy working at Barnes & Noble and would have stayed if Lego didn't come along. This evening he started with Lego and is doing interviews for an assistant manager. He will have interviews again tomorrow and possibly on Saturday. Friday he will be home and getting packed to leave on Sunday. Two weeks without Doug will be FUN!!! (if you believe that one you need help!)

Today I took the kids to Portrait Innovations for pictures. The purpose was for Mara's first birthday and because I haven't done any professional pictures of her since she was born. I know BAD mommy. With Airen I did them for every holiday and for cute outfits I had for him. With Mara I just took my own pictures. Surprisingly Airen did so well with pictures. Little Miss Mara (as Airen refers to his sister) had other plans. She pretty much had an attitude for the first part of the session. She got a little better by the end. I think the photographer was a bit of a jerk and I will be addressing that with the corporate office. The photographer actually had the nerve to tell me that "we need to start and wrap this up." Not good customer service. Pictures turned out beautifully. If you want to view them send me a message and I will share the Kodak album with you.

Last evening Airen went to Miss Wendy's. Was supposed to just drop him off and come back in a two hours but I stayed and Miss Wendy and I talked. Wendy and I are both hoping to put our heads together and see about starting a support group for parents here in Maricopa. We both have had our fair share of problems with the school district and have managed to figure things out. We both know that there are many families out there who really aren't educated and don't know the resources available to them. So Wendy and I are going to see about starting something for our district. I was so excited because since Airen started the preschool in January 2007 I knew there were problems and have wanted to do something. Now is my chance. I am so excited!!! Wendy and I are going to see about sitting down over lunch or dinner in the near future and brainstorm things to get started for the new school year.

We have a car...well almost

2008-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Doug and I went this afternoon to look at car for him. 1997 Toyota Avalon!! It is beautiful and the price is perfect. Since he and I both had cars this afternoon we left a small deposit and will go back tomorrow after Airen has music therapy to get the new wheels. He is so excited!!! Tomorrow the 1989 Toyota Camry is also going to disappear from our lives. It is parked in front of the house right now waiting for the folks to come tow it. We are donating it to The Autism Society of America. We are all about the autism awareness so it works out great.

Doug has received his travel arrangements for Boston. He leaves early on Mother's Day--yuck!! He's already said he's going to have to make it up BIG with me. Told him some jewelry would be nice!! He will return Friday May 23. The store manager he's training with got them tickets to see the Red Sox play on May 19 and he's excited about that. I know Doug's parents are also excited as he's hoping to drive there for the weekend and see his brother and sister and the nephews. Of course he says he just wants to see the kids and get his clothes washed. So far everyone with Lego has been so welcoming and nice to us both. I am excited for this new chapter.

Mara has been attempting to take steps today. This evening she took 2-3 steps then would laugh and fall on her butt. She is definately my out of control crazy child!!! Such a difference in how she's developing from Airen. Its been kind of a bittersweet experience for us. We are now able to look back at things with Airen and see where he was slightly behind developmentally. Of course his brain is so smart.

This week Airen got a new bed. I cruise on craigslist everyday looking for bargains. Well this bed is the best yet. Its a loft style bed with a shelf and desk below. Its from Ikea and retails somewhere around $350-400. I got it for...drum roll please...$5.00!! Yes you read correctly. Way to go mommy!! Airen loves it and says its his hiding place. Of course I get nervous him being so high up and all. He's taken all his stuffed animals up there and has a pile of books there, in case he wakes up or anything.

Well now that I've written a book I am off to get to bed. Happy weekend to everyone!!

Bring on the LEGOS

2008-04-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Doug just got off the phone with the Lego folks. He has accepted the position!!! He will be flying to the Boston area on or around May 12th for two weeks. He was told he could be there for 5 days and come home for the weekend or just stay straight through. He's thinking he'd just stay straight through and if he gets the weekend off he can go see his family. He really wants to go see the nephews!!! Of course I am not so sure of two weeks home alone with two children--yikes!! So if anyone wants to come visit Arizona between May 12 and 23 let me know!!!

