Wow! I really am behind on updating LOL

When I started this blog I thought I would do a much better job of keeping it going but then school started and the craziness just keeps on coming!!! : )

The kids school year is almost over and they are both doing VERY well!! Ainsleigh amazes me with how well she has adapted to the school setting and her peers! She struggles with somethings but she is the sweetest little girl!! All of her teachers cannot gush enough about how sweet and enthusiastic she is about doing a good job. We have learned that she is very good with numbers, sequences/patterns, anything to do with art/music (we already knew that), and she LOVES P.E. : ) At the beginning of the school year they had a little dance/performance in front of the whole school and parents, Ainsleigh did not do well!! This semester they had another one, Ainsleigh not only performed but liked it!! We are SO proud of her!! She does have some struggles with letters, sounds, learning words, etc. She did very well in speech last semester at UNT but this semester she had a new therapist and she was struggling connecting with him. She started dreading going to therapy and because of all of my issues I pulled the kids out. I think it was a really good thing for Ainsleigh!

Brycen is doing VERY well!!! He started the school year with no hesitations and no regression. He jumped right back into it and took off!! He knows his entire alphabet forwards and backwards, he can count to fifty (though he will get a little sidetracked), he knows colors & shapes, he is now using the "I want..." phrase to request (though he is not always consistent), and he is doing so many things that he did not do before (i.e. get into/out of the car himself, takes off his jacket/zips it up, etc.)!! After Thanksgiving Brycen got sick and for the next couple of months we were constantly at the doctor trying to get him well. He would get a bug then before he could get over it, he would get another one! By Christmas he had pnemonia and was very sick. When school started up, he had a hard time getting back into the routine of things and behavioral issues became a problem. He is doing much better now and as of his birthday, he now goes full time!!! His teacher fought very hard to get him in full time and we are so blessed because of her!! She truly is an amazing teacher who works SO HARD for our kids!! She inspires me to always keep trying, fighting for my kids and their needs! Brycen had a little adjustment time to the new schedule but he is doing very well!!! : )

It is now Spring Break and we have just returned from another visit to Elijah's Retreat!! The kids had a BLAST!!! We went hiking through the numerous acres they have and the kids loved it!! Ainsleigh felt like we were on an adventure and both kids did really well following the trail. We played on the playground, played games, flew a kite, etc. They truly love that place and we are SO GRATEFUL & THANKFUL for Elijah's Retreat!!!

Though we had a great time on our vacation, it is hard not to realize just how limited our life is when looking at it from the outside in. I think it hit Brent harder this time than ever before. Simple things like having a camp fire and roasting marshmallows was a disaster with Brycen. Ainsleigh loved it and did very well, but Brycen kept trying to run away into the trees and wouldn't stop screaming when we put his leash on. Then he tried going into the fire and needless to say he and I ended up in the cabin. This was just one episode that occurred; there were many others. We cannot do so many things and Ainsleigh misses out on so much because we have to always accomodate for Brycen's needs/issues. We know it is not his fault and we never blame him, but sometimes it is hard to not feel so sad... well sad is not really a good description but how can you put into words the heartache that wells up inside at not being able to do something so simple as play kickball or catch or red light/green light?! As parents we struggle to balance what he is able/capable of doing/handling with what Ainsleigh wants/needs. There are times when she is left wanting and we are too!! Anyway, that is life... we enjoy the good times, cherish them and know the future holds so many great things! I'll try to get some pictures posted soon (no guarantees, haha)!!

New School Year

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I plan to make a few posts over the next few days to catch up on all that we did over the summer!!

Last Thursday we went to Meet the Teacher night at the kids school. Ainsleigh is in Kindergarten and Brycen is still in his PPCD class (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities). Ainsleigh's teacher is Ms. Cherry and she is VERY nice!! Ainsleigh likes her and we chatted about some of the things going on with Ainsleigh so that we could work together to make this a GREAT year. Brycen's teacher is Ms. Tierney and she is the same teacher he had last year, YEAH!!!!! : ) She was SO excited to see Brycen and so proud of his hard work during the summer to not regress! Ainsleigh's classroom is just a few doors down from Brycen's and his teacher is helping keep an eye on Ainsleigh!!

The kids started school on Tuesday and Brycen was excited and happy!! He really loves his class!! Ainsleigh had a meltdown before we got to school and Brent went to work late so that he could be there to help ease her into the transition. She did better once she got to school and she ended up having a GOOD day!!! She told me when I picked her up, though she was crying. I was stuck in the line of cars picking up kids and I didn't get there fast enough for her, haha!! Anyway, the teacher, the principal, and Brycen's teacher all told me she had a good day too!! I had to meet with the teachers, the cafeteria manager, and the nurse about Ainsleigh's peanut allergy and I am VERY impressed at how serious they are taking it and the measure's they are taking to keep her safe! Her peanut allergy is severe and because of her sensory issues it is very hard for her to even be in the same room with peanut butter. Brycen had a good day too!! He did not fuss at all and was very happy to be back in his class (he didn't take to well to the summer school class).

