BEARS

The girls were bears today.  I don't know if it was due to their flu shots yesterday or what.  But they were no fun to be around for most of the day.

We did manage to get out this morning with Lucy and Alex.  We headed over to TJMaxx where Lucy bought Hannah her winter coat.  We were suppose to go out to lunch after that but there was NO WAY I was taking these guys anywhere except home to bed! 

When they woke up I thought they would be in better moods.  NOPE!  So we ended up taking them to the park to burn off their crankiness (it worked for the most part).

Then we hit the 5:00 mass on the way home. 

Now they're sleeping and they better stay that way all night!  And they also better wake up in better moods. 

Fun Friday with mommy

Fun Friday started with a flu shot for the girls.  They did great not one tear and they got their pop pop.  Then they hit the park for some playscape fun.  After lunch they went down for a nap and mommy cleaned and cleaned.  No rest for supermom.  Then in the afternoon Jen and Christopher visited.  Christopher and the girls played all afternoon.  When I came home from work I helped get dinner ready and we all ate some yummy food.  The girls were wiped out from the fun packed day, and so was mommy.  Christopher and Jen left and it was bath, brush teeth and read books, now the girls are sound asleep. 

Story time & Dance

I brought the girls to story time today for the 1st time.  It was great because there were actually other kids there (even a set of identical twin girls a little younger than the trio).  The woman was dressed up like Cat in the Hat!  She read them a book, then they had some craft, then they were handed a musical instrument to march around the store with (we were at Barnes & Noble) and the parade ended at the cafe where there was someone waiting to hand them a cookie! 

After story time - we came home and the girls took a 2 & 1/2 hour nap.  That left NO time to get ready before leaving for dance.  So they literally woke up, got changed and we were out the door.  Went to dance where they participated for a little bit towards the end of the class.  Of course they were willing to show off their skills of being able to do somersaults. 

Then it was off to McD's for food and fun with Grumps.  The girls just love that germ infested play scape.  They also love hanging out with Grumps :)

Hump Day..

In the 'working' world - Wednesday = Hump Day.  In the 24/7 world - Wednesday = what day is it again?  Point being - they all blend together.  And rather than looking at days in terms of deadlines or what needs to be done - it's looked at in terms of what day is story time at Barnes & Noble and what day is Dance again?  Not negative changes - but changes all the same. 

Pete had to be to work early today.  We got up early for once - so he got to work on time for once.  I was able to shower before the girls woke up which was great.  When they woke up we had breakfast and they desperately needed a bath.  They didn't get one last night because we got home so late.  So I threw their tiny butts in the tub and gave them a bath.  It was fine bathing them alone.  Usually it's a 2 man job but they're getting old enough to understand the dangers of the tub.  Hitting their head one too many times was probably key to their understanding.  Not that I walked away from them at all...I wouldn't consider it.  But being able to focus on washing one while the other 2 play is a blessing in itself.  YOU put 3 of your kids in the tub and let me know how much fun it is :)  Oh - and let me know how dry you are in the end LOL

After bath the girls were getting on my nerves - truth be told I woke up in a horrid mood.  So I'm sure they were being fine but I was the one being critical.  Anyhow - I had enough of their comments of  'I can't do it!'  'Mommy help meeeeeee!'  'Mommy YOU do it for me!'  Ugh.  DONE DONE DONE  I finally threw their clothes at them and simply said 'Tags go in the back.  Get dressed or you're going to Grandma's house NAKED!'  And at that point I think I really meant it. 

Emily's response was to continue playing.

Hannah's response was 'Uh oh...I no be naked mom!'  And she started to get herself dressed.

Hailey's response - she was dressed, tags in the back...in less than 3 minutes.  She then proceeded to help Hannah.  Hannah was putting her pants on backwards which I don't really care about but Hailey knew and so she took Hannah's pants off and said "No Poodle - dis way" 

Emily was getting dressed at this point.  She had her pants on her legs but claimed she was 'stuck' and couldn't stand up.  Hailey finished helping Hannah and ran over to Emily and helped her stand up.

They all needed minimal help getting their shirts on so I helped.  But in the end I learned something.  I underestimate their abilities.  I'm always in such a hurry to get to the next part of our day that I just DO things for them.  It's easier for ME if I get them dressed.  It takes much less time and patience.  But at the same time - I'm taking away...rather withholding...their independence.  And independence is something that I want them to have. 