Yesterday we had an appointment for Airen at the Developmental Pediatrician's office. We saw someone new, a nurse practitioner (NP) and we really liked her!! Airen was having a blast building Star Wars ships from blocks. His imagination is just amazing and the NP was amazed at his language and imagination. He did have a meltdown during the appointment. He is used to being in the same playroom each appointment but this time we were in a different room with different toys and he was really upset about that. He quickly pulled it together though and things were fine.

Today Airen has field day at school. Pretty much the preschool-second grade students will be taking part in all sorts of fun obstacle course type activities. Airen said it was going to be good day like when we went to the butterfly garden!!! He's so sweet!!

Lego Store

2008-04-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today Doug had an interview with Lego Store. The interview lasted from 8:30am until 2:30pm. Well around 5:30pm he received a call offering him the position of store manager. When he left the interview he was told he'd hear by week's end. Never figured we'd hear this fast. The job will be more money for us and health benefits would start on day one. We both are excited about the opportunity. Doug is going to call the person back tomorrow to speak to him some more about a few details. The want him to start May 7th then have two weeks of training. Of all places the training would be in BOSTON!! Nothing like going back home for job training. I want to know the exact dates of training especially since we have Mara's first birthday planned for Memorial day and his parents will be here for the birthday and into June to visit. I am so excited yet nervous. Doug is so happy at Barnes & Noble that I'd hate for him to leave but the fact that Doug loves Legos and the money are huge factors in the decision to go work for them. I will write more once we know what is going on.

Mara still has a yucky belly. The rash she's had since Saturday is kind of here and there. Tomorrow Airen has an appointment with the developmental pediatrician. These are usually big appointments and we get a lot of information about Airen's progress and things we should be working on.

I think I am off to have a wine cooler. Talk tomorrow once we know more.

Butterfly Garden

2008-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Airen's favorite butterfly

Butterfly on Mara's bonnet

Yesterday morning mom and I took the kids to the Desert Botanical Garden. They have a butterfly exhibit going on now and we wanted to check it out. We weren't too sure how Airen would react but much to our surprise he had a blast. It is this greenhouse type building with beautiful gardens and butterflies everywhere. Airen had so much fun looking at the list of butterflies and finding them throughout the garden. Mara had one land on her bonnet and another on her fingers. So awesome. We probably spent about an 45 minutes to an hour in the garden and then Airen told us he had enough so out we went. I was very proud of him and how much fun it was for us all.

Score one for the mommy!!!

2008-04-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

First off I need to thank Naw for coming to sit with the silly kids while we attended this meeting. When Doug and I left Mara was grouchy crying cause of the teeth coming in and Airen was having a screaming fit over who knows what.

I am just ready to jump from my skin I am so proud of myself. This morning Doug and I had Airen's transition to kindergarden IEP meeting. I was nervous going into the meeting as I was told to expect the team to want to cut some services and not even consider other things I wanted in his IEP. We took our home occupational therapist (OT) with us and I am so thankful she was there. The preschool team and the elementary team were present. Well let's just say the elementary team was NOT prepared and had not done any reading of the IEP that was prepared by Airen's teachers. When they told us that Airen's OT services would be CUT I really thought our home OT was going to jump across the table she was that upset. I too was upset and calmly voiced my concerns and issues. The preschool team was getting very upset because the elementary team was pretty much setting Airen up to fail in the kindergarden level. It was then suggested we add the OT on an ''as needed basis''. NOT HAPPENING. I know what ''as needed'' means and that wording would not be on our child's IEP. We got to discussing a few other issues and they also started to take the ''let's wait and see'' approach. Again NOT HAPPENING!!! When it was all said and done I got what I wanted. What I wanted includes Airen having a paraprofessional aide in the class with HIM to help keep him on task and to help with any meltdowns that make come up. The aide will also help with the toileting issues. We are lucky because the school principal is also the district representative so the aide for Airen got approved on the spot!!!! Again I am just so shocked that things got approved and it looks like the teams are taking this momma serious!!!

