Rowan just stood up and said "potty time." We went to the bathroom and he peed. Yaaay. He also just learned to flush.....flush. ... flush!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Much better day
Today Rowan went up and down the bus stairs. The para told me he didn't cry today either!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
My worst fear...
What's going to happen to them when I'm gone. Who's going to take care of them? Who will love them as much as I do? Who will understand their needs? Will they be institutionalized? Yes.... I'm well aware of my mortality.
The bus...
We have anxiously awaited Arwen's first day on the school bus. She has talked about it for a week! Today was the day! We were ready! There was a 2 hour delay today. We were outside before the scheduled time. We waited happily. ...........and we waited........counting the minutes.......the time came and went. That was ok...they had to work her in. We waited....21 minutes later....I call.....i was watching Rowan through the window laying on the couch watching tv.....waited.....
I was on the phone for 30 minutes. We waited outside for nearly an hour. The bus never came. they finally radioed the driver and discovered that she had never gotten the information. !!!!!!!!!! :/
At this point, Arwen was going to be late for school.She was trying to play in the dirt. She was restless. We had to rush in and wash her hands. They apologized and assured me that the matter was resolved and that the bus would bring her home today. I am understanding of these things. During the call....Rowan peed on the floor. I had to rush and get him ready to go ...to take Arwen to school. While driving, I called the school and explained why she was late. I also had to walk her to class and interrupt to tell them what was going on.
Also...this morning I had Rowan in his underwear. I smelled something...but he was dry. I took him potty. He was very shifty....I knew he had to poop. He didn't go. I left his underwear off, so that we could rush back to the bathroom if there was any sign. Then... I received a very important phone call. I'm giving information to the caller when I notice.....poop coming out. I said....oh my gosh.... just a second please.....i grab Rowan and start carrying him to the bathroom His turd falls on the floor! I'm on an important call with a brown emergency. HAHA
Anyway....amidst it all...it's a good day.
I was on the phone for 30 minutes. We waited outside for nearly an hour. The bus never came. they finally radioed the driver and discovered that she had never gotten the information. !!!!!!!!!! :/
At this point, Arwen was going to be late for school.She was trying to play in the dirt. She was restless. We had to rush in and wash her hands. They apologized and assured me that the matter was resolved and that the bus would bring her home today. I am understanding of these things. During the call....Rowan peed on the floor. I had to rush and get him ready to go ...to take Arwen to school. While driving, I called the school and explained why she was late. I also had to walk her to class and interrupt to tell them what was going on.
Also...this morning I had Rowan in his underwear. I smelled something...but he was dry. I took him potty. He was very shifty....I knew he had to poop. He didn't go. I left his underwear off, so that we could rush back to the bathroom if there was any sign. Then... I received a very important phone call. I'm giving information to the caller when I notice.....poop coming out. I said....oh my gosh.... just a second please.....i grab Rowan and start carrying him to the bathroom His turd falls on the floor! I'm on an important call with a brown emergency. HAHA
Anyway....amidst it all...it's a good day.
Long day...
Yesterday was a long day for us. I took Arwen to school. I went in and talked to her teacher. I drove home just in time for Rowan's bus. I went straight to the gym. Then back home to meet Rowan's bus. I had a 2 hour window before I had to leave. Tim came home early to watch Rowan because of Arwen's appointments. I picked up Arwen from school and fed her a gogurt, juice, and rice krispie treat. We drove across town to her appointment with the developmental pediatrician.
Arwen has changed so much over these last two years. She went from being socially withdrawn to crowding the space of others, She went from being terrified of sound to coping with it, Developmentally her physicality is still awkward but she handles herself. She has a bone condition that also affects her coordination a little but it isn't anything that can be treated. Her fine motor skills are still that of a 3,4 year old. Things like her pencil grasp regress quickly. But all in all.....her improvement has been drastic. She used to rock quite a bit as a young child......but now it is rare . When she actually does it, she slams herself back into the couch. I remember being pulled aside from one of the teachers at her preschool. The teacher asked "When did you find out she has autism?"
