A Good Weekend!

We had an exceptionally good weekend. "We" meaning Nicholas. There were no tantrums, no major arguing, no big attitude, etc. This is rare and made me happy.

Last weekend came as a much welcomed surprise since he had an especially rough week. His outbursts and lack of self control had been apparent both at home and at school all last week so I was prepared for a long weekend of the same. But when the weekend was over and I realized that we had the opposite of the kind of weekend I was anticipating I began thinking about what it takes to have a "good" weekend. And I think it is important to share this because most people don’t understand Nicholas’, and therefore our, unique struggle, especially since, at first glance, Nicholas appears to be a typical child. When he starts to experience his issues in public strangers think he is just misbehaving and familiar people (family) tend to forget the complexity of the situation.

Dear Niece: Keeping Memories, Pt. 1

Dear Niece,

Your baby has been here for over a month now.  He has lived through holidays and family and you've already got plenty of stories to tell.  He's reached milestones and you've got many pictures.  You are living in the now and enjoying your baby.  It is a wonderful time!

Misleading "Truths," New Truths

As 2015 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on this year and what we have been through, what we have learned.  Specifically, what we now know about Nicholas and his Autism that we did not know in 2014.  And, in turn, what we now know about me and my family.

Dear Niece: What To Do Once Your Baby Is In Your Arms

Dear Niece,

Now that you finally have that baby in your arms and have taken in the sight of his precious face, make sure you take a sniff and enjoy that new baby smell.  Seriously, hold him close to your nose and take a deep, long breath of baby!

Eight!

I know I’m two weeks late, but life is too busy to spend time in front of a computer typing.  This is good, we are spending more time together!  But it’s also not so good, leisure time to do stuff is rare.

Anyway, Nicholas is 8 years old now.  I guess it’s important to compare how he is today to how he was a year ago.  What has happened in a year?  A lot.  He has physically grown, which is always a plus medically but a bit sad personally.  He no longer fits nicely in my arms though we still try quite often.

More Important Than Punctuality

Our days are full of appointments and schedules, it's just the way it goes when your child needs extra support.  Many days I feel like we spend our family time together rushing to get out the door on time, in some sort of office, or rushing to get things done before bedtime.  And in our life, even preparation and routine doesn't guarantee being able to leave on time.


The mornings are especially crazy.  None of us are morning people and while our tasks are fairly routine, there is always something slowing us down.  Sometimes I had a bad night and am slower than usual in the morning.  Sometimes Nicholas has an attitude and is not cooperative.  Sometimes my wife has a bad night and she can't be as quick as she usually is.  Sometimes we have a combination of things.  Sometimes the shoe laces are knotted and take longer to get shoes on.  Once everything is finally done Nicholas and I fly out the door and power walk out the complex to his ride.  Sometimes we get there first, sometimes the ride is waiting.

Dear Niece: Baby Advice, Because I Haven't Given You Mine

Dear Niece,

Now that you are reaching the end of the waiting part of your parenting journey you have probably began receiving all sorts of parenting advice. Let me assure you of one thing: It will not end. Ever. Someone, somewhere, will always have some sort of advice to give you whether you ask for it or not, whether you want it or not. And since I don’t think I’ve done my fair share in the advice area, and because I think I am the best parent on this planet and therefore an expert on this parenting thing, let me give you the best advice you will ever get (/end sarcasm):