This morning we had a major meltdown with Ainsleigh and it is so heart breaking to see her so upset and not be able to do anything about it! It is going to take some time for her to adjust to the change, but we are very hopeful it will work out!! She was doing much better once at school, so hopefully she will have another good day!! Brycen was happy as usual, haha!!! : ) I'll write more later about the summer and how today goes!!

A special moment...

It is a rare moment in our house when this happens, I had to get a picture and share!! I hear stories from other parents about how their kids play together, interact with each other, and fight too!! In our house, that is not a usual occurence... ever. Granted, I do like the fact that my children rarely ever fight with each other (or with other children), but it would be nice to see this more often!! I just love these two little peas and I'm glad they are in the same pod even if it was only for a moment.

ISD vs. ME

Ok, so I know I have been VERY bad lately about updating everyone, so sorry!!! Here it goes... We had two ARD's with the school district (one for Brycen and one for Ainsleigh). Ainsleigh's did not go well. The school district, after reading the neuropsychologist's report, is sticking to their guns that Ainsleigh does not have an educational need for special education services (speech, occupational, etc.), and are taking the "wait and see" approach to educating her. I, of course, held to my guns that I do not believe in "waiting to see a child fail" before acting as a way of educating a child. We (Brent and I) decided to "play nice" and agree that we would enroll her without services set up, and "wait and see" how she responded to Kindergarten. The look of triumph was very short lived on their faces when I very "nicely" but in Wendi style "bluntly" let them know that I would be watching like a hawk and the second problems arose I would be on them (to quote an old teacher of mine) "like white on rice", but this time I would bring out the big guns (aka my bulldog advocate that is chomping at the bit to tear into them) if steps were not taken to give her the support she needs to receive her "free, appropriate education". Though I do not like the idea of going toe to toe with the ISD, I will do whatever is necessary to make certain Ainsleigh is not put in a situation that will cause her to fail.
Brycen's ARD went much better! He did not receive the in home behavioral trainer because (to put it plainly) he is not violent enough. I did not disagree and we moved on to our next agenda (the one I was really more concerned with) of Brycen's eligibility of ESY. He WILL be going to ESY!!!!! YEAH!!!! ESY is Extended School Year, and I really wanted this for him so that he would not lose the skills and progress that he has worked for!!!! He has progressed SO MUCH!!! He is really trying to talk and sing, and has a few words now that he can actually say!!! Most do not have meaning yet, but I am still SO PROUD of HIM!!! : )
I had Ainsleigh transfered to Brycen's school and the principal there as arranged for Ainsleigh to be placed in the Kindergarten class near Brycen's class with a teacher who has experience working with children on the spectrum. Also, the teacher and the principal reassured me that they would be talking with and including Brycen's teacher in decisions regarding Ainsleigh. This does make me feel better and I really hope it benefits Ainsleigh greatly!! We'll see and I'll keep you posted!! : )

Autism: Breaking Barriers (3)

This video discusses one story of a child with autism that "recovered". There is alot of controversy with this topic in the autism community. Most people know of Jenny McCarthy's son and her story that he is "recovered" from autism. The percentage of children who "recover" from autism is VERY low, and I find to be suspect. To me when I read about this, my first thought is always the same: they regressed then "recovered". I am always happy to hear of success stories of autistic children because I am always for progress, for success, for them!! But the skills were there at one time, so "recovering" those skills seems possible. But what about for those who never had those skills? That is our story and I would like to see if there is documentation on children born with autism (meaning shows signs from birth) who "recover". Brycen showed signs of autism from birth and did not develop typically. He never regressed because he never acquired developmental milestones then lost them. I pray every day that his progress will continue to grow, leaps and bounds, and that we never hit plateau. To me, Brycen is who he is! I want him to have a full, happy, wonderful life, but I refuse to look at him as though there is something wrong with him!! God made him the way he is and to want a cure or want him to "recover", to me means that I do not accept him for who he is... I am his mother and he is my blessing!! Now I know that comment brings alot of anger and contempt from some in the autism community, but it is my opinion and I am sticking to it!! Do I want him to develop, mature, progress? Of course!!!!! But I do not want him to "get better" because he isn't sick!!!! Neither is Ainsleigh!!! They were created the way they are and I love them and every single "quirky", "unique", "different" characteristic of who they are!! Some will say that I am in denial or naive, but those of you who really know me, know that those are not words that describe me! Anyway, that is my take on things and this is my blog, hahaha!!! : )

