YEAH FOR THE GEEK SQUAD!!!

The Geek Squad at Best Buy was able to save our computer. HOORAY! The pictures are finally in...well some of them. I have hundreds that I have yet to actually put on paper. Enough of my gibberish....Here's to Halloween!



Gabe loves to paint. I started calling him Picasso. He said "paint" the other day when he saw the paint brushes on top of the fridge. It was more like "ain". We put glitter on the top to finish them off. They look awesome. He looks like he is having some serious thoughts on composition and the function that color is going to play in his "piece".

Here's Super Daddy carving his pumpkin using the Master Carver's template. I can't help but laugh at our own sensory issues. SD is about dying inside from having to touch the pumpkin "guts". Doesn't phase me though. Funny. It turned out really cool. We bought a light that changes colors to put inside. Spoooky!

Boo' s pumpkin is sooooooo cute! She had a couple of faces on it, but this is the only one she didn't paint over. She was in an extra silly mood, because the grandparents were over :o)

Is there a world outside the "Big A"? And can I get a drink there?

I feel a little out of sorts (as if you could'nt tell by my last blog.) It's hard to see the look of desperation in the eyes of the wonderful moms and children that are at Gabe's school. Every month a new group of two children leave (3 groups of two are rotated at a time), after 12 weeks of training in ABA, play, motor and group. The parent is trained and is given further support afterwards through two meetings a month. We are all wondering about what kind of "support" if any we will have after we "graduate" from this program. I know I am. Tuition was very, very expensive and for most of us, our only shot. I guess it kind've tipped me over the edge yesterday. Two moms graduated 2 weeks ago that I knew and 2 more are soon to go also. Tomorrow seems so scary to me now. I take nothing for granted anymore. I wish this intensive and whole child learning could continue at least until he is 5 years old. Most intensive the first 5 years of life they say. Gabe is now almost 2 1/2, I have 2 1/2 more years to go. That's good and bad. Maybe we'll luck out again and win the lotto or receive a scholarship. Who knows..... I'm rambling now...

I also am fraught with angst over not having any pictures to post, because they are all on the other computer that is on the cahoots. Thank god for the lap top, atleast I can blog. Nonetheless, being a visual person, I miss the way a picture pulls you into the lives of the people you are reading about. Oh well....hopefully the geek squad at Best Buy can retrieve everything off our hard drive.

Today seems like it was not very eventful. The only thing cool that happened, that isn't about the big "A" or my children, is XM radio's station, The Loft. Very cool this morning. Suzanne Vega (not her hits, but other great goodies), Fleetwood Mack, Hmmmmm, what else? I just know my toe was tapping and I wasn't listening to the Toy Story soundtrack. Gabe seemed Ok with it too. I need a stiff drink or a night on the town, I just read my entry........when was the last time I got out????????

Autism = $$$ = Michigan

So up here in the "great" (cynic chuckle) mitten it has been noted by many sources that Blue Cross Blue Shield (http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0504/27/A01-163979.htm)
has one of the worst coverage for Autism in the country. Where insurance leaves off, the school districts turn their backs. You know what is the biggest kick to the throat? The fact that BCBS offers more to other subscribers in other states! I know that states can legislate coverage, but isn't that a little strange that one state stipulates coverage, but another is free to thumb their noses up at their struggling masses? Can I open my mouth and scream discrimination now? If it is proven relevant in other states why should I have to lobby for something that has already proved to be right? The whole system sucks. Here is a prime example, A school district that is a hop, skip and jump from mine was sued for not providing an "appropriate education" for a child that had autism. That family won and now ABA is offered in that district. An aide works exclusively with your child implementing ABA. Now here's the twist, as a parent YOU have to ask for it in you IEP and on top of that NO ONE mentions it as an option. My family does not have the money to hire a lawyer, so Gabe will go without ABA in his district. How can that be fair?

