tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39165721467527773772024-03-05T08:57:40.160-08:00Loving LoganFollow Logan's Journey: Watch and learn as we live each day coping, learning, and striving to come to terms with "Autism." From genetic testing and developmental delays to lots of love, prayers, and patience...we are learning and experiencing new things every day. Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-31672275328015614102013-11-03T13:40:00.002-08:002013-11-03T13:40:58.348-08:00Progress, Milestones, Changes :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while since I have posted... For those who are new to following: Thank You! Life got pretty busy (seems likethat's my excuse every single time I fall off the blogging world). I have started a new job...so after 4+ years of being a stay at home mommy...I am now a working mom again! Logan is adjusting well. Much better than I expected. :)<br />
<br />
His favorite things right now are: Legos, dinosaurs, documentaries (all things ocean, animals, planets, and cooking), playing/doing obstacle courses with our dog, and school recess. He likes most foods, however, he is becoming more picky as he grows older. He loves deep pressure and massage - he actually asks for it now. The weighted blanket has been a lifesaver. Recently he has become a little "teacher." He enjoys explaining how things work, why things happen, cause and effect, etc. It is so awesome to listen to him tell me the reason things happen. He listens to everything and soaks it in like a sponge. <br />
<br />
In the last few months we have made significant progress. Logan is slowly learning to understand joking (not with everyone, but with Neil and I). The other night he helped me cook desert. I wasn't going to have any so I placed 4 plates on the table...but I put his plate where my spot is. He looked at me and smiled and said "Mommy, I know you are joking because you have a smile on your face. I can laugh now." For him to recognize that is HUGE. We have worked so hard to get to this point! <br />
<br />
Another big thing he did was introduce himself to another child. If you aren't familiar with Autism, doing something like this is another HUGE gain. Social skills do not come easy. We were down at Riley in the waiting room at Dr. Walsh's office. I was verifying all the info was up to date and getting ready to pay our co-pay when I completely froze. I heard him say "My name is Logan, what's your name?" to a little boy sitting at the computer. The registration ladies celebrated in the joy when I exclaimed "Did you just hear him?! He just introduced himself! Do you know how long I have waited to hear that?!" It was the best ever. Logan and the little boy sat at the computer and just played to their hearts content. <br />
<br />
He is taking baths - and not screaming. This is another big step. We have gotten to the point where he will actually put his head back in the water and let me wash his hair. He's learning to trust that I will do it carefully and slowly (as not to get water on his face). <br />
<br />
He's learning to ask for help! I feel that a lot of his meltdowns come from frustration, lack of confidence, and fear of failure. He doesn't want to try if he is afraid he won't be successful. This can be buttoning his pants, putting together a lego set, puzzles, learning to ride his bike, etc...things that require fine/gross motor skills. Last night we had a half an hour meltdown because his car "broke." When I tried to help him put it back together, he lost it. He wanted to do it himself, but after his first failed attempt, he threw himself on the floor and sobbed for a good 20 mins. I gave him his space, then had him hold my hands while I did it... then I held his hands and helped him to do it...by the end of the night he had mastered how to put the top of the car back on. I think it's about helping him to be patient and building his self confidence. <br />
<br />
Last month, Logan was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome in addition to his ASD. I am still in denial a little over it. We have had 3 specialists confirm the diagnosis, but I still have a hard time accepting this. I don't know what the deal is...maybe a little embarrassment over the stereotypical stigma attached to Tourette's...and then again a part of me really believes he doesn't have it. So I won't really elaborate much there. Maybe some other time. <br />
<br />
I am so thankful for the progress we have witnessed in the last few months. It always seems like a rollercoaster. He will regress, progress, and plateau. I am completely enjoying the progress at the moment! :) Thank you for catching up. I've missed this place! ;)<br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-32815141180558807422013-09-05T10:29:00.000-07:002013-09-05T10:29:15.211-07:00The Back To School Blur!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So you are probably wondering "What's New?" <br />
<br />
This Summer went by FAST. We took a trip to Mexico without the kiddos (gasp!) and I survived! It was a fabulous time away and a much needed break from daily life. I enjoyed the sun, sand, a few cocktails, and the peace and quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids to death, but it was so nice to be able to make last minute decisions like what to eat, waking up and deciding to head into Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, going to the little Mexican bars, walking on the beach, swimming without having to count 3 heads over and over...you get the drift! ;) Being able to do all of these things without planning ahead was just peaceful and liberating! <br />
<br />
We are on our 3rd full week of school. It has gone much better this year than last. A *huge* plus is that we got a new female principal who is awesome! This makes the anxiety level drop a little bit. She has been very, very supportive and understanding. She even makes recommendations that I agree with and we just "click." She has given input at the meetings, stood up when we have had a concern to the "others", and even is so in tune that she will pull me aside and say "What's bugging you?" <br />
<br />
My biggest complaint was that the meetings seem so rushed...and that we skip around the IEP like crazy. No rhyme or reason...only because so and so needs to leave at this time so this has to be covered, lets look at this, lets go back to this part, etc. I need things to be organized and go in order...if they don't I just can't take it! Mrs. P (for principal) let me express all of this and she even cried with me because she is going through the exact same thing with her own son in another school district, and although she is a "big wig", she has no clout in another district, she is simply a mom trying to advocate for her son. She get's it and understands. We laugh, joke, and cry...and it's just fabulous to have this after the disaster of last year. <br />
<br />
Logan gets more time with aides in the classroom, they have been trained in his specific area of disability (Autism/Asperger's/PDD-NOS), and they have worked so well with him thus far. I am very thankful for this! <br />
<br />
Mrs. P even invited me to a "child specific training" where all of the aides, spec ed teacher, gen ed teacher, autism consultant, school psychologist (VtheB), counselor, and principal were present. The special education teacher went through and explained all of Logan's accommodation's and her experiences with Logan. Afterwards, I was given the opportunity to present a Power Point that I had made specific to Logan. I called it "Learning Logan." It was a presentation that included how I believe he best learns, what his strengths are, how things he does can be interpreted, etc. It was a joyous day to be able to share all of the things I wanted them to know so badly...and I was praised by the whole entire team (except for VtheB) for what an exceptional job I did presenting and how informative it was. I even took a second to stand up and pat myself on the back - Okay, NOT REALLY, but it would have been funny! ;) <br />
<br />
We have another meeting next week to correct some things in the IEP - which shouldn't be an issue - because the principal is completely backing us on the things we have concerns with. Can you believe it? It seems like a dream! <br />
<br />
The things that are coming up: Psych appoint next week to discuss some new things: Logan has developed some "tics." These are rapid blinking, shoulder shrugging, and this trembling/shaking thing...all involuntary. We also have an appointment with the pediatric neurologist in Oct. This is to hopefully find out about his muscle weakness/pain that continues to get progressively worse... The geneticist is very concerned about it...and to be honest, so am I. <br />
<br />
My "End of the Year Resolutions" are as follows:<br />
<br />
1.) Blog more - it not only relieves my stress, but keeps those that do care informed.<br />
2.) Get back to the gym... (I did run a mile today and thought I might die)<br />
3.) Connect with other moms that are facing the same challenges we are<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a great week! <br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
<br />
(p.s. not spell checking or re-reading this...you will have to just forgive any mistakes :)<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-63054132572446588432013-07-23T09:54:00.000-07:002013-07-23T10:08:49.919-07:00Understanding, Acceptance, and LOVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't updated in a LONG time. This Summer has kept us busy - specifically me - with the therapy appointments, family nights, full-time job of keeping the house in working order, and doctors appointments... All of the things that go with being a stay at home mom / special needs mom. <br />
<br />
In December 2012 Logan was diagnosed with Asperger's. You can read about it <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3916572146752777377#editor/target=post;postID=5457319008177611857;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=14;src=postname" target="_blank">here.</a> Last school year was a complete headache. Phone calls from the teacher every single night, visits to the principal (who we could write an entire book on), it was nearly impossible to get the services he needed, but we prodded on and we got the IEP. We were super excited, only to learn his IEP was pretty much a skeleton. It had zero accommodation's, mainly behavioral, but nothing to *help* him. They shot down our diagnosis and said he didn't qualify for services pertaining to his Asperger's because the testing that they had done didn't show that he "educationally" qualified under that dx. <br />
<br />
Over this Summer we decided to have the formal ADOS testing - this is a specific testing for Autism. It was a 4 hour long battery of tests for Logan while being observed by a clinical psychiatrist specifically trained in autism. We also had to fill out questionnaires. The tests included an IQ test, evaluating speech, reading, writing, fine motor, gross motor, monitoring mannerisms associated with autism, computer testing, etc. It was in depth. It is the "gold standard" for diagnosing. They will NOT give you a diagnosis of autism unless all evidence gathered through this testing is conclusive. To be honest after leaving the day of testing I wasn't sure that he would receive the diagnosis. I knew it in my heart, but that day he was having a "perfect" day...and a small part of me thought maybe, just maybe, they would tell me that the initial diagnosis was wrong...that he was just a neurotypical child and I was crazy. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, we were given the clinical 100% sure diagnosis of Autism. After meeting with the neuro psychiatrist we were informed of so many things we had never known. We learned his IQ. We learned that the testing the school had done was extremely elevated - that in the speech eval, OT eval, and his kindergarten teachers evals that he was in the "handicapped range." The neuro kept saying - "I just don't understand why they didn't diagnose him." "It seems like they had an agenda." "All numbers gathered and evaluations done pointed to autism at that time." He went over everything and confirmed what we had suspected and had been given a diagnosis of a year and a half ago. Now with all testing, done it became clinically concrete. <br />
<br />
Logan will now qualify for a yearly grant to cover ABA therapy - which our private insurance doesn't cover. We will have this evidence to take to school to show them we followed through with what they recommended and got a second opinion - from a doctor that they respect - and hopefully this will change the way some things are handled. <br />
<br />
Of course, I have already gone through the "grieving" process of accepting that I have a child with special needs, but it still is hard to take it in. It is once again confirmed. It just makes me want to be the best advocate I can possibly be for Logan. I never want to fail him. I will do everything humanly possible to make sure his education is top notch and he is treated fairly. I will be his voice. My job is to help them get to know Logan as I know Logan. The Logan they "knew" was a child that disrupted class, got out of his seat without permission, couldn't keep his hands to himself, upset the teacher, upset other kids, and had temper tantrums. The child that they were constantly telling to "go sit," "stop interrupting," and "I already gave you the instruction's." I am going to be the mom that provides them with the education and understanding - I will explain through my words, with books, and articles what sensory seeking, over stimulation, meltdowns, and distractions really are. I want them to be fully aware of what a child with autism goes through and how their brains work. Maybe, just maybe, if they take it to heart and really listen...they will fall in love. That is my hope. That is my goal: Understanding, Acceptance, and LOVE. <br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-50267866075615583392013-06-04T17:02:00.000-07:002013-06-04T17:02:23.065-07:00The Unspoken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have always been honest on this blog - and will continue to do so. I believe that by sharing some of our families struggles, it may help someone else, or at the very least make them feel less "alone." There are often times in my parent's of special needs groups that that is a common thing - a lot of parents feel alone in the journey... Parents of children with special needs have quite the challenge - and then you add those challenges to a marriage - and it doesn't make it easy. <br />
<br />
Neil and I have always been a great team, we've come a long way in our marriage, but recently our marriage isn't up to the proper standards. This year has been especially hard - with the challenges we have had with Logan's school, Logan's different struggles, his latest back pain issues, etc. I am a stay at home mom - Neil works - and he just recently added a second job to the mix. To say that our marriage is solid right now would be a lie. It's rocky. <br />
<br />
I spend most of my time taking care of the kiddos - and primarily making sure all of the needs of Logan and the girls are met. I am the mediator between Logan and his sisters. I am the schools primary contact. I am the taxi to and from therapy. I am all of the cliché things that a stay at home mom is known for. I am fully absorbed in our children. <br />
<br />