Could she be getting teeth?!?!?

2008-04-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon Mara put something in her mouth (big surprise right?!?) and I had to go digging for it. Well on the bottom it is very sharp. Feels as if two teeth are about to cut through. Would explain the cranky, clingly baby girl I've had today. She's also been feeling warm to the touch. Finally my 10 month old is going to get teeth!! Of course Doug says he's not getting excited till he sees those pearly whites!!!

It is time to give little one some tylenol (in hopes of it helping her to sleep) and get her to bed. Doug is off tomorrow and we are going to hopefully go look at a car. I also want to see about putting Airen in big boy undies for the day but we will see what kind of fight that brings. Poor kid just does not get the whole I feel I need to potty therefore I need to go to the toilet. Another joy of a child with autism.

Good night to you and good night to you. Sleep tight to one and all!!

Consignment sale update

2008-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

So I finally got my check from the consignment sale. Drum roll please....I made $200 selling the kids clothes and some toys. I am very pleased as the average consignor made $125. They will be doing the sale again in the fall and I already have boxes of stuff at my mom's so I will just have to start tagging it for the sale. I have also been putting stuff on craigslist and making some cash. Speaking of craigslist I need to go relist some of my ads and put up a few new ones.

I spent yesterday going to a new Goodwill and found some great bargains for Mara. She got a ton of fall clothes for only $1.00 a piece. I also got us a really big George Foreman grill for $16. We'd been looking to get a new one but the $50 price tag was not too nice. So for $16 I am happy and cannot wait to use it tonight to make burgers and grilled veggies on it!!!

Yesterday afternoon I stopped at my old office to see some friends. It was quick stop and I still got to see many friends. Mara was such a flirt and so happy with everyone. Of course they all asked when I was returning to work there, I told them NEVER!!! Being home with my little ones is far more rewarding then any paycheck ever will be.

Still waiting for my dear east coast friend to get in touch with me. Taxes are due today so I am sure I will hear from you tonight or tomorrow!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-04-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out to my mom and my cousin today!! Airen and I made Naw a cake and took it to her earlier this afternoon. Airen ate the icing and that was all he wanted. When you ask Airen ''how old is Naw?" His response is "she's two fives and I will be one five on my birthday!!" He is too funny.

When the kids and I got home this afternoon I was getting the van unloaded and I went to unlock the door. I couldn't find my keys. Back the the van we go and I empty out every bag I have with me. At this point I am not sure if I even took my keys from the house this morning or if I possibly left them at my parents. I call mom, who is at a dinner party and she just laughs. I then call Doug because that is the only other option is driving to Tempe to get Doug's keys. He is just laughing at me and I am sure his co-workers got a good laugh. The keys were finally found at the BOTTOM of the diaper bag. When they got thrown in there I do not know. Of course Airen would have liked to go to daddy's store but I am glad I didn't have to make that drive. Score one for the scatterbrained mommy!!

Not too much else going on around the crazy Arizona Fortunato house. Doug is working till midnight tonight and tomorrow night. Please no hit and run accident either night.

NEWS?? What NEWS???

2008-04-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

To one of my longest and dearest friends back east...(YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!)

You leave me a message that you have news for me but leave me hanging. I have been searching all over looking to see if I have a phone number for you, I DON'T. My wonderful husband is laughing calling me NOSY. Yes I am nosy but I want to know the NEWS. If you are reading this, check your email and call me!!!

Rant over, you may all return to your regularly scheduled and hectic lives!!!