I am so envious of those of you that mention how your "Play Coordinator" comes to work with your child or how ABA is provided in your school district, or maybe that RDI may be implemented as a possible educational tool after meeting with a cool TEAM of professionals. I know in terms of therapy provided we have a long way to go, but count yourselves lucky that you have something to fall back on. After 5 more weeks, it's all me. All of Gabe's education falls on my shoulders.

Let me introduce myself again...My name is Kristin and I am a Play Coordinator, ABA Therapist, Floortime Expert, Motor Coordinator, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist. I'm from Michigan and it SUCKS!!!!!!

Why the change...

I've decided to change the name of my Blog for three good reasons ...Here they are...

1) Although, initially, the poem I named my blog after seemed incredibly inspiring at the time, now seems passe and doesn't ring true to where I am currently at in terms of how I view Gabe as a PERSON who happens to also have Autism.

2) My trip with Gabe didn't go to Holland, I awoke from my wine stupor from the night before on a gondola floating through Venice with my beautiful son, who was ALWAYS my beautiful son.

3) Gabe said his first three words together today....Guess what they were....
READY, SET, GO!

and off we go!

I WOULD'VE NEVER GUESSED I COULD DO THIS

Six months ago I alone discovered that my son held a secret. A secret that would forever change my life. It's strange how it all came together and it still seems to linger and give face in new ways through testing and milestones that slip past our fingers. I lost a beat, a moment in my life when I heard that word, that little secret that tumbled from an acquaintances mouth out into the open air, just drifting. I didn't know at the time how often I would hear that word again and how many more times I would have to say it. I hate that word and it burns in my gut that I have to deal with it, along with the biases that accompany it. What's funny is there are old words that have become new,wonderfully beautiful words that I cherish when applied to my son like "typical", "normal","appropriate". These are words that are tossed and hit around a pediatrics office like Opening Day. To me they are the biggest gift under the Christmas tree, the brand new bike, a great sundae. Those words are the new secret that I share with myself when others say them in passing not knowing how they brightened my day. They are my new fireworks. That is what I heard while she was attaching electrodes to my son's head today for his EEG and I had to lay on him to restrain him. I asked is it always this bad with this age? She replied with,"That's typical." My son is typical.........(smile).

The good things in life

Yesterday, while my daughter was being a beautiful ballerina at dance class, my son and I set off on a detoured ride to Costco. We took the long way on the dirt roads, dodging potholes and letting our voices bounce to the bumps. Half way there, I set my XM radio to Frank's Place, Gabe and I were off on a magnificant ride through the sugar maples. Life could'nt get any better. Or could it?

Well, it did in so many ways that day. Gabe ended up falling asleep. His hand was firmly holding onto his sandwhich bag of popcorn. He cracks me up. You'd think he was holding onto a bag of gold! Anyway, we landed in civilization, ie the "mall area". You can clearly notice this by the parting of the trees and the abundance of burning bushes.

Costco, God's gift to those of us who swear that we really could use a 3lbs bag of dinosaur chicken nuggets along with Tommy Hilfiger dress pants at half the price. But, the BEST thing about Costco is by all accounts their buttered pretzel. It comes dripping in butter, all doughy and larger than a man's hand. OOOHHHHH...it's SOOOO GOOD! All for a mere $1.01. So, a fountain diet soda is a must alond side it. Gabe had his almond crackers and watered down juice, and I had my cholesteral special. Life was great. We picked up a few small Christmas gifts (Cold weather =Christmas shopping) and back home through the trees with Frank we went. Glorious.

Did I mention that my son ran up to me saying "Mommy"? He did. He truly did. Will it be a one time deal? Who knows. But, I took it with a teary smile and deep warmness in my heart that only your children can give you. Yesterday was a beautiful day.

