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!

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.