Then, I was really unsure and no diagnosis had been made. She had OT and speech and had been assessed through the school system. But I didn't know then that they don't tell you your kid has it. I answered,"she doesn't have autism." I said "she has a few delays." Then, the preschool teacher said that Arwen's teacher told her that Arwen has autism. I had been suspicious about it. I was really mad. I was mad because nobody gave me a clue or told me about autism. Anyway.....she has come so far. The developmental pediatrician said....by looking at and talking to her .....you would never know. She has to go for the big ADOS test. I know she has autism....but I feel that it's very high functioning. Likely, Asperger's. Trust me, I have done weeks of research, Even the school speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, special needs supervisor, itinerant teacher...and i forget who the other person was all voted that she falls into the educational category of autism.
If she doesn't get that diagnosis, I am going to be upset. My son has the micro deletions in his chromosomes which shows this is genetic. We are seeing a geneticist in January. Anyway....I'm worrying again.....and it's silly.
After the appointment with the developmental pediatrician. We went to the lobby. Arwen was starving. We ran out to the car, where I gave her a little turkey and a string cheese. We went back in and it was time for her behavioral therapy. After that was over it was past dinner time. We drove home ....it was nearly 7pm. She ate dinner and off to bed. We skipped bath that evening, I was spent by the end of the day. Honestly, I was spent before we even went to the doctor.
Arwen has changed so much over these last two years. She went from being socially withdrawn to crowding the space of others, She went from being terrified of sound to coping with it, Developmentally her physicality is still awkward but she handles herself. She has a bone condition that also affects her coordination a little but it isn't anything that can be treated. Her fine motor skills are still that of a 3,4 year old. Things like her pencil grasp regress quickly. But all in all.....her improvement has been drastic. She used to rock quite a bit as a young child......but now it is rare . When she actually does it, she slams herself back into the couch. I remember being pulled aside from one of the teachers at her preschool. The teacher asked "When did you find out she has autism?"
Then, I was really unsure and no diagnosis had been made. She had OT and speech and had been assessed through the school system. But I didn't know then that they don't tell you your kid has it. I answered,"she doesn't have autism." I said "she has a few delays." Then, the preschool teacher said that Arwen's teacher told her that Arwen has autism. I had been suspicious about it. I was really mad. I was mad because nobody gave me a clue or told me about autism. Anyway.....she has come so far. The developmental pediatrician said....by looking at and talking to her .....you would never know. She has to go for the big ADOS test. I know she has autism....but I feel that it's very high functioning. Likely, Asperger's. Trust me, I have done weeks of research, Even the school speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, special needs supervisor, itinerant teacher...and i forget who the other person was all voted that she falls into the educational category of autism.
If she doesn't get that diagnosis, I am going to be upset. My son has the micro deletions in his chromosomes which shows this is genetic. We are seeing a geneticist in January. Anyway....I'm worrying again.....and it's silly.
After the appointment with the developmental pediatrician. We went to the lobby. Arwen was starving. We ran out to the car, where I gave her a little turkey and a string cheese. We went back in and it was time for her behavioral therapy. After that was over it was past dinner time. We drove home ....it was nearly 7pm. She ate dinner and off to bed. We skipped bath that evening, I was spent by the end of the day. Honestly, I was spent before we even went to the doctor.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Preschool Day 2
This morning went smoothly. When the bus arrived, Rowan was happy to see it. He was fine up until we entered the bus. Then he gripped me and whined.
After school, the bus pulled up. I could see him through the window flapping and excited to see me. He was smiling when he approached. He held the hand rail and went down the stairs by himself! I hugged him so tight. I had tears of joy...especially when I saw his school paper. He had a really good day and ate all of his snack! He used a new word and confirmed that he understands it. I offered him yogurt and he said "no ".
Paci
I forgot to mention. Tim forgot to give Rowan his paci Sunday night. He went right to bed and slept all night without it.