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

6 Words... Amazing!!!

Ainsleigh and I visited Brycen's class today (I had to drop off some soy milk for Brycen), and we found out that Brycen said 5 words today in class!!!!! He said: fish, car, boat, hat, and bed!!! Then while I was there, he said "apple"!!!! He is SO AMAZING!!!! This weekend he said "mama" for the first time!!! He is doing SO WELL!!! He knows his alphabet, uppercase and lowercase, and he is even getting better with his letter sounds!! I am going to try to get video of him singing with his videos (Yo Gabba Gabba), it is SO CUTE!! We have been working on colors and animals, but all in due time. Also, his teacher told me that Brycen is actually taking their breakfast wagon to the cafeteria by himself, and coming back to the classroom and opening the door by himself!!! I think I almost fell over when she told me that, I know my mouth was wide open (hahaha)!!! : ) I will share a moment with y'all that was very heartwarming and tearful for me. Yesterday, the kids and I were playing in the living room after Brycen got home from school. We were standing in the middle of the livingroom and Brycen just reached up and grabbed my hand. I was a little dumbstruck at first then I started looking around to see if there was something that he was wanting (usually he only touches my hand to indicate he wants something out of reach), and I couldn't see anything that he would want. Then the realization hit me...... he was HOLDING my hand!!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!! He just wanted to hold my hand, and that was it - not requesting, no demands... just simply wanted to hold my hand!!!! The tears started flowing and I cannot express to you the emotions pouring through me!!! So many people take the little things for granted but I don't... to have my little boy actually *want* to hold my hand then actually *hold* it was so precious and awesome!!!! For those of you who do not understand, Brycen does NOT like to have his hands touched and he has NEVER held another person's hand without being forced or prompted, even then he lets go as soon as he physically can! Anyway, I just wanted to share that moment, it was so beautiful to me!! Wish I could have gotten it on video, haha!!! : ) Priceless!!!!!

Autism: Breaking Barriers (2)

This video talks about Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Disorder. SID is a disorder of the senses (smell, sight, hearing, touch, etc.) and it can be hyper (over sensitive) or hypo (under sensitive), or a combination of both. Alot of individuals with autism also have SID.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Autsim: Breaking Barriers

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Today Show is doing a three part series on Autism: Breaking Barriers. This is segment one and I will try to add each segment each day. Very interesting stuff!! Thanks, Rachel, for letting me know!!!! : )

Funny days

Brycen is such a funny little guy!! Everyday when he comes home from school he likes to eat a little snack before taking a nap. Usually I give him Nilla Wafers or Teddy Grahams (Cinnamon and Honey.. of course, they are his color); Teddy Grahams are his favorite. I open the bag and set it next to him so he will feed himself (we worked hard on getting him ok with reaching his own hand into the bag). It nevers fails... if he pulls one out that has a missing arm, leg or head, he will lay it to the side and go for another one. After he is finished, there is usually a small line of disfigured Teddy Grahams beside him!! It cracks me up!!
This morning before going to school, Brycen and I were sitting next to each other on the floor going over different letters he would find on various things (boxes, cards, etc.). He would identify the letter then look to me to receive praise for getting it right!! And he did!! Everytime, even the lowercase letters!! As if that was not amazing enough, he was using his index finger (open hand) to point out the letters he was identifying!! : ) Brent and I were SO excited and proud!! He is such an amazing little person!! : ) When I went to drop him off at school, he and I walked over to his aide and he actually let go of my hand and went to her!!! I could not believe it!! This is SO great! We looked at each other with open mouths, completely surprised and thrilled! She then told me that he was identifying letters in a word, "Well", and he was using his finger to point to the letters too!! Also, his teacher told me that he did the letters in his name too!! Such awesome, awesome progress!! : )
I am still working on getting Ainsleigh into therapy and I am researching other insurance companies to see if I could possibly get us a different insurance that is more "autism friendly". Or get us an insurance policy that is fully funded so that it will have to obide by Texas law to provide services to children with autism (HB 1919). Ainsleigh and I do little play activities each day to work on her gross and fine motor skills as well as her letters/numbers/etc. It is very hard to keep her focused on learning activities and she is so smart that no matter how creative I am in working learning into our activity, she figures it out! : ) I wish I could figure out how to make learning more fun for her than challenging!! Anything that presents as a challenge, she shies away from (even when she knows the right answer). I have two school meetings this month, one for Ainsleigh and one for Brycen. I am not so worried about Brycen's, but Ainsleigh's I am!! Please pray that the school will recognize that she has a disability and will work with me to help her!! I am so fearful of when she starts Kindergarden in the fall! I know that she will become overwhelmed and anxiety consumed if the school district does not implement a plan to help her in that setting. I had her transfered to Brycen's school, but I still have to meet with the educators at the school in our neighborhood. We'll see how it goes...

