New Family Member!

We have a new family member... he is cute, furry and so sweet! This is my newest baby.... Jasper!

Random Thought

This morning I remembered something that I had not thought about in a while, not sure why it came to me. When I was four years old I went to a friend's swim party. I wasn't a good swimmer yet and was told to stay in the shallow end of the pool. Everyone else was older and having a great time on the other end of the pool. I was satified playing where I was for a little while, but soon wanted to be closer to the action. I noticed a little round dot on the wall and in my head figured that it marked the end of the shallow part of the pool like a public pool that marks the depth on the wall. So I inched my way closer and closer until it seemed suddenly my feet no longer touched the floor of the pool. I tried to get back over to where I could reach but it seemed that the more I tried the harder it was. I quickly became exhausted and panicked and lost control. I went under, then slowly resurfaced but not long enough to get a full breath. Over and over I went under and resurfaced never long enough. I was drowning and it felt as though some one was holding me under the water and not letting me up, yet the funny thing was, it was me that was causing it. Everything was dark and I was feeling dizzy and did not know how long it had been going on for. But then I felt an arm around me and was lifted up out of the water. The friend's mom had noticed what was going on and dove in fully clothed to help me. The first full breath I took after I was out of the water hurt yet felt so good at the same time. I was exhausted and cold but felt free.



Then I realized that THIS is exactly how I felt going through learning about Jesse's Autism. It felt like I was drowning and for a long time that feeling has held me down in a depression. But slowly while watching Jesse grow and progress over the past 9 months I have been taking little breaths and relized today that I am "out of the water" and no longer drowning. Not sure when or how long its been but I am finally feeling free again. I know that Jesse is going to be who ever God intended him to be despite, and because of, the Autism. Its just part of who he is.

Summer Approaching

So here we are with 2 days of school left in the year and even though I am so excited to have my little ones home and be able to spend more time with them, I find myself worrying about Jesse. He has done so well since starting in the Special needs class that I am worried a break in school is going to make him back track. The school has said that they don't think he needs ESY (extended school year) and that they will be sending a packet home with him with what to work on during the summer. He has just come SO far!!!

I have been so encouraged by friends saying that he is totally a different little boy then he was a few months ago. I see it too. He is talking more, putting more words together at a time and starting to do more social play. Last night a friend was watching Jesse and she said that he actually played with the other kids, took one girl by the hand and held her hand. In fact some one else who was there was surprised when she told her that he is autistic.

I know that he will always be a little different then most kids (besides who set the standard of what is normal anyway...)but with everything going on I can see that he will be just fine no matter what.

God has truly blessed our lives and is teaching us so much about Himself through Jesse. I see miracles everyday in the simplest things because of it!

Update

Jesse started at the local school in the ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) program in February. They have worked so hard with him!!! When he first started he was not able to sit at circle time, did not play with the toys, say more then one word at a time, or jump with both feet off the ground (to name a few).

They decided that when he is in the classroom he would have a one on one assistant so the para has become his classroom buddy. He is showing so much improvement its incredible! I love hearing reports back from the school. "Today Jesse was able to stay with circle time for 20 mins!", "Jesse jumped with both feet off the ground 3 times in a row today!" and so on. He is now, more often then not, saying 2 or more words together. He can answer simple questions and has begun some pretend play!!!

Last week I got a note home saying that they believe that Jesse does not need Extend School Year, basically they think he can handle the change in routine and be okay!

Still working on potty training him. He has tummy issues that make it harder to potty train. We are looking into making some diet changes to see if those will help.

He has become more cuddly at home as well as with others. I love when he crawls up in my lap and plays with my hair. He will make eye contact during those times.

He sings and has started doing hand motions to some of the songs now too!

Its so exciting to watch him grow!

Happy Birthday Bryan

Happy 7th Birthday to my sweet and spunky Bryan. You always brighten my day! I love you!

Love

I am amazed by the fact that something as simple as loving a person can be so powerful in their lives. No matter how many therapies, instutites and professionals work with a special needs child if love isn't present it all goes to waste. Thank you to everyone who works with/ has worked with Jesse and has shown him love.

Happy Birthday Jesse!

Happy 3rd birthday Jesse Bear! You're my precious treasure. You inspire me every day with all you do and how you are making such progress!