Neil spends his time between the hospital - 12 hour shifts as a paramedic - and the rest of the time in the garage working on his own business. He does this to provide for our family - and I know it is a heavy load to carry. <br />
<br />
Lately, we have been at complete odds with each other. I am grouchy because all he does is work, comes home from work to work and ignores me (hello, I have ZERO adult conversation because I am with kiddos ALL day), we disagree on the most petty things, etc. He gets grouchy because I constantly ask for his time and he is tired and feels the need to work non-stop, I want to get out of the house/He wants to stay at home, etc. It has NOT been pleasant. <br />
<br />
I know all marriages are hard, they are not a walk in the park. There are struggles every married couple will face. The question is how much is too much?! We agree that we won't give up - you won't fail if you try - and we made a promise to love each other forever. We do love each other. It's just one of the "Seasons" of marriage where the grass looks greener on the other side. You look at other couples with envy. You wonder "why" and "how much longer" this season will last before you can move on to the next. We are ready for the next season. <br />
<br />
I am more at fault for holding grudges, not being forgiving when I should be, etc. Neil is at fault for poor time management balancing work and family. Maybe our vacation to Mexico will help us reconnect. "This too shall pass." We will not be part of the 80% (divorced parents of special needs kiddos). We won't give up. It just takes time and a readjustment in priorities on both parts. Sooooo...if you pray...pray for our wisdom, forgiveness, and future. <br />
<br />
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Love you all! Xoxo. </div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-64386173469920841382013-06-02T12:16:00.000-07:002013-06-02T12:16:47.699-07:00Irony<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the past 8 months (at least) we have avoided going to church - left our church - and have been searching for a church that fits us. This has been a major internal struggle. Don't get me wrong - we LOVED our church home - that we had attended for 9 years - but as time went on - Logan was born, he grew, became a challenging child, and was much harder to control. Church became a challenge. Our "home" church didn't offer children's church - and nursery was only for kiddos 5 and under. Logan turned 6...and we attempted to take him in to the sanctuary with us. There were many Sundays we had to carry him out screaming, crying, and it was quite embarrassing. It wasn't comfortable for him or us. It felt that we were looked down upon because not everyone knew Logan's story, or how he handles certain things, etc. His tantrums, meltdowns, and outbursts were distracting to those around us and made it hard for us to hear the sermon - so all in all, we weren't really getting what we needed. <br />
<br />
Today - for the first time - we tried yet another "new" church. Where the <strong>ironic</strong> part comes in, is that a certain person whom I have disliked since school started (she is on the IEP/Case Conference Committee, did the evaluations that I strongly disagree with, we have butted heads, we snapped at each other in the last meeting, etc.) was the one who was working the children's church check-in station. I am sure when I looked up and my brain registered who she was - the look on my face was priceless. Why would God put me in these case conferences with this lady...and THEN put me FACE-TO-FACE with her OUTSIDE of school!!! He is a humorous God, that I do know. He loves to challenge my comfort zone, my ability to be forgiving, my ability to be kind and humble. He knows his plan...and I am just along for the ride. Oh what a ride this is! :)<br />
<br />
Something we did learn is that they have children's church, the people that run the 1st grade class will be there through the Summer (consistency is KEY with Logan), the teacher was a previous first grade teacher and her husband is her assistant (having a male figure is a plus)...and it just seemed to "click." Logan was happy, well behaved, and the teacher just seemed to understand him and what worked for him. <br />
<br />
The other SUPER-DUPER cool thing is that they have a ministry that is designed for children with special needs, and if Logan were to get too comfortable or overwhelmed, the program actually designates an adult buddy for him - and will attend all church services with him - and build a relationship with him and has training in understanding the special needs realm. <br />
<br />
The sermon spoke directly to my heart. Sounds completely mushy - but it was all about children. It discussed our goals for our children, what we may "want" for our children, what God wants for our children, how we should teach our children to their learning ability vs. expecting all children to learn the same way, etc. One of the things the pastor mentioned is that children don't come with manuals - manuals are geared to a certain make and model - and there are far too many "makes and models." I cried most of the sermon. I am not great at replicating the message - but it was awesome. God knew exactly what I needed to hear.<br />
<br />
However, tomorrow I have a meeting with this lady that I have had my differences with, to view her raw data of the testing she completed for Logan and to discuss the parts that I disagree with. Go figure! Funny how things work! :/<br />
<br />
This next week will be full of challenges for us - the data meeting, the second half of our case conference (the WORST part where we go over the FBA,BIP, IEP, etc.), therapy appointments, and trying to wrap things up for vacation. <br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and checking in! Hope you all have a great week. :)<br />
Autumn</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-82738905177926477782013-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:002013-05-28T13:42:12.384-07:00Shenanigans!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With all that has been going on, I have kind of neglected the blogging world. Some things I just didn't feel like sharing - I didn't want you guys to see how grouchy all of the stress with Logan's school caused me. I was not a happy person and to be honest, I probably couldn't have typed an entire sentence with out at least one curse word. :)<br />
<br />
I will try to give you a run down in a "nut shell." <br />
<br />
We disagreed with the consequences that were given to Logan at school. He hit a child at recess because the child had told Logan he was going to play with him...and then didn't. Not okay to hit for any reason - I agree. However, he was given an entire week of eating alone and missing recess - he had to walk the perimeter for all to see. I went to kindly discuss my concerns with the principal in hopes he would lessen the severity of the consequences and he flat out said no. I then asked him if this was any other child, neurotypical or not, would they have gotten the same consequence. That must have hit a nerve because he totally lost his cool. It pretty much got ugly on both of our parts - he wanted to bet his house and salary that Logan doesn't have autism because he can talk and make eye contact (yes, this is literally how ignorant this man is), said that Logan is a liar, and will grow up to be a criminal. Even typing these words - in a shortened version - makes me sad and oh so grouchy! Logan has never lied - except for when he was asked if he hit the child - and he said no - and was then asked to tell the truth - and Logan admitted. This guy is scary and intimidating - I know Logan was too scared to tell him right off the bat that he hit. However, he told the truth after his initial reaction (which I think most children would have denied considering the overall meanness of this man). <br />
<br />
We took it to the Special Ed Director and the Assistant Superintendent...along with an advocate...that is known for being the BEST in Fort Wayne. They refer to her as the "Pitbull with Lipstick." She did an awesome job of advocating for us and the best interest of Logan. <br />
<br />
We have another meeting tomorrow. Redoing the IEP - to include specifics - and to fix all of the things that weren't done properly in the first place. It will probably be long and stressful, but well worth it. <br />
<br />
On another note Logan has been having ongoing issues with his muscles - and having pain in his legs, arms, neck, etc. We spent Saturday evening in the ER to have some x-rays done. His spine looks good! No unusual curvatures or anything like that. Tomorrow we have an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to see if he can't find the underlying cause. :)<br />
<br />
Today we got Logan's genetic results back - I was so flippin nervous because she and her assistant both came in to the results meeting. We did find out that Logan has a deletion of the HLA-DRB1 gene (one of those gene things in your body that make up who you are). She informed us that there is an association with autism spectrum disorder. I will most definitely be taking that to our meeting with the school just to show them that we have some more concrete evidence....not like it will matter to these crazy "professionals" anyhow, but make me feel better! Ha!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I have been driving myself crazy with researching things to include in Logan's IEP. I don't want to leave anything out! <br />
<br />
The countdown to Mexico is on! Can't wait! I will definitely be enjoying a cocktail (or three) on the beach, listening to the waves, and pretending I don't have a worry in the world...even though you KNOW I will be missing my babies like crazy, wondering what they're doing, if they are sleeping well, and missing me (ha!). <br />
<br />
Hope you guys had a great Memorial Day weekend! Thanks for stopping by and catching up on our crazy life! <br />
<br />
Much Love, <br />
Autumn :)</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-27622608128689309582013-05-12T10:05:00.002-07:002013-05-12T10:07:33.521-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Mother's Day! I am celebrating the amazing gifts God has blessed me with; My sweet girl Emily, my outgoing Hailey Grace, and my love-bug Logan! Each with their own personalities, interests, and passions. If I had been able to pick the perfect child - before I had children - I don't know what qualities I would have chosen. However, I am sure that God gave me just what I needed! They are all three so different, yet so amazing! I don't know that I deserve a day just for me - yet a day to celebrate the joys these sweet children have given me. I am lucky, undeserving, and so, so, so thankful these sweethearts call me "Mommy!" <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqZBi4t6kJKKRikcMTGzNXruohvQ7k5jLgOgVFQ6Eqbok23zjhUYwQUPv_SC3FMcZoyZeIlQjMTG0NKGlyzGZMKERTi_SkHc60ITpv1HViapIzzpK11D_Gv84UtfUsVO1EtNyOcptlcg/s1600/autumn+gracie+standing+in+pose+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqZBi4t6kJKKRikcMTGzNXruohvQ7k5jLgOgVFQ6Eqbok23zjhUYwQUPv_SC3FMcZoyZeIlQjMTG0NKGlyzGZMKERTi_SkHc60ITpv1HViapIzzpK11D_Gv84UtfUsVO1EtNyOcptlcg/s320/autumn+gracie+standing+in+pose+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRd7cr1SKeWNKcx2ic0jH9jN52mnRhqjOIQ8tjB3JAqCMnn9u5_qHbwGaBLE_XMHxjnKE-cFwO0rSd4dhic1OALIFerKj5c7Y_kqP15QVHzOMrMrncFHTBReSmu-9GfFdtmLHe5JRj7k/s1600/autumn+emily+by+barn+full+body+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRd7cr1SKeWNKcx2ic0jH9jN52mnRhqjOIQ8tjB3JAqCMnn9u5_qHbwGaBLE_XMHxjnKE-cFwO0rSd4dhic1OALIFerKj5c7Y_kqP15QVHzOMrMrncFHTBReSmu-9GfFdtmLHe5JRj7k/s320/autumn+emily+by+barn+full+body+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hG50OZyFuaR8uXFaFFlnbyezaagfenaGIuUSppMC52vsL2yklRzvq3hAQgPmGeR8neUFcZjykvAY2x2GO4qQuaMmTHRXCvVnoChLte88N8G0RKpQ-yTXeMpPTBlg9emubK7GErIidk8/s1600/autumn+logan+by+tree+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hG50OZyFuaR8uXFaFFlnbyezaagfenaGIuUSppMC52vsL2yklRzvq3hAQgPmGeR8neUFcZjykvAY2x2GO4qQuaMmTHRXCvVnoChLte88N8G0RKpQ-yTXeMpPTBlg9emubK7GErIidk8/s320/autumn+logan+by+tree+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
I am also thankful for my own mom and mother-in-law! I have been blessed with two amazing, beautiful, supportive, encouraging, and loving women! :)</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Wishing all of my mommy followers and amazing day filled with LOTS of love, hugs, and happiness! Cherish the moments! <br />
<br />
Love, Autumn! </div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-89282702293642292742013-04-20T12:05:00.004-07:002013-04-20T12:10:34.254-07:00My "100th" Blog with Big News!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I find it hard to believe I have written 100 blogs about my sweet boy! When I started this blog I would never have guessed we would be where we are today, but I love that I can look back and see how far we've come and all of the events that have taken place since I started! <br />
<br />
I am pleased to inform you all that Logan was approved for an IEP!!! This is HUGE!!! This is what we have been trying for since the beginning of the school year and after many, many, many meetings and teacher phone calls. I have to give TONS of credit to the special education teacher as she was on Logan's side from the beginning, but we had to have the administrators, school psychometrist, psychologist, etc on board as well...and had to get all of the people on the same page. After those lovely people (who don't know/work with Logan) were able to observe and assess him themselves (and with mention we had been in contact with a lawyer), they seemed to change their tune. <br />
<br />
Logan's 504 was put into place at the end of November of 2012. His behavior intervention plan was set. This included using visual prompts, a ticket reward for recognition of good behavior, and getting to pick a prize/positive note with school counselor twice a day (before lunch and at the end of the day) if he remained on green or yellow. While discussing our results of the observations - the school counselor was asked by the school psychometrist how the system had been working and the school counselor shocked us! Her answer was that they had tried it for a <strong>couple of weeks</strong> and didn't notice it helping him at all and she didn't really "have time" to do this on a daily basis. I think every.single.person in the meetings jaw dropped a little, and ours dropped a lot! I saw the school psychometrist write on her pad of paper "meet with counselor after meeting." The special education teacher also told her that she disagreed with that due to the fact that you cannot change behavior in a matter of two weeks. They were NOT happy with her!!! So not only was his reward system followed for just 2 weeks, she and Logan's teacher never informed any of us that this happened and never set up an alternative positive reinforcement. That made me super GROUCHY! In the "notes" after the meeting where literally <u>everything</u> is documented that is discussed - she conveniently left out that ENTIRE discussion. I kindly spoke up and asked that she add in the notes that she failed to comply with the behavioral support plan that we had all agreed upon. What a crock! Hence the reason we NEVER wanted the 504 to begin with because it is just recommendations. The 504 doesn't have to be followed by law. I am sure she was in quite the awkward position and got in some trouble after the meeting....as she should have!!! <br />