See - sometimes it helps to wake up raunchy!

Poodle = some pet name they've all picked up for each other.  I have no idea where they got it but they all call each other Poodle now.  Mostly it's "c'mon poodle!"   

Indian Summer

I love it!  The girls and I went for a long walk this morning.

I had a meeting with some people from the Attorney Generals office (they came here when the girls were sleeping).

Then we went to hang out with Alex after school and helped her do some homework.  And we played outside and even stayed for dinner (how could we say no to some good home cookin' from Rita!!!). 

We stayed out way past our bedtime but that's the good thing that comes with getting a little bit older...the girls can handle a change in schedule every now and then.  Tonight was well worth it :) 

Oh boy

The girls and I had a great day.  The weather was nice so we took advantage and went for a long walk this morning.  After their naps we went to the mall just to hang out and then stopped by to see Rosemary.  She was kind enough to do some shopping for the girls (whenever I need anything - she's there to shop!).  So we had some stuff to pick up and then headed back home. 

The 'oh boy' part comes from someone else's kid tonight though!  After the girls went to bed I needed to decompress and headed over to a friends house.  She had 2 kids - one of them is 8.  And said 8 y/o has a book report due on Friday.  She chose a rather lengthy book to read which I have no doubt she can read.  However; she only ready 1/3 of it so far!  The book report is due Friday!  OMG!  So the night was spent prepping her on how she's gonna finish and be able to hand it in on time.  She's a smart kid but didn't make such a smart choice leaving this to the last minute. 

Is this MY future?!?!  Am I going to have to read the books my girls are reading?  Am I going to be doing reports and math problems until I'm 90?!?!  A bit of a stretch I know...but the meaning is there.   Seriously part of me wants to map out their academic future right now.  Meet the teachers, get the assignments and just get started!  LOL  At least this will ensure 'we' are not behind.  Because let's face it - it's not just the kids that get the homework! 

PS:  I spelled 'academic' wrong before the spell check.    Oh boy....................

..........

The worst is that I'm still not over burying my father.  I don't get time to go and see him as often as I'd like (I don't take the girls there).  I cry A LOT and it sucks.  I can't stop thinking and focusing on his last moments in the hospital bed.  I wish I never saw that.  I wish to God that he had passed peacefully and we were never in the position to have to make that life altering decision.  I wish I didn't have to see the people that came to grieve and I wish I had more time to tell him the things I'd like to say. 

There was a lot more to this post but most of it got deleted.  I think I just need some sleep right now.

Saturday

Weekends are fun - and I'm loving the warmer than usual weather lately.  Today the girls slept until 7:30 WHOOOOO HOOOOO!  We didn't have plans for the day just hung out.  We went to the park before nap - then after the girls took naps we went out and played for a bit.  Now they're sleeping :) 

Fun Friday

Today the girls and I went to visit Pete's dad at work.  They LOVED showing off their cuteness and being the center of attention :) 

The rest of the day was spent chillin' 

Daddy's new plan

Our Morning routine isn't working.  Time for change.  The girls used to get up at 5:30am now they get up at 7am so we do too.  No more.  I need to get up at 6am and in the shower so after I have time to watch the girls while Michelle takes a shower or help get the girls ready if they are going somewhere, and still get to work by 8am.  I have been rushing like a chicken with its head cut off and getting to work late and it puts all of us in a bad mood.  Also no more fast food at lunch, I'll bring my lunch to work.  At night after the girls go to bed, no more farmville.  I'll be working out every other night now.  Bye bye soda hello water.

Moon Dance

Today was wicked busy!  I had an appt to get my stitches removed (the incision is infected but some antibiotics and time should take care of that), then I had some errands to run.  This was all done sans kids as they were home and Pete's mom was watching them.  Then it was home to play and get the girls ready for the day (the morning started off rough so the girls were still in their pj's when I left).  They took naps, I cleaned and folded laundry.

Then it was time for DANCE!  Yay!  Or not.............  They didn't dance.  I'm not surprised.  It'll take time. But they looked cute :)

After dance we met up with Grumps at McD's before the drive home.  They ate and played...and played hard.  They even went in that disgusting gross filthy lovely nice clean indoor playground McD's sports.  

