We finally got out to see the Star Wars movie and we all had a great time! I liked it. There were parts in the film where I know the kids didn't catch all of the references to the previous films, but they loved the action! Caught the show at 8:40 a.m., no lines, great seats and I know my hubby is thrilled to have seen it. We had a nice holiday. The boys are enjoying all the goodies from Santa. I think D is catching on. I think he saw some of the wrapping paper in my closet. He might be on to us, but he hasn't confronted us, yet. Just us for the holidays. No drama and no hurt feelings. It's still hard to wrap my mind around the time that has passed. This was a big year for us. Ten years ago, I brought home our first son at a little over 4 pounds. Could not even see this far out. Just pausing to take it all in, appreciate the milestones, smile at the memories we've made together so far, and enjoy. Of course, N's timeline is looming and I'm trying to be strong again.
We took almost two weeks off from therapies and it's been SO nice. They do help yes, but T and I need a break too. It's been wonderful to not have to drive here nor there. It all starts back up in a few days and I'm trying not to think about it. We are starting new with a few of them. It got to a point where we weren't really having too much more success. It was stagnant I guess and getting old. We are headed to two new-to-us clinics next week. One isn't too far from home and the other is a drive. T is literally back in the saddle next week too as horses start up again. We are going to give it one more try with the lady who tends to yell a bit. I'm going to make sure that I bring my little white board so that we don't spend too much time doing warm up. Hopefully he'll actually get to ride for the full time. Horse Show opportunity for him in the Spring, so he'll need to practice if he wants to participate to try and earn another "statue" (trophy).
I start off the first day of second semester for D with an IEP mtg. It got rescheduled, so I'm hoping to end the meeting with achieving more ST minutes for him and with a peer for the secondary session. Both kids finished their online lessons before Winter Break and we are a bit ahead with T as I ran his scheduler early. This is our third year for online learning and I have to say, it's been the best so far. The online teachers are prepared for their Live Lessons, bring interesting things to share, and allowing for more interaction with the webcams and more participation. Because they are in 3rd and 5th grades, the Live Lessons are more frequent and they have been really good about checking the clock and logging in on time. It is such a different way to do school, but I am meeting more and more parents who are opting to do school this way. We made the decision awhile back, but it's nice to know we're not alone. The extra funding at my fingertips is nice too.
While we've been catching up on movies and playing games, T has been participating in a study with SARRC. No meds. He wears a fitbit-like device during the day and a sleep gadget at night. I have this special tablet where I record his day and journal. We upload the fitbit each night. He's been so good about remembering to take it off before he showers and reminding us too. The study is to help learn how kids with ASD learn best and to check out their activity levels along with behaviors. He had to do an EEG a week ago. I prepped him by saying that it was similar to a swim cap, something he's familiar with, and that they would hook up wires to it. It would light up green like a Christmas tree. Well, the lubricant stuff was in a syringe that looked like a shot. It freaked him out, but he was able to settle down after we talked him through it and he touched things. It's too bad that they didn't have it in a pen or something. He was fine afterwards. He's accruing Target gift cards for his participation. The study lasts 8 weeks, so we just established our baseline. I've only had to call the help desk a few times, but other than that it's been really easy. I probably write way too much for the journal part, but I figure they'll take what they need.
Covered up the plants here last night as it's been colder than usual. Really looking forward to new things in the New Year and leaving some of the BS behind. It's time.
These balloons lasted 3 weeks!
D enjoying his day with some of his friends.
Christmas 2015
Lindsay,
I love the pics. So cute.
It cracks me up that you write way too much in the journal. I do that whenever they ask for a log. I get crazy specific with the details. I'd rather have too much info than too little.
Good luck at the new clinics.
Many hugs and much love,
Rebecca
Glad you all liked Star Wars and that the holidays were nice!!! I hope the new therapies go well. I know what you mean about the same therapies getting old after a while. Cute pictures!
Hugs,
Marissa
Sounds like a nice break from the norm. I totally understand enjoying a little time off. Especially when it feels like they are becoming stagnant. Sometimes you want a new therapist just to liven it all up again! Good luck with the new locations. I hope that they have some new insight and ideas. I love horses! Lucky kid! Maybe I could come do some therapy with him ;)
I remember the day I discovered the toys in the garage before Christmas, I totally didn't let on for another few years. That was of course in fear that the presents would stop.
The study sounds very interesting. Have you been able to track some of his activity level in connection with certain behaviors? I hope it gives you guys some new insight.
I hope all is great in your end of our states!
Cassie