<br />
After that nonsense we were told that they had found Logan eligible for services and an IEP would be put into place. We continued on and set up the IEP. The accommodations that will be provided are as follows:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A timer (to help Logan stay focused on the task and to visually see he is making progress)</li>
<li>Visual Aides (the special ed teacher will take pictures of Logan and insert them into a program called "boardmaker." This will allow Logan to visually see what comes "next". There will be a series of pictures with Logan reading, writing, doing gym, music, computer, etc. and after each of these things he will flip the card over and know what activity comes next.)</li>
<li>An iPod with soothing music and headphones for his independent work time</li>
<li>Small group testing to provide frequent feedback and to keep Logan on task without distractions</li>
<li>Logan will be in close proximity to an adult during transitions and carpool</li>
<li>STAR technique will be used to help Logan when he is getting anxious/upset "<u>S</u>top, <u>T</u>ake a deep breath, <u>A</u>nd <u>R</u>elax"</li>
<li>"Body Awareness" prompts will be given "find your quiet place" (this technique is used when he is sensory seeking, hyper, etc. Logan places his hands on his belly, closes his eyes, and takes deep breaths allowing him to tune into his body and physically feel himself relax. His PT taught us this and it has worked AWESOME!).</li>
<li>We will be notified by email or phone <u>anytime</u> Logan has an incident that requires him to go to the office.</li>
<li>An assistant will be provided daily for the 90 min reading block, 40 min math block, and recess.</li>
</ul>
I am very happy with what was put into the IEP. Even though it has taken SO LONG, I am thankful that we have finally gotten to this point. They also recommended that we go ahead with the Full Autism Evaluation - because after working with Logan they feel this is appropriate. We have wanted that, but needed the IEP more, so that came secondary. It will be completed within 50 school days - which means it might not happen until next school year. I am okay with this because he is still getting his help through a private OT, PT, and SLP. We are also going back to his neuropsych that we saw a few years ago to get his take on things. <br />
<br />
I hope/pray this makes a difference in his schooling - he deserves the BEST!!! :) Thank you for catching up on our latest journey! <br />
<br />
Autumn</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-26476744290435385862013-04-03T14:08:00.000-07:002013-04-03T14:08:52.699-07:00Life Happens :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hope you all had a Happy Easter! Thanks for stopping by and catching up. Life has been super busy - so I haven't gotten to update in over a month!<br />
<br />
Our last meeting with the school went okay - We learned that they didn't feel Logan qualified for an educational diagnosis of Autism to receive services. We are still going forth with the IEP in hopes to at least get him OHI...even though you would think a medical diagnosis should be MORE than enough. So frustrating! I did speak with the special ed teacher and she did whisper to us that she is sure he will qualify. Just LOVE that almost his entire Kindergarten year is over with and he is SO far behind. Boo!<br />
<br />
Logan was a super-duper-trooper with his nasal surgery last week. We learned that the recovery process would take about 3-4 weeks and were a little concerned. To our surprise he went back to surgery without tears and came out of surgery the same way! The nurses and doctor couldn't even believe it! He never experienced <strong><em>any</em></strong> pain. He never once cried or complained. I discussed this with the Dr and this is probably due to Logan's pain receptors being under active, which we already knew he experiences. With the sensory processing disorder he actually likes the feel of pain - unlike the rest of us. <br />
<br />
This week is Spring Break! We were excited to take the kiddos to the Children's Museum on Monday, however after about 15 mins, he had a meltdown and we had to leave. It was super crowded and he was extremely overstimulated. I discussed this with his OT today and she actually volunteered to go with us next time. We have been extremely blessed with awesome therapists who love Logan just as much as we do! <br />
<br />
He is doing extra sensory-seeking this week - that has been the only real challenge lately. Lots of jumping, crashing, falling, clapping, slapping, snapping, etc. Loves the feeling of the pressure and gets quite carried away. The high pitched squealing and yelling has increased. I am sure this is all due to change in routine between his surgery and being on Spring Break. We are trying to keep things as even keel as possible for him. <br />
<br />
We are taking it easy for the time being - Logan's sister Hailey has been sick off and on since Friday. We thought she was over it after the weekend, only for her to get sick again last night and this morning. <br />
<br />
I am happy to announce that Logan is starting to take showers - HUGE accomplishment! We only have about a 5-10 minute discussion now versus a 45 minute meltdown. I'll take it! :) He is also doing well with the kinesio taping. Toe walking is still there, but decreasing.<br />
<br />
I think that is it for now! <br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-5555380231551530962013-02-28T09:05:00.000-08:002013-02-28T09:05:56.273-08:00Pictures and Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Logan and his cousin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNzUhBfuEJkRShAQKdVyz2YcZcJrjj0dt0HTmv2sTcWURCNral7Aacsfnyqr2Fyph3GY9ITw_Fe60-a7sre4sSlnU0q6DBJwdWl7Rh6ucGg1-VVQOMpD56wK1VM6b5ZEurHV_BAoHylM/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNzUhBfuEJkRShAQKdVyz2YcZcJrjj0dt0HTmv2sTcWURCNral7Aacsfnyqr2Fyph3GY9ITw_Fe60-a7sre4sSlnU0q6DBJwdWl7Rh6ucGg1-VVQOMpD56wK1VM6b5ZEurHV_BAoHylM/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Logan doing some physical therapy with the compression vest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E9-mQTvh0_GRvbIfZ5upy6L2mlkqJPW_to47GXjb0a-FtRawZSa3P-iQgUY_3DXkaIXUZn2El6Sw04HnYX2kXt9vORPKNgYUDeQuflXk3Ketmq5PP2sbZsHbe3uJmrEhTDlP-WdkBac/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E9-mQTvh0_GRvbIfZ5upy6L2mlkqJPW_to47GXjb0a-FtRawZSa3P-iQgUY_3DXkaIXUZn2El6Sw04HnYX2kXt9vORPKNgYUDeQuflXk3Ketmq5PP2sbZsHbe3uJmrEhTDlP-WdkBac/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little Valentine's Day treat with Mommy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJX-Pvgu7F95N4hCNVGhP9oAxrlNaXVTqLAjQ70xVfwofEN7_D6Uqnq-8WwWivZ7A31KQxzQlX-uRNIjbZHEn2IQB-sqiEZ2NqUGV1qRPVS9dhzsC6Yij0KEeMcLpcmJF4oV4-UbDWyw/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJX-Pvgu7F95N4hCNVGhP9oAxrlNaXVTqLAjQ70xVfwofEN7_D6Uqnq-8WwWivZ7A31KQxzQlX-uRNIjbZHEn2IQB-sqiEZ2NqUGV1qRPVS9dhzsC6Yij0KEeMcLpcmJF4oV4-UbDWyw/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More physical therapy - and learning some body awareness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD16D5OYCY-8sRCjDVduhSs9LIdE84YR_FI4jAn3C_pSgwxO5EpZJrFlJPot61TOzbkbXUudzisEIkfq_SOfdHvUPn7782EOsHsYGQ3SENqShSS3xtKvjVcDS0VV1Dt4NnVook0Odanpc/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD16D5OYCY-8sRCjDVduhSs9LIdE84YR_FI4jAn3C_pSgwxO5EpZJrFlJPot61TOzbkbXUudzisEIkfq_SOfdHvUPn7782EOsHsYGQ3SENqShSS3xtKvjVcDS0VV1Dt4NnVook0Odanpc/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's more fun to practice reading when you have your cousin to read to! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpagqJkltpbBAry7pVpaaJ0AJcgwSy7P-Yr0f9znxqqGyIzqd1TY-m4TzdnLRn61OqI3jHTainUZobdaFjHvfaM9CqywM8ddBGICp0o3gGiHGASLxvkgYMnacjJLGfNiaAu9UzUf_kPCQ/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpagqJkltpbBAry7pVpaaJ0AJcgwSy7P-Yr0f9znxqqGyIzqd1TY-m4TzdnLRn61OqI3jHTainUZobdaFjHvfaM9CqywM8ddBGICp0o3gGiHGASLxvkgYMnacjJLGfNiaAu9UzUf_kPCQ/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
All squeaky clean after his bath! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJWHMcAKx2qyomxAoTezxI_iQkeVRELrZu-NkZ4fI5bmgQNxM8SLPkh99ttwhaB-UR6kxjMsWNeoHImSry8Q91GLGKEhkggOUJRHzheuyU1o1wCqyjGWi5OKUmmGkGphsOc06lBkIF_M/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJWHMcAKx2qyomxAoTezxI_iQkeVRELrZu-NkZ4fI5bmgQNxM8SLPkh99ttwhaB-UR6kxjMsWNeoHImSry8Q91GLGKEhkggOUJRHzheuyU1o1wCqyjGWi5OKUmmGkGphsOc06lBkIF_M/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>The last few weeks have been extremely challenging and sometimes I find myself super-duper grouchy with less patience. It's not fun. I head to bed and find myself thinking of all of the things I should have, could have done differently to avoid the meltdowns, arguments, etc. I am not perfect. It's just that roller coaster of emotions that decide to show up whenever, wherever! I have cried at least 3 times this week (and I am not a crier). I think it is just one of those moments where I wonder "why?" Not having a timeline as to when these behaviors will disappear (if ever) is stressful. I hate it that Logan has been so upset lately with little I can do to soothe him. He is now 67 pounds and to pick him up and carry him is out of the question. This is extremely difficult when we are out in public and something triggers his tantrum/meltdown. Not only is he held hostage by "the monster", I am also stuck in the grocery with a crying, screaming, sprawled out on the floor child whom I can't lift to get the heck out of there. Instead we endure the looks of those around until it passes. I wish they could just understand. I knew the day that I would no longer be able to carry him would come, but dang it, it came sooner than I expected!</strong></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>The good thing is...we are hanging in there and taking one day at a time. "<em>This too shall pass</em>" is something we remind ourselves of daily.</strong></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Thank you for stopping by! Hope you have a fabulous weekend! The kiddos are excited that we will have Daddy home ALL weekend! </strong></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Autumn</strong></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-84583387922406465632013-02-09T18:08:00.000-08:002013-02-09T18:08:02.611-08:00"The Meeting"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What was supposed to be a 45 min meeting turned into a 2 hour meeting. Our behavior meeting turned into starting the "official" steps towards the IEP evaluation. The tension was high, and so was my anxiety. We held our own and were advocates for our special boy. It was challenging, it was emotional, it was exhausting! <br />
<br />
I will start by saying that I am the non-confrontational personality, Neil on the other hand has a strong personality and will tell it like it is. We really do balance each other out. The longer our relationship grows, the more we can just read each other without speaking a word. It's amazing to have such a relationship. Going into this we had our little "pep talk" about how this is our job, we are Logan's voice, and that this is his future. A strong educational foundation is a must to advance. Establishing a working relationship with the school is also a must. <br />
<br />
The meeting started out completely crappy. The first things spoken were that they feel Logan is trying to "gain attention and escape non-preferred tasks." It was like this: He "wants" one-on-one attention, he will hide in the bathroom if he doesn't want to do the task at hand, he has a hard time staying in his seat, and he has an "attention span of less than 3 mins." Neil and I both disagreed stating that the behaviors were caused by the Aspergers, not Logan intentionally trying to tick them off or trying to manipulate the situation. We expressed our concerns that Logan is being misunderstood. <br />
<br />
It was awful - the psychometrist argued Logan's diagnosis with us for AT LEAST 5 mins. I finally told her that we provided the recent diagnosis IN WRITING on Dec 11, 2012. We did that specifically so that she could be prepared for this meeting and it wouldn't be a surprise. She kept holding his OLD papers and shaking them saying "RIGHT HERE IT SAYS IMPULSE CONTROL AND ADHD - ASPERGERS IS NOWHERE LISTED." "You're right lady, we just dreamed up a label to slap on our son" is what I felt like saying. We tried giving her our copy to look at to no avail. Just as I was zoning out and daydreaming of getting up and banging my head repeatedly against the concrete wall - she happened to find them. No apology, of course! She was on a serious power trip and even the other staff looked embarrassed by her mannerisms. It was quite the headache. <br />
<br />
We did let the school know that we had contacted an attorney as instructed by Logan's psychiatrist. She feels that we have been fighting a losing battle and that it is time to stop the nonsense and get the show on the road. She said usually if you even mention getting an attorney they will quit messing around, however, we really did contact one because we are fed up. <br />
<br />
We have another meeting this coming Wednesday to start the IEP evaluation process. I am not even sure what this is going to consist of...but I am sure it's more paperwork! <br />
<br />
After the meeting the principal did personally call my husband and apologize for all of the miscommunication (think it was because of the attorney?). He could tell we were upset. He asked Neil what it would take to fix this. Neil told him all we are asking for is help for our son and that we (including Logan's pediatrician and psychiatrist) feel that an IEP is going to be necessary to help Logan become a successful student and be protected. Neil also expressed our frustration with the school psychometrist. It seems as though every time we tried to express our opinion she would try to quickly cut us off and change the subject. The principal did apologize for her behavior and said that we would soon be dealing with the main psychologist (not psychometrist) and she has a son with Asperger's/Autism Spectrum Disorder. It will be nice <strike>if</strike> when we are past the struggle to get him services. <br />
<br />
I must say it feels good to stand up for what I believe in. Before this journey there is no way I could have voiced my opinion to 8 other people that might not have agreed with me. Gradually I am becoming stronger and it feels fabulous. We are Logan's voice, we are his advocates, and we only want the best for him. We know how smart he is and what he is capable of. It is time that we work to teach him the way he learns vs. teaching the traditional black and white method. Our job is to find what works for him and build upon that. <br />
<br />
I think that is it for now - even just thinking about the meeting exhausts me! Ha! <br />
<br />
Thank you all for being our support, we couldn't do it without all of the love and prayers. Xoxo.<br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-31399699389093570092013-01-28T09:37:00.000-08:002013-01-28T09:37:03.717-08:00Strides...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are making strides...and unexpected ones at that! Isn't that the way it goes...unexpectedly?! Just when you feel as if you have run out of ideas and options, you realize there is yet another corner to turn! There IS progress to be made...and know that the ONLY way you will progress is if you make it happen! Giving up isn't an option. <br />