HE IS Not Fine Period

ARRRRGGGH! Now, I need to vent about somethings, but I am weary about how it could be taken. I really need to know that I am not the only person out there that is dealing with this. Here goes........ I am so @@###!!!! tired of hearing from family that Gabe is fine and he will grow out of this "Autism" stuff. They stare at me blankly when I talk about the wonderful strides that Gabe has made in the first month of ABA therapy. I have heard that he is just a "little behind" and that this ABB...or ABBA....YES! ABA therapy has been referred to as ABBA...like the group!!!!! That the "quack" stuff I am doing can NOT possibly be helpful and that my husband and I are wasting our money on "helping" Gabe, because they honestly believe that he will just "catch up". One person said,"I knew someone whose daughter didn't talk until she was 3 years old and just started talking in sentences one day." Are these the new Urban legends. *****POOF! ****Autistic children everywhere will turn around and and magically grow out of it . Gabe is on the mild side of Autism, in fact he is very smart and tested so. But, he screams Autistic when you say "Hello" and wave and he looks right through you or anywhere else around the room. He sometimes AVOIDS eye contact unless you get in his face. There are so many more signs that he is clearly PDD-NOS, but I digress. He is as Autistic as his hair is brown. Why can't they see that? Now, most of you may say in their defense that they are trying to be supportive. Maybe, but to turn and look the other way and hope when you turn around that the "BIG A" will be gone is like putting a carrot on Gabe's plate. It will never be eaten and it will never go away no matter how much you say "MMMMMMM...GOOOD..GABE....YUMMY CARROT."
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Why is Autism such a dirty word? Don't tell your insurance company that your child has Autism because they will soon have to "evaluate" your claims. The school system will try anything not to provide a curriculum that is specific to Autistic students, because it is too expensive ( Want to add services to your IEP - cross your fingers or get a lawyer.) People do not know what to say when they find out your child has Autism, except "I'm sorry" and then followed by "What is Autism?" It is an epidemic, Autism, and people do not know the signs????? How many more people are being told what I was, that their children will just grow out of it. It scares me to think of the children not getting ANY therapy or services because of lack of support. Very scary indeed.
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One last thing and I swear that I will get down off this pedestal. I am going to let the next person have it if I am asked whether Gabe was affected by thimerosal or if I believe he genetically developed Autism. Now, coming from other parents that have children out there that have children with Autism, I will happily share that information. I think it is important to share our experiences. However, a lot of people outside our realm, if you will, believe that thimerosal couldn't possibly be responsible for Autism. Hell, THEY don't have Autism and they had the same shots (We know that our children had more and in a shorter time span). Now, I have to add that Gabe is genetic, we have traced it to my brother and had A LOT of tests done, but it pisses me off to no end for people to make idiotic comments about something that they have not spent, weeks, months and years researching. Most of us know more than our doctors. We are continuing looking for answers while our pediatricians meet at a conference to discuss the most important topics that concern their practice and at the top of their list is not Autism. So, why the hell do they think they know more than us???????????
* BREATHE....
*BREATH.....
Just needed to vent....not offend...just where I am at. If you have an opinion, feel free to post. But, remember that my son is 2 years old and was only diagnosed 6 months ago. I am fragile to harsh criticism. I am wading through quicksand here and my head is barley above water.

30 HOUR DAYS

Oh, if I only had more hours. Just a quick note. I promise to write more in a few days. The schooling with Gabe is amazing, but it is kicking my butt in regards to the time and effort. I LOVE ABA THERAPY!!!!!!! I do not think I can say it loud enough or spread the word fast enough. Gabe has bloomed into a little boy that can UNDERSTAND what he wants, what we want and what the world is just beginning to offer him. I am totally amazed and am throwing myself full mind and body into this. I do not think I have ever worked so hard for something in my whole life. But, I can't wait to see where we will be in 8 weeks. I am so ecstatic about where he is now! Cross your fingers for us and send some little prayers our way. Thanks!

Gabe and "The Finger"

Gabe? Look Here! Say cheese!

Gabe ? Gabe! Over Here! Over here Gabe.

Smile. Look here. Gabe. Gabe. Gabe?