Monday, September 8, 2014
First day of preschool summary
The bus was late, and by then I had a knot on my stomach. I videoed the bus arrival. The nice lady helped Rowan to the stairs. He was shaking and scared but happy to see me. He was smiling. I hugged him so tight. I have never missed him so much. I couldn't stop hugging him.
When we walked in. ..i was talking to him about the school and the bus. He said "Passenger. " He has heard this word from a Little Critter book called "Just me and my mom" by Mercer Mayer. He had an interactive app with this book that he taps pictures and it'll say the word.
It was smart of him to connect the story to an actual experience. He was in fact. ...A "Passenger" on the school bus.
I tell you what. ... I've never been so happy to see him. The picture I attached shows how his day went. What a relief!
Rowan's First Day of Preschool.
This morning, getting everyone ready for their day, went smoothly. I made their breakfast, in advance, yesterday. I had their bags packed, lunch prepared for Arwen, and clothes set out. We took Arwen to school, spoke with her new teacher, got her settled, and went home. We were early enough for Rowan to get on the bus. I decided to let him go on the bus and I would follow to take all his supplies to his teacher.
While we were waiting, Rowan wanted to go inside. He got a little restless. The bus arrived and I carried him over. I talked to the bus driver. Rowan panicked! He stiffened up, his body shaking all over, and started crying. The bus attendant took his cars away. I told her he could have them. She said "No, there will be nowhere to put them." He needs his cars. He never goes anywhere without them. He holds them all day long. The two ladies struggled and got him on the bus. They assured me that he would be ok. I was starting to panic. I let them take over. I got in my car and followed the bus to school just as I had planned and the teacher suggested. I went in and spoke to his teacher and gave her all his supplies. I explained how it went, and about the cars. She said she would talk with them after school, about letting him have his cars.
I waled to the bus area and saw them carrying him off the bus. The other kids got off on their own. He was in full blown panic. He was disheveled and distraught, He was terrified. I ran over to him and gave him his car. He relaxed a little. A lady was holding his hand and walking him in, She introduced herself. She is one of the paras in his class. I told her who I was and about his cars. I was starting to cry and my voice was trembling. As we walked into the building, I was losing it. I could tell that he was ok and that she had things under control. I ran out the door to my car and called my husband bawling. He will be taking the bus home today. I hope he will be ok. 
While we were waiting, Rowan wanted to go inside. He got a little restless. The bus arrived and I carried him over. I talked to the bus driver. Rowan panicked! He stiffened up, his body shaking all over, and started crying. The bus attendant took his cars away. I told her he could have them. She said "No, there will be nowhere to put them." He needs his cars. He never goes anywhere without them. He holds them all day long. The two ladies struggled and got him on the bus. They assured me that he would be ok. I was starting to panic. I let them take over. I got in my car and followed the bus to school just as I had planned and the teacher suggested. I went in and spoke to his teacher and gave her all his supplies. I explained how it went, and about the cars. She said she would talk with them after school, about letting him have his cars.
I waled to the bus area and saw them carrying him off the bus. The other kids got off on their own. He was in full blown panic. He was disheveled and distraught, He was terrified. I ran over to him and gave him his car. He relaxed a little. A lady was holding his hand and walking him in, She introduced herself. She is one of the paras in his class. I told her who I was and about his cars. I was starting to cry and my voice was trembling. As we walked into the building, I was losing it. I could tell that he was ok and that she had things under control. I ran out the door to my car and called my husband bawling. He will be taking the bus home today. I hope he will be ok.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Kindergarten Day 3
Everything went well. I even got to meet Arwen's new permanent teacher. She's great. I'm pleased. After dropping her off I took Rowan to behavioral therapy.
After therapy we picked up our shirts for the Autism walk. We spent 40 minutes at the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio talking about resources and local offerings. Very good people over there!
Then home to get Rowan down for a nap. I did house cleaning, lunch, and phone calls during the two hours he slept.