Goodbye Saturn

2008-04-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon I went to gather the rest of the stuff from the Saturn and said goodbye. This would have been the first car we purchased and paid off. Oh well time to move on and find a more reliable inexpensive car. We did get more money then we were originally told and if the idiot who hit us comes forward we will get our $500 deductible back. In the meantime we are on the lookout for a car. Of course finding time for Doug to look at cars has been fun with him working.

Mara just ate her first popsicle and is now upset because its gone!!! Airen on the hand is on his second popscicle.

Went out with my parents and the kids to the outlet mall only for it to last in one store. Airen had a meltdown and that was the end of it. One of these days I am going to learn and just go shopping alone with no kids. I also need to see about getting little business cards about Autism so when this does happen I don't get the looks and the rude comments. Instead it can become an educational experience about Autism.

Total lose

2008-04-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

So the Saturn has been deemed a total lose. Bye bye Saturn, hello looking for another car. Of course with what we will be given I am not sure what kind of reliable car we will be getting. Thankfully my dad is searching for us.

We got the trampoline put together last night. This morning was like Christmas for Airen. He was so excited!!! After school he was out on the trampoline having a blast!!!

Still no word on the car

2008-04-09T20:54:00.001-07:00

I spoke to someone at State Farm yesterday afternoon and they still hadn't sent out a rep to look at the car. I was hoping to hear from them this afternoon but no word. My guess is the car is going to be totaled out. I just want this all over with so we can move on and find another car for Doug to drive to work. My dad has been searching for reliable, reasonably priced cars for us and has found a few good ones. We just need to see how much the insurance is going to give us.

Dad and I just got back from getting a trampoline!!! I am so excited for Airen. He is going to be having so much fun. I found the trampoline on craigslist and the family wasn't too far from mom and dad's. It was so easy to take apart and I cannot wait to get home and get it together. We just need to see about getting a mat to cover the springs and an enclosure. Those are my next purchases. Those will probably cost me more then the trampoline did!

Heard from an old high school friend today. She had her baby a month before Mara so we were comparing notes on our kids. She also told me that another high school friend lost her mother a few weeks ago to a sudden heart attack, she was only 56 years old.

Total lose or able to fix???

2008-04-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

The Saturn got towed this afternoon to the body shop. The person called this later this afternoon asking how many other accidents the car had been in previously? Guess the body shop guy had a little trouble believing the front and back end damage were from the same hit and run accident. We spoke to the insurance and they are going to the bodyshop tomorrow to determine if they are going to repair it or total it out. Again not the outcome we were hoping for as I am sure the totalled out amount won't be much. Doug and I have been searching on craigslist hoping to find a resonably priced car for him to drive to work. I also have dad searching to see what he can find. Just really bites because we just put over $700 into the car to get it running perfect and now that money is down the drain. Doug is hoping that since we did just do a big service to the car that the insurance will put that into consideration when they total it out. My guess is they won't but we will talk to them tomorrow and get a better idea of what is going on. And to think the last payment gets sent this month also. Isn't that how it usually goes? You pay off a car and it dies????

HIT and RUN

2008-04-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

I managed to get both kids in their beds asleep before 9pm last night. Great I can get to bed early and get some sleep as Doug works till midnight. Well at about 12:15am Mara woke hungary. I got her back to sleep and Doug is calling telling me he was just hit. A hit and run accident. Thankfully he was okay and only the car has lots of damage. He called the police and DPS showed up and luckily Doug got a look at the license plate and color and type of car. DPS was able to match the plate with someone who lives about 15 miles past our house. Now the trick is that this person has insurance. We filed a claim with the insurance first thing this morning but being Sunday there really wasn't much they could do. I am sure my wonderful agent will be calling me first thing Monday morning. My parents are nice enough to let us borrow one of their cars. I am hoping the repair shop can just come tow the car as Doug said the alignment is really messed up now too. Plus we just had all the repair work done two weeks ago and a new radiator and the coolant light came on last night. We are hoping there is no damage under the hood. Again never a dull moment in our house!!