AHHHHHH! I need a faster camera!

That's when we got "The Finger".

It is almost virtually impossible to get a head on shot of Gabe. I could be doing cartwheels while holding my camera and he may look at me and laugh, but by the time my camera clicked, he would have already turned away. It's like he knows. The camera and him have an understanding. It can take as many pictures as it wants, but Gabe absolutley does NOT have to look. I'm wondering if "The Finger" is Gabe's way of telling the camera "I'm WATCHING you". Does anyone else seem to have this dilema? My daughter LOVES the camera. Can you tell?

I am planning on writing more about Gabe's progress a little later. I hear Gabe crying upstairs and SD (Super Daddy) trying to console him. Gabe's crying is a wonderful thing right now. He is crying because he misses me :o)

Katrina

*********I'm not quite sure what to say about the situation down south after Katrina hit, except, that I know I should say something. Actually I have a lot to say, but am refraining due to the focus that I aim to keep on my blog. I tend to zip my lip when it comes to politics. There's a raging fire ready to burn when the mention of politics seems to seep through even the most neutral statements. So, in light of that, here are the two charity websites that our family donated to. We pray every night for the saftey and welfare of those affected by this tragedy.


www.UnlockingAutism.Org
and click on Gulf Disaster Relief

http://www.redcross.org/

Wiping the sweat from my brow

I wanted to post a picture for this, but just could'nt think of one that could portray the angst I dealt with today. Yesterday was Boo's first day at preschool/daycare. I had to enroll her in a different program, starting this year, due to Gabe going to a program for ABA (5 days a week, 3 hours a day, 12 weeks)and my training to continue it after it has finished. All her friends, and mine, remain in the previous preschool. What's funny, is that I am having a harder time with the transition than she is. I do not know the kids or any of parents. I wonder what she is "learning" and how she is truly managing. She does'nt seem to be playing with anyone when I pick her up. If she is by some kids, that's just it, she's just sitting BY them. Boo is very outgoing and extremely likeable. My heart sinks and my throat begins to hurt. I am trying so hard not to cry. I stayed at home and gave up my career to be with BOTH of my kids and now here is one in a preschool/daycare. I think daycare can lend ityself to being very benificial in the development of a child, but I really miss being part of her preschool years. My husband will be going on all of her field trips with her until December. Those are my favorite times, the apple orchard, Fire station, all those cool experiences.

To top things off, Gabe has really made the dropping off and picking up of Boo almost unbearable. It is so difficult, because of four major factors. #1-We have to walk past the playground to get to her room. #2 Her room has a door that goes directly to the playground #3 We pick Siena up when she is outside on recess #4 Gabe is REALLY ready for a nap when we pick her up. I can't change times due to his nap and when we would be returning from his program. If I did, she would have to be picked up after his nap, which adds an additional 3 hours onto Siena's time in daycare/preschool,more $$$ and less time with Boo.

So, this is what we tried today (We have 5 days until we start the ABA school). I let Gabe play a lot oustide on the swing set and he played for about 10 minutes at the playground when we picked her up. Most of the four year olds are great with letting Gabe play along, but he is two and a bit clueless when it comes to play etiquette, so the welcomed invitation quickly expires. That's when I give the last bit of countdown and try to herd him inside. I end up throwing him over my shoulder kicking and screaming, while my daughter is complaining about how tired and thirsty she is. She is also filthy and has rocks stored any place in her clothes that she can manage. (Those are always fun to pick up around the house.) Boo has spent the last two days playing in the dirt on recess. I should not have gotten those cute outfits at Gymboree. If I knew it would've been jeans and vacation tees!
So, I get him inside and he starts walking on all of the sleeping cots that the kids are about to sleep on. Boo can not seem to muster the strength to get her backpack (on wheels!!!) and I feel like ending it all in the play kitchen area with a plastic knife.