I got him up and we went to pick up Arwen. It went smoothly. We went home and got Arwen changed. Tim came home early so we could all go to Rowan's orientation.
His teacher is excellent. I spent a lot of time discussing Rowan. All sorts of questions were answered. She gave me her email. We've gone back and forth talking that way as well. It's wonderful. They have an awesome motor room that he's going to love! His teacher really put me at ease. While we were there he was so happy. He really liked his classroom. I said " Rowan, this is Miss Laura. " He went over to the play area then turned and pointed at his teacher saying "Miss Laura, Miss Laura! " I was so excited, he was talking! I realized he needed a book bag. .. One with the strap across the front because he's never worn one before.
So we headed to Target and got him a backpack. <3 My baby is getting so big.
What a long day! We went home. ..ate... And to bed!
OMG!
Rowan was sitting beside me and I thought I smelled poop. His underwear were dry. I asked if he needed to go potty. He said "potty time, peepee". I put him on the potty and a moment later ..He pooped!!!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Meltdowns
...I haven't posted in a few days....because frankly...I've been a mess. It has been pretty emotional.
Monday morning, Arwen woke with a rash on her face. I spent the day Sunday stressing about if she would be allowed to go to her first day of Kindergarten on Monday. I also spent Sunday, scouring the internet and social media, looking for answers. Monday morning I took her straight in to the office and explained that she was a new student and that she had this rash. We went to the nurse's office. The nurse allowed her to stay. I still needed some peace of mind so I called the doctor and scheduled an appointment for that afternoon.
The school was great, answering all my questions etc The para in Arwen's class is a godsend. They had not yet found a teacher for her class and had a substitute. The kids in her class are so precious. I picked her up early and took her to the doctor. Everything is ok with the rash. It appears to be a contact rash.
Kindergarten Day 2
I took her in and talked with the para again. This time I was armed with a list of questions, which she graciously answered. All was well ....until in my idle time, I received a message from the transportation department. They were letting me know Rowan's bus information. Then, the anvil fell on my head. What about his cars? He doesn't go anywhere without his cars. Then I really start panicking, thinking about how scared he will be. Most of the time he is in his own little world. How will they get him to conform to anything. What methods will they use and disciplinary measures? I don't like it. I don't want him to go. I want him to stay home. I wanted some free time to take care of things....maybe go to the gym...gather my sanity.......but now......NO! I don't want him to go. I'll be alone.....while he is confused. Will he think I abandoned him? He won't understand I can't do it. I can't let him go.....and I started sobbing. Then, I gathered my composure and remembered that this is necessary. This will help him. He may love it. He will learn things that I can't teach him. He will be with other kids, doing loads of activities. He'll be ok.
............it was time for me to get him up from his nap and go get Arwen from school. What a FIASCO. The place the teacher told me to go was full (even though I got there early). I had to park in a no parking zone with 15 other cars and frantically rush to find her. She was not around. Another teacher told me she would be in a different spot. I waited there,......I was getting really nervous. The other cars that were in the no parking zone were moving. The principal was in the lot. I went up to him...distraught and harried....I told him where my car was...and why it was there. I thanked me and said it was ok to be parked there. I went back to the area where they said she would be. Still no sign. Another one of the staff that I have talked to a few times came up to me and said....."the special needs kids come out at a different door where the bus kids come out". She walked me there and told me that she had found a teacher for Arwen's class. I was grateful to hear that. The second Arwen saw me......she started screaming and threw herself on the ground. It was because she REALLY wanted to ride on the school bus. I and the other teachers explained why she couldn't go on the bus that day. She was not having it. This was the worst tantrum she has ever had. I tried to get her to walk with me to the car. She refused and continued screaming. I pulled her toward the sidewalk and she wouldn't walk but went down on the ground again. I couldn't carry her because I was holding Rowan. My back was already hurting and it would be very risky to try to carry her while she was having a tantrum. She might have injured Rowan. A staff member intervened. She told me to go get my car and pull way forward, away from the buses, and she would help me get Arwen in the car. I did...and somehow she was able to calm Arwen and get her to the car. Arwen was shouting and saying she would never go to my house etc. I am sure it was suspicious, because the lady started asking questions. She didn't know Arwen was autistic, or that she struggles with transitions. Arwen was very mean so i was silent the rest of the way home to help her calm down. I felt like I was going to have a meltdown myself....they crying type....but I didn't. Once we got inside....Arwen said she was sorry and we had a long talk about school, the bus, and her day. Everything was ok again.
