Thursday, December 16, 2010

The good, the bad, the game plan

I am so proud of the little man.  Day 1, I had to physically wrestle him out of the car to go into the center.  I had to stay for his evaluation because he was so upset.  Day 2, I prepared myself for the worst.  Boy, was I surprised when he willingly got out of the car, opened the door to the center, and walked in like he owned the place!  I was able to leave to get some provisions from Target (OMG- it has a Starbucks and a Pizza Hut Express inside) for the remainder of our stay.  I thought, okay this is good, but how is he going to react when we come back for the evaluation results.  Better than I thought.  Granted he was bored during our meeting and ended up with his head in my lap for the majority of the time.

It was such a refreshing change to hear, "He tested at this level because of the mora reflex.  We can help alleviate that by doing physical exercises."  Wait, bad news tempered with a game plan? Wow!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wanna get there fast? Ride with Spence

I padded extra time into our route, thinking that with gas breaks, potty breaks and food breaks, it might take us about 8 hours and I wanted to get here before it got dark.

I was allowed gas breaks only.  Spencer refused to get out of the car at the various rest stops, food places, etc. for mommy to use the facilities.  When I opened his door, he would promptly try to close it on me.  Hysterics and crying would follow.  Begging didn't help.  (Please baby, mommy needs to use the potty, NOW)  I couldn't leave him in the car.  Like traveling with the Potty Nazi- No potty for you!!

No restroom breaks, means no food breaks.  We made it here in less than 7hours.

Got some rest last night, which will serve me well for the day ahead.  We have our first "testing" at 1pm.  I can't remember if it is the sensory motor or the cognitive assessment.  Surprise!  Of course, I'll keep everyone posted.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Countdown to the road trip

Here it is 12:30 on the morning of my long solo car trip with the little man and I can't sleep.  Wanted to leave early in the morning, but that does not seem to be in the cards.  Still have a few very important things to do in the morning before heading out.  I would do them now, but I'm trying to will myself to sleep.  If I get up and move around, I'll never go back to sleep.

I'm nervous about the days ahead and hope that all goes well.  I tried to prepare Spencer by telling him that we are going on an adventure.  Thank goodness he likes riding in the car!  I'm sure I'll post something later; there's bound to be a comical story or two coming from an eight hour ride with my dude.

Friday, December 10, 2010

I'm supposed to read the instructions?

Well, damn.  Figured out recently that following my blog only tells me that you are interested.  (Thanks, by the way)  If you want to be alerted when I make new posts, you need to scroll to the bottom and click where it says Subscribe to posts(atom) or something like that.  You will be notified by an RSS feed in your mail program.  (Not an email, per se, but a new folder) You are even able to read the post without leaving your mail program.  Yeah, I'm new to this whole blogging thing, and I am sure a bunch of you are saying, I knew that already.  I do know a few of you that didn't know that at all!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Adventures in LA LA land

This post is probably more for me than anyone else.  This is my benchmark BEFORE post regarding Spencer's abilities.  This a reminder to me as to why we are in Atlanta.

Spencer does not talk and refuses to use sign language or picture symbols to express his wants and needs at home.
We do not go out to eat as a family but maybe 2 times a year.  Spencer does not eat any food other than HIS food and when he is ready to leave, usually he and I have to go sit in the car.
Taking my son to the doctor requires me to outfit myself in protective gear.
When Spencer is overwhelmed or overstimulated, he becomes so hyped on adrenaline that the 50 lb. child seems to weigh 250 lbs.
My husband and I have very few date nights.  My parents offer to watch the kids but I don't want to take advantage of them.  Other babysitters have run at the sound of the word autism.
Peyton gets incredibly overprotective and angry when people stare at Spencer.
Spencer eats only crackers, pop tarts, nilla wafers, froot loops, turkey bacon, bread.  He has never eaten a hamburger and used to eat fried chicken tenders.
Spencer is a huge momma's boy.  Daddy is an option when 1) in the pool or 2) Mommy's not around.
Spencer exhibits skills at school and with therapists that don't carry over to home.
Spencer was not born this way.  His development was right on track until about 19 months, when he started losing words until he didn't speak at all.
Even during his speaking time, he never once said "Mommy" (or anything similar).


We are blessed.  Spencer is a happy child with no physical ailments.  He has a special bond with his half brother that transcends any mere friendship.  I couldn't imagine my life without my little boy.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The power of music

     We went to Spencer's doctor last week and he upped the dosage of Spencer's ADHD meds and his night medicine (to help him sleep).  We have been having a hard time getting the kid to go to sleep even after taking his medicine because he is fighting it tooth and nail.  After fussing with him for over an hour, I decided to try something. I played one of his music cds (that I had previously put on my ipod).  IMMEDIATELY, the child cozied up on a pillow and calmed down.  Whoa.