I grab Gabe, screaming again, and hand the rolling backpack to my weary daughter and practically run to the car. Gabe is stretching out his arms against my chest and kicking my pants down my waist. (He weighs a solid 36 lbs.) (God help me...God help me...) Now, if that all sounds rough......This is the kicker. Gabe no longer wants to peacefully get in his car seat and he has the power to stop me. I did get "The Look" from a passing parent today. "No I am not hurting my child...Thanks for your concern," look back from me. I can not get him to fold in the middle! He will not put his butt down! It is as if he has become some piece of treated lumber from Home Depot! How am I going to get home??? Bend Gabe bend! Sweet Jesus!!! BEND!!!!!!!!!!!!That's when I took a deep breath and started to laugh. I thought if this is what I am going to have to deal with, I will have to really find that hidden strength in me. I know deep down that this maybe just a glimpse of what is soon to come. We all know that our children on the spectrum change and grow just like other children, but ours have many more obstacles to overcome in areas of behavior and understanding themselves and the world around them.

It took an obscene amount of strenth and determination to get him buckled in that car seat. The shrill screaming that prompted Boo to say over and over, "It hurts my ears!", the smacks at my hands and kicks to my arm, we left that parking lot. Gabe finally succumbed to defeat and the shrill screaming stopped about a block away. What am I going to do tomorrow????

Fashion Victim

I can't seem to get enough of pictures. Thank God for digital cameras!!! Here my son is being the victim, yet again, of a mother and daughter fashion attack one rainy day. Isn't he cute? He is wearing a Pill Box hat I used to wear in my teens when I went through my Gothic/Retro period. I think he was almost one here. I looked everywhere for the picture of Gabe wearing a very flowery and full tutu. I could've just squeezed him he was so cute. I asked SD where the pic went and he swears that he doesn't know. Sounds suspicious to me.This is what happens when you are surrounded by two girls that have a bunch of cool clothes, but don't want to dress up themselves.

Anyway, I wanted to talk about how great Gabe is coming along in his speech. He is adding words like crazy and seems to be mimicking/repeating two word phrases that we say. Now, I know that can be good and bad, but when your son hasn't ever talked, we'll take what we can get. He uses these phrases without prompting too and in appropriate situations. Don't I sound like I've read just about enough on language development. (lol) Those phrases are "All Done", "Good Job", and "More Eat". These phrases sound more like "AAAAA..Done", "Goooo...Job" and "MO..EEEE". He also is adding beginning sounds to some new words and is learning quickly sounds that animals make. We went to a dairy farm today with some friends and he kept saying moo to all the cows. He even fed one!

Well, my husband and I are about to watch another episode of season two of Survivor. So, I wanted to leave you with these pictures. If you have read my blog post "Gabe's Quest For The Four Seasons," This is yet another spot in his room that he finds very comfortable.

I'm Going Cross-Eyed

The results are in! We are relieved and overwhelmed at the results, but nonetheless, we now know. The allergist did a pretty comprehensive allergy screening. I must say that I was extremely impressed with the elaborate questionnaire we filled out before we met with the doctor. They also performed the test very quickly. Gabe was such a trooper. We thought ahead and brought the DVD player so he could watch Toy story 1 and 2. That really helped. His whole back was marked with pen and red marks everywhere. They did a few under the skin to confirm some of the more borderline results.

Gabe is allergic to wheat, soy, egg, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, garlic (scored a 4),peanuts , chicken, cats, dogs, potatoes, and some type of mold. He was not allergic to milk, but we think he may be lactose intolerant. At home we found so much in our cupboard had to go. Even quite a few baby food jars will have to be donated. My daughter cried when we threw out the Golden Grahams cereal.Gabe saw them when she was eating them and was not happy when he could not have any. We initially bought them to use as reinforcers when Gabe ate.