<br />
These past few weeks I have been down...no...actually <u>REALLY DOWN</u> about Logan being so far behind all of his classmates. It is impossible not to compare him to other kids. It is impossible to look past the developmental delays that I witness. I try not to stress myself too much, but it does make me sad. I know Logan is smart. I just sometimes put so much stress on myself thinking that I have to figure out a way to keep him on track. I don't want him falling too far behind. My biggest fear at the moment is for him to have to repeat Kindergarten. We waited an extra year to send Logan, so he is already a 6 1/2 year old Kindergartner. I am going to try everything in my power to get him through this year successfully. I want him to be with kids his own age - I don't want him singled out.<br />
<br />
He has been struggling with his sight words. These are the words that he should be able to look at and recognize them immediately without having to sound them out. His current sight words are: Red, Purple, Pink, Black, Brown, Blue, Gray, Yellow, Orange, and White. We have had these words to practice since October. Honestly up until this past weekend - he only recognized red and white. My mother-in-law came over Saturday night and we were discussing ways we could get him to learn/practice them. We decided to take them off of the ring, lay them word side down, and have Logan pick one, flip it over, and try reading the word. The first few times he would see a "B" at the beginning and just guess. We worked on covering up part of the word so that he could see that black started with "bl" and blue also started with "bl." Then we had him uncover the next letter. After only about 20 mins - something clicked - and he was recognizing ALL 10 of his sight words! We jumbled them up and kept going and every time he would get them right on. <br />
<br />
It's times like this I wonder why in the heck I didn't think to take the words off of the key ring provided and try this sooner. Honestly, I know why - we were instructed to flip through the words on the key ring - because that is the way they do it at school. I wanted to keep things as repetitive and consistent at home as they are at school. I didn't want to throw him off. Lesson learned. I will adjust my teaching/instructing to fit him. <br />
<br />
After this MAJOR celebration - We decided to really hit his numbers with him. It gave me hope that we could conquer yet another one of his challenges. Make it a game, reward him with a treat, etc. He mastered counting by tens Sunday morning. This was the key to him counting to 100. He didn't know the transitions - from 39 to 40, from 49 to 50, etc. He practiced that with Grandma for probably a half an hour and had it. He was so proud of himself. You could just see his face beaming with self confidence! <br />
<br />
I can't tell you why all of a sudden these things "clicked" for him. I can't even tell you if when he comes home from school today he will still have retained all of it. However, I do know that he is capable of it and he did accomplish it this weekend and that makes me one super happy momma! <br />
<br />
Logan did have a play date with his friend Saturday, too. I wasn't sure how he was going to do because that morning when he woke up he was grouchy with his sisters. I decided to give it a go anyway because I feel like he really needs one-on-one interaction with a boy of his own age. At school there is just too much stimulation and he gets carried away. I was a little worried that he would be grouchy with his friend or unable to keep his hands to himself...but he surprised me yet again! The boys played perfectly. Logan kept his hands to himself, communicated with his words, and kept himself under control. It was fabulous to supervise the way they were interacting and make-believing. I think that this may have encouraged Logan to want to learn his words and numbers. The boys were practicing counting and writing on the chalkboard. It was so sweet. Sometimes all we need is encouragement from a friend. :)<br />
<br />
I almost forgot to tell you one last important thing - Logan finally lost his top tooth that has been loose since October! Daddy helped him to loosen it on Saturday night and Logan pulled it himself! He had a huge meltdown when he saw all of the blood. He definitely didn't get his dads genes when it comes to that kind of thing. Guessing he will not be following in my husbands- the paramedic -footsteps. Ha! <br />
<br />
Today Logan will be restarting his occupational therapy. Tomorrow he restarts his speech therapy. Wednesday we have another appointment with the pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist. Then on Friday we have the Iridology reading for him. Busy week ahead. <br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and catching up! Have a great week! <br />
<br />
Autumn</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-85174724237935515522013-01-23T10:13:00.003-08:002013-01-23T10:13:59.962-08:00Checking In<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG59-AlaaPLYs_1OD6ng4CTmzibB-L0MgXzxu410IVEPBQwqlDBFcNTWz17jXbW0cpDIAFfzwoSRKXGV-FrcZfEc7cD80amx-RCS3rwSoDVJ8bNMiJ4C9mB7LU4MejPMlqcD-WMfCrpc/s1600/silly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG59-AlaaPLYs_1OD6ng4CTmzibB-L0MgXzxu410IVEPBQwqlDBFcNTWz17jXbW0cpDIAFfzwoSRKXGV-FrcZfEc7cD80amx-RCS3rwSoDVJ8bNMiJ4C9mB7LU4MejPMlqcD-WMfCrpc/s320/silly.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Being silly after bath - discussing that it wasn't <em>that bad</em> having to wash hair!!! </strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil8z4OW62MUWuJvfzAXCUJFC-FOgRRYt1ldtn3thyphenhyphen1wU_UmBbrCJaFg5P4di8QbCgbrh1y_vO6QadonoFyXYHHcIHRzl1y1tno6DbLl1Y8vCJiEmrYDOzqmZJP1xB-r-U9W-BOkg3chg/s1600/wet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil8z4OW62MUWuJvfzAXCUJFC-FOgRRYt1ldtn3thyphenhyphen1wU_UmBbrCJaFg5P4di8QbCgbrh1y_vO6QadonoFyXYHHcIHRzl1y1tno6DbLl1Y8vCJiEmrYDOzqmZJP1xB-r-U9W-BOkg3chg/s320/wet.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Again, water drives this little man crazy! He was stressing out that his pants were wet from the melting snow! </strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuSqAvoY_kqdRAbcei00j9lYCnmlB_obPQ4Tfe7oDEHDG6WIas-f9XkcLbhRY4otZyEQIoQTzk5fjSc0OX3MVyGZ_RV0BC5fBN8kxUbOmron8neRVIwEehm2odlCjk3XwLdNTYaqkGsw/s1600/sweetness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuSqAvoY_kqdRAbcei00j9lYCnmlB_obPQ4Tfe7oDEHDG6WIas-f9XkcLbhRY4otZyEQIoQTzk5fjSc0OX3MVyGZ_RV0BC5fBN8kxUbOmron8neRVIwEehm2odlCjk3XwLdNTYaqkGsw/s320/sweetness.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Home in his own bed after a LONG weekend away with Grandma (much harder for mom than it was for him)!</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/HoRkntoHkIE" target="_blank">Home - By Phillip Phillips</a> <strong>This is a link to my most favorite song at the moment. When it comes on the radio I make sure to tell the kiddos this is my song to them. :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-10268267422852947022013-01-17T06:57:00.001-08:002013-01-17T06:57:23.337-08:00A Rollercoaster...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Most days I am positive and happy - I always (always) remind myself there is something good in EVERYTHING...you just have to see it. I make myself see it. I am always telling myself that there are worse situations, and I have not had to endure near what some have endured. On the days that it is a constant argument I remind myself that my children are able to argue - some children are non-verbal and their parents will never hear their voice... On days that Logan is being physical I remind myself that (even though it is rough) he is able to move about - some children don't have that. However, there are some days (like today) that I just feel soooo completely overwhelmed. I try so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is hard. I try and remind myself that even if I cannot see the light at the end...it is there. I become sensitive to comments, jokes, and expressions that I normally wouldn't. I want to shut the world out. I wonder if everything I have done will make a difference.....<br />
<br />
These are the days that I despise. These type of days can make 3 good days in a row seem so small and insignificant. They are not small and insignificant, I know. It has been a while since we have had an honest "good day." I have received a phone call from the teacher every day this week. Logan is having trouble keeping his hands and feet to himself. He cannot keep his hands off of others. He is refusing to do his writing exercises in school. Meltdowns are frequent... and yesterday he even took a trip to the principals office.<br />
<br />
I spent the day before yesterday in the ER. This past week I have been in a lot of pain (thanks to a kidney stone). It did finally pass, but it really messed up my rhythm. I feel out of sync - I feel somewhat responsible for Logan's behavior. Logan thrives on structure and needless to say when I got hit with my kidney issues I couldn't function like I normally do. This resulted in him acting out... I think part of it is him being worried about me and not knowing how to express it, the other part is just having his routine thrown off. He always goes to bed around 7:30-8:00 at the latest, and the last two nights he has been up until 10 p.m. I finally gave in (out of guilt) and let him lay with me both nights and he fell asleep in my arms. <br />
<br />
Last night Neil transferred him to his own bed. At 1 a.m. I woke up to a giant "thud." He had fallen out of his bed. This is the first time that that had ever happened. At 3 a.m. I heard another loud "thud" and he had fallen out of bed AGAIN! He was at the foot of his bed crawling around on the floor and confused. Just crazy! I scooped him up, woke him up a little, kissed him goodnight, and tucked him back in.<br />
<br />
Oh, I also missed his ENT appointment that we had been waiting on since the beginning of December. It was scheduled for the day after I got out of the hospital. I am telling you, this is NOT me! I am usually right on with the appointments and what-not. It's awful! <br />
<br />
Anyway - Here's to a better rest of the week - more positives than negatives - and I will NOT keep this pity-party going! Gonna head to my kidney doctor, go for a run, and try and re-start this whole thing we thrive on: <strong>OUR ROUTINE!</strong><br />
<br />
I try to be honest and share the good, the bad, and the ugly! Hope each of you have a great week...it's got to go up from here! Xoxo!<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-49414914178055597542012-12-28T18:41:00.000-08:002012-12-28T18:41:28.283-08:00Happiness.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have found much needed happiness in the last couple of weeks. A feeling that I have been longing to have for a while now. It's not just me feeling it either, it's my husband too! We are seeing some monumental changes. Let me share with you:<br />
<br />
When we received the diagnosis of Aperger's just a couple of weeks ago, Dr. B had said that she thought bumping his doses of meds would help. I trust this woman one hundred percent, however, I just didn't think we would see these kinds of changes in our <strong><u>sweet</u></strong> boy. I am finding it hard to put it into words, but he is more aware...he is happy...he is more easily redirected...we have had maybe 2 tantrums in the last two weeks...and no hitting <strong><u>at home</u></strong>. He is just super sweet, starting to be cuddly(before he didn't even like to be touched the majority of the time), he allows me to massage his back (touching him usually overstimulates/irritates him), and he looks into my eyes when I am giving him a direction or correcting him. We even caught him cleaning the playroom after he was done playing. He is just all around more focused and grounded. <br />
<br />
This isn't to say that he doesn't have struggles. He still struggles with being overstimulated when we have company, go in public, or he goes to school. I am hoping that after he goes back to school after Christmas Break his teacher will notice some changes. It is possible that she might not see what we do, and I am okay with that. He still has a hard time when we go to a store. We haven't tried going out to dinner yet... only time will tell. <br />
<br />
I have to say that a few weeks ago my heart was hurting, it was all too new. I was scared and bitter. Today I am confident that we are headed in the right direction. My husband and I are on the same page and we will do whatever humanly possible to help our little man. We are a team...and the BEST one for Logan. We have relaxed a little more, laughed a little more, and enjoyed our time as a family. It has been the best few weeks of my life in a long time. I have been able to <em>BREATHE</em>. It sounds funny, but for the last year or so I felt like I have been holding my breath. I didn't realize it until I witnessed my sweet boy smile, curl up in my lap, look into my eyes, relax, and fall asleep in my arms. (He hasn't slept in my arms since he was an infant, and even then he didn't want to be held.)<br />
Today while he was sitting at the table waiting for me to serve dinner he looked at his sister and said "Hailey, I love you." Typing it brings tears to my eyes because he verbalized his emotions - he has rarely done this. <em>I jump for joy in our progress! </em><br />
<br />
Thank you for reading and catching up. I hope this brought a smile to your face. I know my heart feels like it has grown ten times! I hope each of you had a Merry Christmas. Enjoy a safe and blessed New Year. I will be spending it at home with the ones I love the most! :) <br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-67296063540625255612012-12-18T17:23:00.002-08:002012-12-18T18:13:36.913-08:00Tragedy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know some of you may try avoiding the news, however, I just can't. I don't like hearing all of the negative things that are going on in our city/state/country, but I want to be aware. This past Friday - December 14 - Newtown, CT witnessed a horrific tragedy. Not only did the events that took place impact Newtown, CT, it also affected our entire nation. <br />
<br />
I went back and forth on whether or not I really wanted to share these feelings on my blog...I am a very private person when it comes to political views and quite honestly I hate debating. I do not have a "type A" personality. I have never had the confidence to broadcast my views... The main thing I wanted to share with you is how this sad news has weighed on my heart.<br />
<br />
As most of you know Logan was diagnosed with Aspergers & Pervasive Developmental Disorder on Tuesday the 11th. Not even 3 days after I heard this incident on the news. I watched as it unraveled. I couldn't take my eyes off of the television. The innocent children being shuffled across the screen with hands on each others shoulders, the teachers maintaining their composure in such a horrific event, and the officers swarming the <strike>building</strike> school. A school for Pete's sake! A place where our kids should be safe. Then after a while I heard mental illness was probably to blame. "Obviously" I thought. Not too much longer after that... I heard it. I heard the words that just 3 days prior to this event were attached to my precious child. Aspergers.<br />
<br />