Brycen Counting Backwards

Brycen Counting from 1 - 10

Brycen's version of the Alphabet

Spring Break

It is Spring Break!!! Though I do not like Brycen being out of school for his benefit, for me it is GREAT!! Though our routine time is a little off, it is SO nice to not have to rush around in the morning to get him to school. The kids are enjoying it too!!! They like not having to rush around first thing in the morning.

Brycen is doing SO WELL!!! He is starting to count, say letters, and try sounds!!! He can even identify certain letters ("C", "K", "O", "S", "T", "W") and a number ("2"). He REALLY likes the number 2 for some reason and can actually say it!!! : ) Last night, he tried to say Ainsleigh's name!!!!!! We couldn't believe it!! Brent and I both were in such shock we didn't think to grab the camera (probably wouldn't have made it anyway), but we were SO VERY EXCITED!!! I did get video of Brycen doing letters that I will try to post (I have NO idea how to do that, but I am determined for y'all to see how GREAT he is doing!!!), and I think I got video of him counting so if I did I will try to post that too!!! He really is progressing so much in such a short amount of time. He actually will turn at the sound of his name (not always, but more than before), he will sometimes make better eye contact, and he initiates interaction now (not all the time, but more than before)!! We got him a weighted vest for home through an awesome organization, Stitches4Autism, and we are working on getting him Baby BumbleBee videos (they REALLY do work for him!!!!!). His teacher let us borrow the letters video, which of course is why he is doing SO well at letters now (Ainsleigh and I also work with him using flashcards and foam bath letters/numbers). We are SO thrilled at how everything is going for Brycen and feel completely blessed that he got the teacher and aides that he did!!!! Ms. Mashelle (his teacher) and Ms. Tammie (one of his aides) are SO wonderful!!! The love they have for our special children is humbling!! We need more people like them in the world!! : )

Ainsleigh is doing much better now that she is not in school. We are still working on trying to get her into therapy; I have a few places that I am talking with and trying to work out the insurance/financing details with (therapy is NOT cheap and our insurance is HORRIBLE), so hopefully it will work out soon!! I need to set it up for Brycen, as well, for summer time when he will be out of school (fingers crossed for ESY). We are contemplating putting her in a private christian school in our neighborhood, but we feel unsure about that decision. I am still battling with the ISD to get her services so when she enters Kindergarden next year, trying to set her up to succeed not fail. She struggles so much within a classroom, but hopefully therapy will help us with that!! : ) I'll work on those videos, haha!!! Hope everyone is having a great Spring Break and doing well!!! We love you all!! : )

Ainsleigh's Latest Updates

Being a parent is never easy, especially when there wasn't a chapter in the manual for a child like Ainsleigh, haha!! : ) Her teachers reported to us that her behaviors in school have progressed (she isn't flapping, head banging, or getting out of her seat to walk in circles as much anymore), she is socializing with the other children more, and talking more (don't know if they are happy about that one, haha)!! WONDERFUL news for us!!

However, there are still some issues we are all concerned about. The teachers report that she knows the tasks she is supposed to do, even tells the teachers exactly what she is supposed to do yet she cannot do them. She is not being willful or stubborn, but literally is physically unable to do what they want of her (i.e. cutting paper, writing her letters/numbers, etc.). She still has oddities with her socializing with other children, cannot eat her lunch, and if the teachers change the routine she has a hard time. I dread every Tuesday and Thursday now!! As soon as I have to tell her that it is time to get ready for school, the tears come... the begging not to go... the emotional tidal wave... I have resorted to bribing her to go to school so that I will not have to "make" her go. It breaks my heart when I pick her up and she bursts into tears, wanting to leave school immediately! It is not that she does not have a good time at school, she does!! She likes singing, coloring, making crafts, playing with her "friends", but there is something.... Hopefully we'll have some answers soon! We are taking her to a neuropsychologist to help us figure out what is going on with Ainsleigh, and what we can do to help her. Hopefully, we'll get some answers!

Brycen's Latest Accomplishments

It never ceases to amaze me at just how powerful music can be! Thanks to Yo Gabba Gabba songs, Brycen is now trying to imitate the lyrics he hears!! He doesn't actually say the words yet, but we are close! The other day Yo Gabba Gabba did a song on "High 5's" and Brycen can now give "High 5's"!!!!!!! This is truly an amazing thing!!!

Brycen is now jumping for the first time, he is riding on his ride-on toys appropriately, we played with his little laptop and I would point to the letters he had to identify for the game, and he would press the correct button!!! As if that alone wasn't amazing enough, he then started pressing the correct buttons on his own!!!!!! AMAZING!!! We are ecstatic!!!! I am SO proud of him!!!!