Today, I went to a store in town that has a gluten/casein/wheat free section and found some things. I found that some of the foods would work great, then read on and they would be processed on the same equipment with peanuts, or trace amounts of peanuts or egg, soy or milk. So, I'm trying to keep tabs on what is acceptable and what is not and whether it has peanuts or trace amounts or a peanut skipped threw it or would Gabe actually eat it and OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!(Mind you)I had to take my daughter to the bathroom 3 times during all this. I did go cross-eyed at one point. Maybe it happened right before I felt my daughter tapping on my forehead, while I was muttering "No wheat, no wheat", yelling "I HAVE TO GO POO POO!"

This really is not all that new to me (I've been a lacto-ovo-vegetarian for 16 years). However, I'm reading labels now for three separate people with various dietary needs. After awhile I was just reading and would look back at what I read with no clue if he could eat it or not. My head was spinning. My daughter kept asking "Can I get my special school treats?" "Now?" "Now?""Now?"

I made a deal with her that if she was a good helper, she could pick one kind of special lunch box treat for school. She got to pick from three prechosen, mother approved snacks. It made the whole experience go smoother.

My sleeping lately has been horrible. I think I get a few hours in each night, but toss and turn the remaining. SD (Super Daddy) told me I had dark circles under my eyes and prescribed a nap today. I actually took him up on it, guilt free. I let the kitchen floor be dirty, toys stayed scattered all over the house and I even slept with all my makeup on. I just was too tired to care.

What's on my plate now? Here's what I got so far; starting an incredibly intensive ABA school with my son in two weeks, my daughter (we call her Boo) goes all week to school with all new kids in 4 days (Hoping the teacher takes us seriously on the "Peanut Free" with her), getting Gabe to eat using ABA, figuring out what to feed Gabe, another test for Gabe that will measure how fast his stomach empties (still has GERD), Preparing for the battle in October with my school district on what I believe is a "Good Education" for Gabe with statistics, PT,OT and Speech reports and 5 intensive reports from highly qualified doctors that label him as being Autistic ( The school district refused to change Developmentally Delayed to Autism last year even with 2 qualified reports from doctors) and my husband goes back to work for the new school year in 5 days. Maybe I'm being a bit Global in my thinking, but I am very overwhelmed. I know all will work itself out and I will make it through, but I feel really spent.

Untitled

WOW.

$$$$$$$$$$

I think I am at my wits end. I went to my ABA conference today (Day 1 of 2). Gabe will be attending a "therapy/school" for ABA starting in September. He will be going for 12 straight weeks, 5 days a week for 3 hours each day. I will be implementing at least one hour at home each day also. This program is centered around training the parents for using ABA at home. So I will be attending with Gabe. It has been very exciting and very stressful. If you had read the Newsweek about Autism or watch any of the NBC affiliates' reports on the Autism Epidemic, you would have seen or read about the families going in debt to pay for special therapies. Well, that would be us.

I sat in class trying to calculate the payments each month for three months, then the consultations that are required after finishing the program that happen up to 4 times a month at $150 a pop. That's you guessed it...$600 per month. My husband is a teacher and I was also for about 7 years. We are not, by any means, wealthy people. We decided to use the equity in our home to pay for this program and also to provide a good preschool/daycare program for my daughter through our school system. (I had to find somewhere for her to go while I was at school with Gabe) You know what really sucks( I can't think of a better word right now) is that this is our only chance. We will have used all our resources. Can't the insurance companies see how helpless we are in providing this type of care???? My husband actually has the best health insurance in our state for teachers. His school district is one of maybe three in the state that has not had their's taken away. How sick is that? An insurance for teachers that turns it's back on children???

I'm at a complete loss. What's funny is that this program raised their tuition $3,ooo after we signed up. Thank god we signed up before that, because we wouldn't be able to afford it. They try to emphasize that they want it to be affordable for everyone. Who's their everyone??? Birmingham? West Bloomfield? Grosse Pointe? (These are very elite areas in MI) I know some programs cost $30,000-$80,000, but these programs are doing a real disservice when ANY child with Autism is excluded. Programs don't run on IOUS either. Bummer, because I made a really pretty one out of construction paper today. I even used some glitter.