Do I know if that is really what this kid had? No. I don't. The thought of it though makes me sick. Not sick as in it's a bad thing for my Logan, but sick that the news would broadcast it that way and put such a negative stigma with Asperger's. The news screwed up so many details. They just kept releasing things far too early - so the gunman wasn't really Ryan, it was Adam. His dad was dead...and then he wasn't. So many speculations were made. The speculation that he has Asperger's made me extremely bitter.The unfortunate thing is if I ever have to tell a stranger my son has Asperger's (and they have never been exposed to such a thing) - they are going to automatically think "Oh, that's what the Sandy Hook Killer had." That just breaks my heart to think someone someday may think that about my precious child like that.<br />
<br />
After reeling over the news I didn't want to even think that my Logan could possibly have something in common with this man. It really sent chills down my spine. My mom even called me and said "Did you hear what the shooter had?!" I was bitter. She meant not a single thing, but my heart was grieving and far too emotional. I wasn't mad at her, I really wasn't. It's just that everyone heard it and everyone had received the news just 3 days prior that Logan was diagnosed. It was all still too new. My heart was sore.<br />
<br />
Neil and I talked yesterday. It was the first time we had opened up with each other since the diagnosis and the shooting. We discussed that his parent's could be us, what could have been done differently, the poor families that are dealing with this, how Adam Lanza's dad and brother must feel, and then we discussed how we would deal with our sweet boy long term. <br />
<br />
I honestly feel bad for Adam Lanza. My heart not only breaks for all of the victims and the families, but it breaks for him too. You may not agree and I am okay with that. It just saddens me that he had no one whom he felt he could relate to or talk to. All of those emotions had to have caused his switch to flip (in my opinion). The thought of him being so angry and going to the extreme of killing innocent people just tears me apart. The thought of someone being so mentally ill that they are capable of such destruction is scary. So many questions that will never be answered. <br />
<br />
If you could do me a favor and just stand up for Autism/Aspergers/Pervasive Developmental Disorder. If someone makes a comment about that guy having this disorder please explain to them that no two cases of Autism are exactly alike. There are so many successful people who have lived their entire lives with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Here are some that you will know: Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Benjamin Franklin, Emily Dickinson, George Washington, Marilyn Monroe, Isaac Newton, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Vincent Van Gogh, Mozart, Alfred Hitchcock, Andy Warhol, Bill Gates, Al Gore, and Robin Williams are just some of the many people! Very successful and memorable individuals. I hope this gives you hope for Logan, because it sure does make me feel a little better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-54573190081776118572012-12-12T15:55:00.000-08:002012-12-12T15:55:04.850-08:00Autism Spectrum Disorder... (I hate those words)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In March Logan was diagnosed with Impulse Control Disorder. Upon that diagnosis I was sure that that was what we were dealing with. Originally I had obsessed that I thought Logan was mildly autistic, but after the ICD diagnosis and researching it, I had pushed autism out of my mind. We have been treating the ICD with little success. The meds that he has taken for the ICD have failed us time and time again, with the impression that his body/brain is constantly growing and changing. <br />
<br />
Yesterday we had an appointment with Logan's psychiatrist for our monthly check-in. I took along all of the notes from the meetings we've had, all teacher comments, "think about it" papers, phone call documentation, etc. Lately he has been really out of sorts both at school and at home and his behavior/meltdowns have become really bad again. It has resulted in him being sent home from school and us not really being able to go out in public without completely disrupting everyone else around us. This behavior carried over into her office as well - he was doing a lot of spinning (which the teacher has made several comments about), going around touching all of the plants over and over, pulling his hair, etc...there were just a lot of mannerisms that she was actually able to witness first hand that we witness on a daily basis. <br />
<br />
After taking a deep breath she threw us the curve ball. She is certain after observing Logan for the past 9+ months that he indeed does have Autism Spectrum Disorder - more specifically Aspergers. She combined the testing/observations from when he was inpatient with the school notes and the observations she has taken in her office to make this diagnosis. She reassured us that she tried to wait as long as she could and be 100 percent certain before labeling our boy. She went on to explain why this was the right diagnosis and how the medications will be altered to try and better suit him...but I was in a zone.<br />
<br />
I have had family and friends ask me how I am taking the news... I guess I don't know really. It's not terrible. I just wasn't prepared to hear it yesterday honestly. I think I had kind of ruled it out, although I knew there was something "not right" with my little man. I have wanted to know what "IT" is for a long time - and I didn't think I would ever find out what "IT" was...so to hear those words "Logan is on the autism spectrum. He has Aspergers." just punched me in the stomach. I would ideally like to punch autism in the face... My emotions have been so up and down. I think about how Logan is considered highly functioning for the autism spectrum and I am thankful. I think about how smart he is and I am thankful. I think about how parents have lost their children and I have mine and this is nothing compared to what others have had to endure and I am thankful. I really am...but then I think about how this stupid disease/disorder/disability/whatever-you-want-to-call-it has invaded my child - taken away a part of my sweet boy - and it pisses me off. Then I have the emotions of "what did I do wrong?" haunting me. Was it because I had the kidney issues during my pregnancy? Was it the invasive kidney surgery that I approved because they said I had no other choice? Was it the prescriptions I had to take? So many whys. I don't know - I just know those questions will ALWAYS haunt me. I cannot hardly speak the words without tears - and that is so not like me. I am a strong person and I don't normally cry, but to say those words just hurts. I had hopes of him outgrowing the impulse control disorder. You cannot outgrow autism. <br />
<br />
We are taking it one day at a time. I am praying that having this diagnosis will make getting special help at his school easier. At the end of the day Logan is still Logan and I love him to the moon and back. Nothing will ever change my love for him and I will always be here to help him in whatever life goals he sets. He is smart. He will achieve great things, I just know it. So we are calling this a special gift and not a disability. God made our Logan special and we will move forward like we have been doing and make progress (even if it is one step forward, two steps back)! <br />
<br />
Thank you all for being such amazing supporters. My hope is that I will be able to connect with other parents who are going through the same journey - or maybe even one day I will be able to help parents the way I have had some awesome special needs mommas help me. I have been blessed.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Autumn </div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-49856998811950254002012-12-03T13:24:00.000-08:002012-12-03T13:24:11.741-08:00Our Meeting (and afterwards)...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know, I know, I am a little late getting around to filling you all in on the meeting we had last Wednesday. Boy oh boy has it been completely crazy! I finally have a moment to blog because unfortunately I have two sickly (or kind of sickly) kiddos that are napping. Guess it's that time of the year - and being 65 degrees in December probably isn't helping with the germs. :)<br />
<br />
We walked into the meeting with the request in writing for a special education assessment and a functional behavior assesment. That was quickly shot down because they didn't feel that he needed the special education assessment and asked if we would hold off on that request if they agreed to do the functional behavior assessment. I looked to Logan's advocate to see if this was okay or not, because I honestly STILL don't understand all the lingo associated with the assessments, 504's, BIP's, IEP's, etc. I did hand them the request for the IEP for Logan and they said they want to try the 504 first. I don't really know - I just agreed. It was going to be a fight (even with the dr's note to get them to even consider the IEP) and I just don't want to fight. I want everyone to get along, to be a team, and to work towards what is best for my Logan. They will be assessing Logan over the next few weeks in the classroom and in the unstructured settings such as gym and recess. We also agreed that instead of sending home Logan's negative daily report that it either gets e-mailed or we get a phone call. No more of him dreading to show us these negative papers every single day. We left the meeting and I had no feeling at all. It wasn't an exciting feeling like I got lots accomplished, but it wasn't a complete failing feeling either. It was kind of like - I hope this works?!<br />
<br />
Wednesday I received a phone call from his teacher stating he left the lunchroom and no one knew where he went. They looked all over and his class had to head out to recess without him. They finally found him in the bathroom and when the lunch lady confronted him he got very irritable. He had to pee extremely bad and said he couldn't hold it. They told him that was unexcusable, and that he has to ask an adult to use the restroom. He just didn't understand why that was such a big deal. When his teacher came in and asked him to take a time out for it - he flat out told her "NO". She asked a second time and he laid on the floor and said "NO" again. She then had the principal come and get him. They discussed why it is important not to leave the lunchroom.<br />
<br />
Thursday he was again sent to the office for "choking" another child. Logan's story is that B was upset because Logan wouldn't quit touching him. Logan didn't want B to be mad at him so he was trying to hug him and apologize...and the teacher saw it as choking. He was then sent to the principal and had to sign a contract. READ CLOSELY: The principal wrote a contract stating "I, Logan, will never touch another child again." and then he had to sign his name on it. What a silly contract - a child with IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDER - signing something that states that he will never touch another child. Geez...It is almost comical. I still believe that Logan did not choke the other boy and that everything he said to me was accurate. He never wants anyone to be upset with him - so I am just positive that Logan was trying to give the child a hug even though that child didn't really want a hug. Logan really doesn't read others well. He doesn't know personal space or boundaries. <br />
<br />
Friday afternoon I received a phone call from the principal asking if I was close by. I quickly headed over to his office to find out what was going on. Apparently there was an incident on the playground where they were playing tag... Logan was pulling the other boys shirts and getting angry that he kept getting tagged. The playground monitor had asked Logan several times to stop and he didn't. She then tried to seperate him from the other kids and he started swinging at her and yelling "get off!" The principal took him to his office again and Logan refused to cooperate with the principal - thus me getting the phone call. I tried to calm Logan down in his office, but he was already "over his limit" and talking wasn't going to accomplish anything. The principal was just getting more frustrated by watching Logan pull his own hair and cover his ears and growl. He said "We aren't getting anywhere with this, I think you need to take him home." When I asked him to put his coat on to leave he threw himself on the floor and refused. The principal then threatened that if he didn't leave with me (I was in my sling so I couldn't just scoop up my 60 lb boy) that instant he would call the police and have him escorted out. I was devastated and completely embarrassed because we weren't the only ones in the office. We had a few children, office ladies, and a parent as an audience. Ugh. I brought him home, talked a little bit to him, and then explained that he really needed to take a nap and rest (which he did w/out any issues).<br />
<br />
I am just praying that last week was just a bad week and that we can move forward w/out being sent to the principal everyday and/or getting sent home. That was awful! We have a meeting with Dr. B this Friday and I am going to discuss this with her and see what she recommends. I am really at a loss of what to do. <br />
<br />
Here is a sweet picture of my sleepy head: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b5j-ZPfsf6rs75pRmcHCzmAC4vHl7CXdMUDA3GLXnzNFtAiyrnq3NcHdPCCt36rAgnsWziSRdDjNCcrLi240a2mgGalJVLzTRabZ4rKV19H-e2H1rryDVucqmyeDVaw-f0uoiaF4RsU/s1600/My+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b5j-ZPfsf6rs75pRmcHCzmAC4vHl7CXdMUDA3GLXnzNFtAiyrnq3NcHdPCCt36rAgnsWziSRdDjNCcrLi240a2mgGalJVLzTRabZ4rKV19H-e2H1rryDVucqmyeDVaw-f0uoiaF4RsU/s1600/My+boy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you all have a great week. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share! This parenting thing is a TOUGH job! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-52563205007764401252012-11-19T10:41:00.000-08:002012-11-19T10:41:03.267-08:00Am I Crazy? (*Vent Session*)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay - I know that headline has to catch your attention. It is a question I am asking myself after what I witnessed today. I am trying to determine if I am being the overprotective / hard to get along with parent...<br />
<br />
Today - I worked in Logan's classroom. He was actually perfect for the almost 2 hours that I was in the class. We were preparing for their Thanksgiving Feast that they are having tomorrow. I ran a craft table where the kids designed their own little Indian vests... It was TOO CUTE! When we were finishing up the cleaning the kiddos were sent to lunch. After I finished helping clean up the room, I decided to go down to check on my little guy because that is where he has the most problems with self-control. <br />
<br />
When I got to the lunch room Logan was seated at a table by himself. I asked him if he had gotten into trouble and he said no. I asked why he was sitting alone and he said "They make me sit by myself every day mom." This was concerning to me. I went out to recess and just observed him and helped him play nice instead of the dinosaurs eating each other that he was trying to play (dinosaurs = growling, biting, scratching, chasing...all of the negative things he shouldn't be doing). He got involved in a game of tag and other than accidentally tagging a little girl too hard and making her fall down, he did really well. <br />