We had a rough few hours this afternoon with Airen. I just wish we could figure out what triggers the meltdowns. I was so upset and exhausted from fighting with him that I finally took Mara out in the stroller and just sat outside crying. It just breaks my heart that I cannot reason with him during a meltdown. Today's was because I told him to get dressed so we could go get Naw's car. I keep telling Doug one of these times the police are going to show up at our house. Anyways. I am off to get showered and head to bed.

What a day

2008-04-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday one and all!!

This morning I was up bright and early and hit a community garage sale. I was happy I went. I got Airen a big bin of Legos for $1.00!!! Got big bag of wooden trains and track for $3.00, bins with locking lids for the Legos $.75 and a bunch of fall outfits for Mara at $.25/outfit!!! Later in the morning I picked up mom and we went to Goodwill. It was half price day and I was hoping to find summer clothes for me and the kids, instead Doug got three pairs of Dockers pants for work. Then Airen had a few meltdowns.

Airen's parent teacher conference Friday went very well. He is making a lot of progress in the classroom. We are looking at the full day kindy right now but at his transition meeting April 18th there will be a lot of issues to be covered. Airen is one that is very sensitive and if someone scolds him publicly he gets embarrassed. He is also still not potty trained. The last few nights he's really been trying to go on the potty so that is good. I just wish it would happen already.

I "think" Mara is finally on a sleep schedule. The last week she's slept at least 5 hours straight then up for a feeding then back to sleep for at least another 2-3 hours. Some mornings she will wake at 5 am so she ends up in bed with us, usually cuddled up with daddy.

Tomorrow Doug is off and Airen will get to go to respite/habilitation. He's excited as he gets to play with his friends and jump on the trampoline. We are still on the lookout for an inexpensive one but so far all we are seeing is $250-300 and that is more then I am willing to pay.

I am off. Airen is in Mara's room entertaining her while she's in her crib. So much for her being asleep early tonight!!!

TGIF!!!

2008-04-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. I am so glad we are at the end of this week.

This morning my mom will be coming down to sit with the kids while we have a parent teacher conference. Pretty much a quick thing as I am in contact with his teacher on a regular basis on things. Yesterday he had his ''extra'' OT at school and he was not happy. This therapist does not like to work with the preschool children. Every Thursday he has his ''extra'' OT and every Thursday he comes up telling me he colored AGAIN. I told him to just tell the teacher he does not want to color. He didn't color Thursday, instead they worked on cutting and gluing.

On April 18th we have a transition to kindy meeting at the school. This meeting will be a big one with lots of folks from the special ed program and the regular ed teachers and principal and therapist. This meeting I am not looking forward to because we know they are going to push up to enroll Airen in a full day kindy but we do not want to do that. We know he's academically ready but socially and maturity wise he's not. If they want him full day then I want him to have an aide. There is no way my son will be able to focus in a class of 30 students with ONE teacher. He will be too distracted and over stimulated. We are still working on things for other districts and I am waiting for a call from the department of education.

I got a list for approved summer camps for Airen and made a few calls. Let me just say SCARY. My son is 4 years old and what some of these camps told me they do I was shocked. One camp takes the kids to the movies once a week, to the pool once a week and then to either Wal-Mart or Target once a week. NOT HAPPENING with my child. The woman had the nerve to tell me to let go already when I said I didn't think her camp was for us as my son drives only with our family and only goes to the pool with my family. Another camp on the list has a reputation of near drownings of children while in their care and parents weren't notified till weeks later of the situation. Again not with my child. I am waiting for a few to call me back.

Mara has been all over the place. She has been putting herself in a standing position and letting go for the last week. She gets up and looks around then lets go and laughs. Its too cute. She has this small wagon that she spends lots of time sitting in. She likes it when brother pushes her back and forth in it. Airen brought home a balloon from school yesterday and she spent awhile yesterday just laughing at it and hitting it. She has also discovered her voice. Out of nowhere she will just start screaming. Not a gentle type scream but a blood curdiling scream that hurts the ears. She screams then stops and laughs. Poor Airen gets so upset and runs to cover his ears.