On the ride home the following conversation took place:

Hananh: Turn the music down it's too loud!
Me:  Ok - sorry.  I'll turn it down.  (we were playing a game and singing so the loud music was part of the game).
Hannah:  (as serious as could be) I want to talk to you.
Me:  About what?
Hannah:  The moon.
Me: (laughing) The moon?  What about the moon?
Hannah:  I'm just going to go there.  *please note - she was soooo freakin' serious about this
Me:  How are you going to get there?
Hannah:  In this car! 
Emily: (instantly crying...a real cry)
Me:  Emily what's wrong?!?!
Emily:  Emmie no wanna go to the mooooooooon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me:  (laughing so hard) Emily honey - we're not going to the moon.  We're gonna go home and see Daddy.
Hannah:  I'm going to the moon. 
Hailey:  Not me. 

Needless to say - we came home.  No moon dance for us tonight. 

Bullied

Happy Hump Day.  The girls and I kept a low profile today.  We needed to catch up on some sleep so we stayed home and slept!  We all took naps and then just to get out of the house we headed to the car wash (1st time for the girls).  After that we headed to the park. 

Hailey had her 1st bully experience at the park today.  All 3 of the girls were running up a long ramp over to a slide, sliding down and then running back to the beginning of the ramp.  Hailey got separated from the other 2 at one point and stopped to wait for them.  She was standing right in front of me.  On the ramp was a little boy - maybe a little younger than the girls but he was bigger than them.  He looked Hailey right in the eyes, pointed at her and said 'NO!' basically telling her she can't come up the ramp.  Then he proceeded to spit at her.  I didn't move a muscle.  I wanted to see how Hailey reacted.  IT BROKE MY HEART.  She put her hands over her eyes and pretended she didn't see him.  And then she wouldn't go up the ramp. 

What I wanted to tell her to do:  You go tell this punk to back the f*ck up and move over.  And make sure you push him off the ramp while you're at it. 

What I actually said:  Hailey - what he did wasn't acceptable.  Just say no thank you and go around him. 

By that point Hannah & Emily were at the beginning of the ramp ready to run up and I asked them to wait for Hailey.  But she still wouldn't go.  Ugh.  You just can't fight every battle for them.  And they have to learn to fight their own battles.  She did eventually end up going by him after a bit.  And his mom came over.  I never said a word to her...I knew I didn't have to because he told her to 'go away' when he saw her.  But her reply was 'I can't go away - I need to make sure you're not being bad.'  That says it all. 

The rest of the day at the park was nothing but fun. 

Tomorrow we're going to try to make it to dance...

Good day

Today was a good day.  Girls spent the day at Grandma's. 

Monday?

Man - today didn't seem like a Monday for some reason.  The night last night was R O U G H to say the least.  The girls were up between 10 - 2 and Pete and I just didn't get much sleep.  These are the nights I feel like no one in the world understands what we go through sometimes.  But - it's our life and no one else should have to understand. 

The girls woke up like nothing happened last night.  Ugh if I could only let things go so easily.  Maybe I can learn from them.  Christina 'slept' over last night (she ended up going down to LB's room and sleeping with him down there - she wasn't able to sleep through the chaos of the girls screaming).  Pete left for work and the girls and I woke up Christina at 8:30.  We had plans to head over to my brother Peters house for breakfast.  We didn't get out of the door until 9:45.  Getting 4 kids ready in the morning - WOW.  One more kid added to the bunch doesn't seem like much but it is.  It wasn't chaotic - just busy. 

We had breakfast with Pete (and Owen) and then headed back home around noon.  See how the time flies by?  It felt like we just woke up but at this point all I did was get us all ready & go hang out with my brother!  We came back and all of us took naps (me included) and when we woke up we decided to go the mall.  Pete was coming home from work early so we waited for him...then all took off to the mall. 

The mall was super fun today because we went to a different mall and the girls got to ride a choo choo train (not their wagon...lol - this one was real).  They had a small train taking kids for rides around the top floor.  It was really cool and the girls all enjoyed themselves. 

Then we came home, Christina went home, the girls got baths and went to bed.