<br />
The more I thought about him sitting by himself, the more sad and frustrated I got. When recess was over I walked Logan back inside and pulled the teacher aside and explained what I witnessed in the lunch room. I asked why Logan wasn't getting a chance to try sitting with his friends first, before getting put by himself. She said she didn't really know and that she would speak with the principal. I then asked her if she honestly thought that was okay to have him sit alone without having the chance to sit with his friends, especially on a good day. She just shook her head like "i don't know." I then told her that last week when this happened Logan came home hysterical that he had to sit alone with no warning what-so-ever. He was really upset by this. She then said that she couldn't believe that because Logan didn't mention being upset to her, and she was even with him in car line that day, and he wasn't upset at all. Grrrrr! Logan doesn't turn the tears on and off at his own will - my girls can - but he just can't do that. I told her that if this was going to continue to be an issue that I would just take him home for lunch and recess, give him and the lunch monitors a break, then slowly ease him back into things. She said absolutely not - that "all he wants is relaxed time with mom." Does this make sense?! <br />
<br />
So as I sit here and type this I am soooooo frustrated and wish more than anything I could have just pulled him and taken him home. I am frustrated beyond belief that they don't UNDERSTAND my Logan. I try so hard and so patiently to explain how Logan's brain works - how Logan reacts to things - all things that are not typical 6 year old boy behavior/thought processes...but it doesn't matter how many different ways I try to explain it - it just doesn't click with them. I have spent every waking moment with few exceptions with Logan for the last 6 years and to come to this roadblock is blowing my mind. I am at a loss of what to do except wait for the meeting we have planned. <br />
<br />
Please pray that I can keep my composure and speak in ways that they can understand. I don't want them to think I hate them...because I don't. I like them all as people, I am just having a hard time with their "ways." I don't want them to not want me as a volunteer all because we disagree on how things should go with Logan. I want to help them - I want them to understand how my little man works - what works best for him, how to redirect him, how to give him positive reinforcement, etc. I want nothing more than to be on the same page and work together as a team to benefit Logan and Logan's education. <br />
<br />
Please - if you feel that I am being overly picky or ridiculous - let me know! If you have suggestions, feel free to share! I want nothing more than to see the big picture and feel confident in the decisions that I am making. <br />
<br />
Thanks guys. </div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-3201646933696772242012-11-14T14:46:00.000-08:002012-11-14T14:46:32.463-08:00Some Days Are Rough! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These last few days have not been the most pleasant. I don't know why - I have just been in a complete funk. Maybe it's the election nonsense, maybe it's that the holidays are right around the corner, or maybe it is my complete and utter frustration with trying to get my Logan the help he needs in school and home (with the frustration of not getting ANYWHERE quickly). I would guess the latter of these three is the main cause...<br />
<br />
Logan's behavior lately has been quite crazy... Lot's of overly excited, wild-n-crazy, impulsive moments where he doesn't really mean to be naughty or cause harm but it just happens. Logan is a very remorseful child. He does feel bad when he does something wrong...however, that feeling is short lived because this is a BIG WORLD and LOT OF THINGS are happening! The smallest thing to us can in turn be a HUGE distraction for our little man. <br />
<br />
I have been thinking a lot about Logan's school situation: We pretty much get the same note sent home on a daily basis (Logan has failed to keep his hands/feet to himself, trouble following directions, and making poor choices), not much has changed as far as his consequences, and the general frustration of the teachers is still the same now as it was the week after he started school (actually it probably is worse). I decided that since I have been in constant communication with his teacher and we haven't really seen much of anything improve...I would put a call into the principal. <br />
<br />
I can't tell you that conversation was magical...because it wasn't. The first time I spoke with him he was "unaware" that there were issues going on. The very next day I spoke with him...and he says he witnesses Logan quite often cause trouble and that his behavior has been "annoying." I am done over-thinking and over-analyzing the situation...I was so upset that one day he had no idea and the next day he says he witnesses it on a daily basis. I just don't understand...<br />
<br />
We met with Logan's psychiatrist yesterday. She is trying him on a medicine that he had success with previously. It is now a combination of Zyprexa and Intuniv. So far I have seen a huge difference in the 4 days that he has been on both. His teacher on the other hand, has not witnessed the difference. We are still having "red" days and notes that are sent home. At the doctor yesterday I asked her if she thought that maybe I was making the situation bigger than it is...she said absolutely not. Some days I just feel like I should just chill out and not get upset about the little things with Logan's schooling, however, those little things add up!!! She told me that I need to keep doing what I am doing and to keep pushing for the IEP. She even wrote a note on an rx paper instructing that Logan NEEDS an IEP and included both of his diagnoses and her reasoning. She said that she couldn't believe that they are making this so difficult. She did express her concern with him getting left behind because of the same notes (I showed her) every day. So the push for the IEP is still in process...and I will not allow my little man to get left behind. <br />
<br />
So that is the current situation - and many tears have been shed these past few weeks. I have been an emotional wreck thinking that this could go on for a long time yet. I have to keep reminding myself that I have to take one day at a time, and that as much as I want to CONTROL every little thing, I can't always do so.<br />
<br />
As I am ending this I want to share some awesome pictures from our family photo shoot that my sweet friend Joni Walker did for us this past month: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ki1LYH5wEExv5RFnhzKsrZhFL_Vae_w5POx0QKpf3Mcur13vHEggk5HKcM80zooiZxu1l-Mt1tkOcJenjy7ehiOLfbZEuZrdbgsyLjAY2jJcZH1okiw7KCLkLriEImOmdrXEU_jhXC8/s1600/autumn+logan+by+tree+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ki1LYH5wEExv5RFnhzKsrZhFL_Vae_w5POx0QKpf3Mcur13vHEggk5HKcM80zooiZxu1l-Mt1tkOcJenjy7ehiOLfbZEuZrdbgsyLjAY2jJcZH1okiw7KCLkLriEImOmdrXEU_jhXC8/s320/autumn+logan+by+tree+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love this boy more than words can describe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwFbQ2BOLGAXANv9aGhUdQckpbVpkI1SHpwVem70hk-JVYbuxZaDsF3U5EL-pBVQuWSRgbhh6OFAlWTPMQnPMidq-ZbKMDladtuwzfcM6uvRfHQIdwN_gMvz6iEmqRig7tT18Ho3WYvQ/s1600/autumn+fam+logan+in+focus+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwFbQ2BOLGAXANv9aGhUdQckpbVpkI1SHpwVem70hk-JVYbuxZaDsF3U5EL-pBVQuWSRgbhh6OFAlWTPMQnPMidq-ZbKMDladtuwzfcM6uvRfHQIdwN_gMvz6iEmqRig7tT18Ho3WYvQ/s320/autumn+fam+logan+in+focus+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My girls and my silly Logan.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPtIrUNY6K2Vxy3VMpegn346MmdOKJpHI_b71R7EGUCmLZA4YJIFCcHpCE4sgwu-x3t9LbbZSxc7coMvgvY-Ej1_krpWydKVnRpJvpRJVs2DYGcTzco3FhLZ-svT7opruQO00S1xh9I/s1600/autumn+fam+by+barn+logan+funny+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPtIrUNY6K2Vxy3VMpegn346MmdOKJpHI_b71R7EGUCmLZA4YJIFCcHpCE4sgwu-x3t9LbbZSxc7coMvgvY-Ej1_krpWydKVnRpJvpRJVs2DYGcTzco3FhLZ-svT7opruQO00S1xh9I/s320/autumn+fam+by+barn+logan+funny+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a perfect picture if you really know us. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDuHfmq5d7T1PfQdT1cvSh8NfWSyOwhVEQ7fsw98fTJ2AJGEQyjlKe6PUiGRGzvI3d38WoqCALtn2K2-2Zc4fZ3wyvB__gq3FIPDWEUlTH_HzOi-BsVtHpKV9byIZecYs8olkVK6QoQg/s1600/autumn+fam+by+barn+kids+in+chairs+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDuHfmq5d7T1PfQdT1cvSh8NfWSyOwhVEQ7fsw98fTJ2AJGEQyjlKe6PUiGRGzvI3d38WoqCALtn2K2-2Zc4fZ3wyvB__gq3FIPDWEUlTH_HzOi-BsVtHpKV9byIZecYs8olkVK6QoQg/s320/autumn+fam+by+barn+kids+in+chairs+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love this - girls are smiling - Neil and I are holding eachother - and Logan is peaceful.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLea1NzM206y0tYmxepvwKJAh4o3SLa546auY_E5rVROCcsXhiuq5eJwFWjc4gFqGpA55qoKclWtnDBPs3sQdOwvcv_MH8llX12_q4wBku-gH7zk5AjRjFXfYhyphenhyphenubq4M2svECEaao6TY/s1600/autumn+family+with+animals+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLea1NzM206y0tYmxepvwKJAh4o3SLa546auY_E5rVROCcsXhiuq5eJwFWjc4gFqGpA55qoKclWtnDBPs3sQdOwvcv_MH8llX12_q4wBku-gH7zk5AjRjFXfYhyphenhyphenubq4M2svECEaao6TY/s320/autumn+family+with+animals+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our WHOLE family - I am holding Gus - Paisley our Piggy is in the middle - and Gracie has Peanut!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjn2wtYlxOihtgEnCJiXs70k8e_-boxb5m0yzwP5BAAeMIl5xoMDM-eBS8iJAPZMgLVp_THAfG4zKewvpJxowAroz8Wx4jIY7eGddycFLu0IZ4q77uKeACH0DSHs3NeOOaX8AnXXoOpg/s1600/autumn+kids+by+barn+logan+pointing+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjn2wtYlxOihtgEnCJiXs70k8e_-boxb5m0yzwP5BAAeMIl5xoMDM-eBS8iJAPZMgLVp_THAfG4zKewvpJxowAroz8Wx4jIY7eGddycFLu0IZ4q77uKeACH0DSHs3NeOOaX8AnXXoOpg/s320/autumn+kids+by+barn+logan+pointing+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another "candid" shot. An airplane flew over.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJm6cOyfxNRKLwH4qpYoR1_Q0wi112pjmLXcgHyQvfANCd2e6FVNYaVQ94HKTBJzzNvAZk3N-fK6fPvCmGQbTjYrAWe86Xi48WULEi_fORWBCWzkJhOqDSwT5iFaAXTNiwVV9bNOpZao/s1600/autumn+logan+and+gus+cute+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJm6cOyfxNRKLwH4qpYoR1_Q0wi112pjmLXcgHyQvfANCd2e6FVNYaVQ94HKTBJzzNvAZk3N-fK6fPvCmGQbTjYrAWe86Xi48WULEi_fORWBCWzkJhOqDSwT5iFaAXTNiwVV9bNOpZao/s320/autumn+logan+and+gus+cute+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He loves his puppy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV32G0hP7c9yD9CE9ET-2vqXYfOjzwvLWeKVsQXGpbftgVPHsiD_mHayiIigYhorgL6LmmLT9RwIZjfHAPrF28tqSUL3lzM3AXZLqwMnaAn1K1jcRHz89evdFFuA5rORKkbijqIFlde3w/s1600/autumn+and+neil+kiss+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV32G0hP7c9yD9CE9ET-2vqXYfOjzwvLWeKVsQXGpbftgVPHsiD_mHayiIigYhorgL6LmmLT9RwIZjfHAPrF28tqSUL3lzM3AXZLqwMnaAn1K1jcRHz89evdFFuA5rORKkbijqIFlde3w/s320/autumn+and+neil+kiss+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My love.</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also - if you ever need an awesome photographer - she is fabulous! I couldn't have asked for a more patient, sweet, and FUN photographer. She truly embraced our children and was so sweet and patient. Love her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by! :o)</div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-24240617763712560162012-10-17T08:09:00.000-07:002012-10-17T08:09:05.228-07:00The Invisible Disability<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been struggling for a while now about Logan and his school "behavior." I have also been struggling with how his behavior is being addressed at school. I really do like his teacher as a person, however, I don't think she knows my Logan like I do. It has been a real struggle for our entire family. <br />
<br />
Basically you have a class of 24 kindergartner's, one teacher, a behavior plan that is followed for all children, and a little boy that isn't your "typical" cookie-cutter child. The behavior plan goes like this: Child starts out on green...if he or she has a great day...he stays on green all day. During the course of the day (6 1/2 hours to be exact) if he or she is asked once or twice or given a friendly reminder called a "Think About It" they move to yellow. If the child does that same behavior or a different behavior that is unacceptable after the yellow - they get moved to red. First things first - I do NOT disagree with this method as a whole. My girls had very similar classroom rules when they were younger and Hailey still does in her 3rd grade class. These types of things work well overall - but Logan is not the "average" child. <br />
<br />
Since the second or third week of school Logan has been getting red at least 4 out of 5 days...and here lately...it is 5 out of 5. This consists of a "Think About It" paper that gets sent home and he is supposed to write a sentence about what he did and another sentence on why he will not do this behavior again (mind you - he is in Kindergarten). I did call his teacher and told her that I would not make Logan write these sentences - he doesn't even know how to write all of his letters yet. I did explain to her that we discuss the behavior he gets in trouble for each and every single day and that we discuss ways that we can try to avoid certain situations or why his behavior is disruptive. She agreed that she was okay with the not writing sentences. Thank God. That would have only taken our entire evening and then some...<br />
<br />
Here are the latest reasons for his "red" days: Saying "he is done" with his work, laying on the floor touching the chairs during circle time, touching things on the teachers desk, not sitting still in carline, turning in his papers unfinished, calling his teachers name across the room, speaking out of turn, having trouble keeping his hands to himself, and being "the ONLY child that doesn't stand in line nicely." <br />
<br />
I put a call into his teacher and discussed some of these things - I suggested that we needed to come up with short-term goals first before expecting my child (that has Impulse Control Disorder along with ADHD) to sit for an entire day without any of these behaviors showing themselves. I asked her if I provided the stickers and a chart if she could reward him with a sticker after each activity ie: He completes his letter "K" practice sheet, she gives him a sticker...He goes to gym w/out incident, he gets a sticker... He sits quietly and fairly still through circle time, he gets a sticker...etc. She disagreed! She said she thought he is doing this for attention and that would only reinforce the attention seeking behaviors. <<ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!>> That's what I really wanted to say, but I didn't...I just asked what she thought. She said that she would split his day into morning and afternoons - so if he messes up in the morning he has a chance at green in the afternoon or vice versa. I agreed that she could try it that way...but I have yet to see a single thing. He doesn't get two papers sent home - he gets one - just like before. I also had asked that when he shuts down and refuses to do his work if it would be possible for someone (the couselor, principal, etc.) to take him out of the classroom, talk about why he is upset, give him a short break, and then encourage him to try again. She once again disagreed with me stating "He is so smart - he knows what he is doing. That would just be giving him the break that he wants and I am not willing to do that." Her saying that makes me feel that Logan has control and thinks ahead to what consequence might happen. Logan is not a "planner" thus the IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDER. He is an in the moment child. A here and now child - not a child that stops to think - "Hey, if I don't do my paper, I might get to go for a walk with the pricipal." Or "If I don't do my paper I might lose recess." He doesn't think of those type of things. He just thinks "I don't want to do this right now." That is all his little brain is thinking - he doesn't try to plan ahead in spite of his teacher! <br />