Well Mara is finally content in her crib asleep so I am heading back to my bed. Till next time!! Have a great one!!

World Autism Day

2008-04-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today is World Autism Day. Throughout the day on CNN they will be featuring information and specials on Autism. Check out their website http://www.cnn.com/ for a bunch of new stories.

What is Asperger's?

Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum.

Symptoms include:
* Engaging in one-sided, long-winded conversations, without noticing if the listener is listening or trying to change the subject
* Displaying unusual nonverbal communication, such as lack of eye contact, few facial expressions, or awkward body postures and gestures
* Showing an intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects, such as baseball statistics, train schedules, weather or snakes
* Appearing not to understand, empathize with, or be sensitive to others' feelings
* Having a hard time "reading" other people or understanding humor
* Speaking in a voice that is monotonous, rigid or unusually fast
* Moving clumsily, with poor coordination
* Having an odd posture or a rigid gait

Source: MayoClinic.com

Autism Warning Signs
Alert your pediatrician if you notice these signs in your baby
By Babytalk

Here, a list of possible warning signs for autism that your doctor may use to determine if your child's development warrants further testing.

Remember: Don't panic if your infant exhibits a symptom or two on occasion, but do alert your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

By 2 to 3 months, your baby isn't making frequent eye contact.

By 3 months, he isn't smiling at you and the sound of your voice.

By 6 months, he doesn't laugh or make other joyful expressions.

Around 8 months, he isn't following your gaze when you look away from him towards something else.

By 9 months, he hasn't begun to babble.By 1 year, he isn't consistently turning to you when you call his name

By 1 year, he shows a general disregard for vocalizations (ie, lack of response to his name), but has a keen awareness of environmental sounds.

By 1 year, he isn't engaging in back-and-forth vocalizations with you.

By 1 year, he hasn't begun to wave bye-bye.

By 1 year, he isn't "following a point" (looking towards something you point at).

By 16 months, he has no words.

By 18 months, he isn't pointing to things that interest him.

By 24 months, he has no two-word meaningful phrases.

At any time, he shows a loss of any of his previously mastered skills.

April is Autism Awareness Month

2008-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

April is Autism Awareness Month!! Tuesday April 2nd is world autism day. Over this month you will probably see more and more information and links as autism is something dear to my heart!!

Another week

2008-03-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

I did pretty well at the children's consignment sale this weekend. I took 450 items and only came home with about 175 unsold items!!! I was very pleased. The two bigger things I had sold--a portable infant swing and a Baby Einstein water exploration play mat. I had a ton of baby bottles and all my onesies and sleepers sold. I will get a check in two weeks then I will see how much money I actually made. I am now working on taking group pictures of the clothes that didn't sell so I can put some listings on craigslist or maybe even eBay.

Getting ready to get Airen to school and then Mara and I will drive to town to drop off our rent check. Cannot believe March is over!

Friday we have parent/teacher conference for Airen. We are still trying to figure out things for kindergarten in the fall. Its becoming very frustrating for us all.

Off to fight traffic into town. Have a great Monday!!

YEAH for sleep!!

2008-03-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

Sleep is wonderful!!! I came to mom's yesterday to pick up more stuff for the consignment sale and ended up spending the night. Mom took Mara and I got 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It is wonderful to sleep more then an hour or two at a time. Mara is asleep on my lap right now and I am unable to fall back to sleep.

At the doctor's we discussed Mara's lack of sleep. Medically she checked out. Our doctor did say that possibly when she had RSV in February and had to do the breathing treatments that it threw her totally out of whack. Plus the fact that Mara does love her mommy. Our doctor suggested getting her back into a sleep schedule and basically let her cry it out. I am not a big fan of this so we will be reading Kim West, The Sleep Lady's book and hoping it will give us some ideas. Our doctor also did suggest co sleeping. I am not a fan of this either as being as tired as I am lately I am afraid I will roll on Mara, plus I like my bed for Doug and I only. Yes I am selfish.