I had to go to the store for some bandages for my wrist (and let me just say - I came home without them...because for some reason I bought everything else in the store EXCEPT what I actually went there for!).  I heard Hannah and Hailey talking.............hmmmm.  They should be sleeping - it's already 8:30.  Something told me something was different.  So I went upstairs and what did I find?  I found Hailey in Hannah's bed with her.  The 2 of them were laying down and talking to each other.  Ahhhh it melted my heart.  How sweet.  Pete and I were curious to see how long it would take for them to realize they could easily climb into bed with each other.  I did break up the buddy system though.  Hailey went back to her bed and they fell asleep shortly after.  Oh - and Emily was zonked at this point. She loves her sleep :)

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Pete had to do some work on his car.  So as not to be in his way - the girls and I spent the day away from home - and left Pete to do his thang.  It was hard to get motivated this morning but we managed to get dressed and out the door by 10.  We headed over to my friend Lucy's house and started the morning there by making banana pancakes.  Alex and Brianna were there so the girls had fun playing with them while Lucy & I had COFFEE!  We left there and headed to Toys R Us...no better place to make a Christmas Wish list! 

I really have been meaning to get the kids there so I could see if they were ready for some of the things I had picked out for them.  We can take tricycles, helmets and big wheels off the list.  We can add My Little Pony interactive noisy toy things though!  LOL  They were drawn to the My Little Pony section and mostly to the things they were able to play with that talked, whistled or made some loud obnoxious noise.  They also love coloring - so the Crayola section was stimulation overload for them.  It's hard to choose the things I think we will get the most use out of - especially knowing how expensive these things are when you have to buy them new.  I'm a BIG fan of used toys.  I was also recently reminded of how on their 1st Christmas I wrapped empty boxes just so it looked like we had tons of stuff when really we didn't.  Hahahahaha (I'm STILL laughing at this!). 

Christmas is really weighing on my mind.  Last year I think I did a post about how I just can't keep telling people 'no' and accept what people give to the kids.  Just say 'thank you' and move on.  Because I am EXTREMELY thankful for anything we receive.  But there has to be boundaries.  And I'm convinced already that xmas and bday's in this house are going to be pure gluttony.  I don't want it to be that way.  The girls are SPOILED ROTTEN by everyone they know.  They come from a big family and we have a lot of close friends.  We have had 3 BIG bday parties for them EACH year (and probably will each and every year going forward).  We have a minimum of 3 Christmas parties to attend every year as well.  I don't want these 2 holiday's to become all about presents and getting things.  I have to start thinking now about how we're going to prevent this from happening. 

The girls did great today being out all day and not having the chance to take naps.  They didn't have one melt down - not a single one.  And they also went to bed and right to sleep at 6:00 tonight.  Extra bonus for us!!!!

Saturday

Today flew by.  Girls got up about 6:30am.  Before we knew it it was 11am.  The girls took a nap, we put our new choo choo wagon together (review coming soon) and took showers.  After the girls got up we headed to Grandma's house for dinner. 

Fun Friday

Fun Friday with me isn't as much fun as it was with LB but hey - so goes life.  The girls and I took a walk this morning and after their 3 hour nap (yes...3 full hours) we sang and danced (trying to get them use to some loud music!).  We also watched the building next to ours get power washed - that was fun for the girls to see.  Carl is sleeping over tonight.  Hopefully he'll sleep till 7 like the girls have been lately :)

Go with the flow

One thing I've learned since having kids is that if you get worked up over change - you're gonna lose your mind.  You MUST go with the flow and make things as easy as possible in every situation. 

I had a post op appt this morning at 8:00.  My mother in law came here to watch the girls and I was up, showered and out of the house by 7:30.  (It felt great too).  After my appt (thing went well) I headed to Target because the girls needed leotards and tights for their very 1st dance class today.  Then it was back home to the girls to make sure these things fit right and we were ready for dance. 

I bought 5 leotards.  I knew one would fit Emily.  I bought 2 sizes each for Hannah & Hailey.  I will return the 2 that don't fit...but needed to make sure they had something for today.  My own fault for waiting until the last minute but so goes life sometimes.  The wedding, then surgery - dance took last place. 