<br />
Another issue we discussed was his carline behavior... He was sneaking to sit with his sister and then she was trying to help "control" him and that doesn't work well AT ALL. His teacher was really beside herself about this behavior so I did ask if there was a reason he couldn't have an assigned seat with his class in carline. She said she thought that was a good idea (2 weeks ago)...until yesterday when I spoke to her and she told me again how awful he has been in carline and how he was messing around with his sister. I questioned her again about having an assigned seat and then I felt that she was stumbling with her thoughts. She said "Oh, I am not down there every day. He just isn't listening to the teachers that are down there." I asked if the teachers know that Logan has an assigned seat and she said they did, but she said he is choosing not to follow instructions and they can't watch him every second while they are calling out the numbers. However, there is not a single consequence set into place if he doesn't stay in his carline spot. I feel that is a huge problem - you can't set something in place and not have a back-up plan if that plan falls through. This would be a perfect example of when there needs to be a consequence.<br />
<br />
He has been super antsy lately and I completely understand the frustration that his teacher has. It hasn't been a cake walk at home either. I can't say I think the tantrums are adorable, or the pulling of his hair is just too cute either...but the fact of the matter is that he is struggling internally as well as externally. It isn't just the ones around him who are suffering from his "obnoxious" behavior. He is struggling to find control of himself and it's a losing battle. How frustrating would that be if you were in his position?! <br />
<br />
This disability isn't something you can tell by walking by us at the grocery or the Fall Festival - if you didn't know us and saw us out, you would probably think "Great parenting skills people - Get your kid under control!" However, there is so much more to this. It truly is an "Invisable Disability." <br />
<br />
I pray every single day for Logan - for the doctors that care for him - for the teachers that are around him - and some days even for my sanity! ;) I hope and pray families in similar situations have an amazing support group like we have because I honestly don't think I could do it without all of my family, friends, and readers who are so encouraging, supportive, thoughtful, etc. Thank you!!! Seriously - If you know another mom/dad stuggling with similar issues feel free to share my blog. I find comfort in reading other blogs and knowing that we aren't the only ones coping with this type of lifestyle. <br />
<br />
I will post more later...we have family pictures tomorrow and Logan's parent/teacher conference on Friday. :) Have a blessed week! <br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-23475534038147837352012-09-10T10:01:00.002-07:002012-09-10T10:14:30.307-07:00Weekend Fun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Passport To Our City: Fort Wayne</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This past weekend our city hosted something called "Be A Tourist In Your Hometown." We don't go into Downtown Fort Wayne very often, so this was the perfect opportunity to explore! Here is a look at our fun time through pictures! </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This was at the Old Fort</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMuYQGIia4CgGxM093LO-t2Fo8PdeTl-NtbhcsKO9lYNlNmfEJADvb3ecaEhZS7PrByqsTGYNi5ho6LLFCSqEKuXOclbSP0Vz1eOtwLHqonaDD-EJX_Olle1m280b-xd0Rh9CsvquSqg/s1600/DSC_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMuYQGIia4CgGxM093LO-t2Fo8PdeTl-NtbhcsKO9lYNlNmfEJADvb3ecaEhZS7PrByqsTGYNi5ho6LLFCSqEKuXOclbSP0Vz1eOtwLHqonaDD-EJX_Olle1m280b-xd0Rh9CsvquSqg/s320/DSC_7196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>The kids getting their passport stamped</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RzSMYO_Tqj9wpQNfsi8jYLNpKa7SGDJNL6m11YEjtmkeqAKDb7HmI2VMFmBUZ15oyx_R_P9UswgizoXr-oA3oHLGk1p4tZDN4nNx5LG9Al9LK2bZOIhXlbCgig156COJ70s_4-s0hDk/s1600/DSC_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RzSMYO_Tqj9wpQNfsi8jYLNpKa7SGDJNL6m11YEjtmkeqAKDb7HmI2VMFmBUZ15oyx_R_P9UswgizoXr-oA3oHLGk1p4tZDN4nNx5LG9Al9LK2bZOIhXlbCgig156COJ70s_4-s0hDk/s320/DSC_7198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Making "old" toys - wooden tops.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb-9owOKwtSZ_RGIy0kgkDL_F6az6MKw5fuL9AyBDu9Hrud3pD-Q_o1VmieKe0eQnQ9cv8Ktzj5OVb8ax3QUrni3beiG7HuzT63kDpig9wnGrIrKLIt8AijrkX-QtbFRTp4llrOy_y20/s1600/DSC_7201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb-9owOKwtSZ_RGIy0kgkDL_F6az6MKw5fuL9AyBDu9Hrud3pD-Q_o1VmieKe0eQnQ9cv8Ktzj5OVb8ax3QUrni3beiG7HuzT63kDpig9wnGrIrKLIt8AijrkX-QtbFRTp4llrOy_y20/s320/DSC_7201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Logan and Grandma checking out the old brick oven.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M6j3o7aLcJDU7qXYdgyP0en05gRcW7MQ_JvpTSNMJmApIIknZQ_XBBRLGiLn1R-V0J_F8UZ2G4Cf1KhXwOVa32SXXO1ROQiHn-DJoH2kq9hnw19_ZFFIaljRgLrEEOljNi1pv4Hstn4/s1600/DSC_7205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M6j3o7aLcJDU7qXYdgyP0en05gRcW7MQ_JvpTSNMJmApIIknZQ_XBBRLGiLn1R-V0J_F8UZ2G4Cf1KhXwOVa32SXXO1ROQiHn-DJoH2kq9hnw19_ZFFIaljRgLrEEOljNi1pv4Hstn4/s320/DSC_7205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>My Gracie Girl checking out what was in the cabins. This was in the Lieutenant's cabin. :)</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMu7-igzC9kfEKciGglLwH6JfDc4V90jNESteVx0Ki5FDBnHfF6yNdCgMF5I9Gyki0pMCxh4Qq4C08-WrR_dQSC7SWFzkB3j0PIpVSF2INmuI2bVcq7DVYyzzcTEU_wLru-r2iNWgnOo/s1600/DSC_7207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMu7-igzC9kfEKciGglLwH6JfDc4V90jNESteVx0Ki5FDBnHfF6yNdCgMF5I9Gyki0pMCxh4Qq4C08-WrR_dQSC7SWFzkB3j0PIpVSF2INmuI2bVcq7DVYyzzcTEU_wLru-r2iNWgnOo/s320/DSC_7207.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Posing in front of the fort.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMPULw4rr4SeId5cTvvcDQCGbJZ5Kot8tUyqoid0m-KUDMIZnlhQztEG5xebaMPQZLSkX-ANqixSb3jKw_JaH84PLewc4Ggonl0hY-D_DR59UE20pu-kLWlXG04OpKNFZ2TUsuDLkFw/s1600/DSC_7211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMPULw4rr4SeId5cTvvcDQCGbJZ5Kot8tUyqoid0m-KUDMIZnlhQztEG5xebaMPQZLSkX-ANqixSb3jKw_JaH84PLewc4Ggonl0hY-D_DR59UE20pu-kLWlXG04OpKNFZ2TUsuDLkFw/s320/DSC_7211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Emily with the real cannon that they actually used back then.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillpRjEPHEw7_huTssfSvE7kS4AUGKQXgUkHvmMPhY6dywa4yLVsWz2nwr93dcI11pwkNRNq1d4GgLJIJh_LCLnkU-Mv6j11-rJe-3lf1tQW72FCpJwfBtjGq3Fy0TNtdREwsWW7preww/s1600/DSC_7212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillpRjEPHEw7_huTssfSvE7kS4AUGKQXgUkHvmMPhY6dywa4yLVsWz2nwr93dcI11pwkNRNq1d4GgLJIJh_LCLnkU-Mv6j11-rJe-3lf1tQW72FCpJwfBtjGq3Fy0TNtdREwsWW7preww/s320/DSC_7212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Logan and Daddy with the cannon.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23kGb3gdePzrAyHe5MC7UXB70mfQDR5S5u7yTgKBQtMGWX46H33fu3b0chDmchCJeC-m56llZPD9Pn-80XxKy3sE2xSVOk-q5LZT8LDU-DRjk3xktG_P9QENAR55t41shxMz7WDKyFAg/s1600/DSC_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23kGb3gdePzrAyHe5MC7UXB70mfQDR5S5u7yTgKBQtMGWX46H33fu3b0chDmchCJeC-m56llZPD9Pn-80XxKy3sE2xSVOk-q5LZT8LDU-DRjk3xktG_P9QENAR55t41shxMz7WDKyFAg/s320/DSC_7213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>A bigger cannon that Logan had to have his pic with!</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On our way to the Courthouse!</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXP633C6yt6-tLIi3S2lir9pycDzE60yMwVcVYzQWpsXpP9nWP7no1KF7nHM-0z8t9HR00hkFldum6TPfqpA2H-R6TjcDZCj2Bb65A7w5mjNJU3UtsDqQWiGh30QmyfHu8HKt5u1TRU0/s1600/DSC_7214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXP633C6yt6-tLIi3S2lir9pycDzE60yMwVcVYzQWpsXpP9nWP7no1KF7nHM-0z8t9HR00hkFldum6TPfqpA2H-R6TjcDZCj2Bb65A7w5mjNJU3UtsDqQWiGh30QmyfHu8HKt5u1TRU0/s320/DSC_7214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>A view of Fort Wayne from a bridge crossing the river.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ0bUqGXft-YyCz-xMdkseqVFZ3x-Dxk9lAKClmEmOQDKyGCxUoJV07JfQdnVrU77Onx6eyBwYXxfKNp9yg_GbIbPyyUPeWK6v5XCz9DSkmPvWB9dLna1sfTEekmgKedqUbGgXAIEuU4/s1600/DSC_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ0bUqGXft-YyCz-xMdkseqVFZ3x-Dxk9lAKClmEmOQDKyGCxUoJV07JfQdnVrU77Onx6eyBwYXxfKNp9yg_GbIbPyyUPeWK6v5XCz9DSkmPvWB9dLna1sfTEekmgKedqUbGgXAIEuU4/s320/DSC_7215.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Kids in front of the courthouse.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXDuJLJ13VaOStEOoe_lODeXZ3mZiXLb9vjlPG2NYOZ6wctgb4wRhL-7GjsFX1ad0_IzN5tc1KgslRA05-eOmIBjcX6soO-ZfI1uThCPIQeV-z9AEgWdfpewfkW4rO53CPKGACEsS4l4/s1600/DSC_7218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXDuJLJ13VaOStEOoe_lODeXZ3mZiXLb9vjlPG2NYOZ6wctgb4wRhL-7GjsFX1ad0_IzN5tc1KgslRA05-eOmIBjcX6soO-ZfI1uThCPIQeV-z9AEgWdfpewfkW4rO53CPKGACEsS4l4/s320/DSC_7218.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>It really has immaculate details inside.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGTNucFIa6eihgZ92fzdtbmh2FN8sq0dJHMfXsq1QZZ_EZRagsLkh3qlbyW1ZQLWwZs1JI8zCrAUNeLGccdzrz7PuZp20T63a7HowASSuHrwHJVJac6nmEHSkaHs6kVomho_KmrHsNJ8/s1600/DSC_7221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGTNucFIa6eihgZ92fzdtbmh2FN8sq0dJHMfXsq1QZZ_EZRagsLkh3qlbyW1ZQLWwZs1JI8zCrAUNeLGccdzrz7PuZp20T63a7HowASSuHrwHJVJac6nmEHSkaHs6kVomho_KmrHsNJ8/s320/DSC_7221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>I love these kids!</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL7074DFsiCNjJjzyRtu9PjuhtviIb7nNTkmGiKDHb4F0eE26OXAD0F7lfuzdxqeuGnBkFnIwN-YP4mJSf7RDypFgDePlvVVSL7u7EZ8KKWStDXcnKbnEQ31jmc4AgSI1vixiMipNgMk/s1600/DSC_7223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL7074DFsiCNjJjzyRtu9PjuhtviIb7nNTkmGiKDHb4F0eE26OXAD0F7lfuzdxqeuGnBkFnIwN-YP4mJSf7RDypFgDePlvVVSL7u7EZ8KKWStDXcnKbnEQ31jmc4AgSI1vixiMipNgMk/s320/DSC_7223.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>My sweet boy peeking around the pillar.</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcs-oI9F5_riuoLE_Xh6rESzKTEojQxYmlSa-o-jDXE2bDKLPQylcCEq-UeKFjdq7-rasFt2WUNks7SQkPkhM-i1p-cH-hJ54rzYJOTaOuvifUrt-4jd8dfA6NSsCdJH857CcQ4cOiYA/s1600/DSC_7216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcs-oI9F5_riuoLE_Xh6rESzKTEojQxYmlSa-o-jDXE2bDKLPQylcCEq-UeKFjdq7-rasFt2WUNks7SQkPkhM-i1p-cH-hJ54rzYJOTaOuvifUrt-4jd8dfA6NSsCdJH857CcQ4cOiYA/s320/DSC_7216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Leaving the Courthouse.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3WrXaFjWElmwKNy5_OvzoDUIHrBGgchyKpyGxXm6hu1CTW7hE0_e9lt4-FDyhQhu4bkxdY2hiCdcsEJM8Dcfgj0vOJyGU1n0FNvSVXoft44LjuGBuykLqqc2nr9IqmrLEaHi3ZBcIUA/s1600/DSC_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3WrXaFjWElmwKNy5_OvzoDUIHrBGgchyKpyGxXm6hu1CTW7hE0_e9lt4-FDyhQhu4bkxdY2hiCdcsEJM8Dcfgj0vOJyGU1n0FNvSVXoft44LjuGBuykLqqc2nr9IqmrLEaHi3ZBcIUA/s320/DSC_7227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>We stopped and got a bite to eat at The Gas House - where Neil purposed (awww).</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>I took about 5 pics here - this is the best I could get. Crazy kids!</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Lincoln Tower</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoJz3sRjqA4oeXQC9_NYtxLdOCzi3FpWcyrTZPfeoSJzK21blTMLvax0Ibnn5v1VqW1FFU6e6taSlJTit7AWNLPxNGlHY4LTg18w-mEJMCfb8ON62n-UyGaYKEihMj8ORouXMSUySJbA/s1600/DSC_7228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoJz3sRjqA4oeXQC9_NYtxLdOCzi3FpWcyrTZPfeoSJzK21blTMLvax0Ibnn5v1VqW1FFU6e6taSlJTit7AWNLPxNGlHY4LTg18w-mEJMCfb8ON62n-UyGaYKEihMj8ORouXMSUySJbA/s320/DSC_7228.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Pay close attention to the very top where the flag is - we were up there 23 stories!</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QFIMeu7hByfBaTDlnZ-c3Bja7yRtaUI0KlbXqO4kE4fGEyBvgBlQOt2MNjkmNyYxHsCFow4ciQXqFMBFL5phOCC_uzQlmzuokDzflN9wJSa-RlOJRXU4IFhwVibwLbFH7Gr8BDzIcws/s1600/DSC_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QFIMeu7hByfBaTDlnZ-c3Bja7yRtaUI0KlbXqO4kE4fGEyBvgBlQOt2MNjkmNyYxHsCFow4ciQXqFMBFL5phOCC_uzQlmzuokDzflN9wJSa-RlOJRXU4IFhwVibwLbFH7Gr8BDzIcws/s320/DSC_7229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Looking out from the top of the tower over downtown. It was a little freaky - only a small wall and a LONG way down. </strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiZ-Hp9TxhZQXWT58Zve7njqNnsBdFrTU4H0i3nXkPjL4CCT4zb7SaqksbY5GtAxU7E5RSemwrDrO3JI8RCzSxap-IdQ8cfMOWXHnxoIFLCMVUNTRcO3AGt8yQ3zwHU76SURl0wrFnWs/s1600/DSC_7230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiZ-Hp9TxhZQXWT58Zve7njqNnsBdFrTU4H0i3nXkPjL4CCT4zb7SaqksbY5GtAxU7E5RSemwrDrO3JI8RCzSxap-IdQ8cfMOWXHnxoIFLCMVUNTRcO3AGt8yQ3zwHU76SURl0wrFnWs/s320/DSC_7230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Downtown Fort Wayne.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAgEb25pYI0J78BJD5v_ov-oES7osqv6m9s7O3opmAsa_qcu0mPPSzqPZng6FSbZeadWwA-pRy12y7z23_RkXROVl0VGjvwoskWbKIZO4QKPZW1tVzT4z5TZ_6fp59frrtk0f9vOIOv8/s1600/DSC_7231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAgEb25pYI0J78BJD5v_ov-oES7osqv6m9s7O3opmAsa_qcu0mPPSzqPZng6FSbZeadWwA-pRy12y7z23_RkXROVl0VGjvwoskWbKIZO4QKPZW1tVzT4z5TZ_6fp59frrtk0f9vOIOv8/s320/DSC_7231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Parkview Field.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYp1q8gbCw-v4SYIJ2MzaoKnp3rTfIUcanoFGRJHm0-5n_fMaUbS47UubCGBCQ50Ai_qU2dxhyphenhyphenX29Zg04Rf983RUCqgBa04InGr52OoqXxN3O4m976LZxxSoHSlKCCDcEizfZoxoHvaw/s1600/DSC_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYp1q8gbCw-v4SYIJ2MzaoKnp3rTfIUcanoFGRJHm0-5n_fMaUbS47UubCGBCQ50Ai_qU2dxhyphenhyphenX29Zg04Rf983RUCqgBa04InGr52OoqXxN3O4m976LZxxSoHSlKCCDcEizfZoxoHvaw/s320/DSC_7232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Checking out his city with Daddy.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSH2lYbepT0YoODx0A4v62QVPmT0B9jfLpSX2R5dIq_W4LlnLRkvxqRkivE6ZZPOoE465oD3Ufwm0GgB2TbFjMfnng1AF6aTu2GGrf5duou4tfYJQBw8UGHNVJ1vTn7ku9V94fOyftEQ/s1600/DSC_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSH2lYbepT0YoODx0A4v62QVPmT0B9jfLpSX2R5dIq_W4LlnLRkvxqRkivE6ZZPOoE465oD3Ufwm0GgB2TbFjMfnng1AF6aTu2GGrf5duou4tfYJQBw8UGHNVJ1vTn7ku9V94fOyftEQ/s320/DSC_7235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>They thought this was so cool!