Catching A Glimpse

Lately I have been really preoccupied with Gabe and his speech, OK, also his eating too. OK, basically EVERYTHING about Gabe. I'm running around in circles. Is he better? Have I heard that word before? Is that my own tail I'm chasing? It's crazy. I feel crazy. I realized how crazy I was becoming when I asked my husband for the hundredth time in the last few weeks what Gabe's poop looked like this morning. Isn't the definition of insanity to keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results?Is there a moment where you have to let go a little to just be sane? When can it just be morning without discussing the consistency of poop?Craziness.

In the midst of my craziness, my son jumps on my lap and zerberts my arm. Not once, but numerous times. He laughs and tries to initiate a tickle fight or playful wrestle. I laugh too and it hits me. I have been so caught up with his verbal development that I completely missed the fact that he really is close to his age in social development. He has moments where he has some poor eye contact, but he really reaches out to play and interact with people. What a HUGE milestone! Where have I been? Thank God I didn't miss it.

My thought for today is to remember to keep my eyes open enough to see the light through the trees.

Secret Thoughts

GABE

Sometimes I wonder what you are thinking. With each word we are getting closer, but I feel so far away. You say Daddy with such pride now. I smile at you and wonder will you ever say Mommy. Most of your words are the beginning sounds, but you say the word Bubbles with ease. What is keeping your words from me? There are long nights where I wonder if I will ever know what you are thinking. I miss knowing so much.

Dinner Theater for Gabe

#1) The first picture shows The "pirate people" climbing up the stairs. They climb up, then slide down where it repeats over and over.
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#2) Can you see the pretty barbie sprinkles on the yogurt in the bowl? He tasted it (put his tongue on it) and that was it. The other food on his plate are Wagon Wheels by Gerber. They are like puffed vegetable crackers. We always put one carrot on his plate, because that is something that he has "tried" to eat recently. That was banished from the accepted area early on in the eating process. Watching Gabe eat is like a mini show of survivor, but with food.

#3) Can you see my husband sneaking in a spoonful here? He managed to get in three jars that night. He also fed him foods that he hasn't eaten in almost 6 months. (#3 stage food with chunks!!!!!)
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We have started something new at dinner. All the other flashy toys have become passe to Gabe. It was time to invest again in a dinner time distraction. This absolutely cheap, but incredibly magnificent toy has metamorphized our son. The premise of the toy is so simple, yet mesmerizing to Gabe. It works perfectly! Gabe has, what I think, pretty severe texture and sensory issues with food. Although, I did catch him licking a lava rock the other day by the pool. (Maybe some pica???) Anyway, SD (Super Daddy) tried to sneak in the smallest piece of broccolli in his Heinz mixed cereal on his spoon ( He was on a winning streak with getting him to eat)Gabe's reaction was one of horror. He felt the broccolli in his mouth, opened to let it fall out and proceeded to scrape his tongue with his hand, while spitting to make sure it all got out. He looked at us with a look of "How could you!!!" Needless to say, dinner was over. He quickly did the sign for all done and pushed his chair away from the table. So......brocolli is a no.

We have stopped giving Gabe milk. His bowel movements are much better. I guess we are now on the Casin free diet, partly. One week until the Allergist evaluates and tests Gabe. We will know then what course of action to take further with his diet. I'm going to our local health food store tomorrow to look into a calcium supplement (Any ideas welcomed :O) I also called our doctor and left a message asking if he would help with doing Chelation with Gabe. I'm guessing this maybe where he may not be willing to cross the line of conservative medicine. I'm preparing myself for the phone calls I will have to make in order for this to happen. Anyone know of someone in Michigan???

Applause to the Bloggathoners!!!!

I know you are all probably sleeping, but here's a

GREAT JOB! out to those who did the Bloggathon for Autism. Thanks so much!

"They can take my floaty, but they can not take my freedom!