They tried them on - loved them and didn't want to take them off.  Great!  We're off to a good start because tights aren't something they wear everyday so this could have gone the opposite direction.  I've got a good feeling this is all going to be perfect.  They went right down for naps today with the promise that as soon as they woke up - we'd get in the car and head to dance class.  And that's what we did...but we detoured to get my friend's daughter 1st.  I wasn't sure how much help I would need having the 3 of them in the class so I opted to get my friends daughter and have her help me out.  The girls can get pretty cranky (aka: pissy) about someone being in the car with them so all the way there I kept saying 'We're going to get Alex and then we're going to dance!'  They got excited - I got excited...yay! 

I get there....and no one was home!  Her grandfather took her to HER house and was waiting for me there.  I was waiting at her grandfathers house!  Mixed signals turned into lost time and we ended up missing the dance class.  I DID consider just leaving and going to the class without Alex.  But the girls were so excited that as soon as I started pulling out of the parking lot they flipped out.  "Noooo!  You forgot Alex!!!!!!!!!"  So I called and said we wouldn't make it to dance, waited for Alex, came back home with all 4 of them, Pete ordered pizza...and we enjoyed the evening at home hanging out.  The girls didn't really care they missed dance.  They were just as happy to stay in the dance outfits and hang out at home with Alex.  So no worse for the wear (I have no idea what that phrase even means).  We'll try again next week to make it on time :) 

oh the pain

The girls had a good day.  Michelle single handily, literaly, took care of the girls today.  She had some help but only for a few hours.  Her hand really hurts today and its all black and blue now.  She goes to the doctor tomorrow.  The girls collected leaves outside and glued them on paper.  Ofcourse they thought the glue sticks were chap stick.  lol  Well its way to late for me to replay the whole day so good night.

OUCH

still......in......pain

sweet

the girls did awesome as flower girls

best wedding we have been to in a very long time

i'm typing 1 handed - had surgery on my left wrist

peace out

Happy Wedding Day!!!

Today Nick & Sara are getting married!  Yup...on a Sunday.  Because............the date is 10/10/10!  The girls are going to be the flower girls :) 

So we're busy getting ready - and hopefully Sara and Nick aren't nervous (but I'm sure they are).  They're going to be great together. 

Congratulations Nick & Sara!  You will have ups & downs, good and bad, laughs and tears...but most of all you will have each other. 

What a day

Wow, daddy got his butt kicked today.  I don't know how mommy does it all day every day.  The girls were really good all day but they take a lot of  energy out of you.  AND boy does time fly.  The girls and I made blueberry muffins for breakfast.  I gave Hailey an egg, she said " I crack it" and slammed it down on the table.  I laughed and told her not to worry I'll clean it up.  I gave her the egg.  Then I let all 3 of them put the muffin cups in the pan and stir the batter.  Later in the day Michelle and I were talking about getting a play climber or something to keep the girls entertained during winter.  Michelle called her cousin Jen to see what she had and found that Jen had a play house we could have.  Not only did she have one for us but she said she could bring it to us today.  While the girls took a nap we cleaned the living room and made space for the house.  Once Jen got here, with Christopher, I washed the house while all the kids played.  Once clean we put the play house in the living room and the girls love it.  Somehow the afternoon flew by.  Jen and Christopher left.  Uncle Andy came over in the mist of the moving of furniture.  It was now 6pm and the girls need to eat, get a bath, and Michelle needs to leave she has a dinner to go to.  I got the bath ready while Michelle got the dinner ready.  Team work.  Uncle Andy and I gave the kids a bath and put them to bed with no problems.  Now I need sleep.

Sleepy

Short post tonight cuz I'm sleepy!  And Hannah keep waking up so it might be a long night.  The girls did GREAT at rehearsal last night.  I can only hope they keep their good spirits and cute attitudes for the actual wedding.  Only time will tell though. 

We had a great day today and since they didn't take naps today - they went to bed early.  Something I'm planning to do right now..............

Early post today!

Before I post about today - I totally forgot that in yesterdays post I should have included a great big...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA to Pete's mom!  Yesterday was her birthday - and although they're going away this weekend we're hoping to get together when they get back. 

