AUTISM

Wonder where I've been lately? I've been totally consumed. I've been reading books, running to Coleman's school to put out fires, crying through meetings with his teachers, pulling my hair out because I don't know what to do half the time. He has autism and I've never really mentioned it on my blog because this has always been a place for me to come to brag, to focus on all the good things in our lives, to paint a perfect picture of our family. Well, we are not perfect. We have love, hugs and big laughs but we also suffer.



I have only posted once in the past 2 months because everytime I sit down to write (which has been several times) I can't be creative enough to leave out the autism. It has the #1 spot on our priority list lately. So, let's see this as my "coming out" blog, of sorts.


We've known about Coleman's autism for the past 2 years. He was originally diagnosed as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified.) This is a general diagnosis under the autism umbrella. We started him in Special Ed. PreK and he was there for the past 2 years. He really did well there- a model student and really bright to boot! We were so excited when they told us that he would be mainstreaming into a "typical" kindergarten class this year.


Coleman started kindergarten 2 months ago and is as bright (if not brighter) than all of his classmates but you can tell that he socially a bit different. He has trouble looking people in the eye. He has trouble iniatating conversations with his peers. He stims quite a bit, which means that he kind of retreats to his own world and runs around with seemingly no idea what he's doing. (Although, we know that he is very aware of his surroundings when he's in "stimming mode." He just seems to be unaware. Make any sense?) Ever since beginning kindergarten, Coleman's more "unusual" behaviors have resurfaced because of how overwhelming it's been for him to adjust to this new setting (24 kids, only 1 teacher!) He's been having meltdowns in class. He's been carried to the principal's office on more than one occasion. They call me once he gets to that point and I come running to either take him home or calm him down enough to go back to class. It's been so tough on him.



BUT we have hope! We took Coleman to see a DAN! (defeat autism now!) doctor and we will be starting biomedical treatments to help minimize his behaviors. This includes dealing with excesses of yeast in his system, building up his immunity and perhaps changing his diet. Will and I are both really excited to finally be able to do something that might help Coleman. Many kids have been treated by DAN! doctors and shown dramatic improvements, to the point that they are indistinguishable from their peers. Of course, insurance covers none of this and we are bound to end up in debt, but we HAVE to do it. Is there even a choice when it comes to our kids?! We do what we have to do.



So, keep us in your prayers. We could use them. And since no blog is complete without a picture. Here's a cute pic of Coleman on Halloween (he had a blast trick 'r' treating, by the way.) I love you, my beautiful boy!

Long overdue post.

Hey all! My blog has definitely been on the back burner lately. What's happened since Cooper's birthday? Well, Coleman started kindergarten and he really likes it and is making new friends. He's always so excited to see me when I pick him up after school and he just chats away about everything that happened that day. He's so sweet and he's learning so much! I'm really proud of him.

Let's see. Will's been working incredibly hard at work being the new President of the Counselor Assoc. in the school district and doing his administrative internship and all of his daily responsibilities as a counselor. I'm really proud of him. He's never been afraid of hard work, that husband of mine!

Cooper is growing by leaps and bounds and being a typical 2 yr old. Funny thing- he is so obsessed with Buzz Lightyear that he actually mumbles, "...and beyond!" in his sleep. It's crazy but true! He's so affectionate and he makes me smile even at times when I feel terrible. What a blessing that boy is!

As for me, I'm surviving! I've decided to take up yoga and pilates. I really look forward to tapping into the meditative aspects of those forms of exercise. Also, I'm very conscious of my upcoming 30th birthday in December and I'm determined to look better at 30 than I did at 20. It helps me to feel better about getting older. :) Well, I'll leave you with a couple of pics.

Here's all of us eating at a local steakhouse a couple of weeks ago. Yum!

Happy Birthday, Cooper!

My baby is 2! It's hard to believe two years have passed so quickly. He was just 2 months old in this picture-

A new, little redheaded baby boy. I remember wanting to do a black and white shot back then but I couldn't bear not showing his true colors. He's been such a blessing in our lives. He's a bundle of energy and 100% all boy. In fact, he's pretty widely known for his boxing prowess already. He also loves wrestling with his big brother. He's obsessed with Buzz Lightyear and we're pretty sure that he wants to be a superhero when he grows up. We are so thankful for the 2 years we've had with him to date and we look so forward to watching him grow as the years pass. Thank you for being you, Cooper! We love you! Happy Birthday!

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