</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JgNenmx7DqKXoO2NqabpDJcZXJAXJyNXtC4g0OWaQVOq6I7TH7XraRn0bql5Og0ZK8r9M_6hwElQwiJ51Of8CIr5ci2rWHr2eN16XG7X3rNiKorEecEL8JhAutWMnJAMCAd-alVyfJE/s1600/DSC_7236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JgNenmx7DqKXoO2NqabpDJcZXJAXJyNXtC4g0OWaQVOq6I7TH7XraRn0bql5Og0ZK8r9M_6hwElQwiJ51Of8CIr5ci2rWHr2eN16XG7X3rNiKorEecEL8JhAutWMnJAMCAd-alVyfJE/s320/DSC_7236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Emily snapped our picture - :)</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Embassy:</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTgMSf16KHj30pnVPbIcX-uwKD1ojSG2ZAA7YFYsgVxg0nqxnjus2Zf30EGScZNLGW3C2YbBrTOJlMWe29QBVoITnq2jkn9q91k7j-sBUJ2fL5OYoGtcxRcm6jh3mq4PCpY_uMGpArzU/s1600/DSC_7240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTgMSf16KHj30pnVPbIcX-uwKD1ojSG2ZAA7YFYsgVxg0nqxnjus2Zf30EGScZNLGW3C2YbBrTOJlMWe29QBVoITnq2jkn9q91k7j-sBUJ2fL5OYoGtcxRcm6jh3mq4PCpY_uMGpArzU/s320/DSC_7240.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>This is a theatre located downtown. It is gorgeous! I didn't get anymore pics here because I dropped my phone and it fell 15 ft below the stage. </strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Botanical Garden and Conservatory:</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTCskQoVlz9JKk5wZUiLCjHBLfWByrhwD9v6orYDu7hUzTULUw1B_vrct5BvrhNMVeJbY2sHQmqGO7GTuc0ZfMtQayDjHO2yHX8lgfCZhFIHRJuaNdSVBl9crhbQQS8j2RcJHLmm6HBE/s1600/DSC_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTCskQoVlz9JKk5wZUiLCjHBLfWByrhwD9v6orYDu7hUzTULUw1B_vrct5BvrhNMVeJbY2sHQmqGO7GTuc0ZfMtQayDjHO2yHX8lgfCZhFIHRJuaNdSVBl9crhbQQS8j2RcJHLmm6HBE/s320/DSC_7253.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>My Hailey Grace</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6gIkslGRhNxSUdVJF8ep-NxPfnthqx89E5JW5YU3Deu6VxUCidLC_XcMW1DYJmIfwgLWKaF8U3v_ewgeeqpphXyuY0mFWp5EkfPG7T0-fq4ytvb3puhNUgv0_QybcYvCfg4M_pWY8f0/s1600/DSC_7254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6gIkslGRhNxSUdVJF8ep-NxPfnthqx89E5JW5YU3Deu6VxUCidLC_XcMW1DYJmIfwgLWKaF8U3v_ewgeeqpphXyuY0mFWp5EkfPG7T0-fq4ytvb3puhNUgv0_QybcYvCfg4M_pWY8f0/s320/DSC_7254.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Logan Hunter :) He did so well!</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVE9S00BJYx_lFEm_TE0KVNIS-7PgOyzwOXjKKTiD6tHa-ne2Um2LcPu7aZg9SidpdiU7CbYFq0xLf3_Zfb6aZNiHkGtcB1RAf07h4F9J9KTJtzQZ8ZopbOzjKZz5eRpAH0ICoqwNXI/s1600/DSC_7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVE9S00BJYx_lFEm_TE0KVNIS-7PgOyzwOXjKKTiD6tHa-ne2Um2LcPu7aZg9SidpdiU7CbYFq0xLf3_Zfb6aZNiHkGtcB1RAf07h4F9J9KTJtzQZ8ZopbOzjKZz5eRpAH0ICoqwNXI/s320/DSC_7258.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Just because I LOVE these bleeding hearts!</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL7yJWAXqZng4Gel9yEBqswRiqoHLosQ9KH9EOFVUqnU6nWlbd5JTnbNUTwE_vUMNSooSLS5tUBfTNEaw5PxcQf2VzsxmjDCyRwfn7ifm3cBA6fMrk-v3v7eRMDoCXT9neHtagzEWKrc/s1600/DSC_7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL7yJWAXqZng4Gel9yEBqswRiqoHLosQ9KH9EOFVUqnU6nWlbd5JTnbNUTwE_vUMNSooSLS5tUBfTNEaw5PxcQf2VzsxmjDCyRwfn7ifm3cBA6fMrk-v3v7eRMDoCXT9neHtagzEWKrc/s320/DSC_7266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>A little bistro in the garden! They just needed some tea! ;)</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRImGTU0wNRwF69SZdW0Lv8KLD7SeSNksW0sCCbFg_v4Rma1gXxBwJ23JCP8mrrtb7iNajv6SVIUek9jUtN2J_xT_7kUQoCOQkCvxg9KLUU6sqRzLbwXsfyWO_V9p5-fJuSLYMWwFshY0/s1600/DSC_7256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRImGTU0wNRwF69SZdW0Lv8KLD7SeSNksW0sCCbFg_v4Rma1gXxBwJ23JCP8mrrtb7iNajv6SVIUek9jUtN2J_xT_7kUQoCOQkCvxg9KLUU6sqRzLbwXsfyWO_V9p5-fJuSLYMWwFshY0/s320/DSC_7256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>A picture with Grandma (Neil's mom) @ Botanical.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke7IkeuMNx6EomWqPfLFod4vNKRfMPlQGMj2o8ZebaQBl_U4913l91sqrwuXh1118SwFv6GztfNzh-FaLmTVZuzqLPWgII3yRD5v1etsA0oXT2ebxbdAAnGmA-Pr3j1Jlnzogb9S2Qbk/s1600/DSC_7273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke7IkeuMNx6EomWqPfLFod4vNKRfMPlQGMj2o8ZebaQBl_U4913l91sqrwuXh1118SwFv6GztfNzh-FaLmTVZuzqLPWgII3yRD5v1etsA0oXT2ebxbdAAnGmA-Pr3j1Jlnzogb9S2Qbk/s320/DSC_7273.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>This was the LONG, WHINY, EXHAUSTING trip back to the car! I don't know how many miles we walked, but it was A LOT! All in all everyone had a great day! Love the family time!</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>What did you do this weekend?!</strong></div>
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-34050162320670180752012-09-03T16:08:00.000-07:002012-09-03T16:14:03.620-07:00Logan Has Survived 2 Weeks Of Kindergarten!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you know how many times I write an entire paragraph only to re-read it and erase it... A LOT. In the last 2 weeks I have started to blog a few times, but I just can't find the right words... I have had writers block (which seems kind of silly when I am only writting about reality). Goodness!<br />
<br />
Last Monday we had a meeting with several teachers, therapists, Logan's teacher, the principal, and Logan's new advocate. It went really well... It was all really nice to hear. At the meeting Logan's teacher had nothing negative to say. She said the only thing that he was really having some difficulty with was transition, but she was hopeful that with time the transitions would smooth out as well. So all in all it was a great meeting. <br />
<br />
Next day (Tuesday) he came home in a pretty rotten mood, but said his school day went well. Not even an hour later my phone was ringing and Mrs. Q was on the phone. Logan had been playing "Tag" on the playground and kept pulling on the other kids shirts and not letting go. The recess supervisor had asked him several times to stop, but Logan just kept tugging away. The recess supervisor asked Logan to take a timeout to which he replied "No." She warned him that if he refused his timeout that she was going to take him to the office. Logan still refused his timeout and halfway to the office stopped dead in his tracks and refused to go any further. Therefore the therapist and principal came and talked to him, took him to the office, and continued with their talk. <br />
<br />
Wednesday and Thursday were good. Thursday when he came home he had a scraped up nose. I asked him what the heck had happened... He said a boy stepped on his shoelace and pushed him from up on the swingset by the fire pole. I asked him if he knew the boys name and he said no... I asked him if he knew any of the kids names and he got a HUGE smile on his face. I asked him whose name he knew and he said "Nora!" I then asked him why he could remember Nora's name, but not any of the other kids names and he replies "Because she is so pretty and I love her mom, that's why!!!" It was priceless! I wish I could have had it on video! <br />
<br />
Friday when I went to pick them up in carline Gracie came out and Logan was still inside. She informed me that Logan was with the principal because he punched a little girl who was bossing Logan to sit down and be quiet (these really are the rules of the carline). I went and parked. As I walked in I was kind of embarrassed. Who knew what kind of tantrum it was and all of the teachers seemed to be staring. When I found him he was with Mr. L (the principal) and discussing his behavior. Thank goodness for Mr. L who (so far) seems to have the patience of a saint! He told Logan that all rules that they have aren't just "Logan Rules" but they are for everyone, including himself. I think Logan may have understood that a little better, but who knows. They high-fived one another and agreed next week would be much better.<br />
<br />
Logan has had a pretty good Labor day weekend. We spent almost the entire weekend at the Fort Wayne Air Show hosted by the Air Nat'l Guard. It was awesome! Tomorrow we resume the school routine. He did sit on my lap last night and said that he feels like crying when he is at school but he doesn't. He said that it hurts to swallow when he misses me so much, but he doesn't want the other kids to know he is sad. How sweet is that...<br />
<br />
Well - I hope you all have a FABULOUS week ahead of you! Cheers to a positive *short* week!<br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-54358257765013918722012-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:002012-08-20T08:27:35.217-07:00Back to School...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For a while now I keep hearing the words IEP in conjunction with Logan and school. My mother-in-law is a special education teacher and I know she has to write these things all the time. I have been advised to try and have an IEP set for Logan...however, what exactly is an IEP??? I decided to educate myself in this area:<br />
<br />
An IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. An IEP is put into place to allow teachers, parents, and the administrators to work together to come up with a customized education so that the child can perform to the best of his ability with his disability. This helps the teachers/parents to come up with a program that will allow the student to progress in the general curriculum (if that makes sense). <br />
<br />
During Logan's therapy session this morning we discussed what his teachers current classroom goals are for Logan. This is what Mrs.Q (his teacher) came up with: following directions from adults the first time, waiting his turn, active listening, staying on task, and keeping hands/feet/objects to himself. I agree wholeheartedly that these things definitely need worked on and addressed. <br />
<br />
His therapist recommended today that when I left her office I needed to head to the school and try setting up a meeting with whomever is in charge of setting up an IEP. She said it would be in the best interest for Logan because if he keeps having issues and there isn't an IEP set up they can just send him home as a behavioral nuisance and he will be missing out on vital learning. She started handing me paperwork and phone numbers and said I needed to call said number to get an "advocate." I was slightly confused because I thought I am supposed to be Logan's advocate. I am his advocate. <br />
<br />
So after I left her office I went over to the school and actually met with the principal. Super nice set of staff and teachers at our school. I don't think we could have gotten any luckier! I was asking him what I needed to do because I felt kind of awkward going in there and demanding a meeting I know very little about. We talked and he set up a meeting with the school psychologist, himself (the principal), Logan's teacher, and Neil and I. I asked him if I should call that number and have this advocate thing started... He recommended that if I wanted to I could, but said I could come to this first meeting, see how I think it goes, and decide from there if I feel we are getting to where we want to be. <br />
<br />
Needless to say this is NOT how I thought I was going to be spending my Monday morning! I will let you all know how it goes...keep us in your thoughts as we keep pushing forward...into what seems like the unknown. <br />
<br />
Hope you all have a fabulous week! :)<br />
<br />
Autumn<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916572146752777377.post-51460205170210142532012-08-17T10:29:00.000-07:002012-08-17T10:29:02.584-07:00"Maybe You'll Be Surprised..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know each and every single one of my readers genuinely care for Logan and our family. I really, really do appreciate that and thank each of you for your support! <br />
<br />
As you all know I was extremely anxious to send Logan off to Kindergarten - with his history it was just super overwhelming for me. I kept telling everyone "I just don't know how this is going to work." or "There is no way he is going to be able to do this unless something changes." 99% of the time my friends, family, husband, acquaintances, and whomever would respond "Maybe you'll be surprised!" with an optimistic attitude. I honestly wanted nothing more than to be pleasantly surprised, however, that is NOT the case. I know my boy all too well, I know his triggers, I know his struggles, I know pretty much anything and everything he is going to feel before he feels it. I JUST KNOW HIM. <br />
<br />
Day 1 (Wed) of Kindergarten: He is in great spirits and excited to go to school. We get there and there are lots of other kids and parents waiting in the hallway for the bell to ring so that we can all walk our babies to their classrooms. He gets extremely anxious in the hallway - starts pulling his hair and grumbling. Asks me not to touch him. I know he has hit his breaking point. As the bell rings and the hallways clear - he calms down - hugs me and has a smile on his face. I drop him off and pray. Later on I pick him up. He is all smiles and said he had a great day! I call his teacher as soon as I can - and she says that she thinks he had a great first day. He had to take a few timeouts for getting up without permission and interupting the teacher while she was talking to other children, but he kept his hands and feet to himself for the most part. We left it that we would e-mail on Thurs and talk over the phone on Fri. <br />
<br />
Day 2 (Thurs): As Logan settles into the car I ask him how his day went and he responds with "Well I sat in timeout like 4 or 5 or 6 or maybe 2 times today." Hmmm. Okay... So I e-mail his teacher asking what she observed, if he had a good day/bad day, and how he managed to do in a class with 20+ kids. I didn't hear from her until almost 9 p.m. last night and she ended up calling me. His behavior was night and day from the first day. He was really out of sorts and would shut down when she tried to talk with him. She said he was unable to be still - his hands and feet were going all day. He had no self-control. He was caught poking another child with a fork at the lunch table. He was a wild man on the playground (BUT in his defense there were 55 kids to 2 teachers). On one hand I wanted to break down and cry and on the other hand I was totally okay that they were actually seeing it first hand. <br />
<br />
Today is day 3 and he is currently in school. I have tried staying busy but he is all I can think about. Logan is a sweet boy and has a great heart, however, he gets overstimulated sooooo easy. His current diagnosis' are Impulse Control Disorder w/ Agression and ADHD. I shouldn't dwell on the label, but dang it - it isn't right yet - and we haven't found a way to manage his behavior. There is something more to this story... Something that we are missing and I KNOW IT. I am not by any means blaming our doctors or therapists, they are a God send. Amazing people - but he is just a hard case to crack. Today I have been contemplating if I should call up Dr. Walsh (the neurogeneticist) in Indy - he had said that if we were unable to get results that he would further investigate. <br />
<br />
What connects developmental delay, right sided motor weakness, drooling, bundle branch block of the heart, a horseshoe kidney, impulse disorder, easily overstimulated, and lack of self control? There has to be <strong>something</strong>. I am struggling with what direction I need to go. I am his advocate and I have to speak up for his sake...because he can't! <br />
<br />
So if you don't mind keeping all of us in your prayers once again I will be forever grateful. Also, if you have ANY suggestions what-so-ever please let me know!!! I am open to any suggestions. <br />
<br />
Thanks guys!!!<br />
</div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397029339368647615noreply@blogger.com2