We got the Saturn back. Well over our $500 budget for car repairs, but at least its running and all is good. Now Doug just needs to go get emissions done and get the registration renewed.

I will be dropping off LOTS of baby clothes and items this afternoon at the consignment sale. Probably 300-350 items. We are parting with a few of the bigger items finally--portable swing, two play mats/gyms and exersaucer. We just don't have the room in our tiny house to store all this baby stuff and we are FINISHED having kids.

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy the weekend.

Want to wish my nephew a wonderful 3rd birthday!! Also a happy 5th birthday to my girlfriends daughter!!!

Happy WEDNESDAY

2008-03-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

One does not know how precious sleep is until one does not get sleep.

Mara is on a roll lately and probably a record for the most hours of being awake. I spoke with our doctor's office today and I am taking her in tomorrow to see if possibly she has an ear infection. I doubt it, but we will take her in. If it were up to Doug he'd use drugs or dynamite. At this point I am just worried that there's an underlying health problem.

We dropped off the Saturn this afternoon at the mechanic. It has been slowly leaking coolant the last few weeks and figured it was just a cracked hose. Not the case at all, the radiator is split and needs replaced. Luckily our mechanic likes to get good parts off of junk cars and should be able to get us a good deal. Once the Saturn is back to running properly it needs to go for emissions and registration.

This weekend I am taking the kids clothes to a consignment sale. Already of just girls stuff I have 175 items!!! I have the boys stuff to go through and get packed in the van over the next day. I am hoping to make at least $200. The last time I did the sale I took about 100 items and made $85.

Did I mention it was close to 90 degree today!!! Yes you heard right!! Sunny and HOT!!

NO SLEEP

2008-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

So my precious Mara does NOT sleep. I am serious!!! If she sleeps 6-8 hours total in a 24 hour period we are lucky. At night, at most she is alseep for 2 hours then wakes up every 45-60 minutes. I am running on nothing today. Had to go to kindergarten roundup for Airen and I couldn't answer some of the questions I was being asked as I was so tired. I am online now searching for natural sleep remedies. I just talked to Doug and told him to please bring me home the book "Good Night, Sleep Tight" by Kim West. I get her montly email and am hoping there if more information in the book to help me get Mara to sleep through the night.

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

From our family to yours, we hope everyone had a nice Easter!!

This morning the kids and I went to meet my parents at church. Airen lasted a whole 10 minutes then the music started with a full brass band and drums and guitar and that was tooooo much for him. Luckily church service is held at an elementary school so he and I went outside and played on the playground for awhile. He was happy doing that!!!

We got to Naw & Pop-pop's and Airen got to hunt for eggs. He was so excited finding the eggs. He got even more excited when he found out the Easter Bunny put Lego pieces in the eggs.

My mom helped me get some pictures of Mara.

I will post some pictures.

Excellent dinner

2008-03-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

This evening we were able to attend a preview dinner at a new restuarant, The Keg Steak House. The shopping plaza where Doug works is still having grand openings of stores and restaurants. We got an invite and took my parents and the kids. First off this is a very classy, very expensive steak house and we had our reservations taking two kids with us. From the minute we walked in it was just perfect. The manager came right over to Airen and was engaging in conversation with him and told him he'd get an ice cream cup at the end. Airen got a pizza to take with him since he's so picky at what he'll eat. Let me just say this was one of the best meals we've had out in a long time. The food was just wonderful. We each had some sort of steak and a great dessert. Airen did get a little upset towards the end complaining it was too noisy and too dark, which it was. Mara was entertaining all around her and she too was very well behaved. Pretty much this was close to an $80-90 meal for all four of us and we paid $20 that went to a local charity. It was a great evening out!!!! YEAH Airen!!!! We are making progress.