     I guess he gets his love of music from me.  I have recently discovered that I am the only wingnut who seems to need a personal anthem.  Sometimes it is just a song I really like, or one that speaks to me.  Right now, it is "Courage" by Orianthi.  Here are the first few lines:

    Take all my vicious words and turn them into something good.
    Take all my preconceptions and let the truth be understood.
    Take all my prize possessions, leave only what I need.
    Take all my pieces of doubt and let me be what's underneath.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday, Monday

     Just looked at the packet of information that the treatment center sent me.  OMG, it will take days to complete.  Then, there are a few packets I need to send to school to have them fill out.  Kinda wished I wouldn't have opened it this week.  I have enough on my hands with trying to cook everything I've been asked (and all the stuff I WANT to cook) and trying not to kill Spencer.  He has already been issued a warning that he may not see six years old with the way he is behaving.

     Not that his behavior is likely to change, but it does give me a slight feeling of control.  Gotta take them when I get them.  I didn't take anything to help me sleep, thinking I was tired enough to collapse. I did go to sleep around 9, but by 11, I was wide awake.  Took another little nap, and have been up since about midnight.  Funny thing is, I'm not even tired.  Check me at three this afternoon and I'm sure it will be a different story.  

     Now, I've got the car thing to worry about.  My lease is up in January and after Peyton's pronouncement that he could almost touch the back of my chair with his knees, I figured I had better trade in my car for something else.  I hate the tedious process of negotiating the deal.  Considering all of the cars I have had, I have never once done the dealing myself.  I don't care for it at all.   

     Gearing myself up for the day ahead.  

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Please don't feed the ego

     While I appreciate all of the Facebook messages, posts and emails telling me what I great mother I am and what a great sacrifice I am making, I feel like a fraud accepting such high accolades.  This seemingly selfless act is probably the most selfish thing I have done in a long time.  I have gotten to the point where I do not know how much longer I can take things as they are now.  Feeling pushed against a wall, I did the only thing I know to do, fight back.   Of course, it is in the biggest way possible !

    

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Check, please!

   I am done.  Really.  Had enough.  Hubby and I were having trouble with Skype.  Of course, all it took was a change to his settings.  Skype had automatically chosen external mic and speakers instead of the internal ones.  Weird.  Was trying to make myself presentable yesterday and burned my face with the curling iron.  On my cheek.  About 2 inches long, and difficult to cover with makeup, which is what I had to do to pick up Pey from school and get him his 11 year old immunizations.  The good thing is, my hubby cooked.  Those of you who know him, know that he can only make two things- 1. reservations & 2. take out orders.  So we went with 2 and got New Orleans Food and Spirits.  Yummy!!

     Still haven't gotten any word as to when I can return the therapists notes, etc. to her.  She would like to 'discuss' my decision with her.  No discussion is going to happen.  People with agendas need not weigh in on my family's decisions.  

     Now I've got drama coming out of my ears.  I am wondering if this is all intentional or the result of some conflict I am completely unaware of.  In my defense, I do quite often have my head up my posterior.  Enough for today.  I will blog again when something interesting happens, so don't expect one for a while!

Monday, November 15, 2010

INSOMNIA

As is common in children with an autism spectrum disorder (the true technical name for it), my son has many sleep disturbances.  Why do I bring this up now?  Because the time change has completely and totally wrecked havoc on an otherwise manageable system.  Couple that with my own sleep problems and I am one tired chick!  Now, if I was a celebrity, I would check into some posh resort and have my reps issue a statement that I am suffering from exhaustion and just need to recuperate.  But, I'm not :(

This weekend, the little man pulled the ultimate trick on us.  Friday morning, he slept until 6:30.  We were so excited.  But that was short-lived.  He woke me up on Saturday at 4:30 and Sunday at 5:00.  And, no, he does not let me take a nap.

Which gave me plenty time to think. What is it that I want from this new program we are going to try? I narrowed it down to three basic wishes.

  1. Spencer needs some form of communication.  I don't care if it is talking, sign language or picture symbols.  Just something other than kicking you out of bed, and yanking you where he wants you to go.
  2. POTTY!  He was potty-training last summer with great success.  In fact, he wore underwear to school for the first week.  Then, he just stopped.  We are back on pull ups because he has become too lazy.
  3. A regular sleep cycle.  
Doesn't seem like much, but it is to us.  Time to get the kids ready for school.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Oh, Boy!!

If you are reading this, then you are aware that Spencer and I will be relocating to the Atlanta area in late December.  To say that I am brave is inaccurate.  I am only doing what anyone else in my situation would do: make sure you get the best treatment (and try all available treatments) that work for your child.  To be honest, I am scared shitless.

Okay, so I've informed my parents,  friends, and Spencer's therapists.  Have not yet informed the school bus driver nor the school, but I am wading into this slowly.  Still so much to do before we leave and more to do to make sure he is ready for his new school on January 3.

Imagine my surprise when Spencer's therapist calls today and leaves a message that she would like to discuss my decision with her.  Um, sweetie, the only discussion that matters is the one between my husband and myself.  While you are allowed your opinion, which you will no doubt share with me, your view will be taken with a grain of salt, since you will be losing the Martin money tree.

Still haven't heard from the home-based therapist, but she wasn't going to be around for the long haul.  She complained about ending sessions at 5:30 (she was getting stuck in rush hour traffic) and was not open about staying to 6.  Oh well.  I need to maximize as much family time as we can cram in the next month and a half.

I am new at this blogging thing, but it just might be the release I need without broadcasting every moment of my life on facebook.