Tonight - the girls and I are headed to the rehearsal dinner.  Actually - only I'm going to dinner.  I'm driving the girls to the church to practice for the wedding...then Pete is going to meet me there after he gets out of work.  He's going to come get them and we'll trade cars so he can bring them home and I can go to the dinner.  They are all gonna eat McD's on the way home :) 

The girls are still sleeping - and have been for 3 hours now.  This is after they slept for 13.5 hours last night!  They went to sleep at 5:30 last night and didn't wake up until 7:00 this morning.  Then they went to sleep at 11:30 for their naps and it's now 2:20 and they're not up yet.  I'm going to have to wake them up soon though....gonna take us some time to get ready for tonight! 

Oh and I'm OH SO VERY FREAKIN' EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Why you ask?  Ok maybe you didn't but I'm gonna tell you anyway - the girls start DANCE LESSONS next week!  Yippie!!!!!  My cousin Kate owns a Dance Studio - KDCP up in Massachusetts.  We're not only going to get the best of dance lessons - but we're gonna be able to hang out with family at the same time.  The best of both worlds if you ask me. 

And the wait goes on and on and on and........

With no 'job' to report to - waking up and getting ready in the morning is a slow process now.  This morning was no different.  Pete and I wake up around 6:30 - 6:45.  We get the girls, head downstairs and I've taken over the morning routine of making their milk and getting them dressed.  The getting dressed part isn't high on the morning priority list lol.  Also - since we opt to sleep in a bit...I have to shower after Pete leaves - which means I can wait until the girls take a nap and then shower.  Or I can (and do) have them watch a video on the computer in the bathroom while I shower.  Then I move the computer to our bed & let them finish watching their video while I get dressed. 

Today - Hailey REALLY wanted to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse BABY GOOFY!  (Insert cute toddler voice saying BABY GOOFY PLEASE!).  I just wanted to have my cup of coffee.  She was so cute and persistent that I said fine and we all went upstairs where I showered and dressed while they watch their show.  I thanked Hailey for this later because...

I had been talking to a friend that works in the ortho dept where I need to have my ganglion cyst removed.  I was trying to get my surgery scheduled for this month (the pain sucks!) and she was trying to make this happen.  At 10:30 I got a phone call asking if I could be in Avon by 12:00 (it was a 40 min drive).  The girls were still in their pj's but luckily - I was showered and dressed :) 

I said yup - made the appt, hung up the phone and yelled down the basement stairs to LB that I need help!  He got the girls dressed while I got their stuff ready to go.  We were out the door in less than 15 minutes.  We got to the doctors office at 11:30 and.............waited.....and waited......and waited....and left to go get the kids McD's for lunch.......and waited and waited......until 1:30. 

It was a long wait.  But I have to say - the girls were EXCELLENT.  They weren't whiny or cranky AT ALL.  That's a long time for them to be couped up inside and not go stir crazy.  I won't lie though - I was hoping to be rescued.  This was one of those times when I would have gladly taken someone up on a 'I can come and get them' offer. 

But we made it through the appt - and made it home...without naps!  By 5:30 they were fed, bathed and sleeping for the night.............................

The days blend

That's how I feel being home with the girls.  The days just seem to blend together.  It's not bad - it's just different from being on a schedule and having to clock in 5 days a week.  I don't feel rushed...that much is for sure. 

Today we tackled a trip to CVS and then S&S.  My mom came along too so it didn't take us nearly as long as it would have if I were solo.  Got some stuff (forgot some stuff), came home, ate lunch and put the girls for a nap.  Hannah woke up 45 minutes before the other 2.  She was super excited to get some one on one time.  I let her help me do everything.  She set up snack by placing fruit bites on all their plates one at a time.  She helped me put a load of laundry in the washer.  She helped me get the mail.  She also helped me wash the paint off the pumpkins...so we could repaint them.  I love washable paint :) 

Then she also helped me wake up the other 2...lol.  Once they were all up we ate snack and when I asked if they wanted to help bake brownies they said NO!  Huh?  They were still pretty sleepy (on a rainy day like today - I can't blame them).  So I did the unthinkable.  I let the TV watch them (thank you Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for being on in the afternoon!) and I baked brownies.  The girls were being so good that I even had time to clean the kitchen and make dinner as well! 

Once Pete got home - I took the girls for a walk and when we got back it was time to eat!  We ate, enjoyed some brownies and then it was PLAY TIME! 