This is Gabe at 7 months old. He is definitely in his element here. Water is a beautiful thing to him. Pools, baths, running faucet water, BUT absolutely NOT showers! You could hear his screaming for miles after we had to rinse him off after swimming yesterday. Our friend has a huge luxurious bathroom, which echoed the shrill screams even louder. SD and I felt terrible. The only other option we had was to fill up their even larger jacuzzi tub. So, we thought quick in .....quick out. Gabe has pretty sensitive Excema behind his knees and on the crook of both his arms. If he does not get all the pool water off, he breaks out and it really itches. We do treat it with Elidel, but Excema all lies in prevention really. We got him all dressed and ready to go, said goodbye to our friends and I catch a whiff. I must say that I am notorious for pointing fingers when this happens, because I most certainly do NOT want someone to think that I can emit a smell most foul. By now I am very tired, my stomach is growling and now I have to deal with the big "P". To let you know HOW tired I was, let me pause a moment and rewind.......

The morning started bright and early, 6:30 AM, Saturday. Gabe loves to wake up and play by his door for about 10 minutes before he knocks continuously until you get him. All the morning stuff occurs and them off my daughter and I go to gymnastics. Afterwards, a quick bite to eat and in the car to our friends to swim in her cool pool. Mind you, it is about 2:00PM when we get there and Gabe has decided to not nap the entire hour that the trip took. At first, he seems OK with being held, with the occasional jump into the pool to a person waiting. But, by 3:00 PM, Gabe has a very different plan of action for freedom. He figures if he runs fast enough, he can out run and out smart the adults watching him around the pool. For the most part, he is right. He never stops to indicate he's jumping in. He just leans forward and plunges in. I call it the Dead Man Dive. Unfortunately, it has some truth to the title. Very soon after these clever stunts to him and heart attacks to us, we decide it is time for snacks.

In order for SD and I to snack sanely and unrushed, Gabe has to be restrained, if you will, especially around the pool. To our dismay, SD and I forgot to pack the stroller. If only you could have seen our poor beaten down and tired souls. It was truly a sad sight. What was even more funny, was we were surrounded by childless people. People who did not see the predicament SD and I were in. Luckily, I am one to find a way when it comes to our survival. I got Gabe's car seat and strapped him in. I wish I had a picture, but at the time I think I would have been too tired to take one. He looked so comfortable there eating his snack in a five point harness!

Snack did not last long and off we were again in the pool. Half hour longer and then home we would go. This was when Gabe got on a floaty, I'm holding on his Speedo/body life vest the whole time, and takes a dive off the other side. I had a firm grip on him, but his face went under a little along with his ears. He just got tubes in his ears and now I'm wondering if he will be OK. Gabe would not let me put anything on or around his ears before we swam to protect them. He's 2 and I didn't think I would win that battle. He's ears are not bothering him, but could water have gotten in his middle ear again? Would it just drain out? I'm going to Google and find out.

10 minutes to go. Boy, I missed talking to the other people. They would come over and talk to us for awhile. I felt like I was at a great pool with my great kids, but we were on the kiddie side and all the adults were lounging pool side or having a drink as they floated around in their raft. Then it happened. The only other couple there, took their ONLY child and showed him how to jump off the diving board. Before we could shield Gabe's eyes, The boy made a cute laugh and splashed in the water. I'm not sure how it happened, but Gabe was out of the water and running to the diving board. Our friends' husband was sitting on the board by then and blocked Gabe before making his gold medal dive. Now, it is quite a compliment to me when a big, strong guy tells you that he is having trouble holding back your son. He will now understand the sweat on my brow accompanied by a strained expression when I hold my son. I do not normally look like that.

It took awhile to get Gabe to peacefully leave the diving board. We let him jump fully guided by SD's arms into the water. Thank God that his grandparents do not have a diving board at their pool.

We had a great time, but it was quite an eye opener to how fearless he is with water. We will not be getting a pool anytime soon.