Now they're sleeping.  And we'll do this all over again tomorrow. 

Letter from a child with Autism

Someone posted this on FB - I found it enlightening and thought it was important to pass on.

Dear Family and Friends-



I understand that we will be visiting each other for some get-togethers this year. Sometimes these visits can be very hard for me, but here is some information that might help our visit to be more successful. As you probably know, I am challenged by a hidden disability called Autism, or what some people refer to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Autism/PDD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which makes it hard for me to understand the environment around me. I have barriers in my brain that you can’t see, but which make it difficult for me to adapt to my surroundings.


I may seem rude and abrupt or silly and out of control, but it is only because I have to try so hard to understand people and at the same time, make myself understood. People with autism have different abilities. Some may not speak, some will write beautiful poetry. Others are whizzes in math (Albert Einstein was thought to be autistic), or may have difficulty making friends. We are ALL different and need various degrees of support.

Sometimes when I am touched unexpectedly, it might feel painful and make me want to run away. I get easily frustrated, too. Being with lots of other people is like standing next to a moving freight train and trying to decide how and when to jump aboard. I feel frightened and confused a lot of the time. This is why I need to have things the same as much as possible. Once I learn how things happen, I can get by OK. But if something, anything, changes then I have to relearn the situation all over again! It is very hard.


When you try to talk to me, I often can’t understand what you say because there is a lot of distraction around. I have to concentrate very hard to hear and understand one thing at a time. You might think I am ignoring you – I am not. Rather, I am hearing everything and not knowing what is most important to respond to.


Get-togethers are exceptionally hard because there are so many different people, places and things going on that are out of my ordinary realm. This may be fun and adventurous for most people, but for me, it’s very hard work and can be extremely stressful. I often have to get away from all the commotion to calm down. It would be great if I had a private place set up to where I could retreat every time I go to get-togethers.


If I cannot sit at the meal table, do not think I am misbehaved or my parents have no control over me. Sitting in one place for even five minutes is often impossible for me. I feel so antsy and overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds, and people – I just have to get up and move about. Please don’t hold up your meal for me – go on without me, and my parents will handle the situation the best way they know how.


Eating in general is hard for me. If you understand that autism is a sensory processing disorder, it’s no wonder eating is a problem! Think of all the senses involved with eating. Sight, smell, taste, touch AND all the complicated mechanics that are involved. Chewing and swallowing is something that a lot of people with autism have trouble with. I am not picky – I literally cannot eat certain foods as my sensory system and/or oral motor coordination are impaired.


Don’t be disappointed if Mom hasn’t dressed me in the best clothes there are. It’s because she knows how much stiff and frilly clothes drive me buggy! I have to feel comfortable in my clothes or I will just be miserable. When I go to someone else’s house, I may appear crabby. Things have to be done in ways I am familiar with or else I might get confused and frustrated. It doesn’t mean you have to change the way you are doing things – just please be patient with me, and understanding of how I have to cope. Mom and Dad have no control over how my autism makes me feel inside. People with autism often have little things that they do to help themselves feel more comfortable. The grown-ups call it “self-regulation” or “stimming.” I might rock, hum, flick my fingers, tap a string, or any number of different things. I am not trying to be disruptive or weird. Again, I am doing what I have to do for my brain to adapt to your world. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from talking, singing, laughing, or doing an activity I enjoy. The grown-ups call this “perseverating” which is kinda like self-regulation or stimming. I do this only because I have found something to occupy myself that makes me feel comfortable. Perseverating behaviors are good to a certain degree because they help me calm down.


Please be respectful to my Mom and Dad if they let me “stim” for a while as they know me best and what helps to calm me. Remember that my Mom and Dad have to watch me much more closely than the average child. This is for my own safety, and preservation of your possessions. It hurts my parents’ feelings to be criticized for being over-protective, or condemned for not watching me close enough. They are human and have been given an assignment intended for saints. My parents are good people and need your support and not rude remarks.

Gatherings are filled with sights, sounds, and smells. The average household is turned into a busy, frantic, festive place. Remember that this may be fun for you, but it’s very hard work for me to conform. If I fall apart or act out in a way that you consider socially inappropriate, please remember that I don’t possess the neurological system that is required to follow some social rules. I am a unique person – an interesting person. I will find my place at these celebrations that is comfortable for us all, as long as you’ll try to view the world through my eyes!


-Author Unknown




I do not know who wrote this, I do feel it can help so many, Bless the child that wrote this letter.

Pete's home!

After a looooong weekend - Pete is finally home!   We all had a great day.  Lots of people came to our house to meet so we could all head out to the pumpkin patch.  We had fun on a hay ride and then picked out some big and some small pumpkins.  Tomorrow we'll be painting the pumpkins (for the 1st time...cuz the plan is to paint them everyday lol). 

365+

So today I was thinking "I wonder how long I've been doing the 365 blog?"  Because my plan was to blog everyday for one year straight.  And I did it (sort of).  I missed a few days back in March when I was in the hospital.  And there were a couple of days when Blogger was down.  But - I started the 365 on Sept 27, 2009!  That means it's been over a year!!! 

But - I'll continue to blog.  I think it'll be nice for the girls to read when they're older (or until they ask me to stop blogging about them...). 

Today the girls woke up on the WRONG SIDE OF THE BED to say the least.  They were up at 6 and from that point on it was just pure whining and crying and tantrums.  I had plans to hang out with my friend Lucy and her 2 kids today.  At 9 we started getting ready.  I brought the girls upstairs to watch their video on the computer while I showered.  Then after I showered and dressed - I got them dressed.  But throughout all of this they were still being so wicked cranky.  In the back of my mind I was saying 'they should really take an early nap and we shouldn't be going anywhere' but I really wanted to get out of the house.  So I convinced myself that once we were out of the house they would be fine. 

Usually it doesn't take me long to get us all ready but it took me 2 freakin' hours today.  By the time we were ready to walk out the door I was spent.  They were each on my last nerve.  I got them to the car, buckled them in and yet they were still crying.  I lost my flipping mind.  I unbuckled them, brought them kicking and screaming right back into the house, upstairs and put their little butts in bed.  Hailey was screaming at me that she wanted her blanket which was in the car.  By the time I went to the car and came back in - they were ALL sleeping.  And they slept for a solid 2.5 hours.  And so did I.  I knew better.  I should have gone with my instinct that they were too tired to try and get them to do anything or go anywhere.  They're only 2 - they can't tell me that they're tired...they rely on me to read their behavior.  But it was ME that wanted to go.  And I was just as tired as they were to tell the truth. 

When they woke up - we were all in much better moods.  We got up, got changed and left right away.  We met Lucy and her kids at Friendly's for lunch and then the girls went to spend some time with Titi.  I took full advantage of being trio free and hit the store for diapers, pull ups and wipes. 

After picking up the girls and coming home, LB helped me feed them, give them a bath and get them to bed.  They're now sleeping soundly :)

Pete is coming home from his camping trip tomorrow.  Yay!!!

Rainy Days

What a rainy day today.  It rained pretty much all day long.  The girls and I didn't go anywhere today.  We stayed home and just hung out to play.  We said goodbye to Pete this morning - he's off to VT for the whole weekend on a camping trip.  After that my mom came over for a little bit and then when it was nap time - we ALL took a nap (me included).  When we woke up we had some lunch and hung out some more.  The rain let up a little bit and at one point I had the front door open.  I know better than to leave it open without propping it so that the girls can't shut it (they love to slam it shut).  I heard the door slam and Hannah scream...her finger was completely shut in the door.  I thought for sure that when I opened the door her little finger was going to just fall off.  But luckily it didn't and I think it's just going to be a bad bruise.  Thank God for tiny fingers...they fit in the darnedest places...including door jams.  And thank God for cousins and aunts who call you back when you send a 'have you dealt with broken fingers?' texts.  I really didn't want to have to bring the girls to the ED.  I hate that place to begin with...and to have to bring all 3 on a rainy day would have sucked.  We iced her finger and put a band aid on it (she insisted - even though it didn't bleed lol). 

The girls went to bed easier than I thought they would tonight.  I thought for sure they would throw a fit because Pete wasn't here but I've been telling them all day that he's camping and they seemed to be ok with it.  They went right to sleep (with the promise of being able to call Daddy in the morning and waking him up lol).