Monday morning, Arwen woke with a rash on her face. I spent the day Sunday stressing about if she would be allowed to go to her first day of Kindergarten on Monday. I also spent Sunday, scouring the internet and social media, looking for answers. Monday morning I took her straight in to the office and explained that she was a new student and that she had this rash. We went to the nurse's office. The nurse allowed her to stay. I still needed some peace of mind so I called the doctor and scheduled an appointment for that afternoon.
The school was great, answering all my questions etc The para in Arwen's class is a godsend. They had not yet found a teacher for her class and had a substitute. The kids in her class are so precious. I picked her up early and took her to the doctor. Everything is ok with the rash. It appears to be a contact rash.
Kindergarten Day 2
I took her in and talked with the para again. This time I was armed with a list of questions, which she graciously answered. All was well ....until in my idle time, I received a message from the transportation department. They were letting me know Rowan's bus information. Then, the anvil fell on my head. What about his cars? He doesn't go anywhere without his cars. Then I really start panicking, thinking about how scared he will be. Most of the time he is in his own little world. How will they get him to conform to anything. What methods will they use and disciplinary measures? I don't like it. I don't want him to go. I want him to stay home. I wanted some free time to take care of things....maybe go to the gym...gather my sanity.......but now......NO! I don't want him to go. I'll be alone.....while he is confused. Will he think I abandoned him? He won't understand I can't do it. I can't let him go.....and I started sobbing. Then, I gathered my composure and remembered that this is necessary. This will help him. He may love it. He will learn things that I can't teach him. He will be with other kids, doing loads of activities. He'll be ok.
............it was time for me to get him up from his nap and go get Arwen from school. What a FIASCO. The place the teacher told me to go was full (even though I got there early). I had to park in a no parking zone with 15 other cars and frantically rush to find her. She was not around. Another teacher told me she would be in a different spot. I waited there,......I was getting really nervous. The other cars that were in the no parking zone were moving. The principal was in the lot. I went up to him...distraught and harried....I told him where my car was...and why it was there. I thanked me and said it was ok to be parked there. I went back to the area where they said she would be. Still no sign. Another one of the staff that I have talked to a few times came up to me and said....."the special needs kids come out at a different door where the bus kids come out". She walked me there and told me that she had found a teacher for Arwen's class. I was grateful to hear that. The second Arwen saw me......she started screaming and threw herself on the ground. It was because she REALLY wanted to ride on the school bus. I and the other teachers explained why she couldn't go on the bus that day. She was not having it. This was the worst tantrum she has ever had. I tried to get her to walk with me to the car. She refused and continued screaming. I pulled her toward the sidewalk and she wouldn't walk but went down on the ground again. I couldn't carry her because I was holding Rowan. My back was already hurting and it would be very risky to try to carry her while she was having a tantrum. She might have injured Rowan. A staff member intervened. She told me to go get my car and pull way forward, away from the buses, and she would help me get Arwen in the car. I did...and somehow she was able to calm Arwen and get her to the car. Arwen was shouting and saying she would never go to my house etc. I am sure it was suspicious, because the lady started asking questions. She didn't know Arwen was autistic, or that she struggles with transitions. Arwen was very mean so i was silent the rest of the way home to help her calm down. I felt like I was going to have a meltdown myself....they crying type....but I didn't. Once we got inside....Arwen said she was sorry and we had a long talk about school, the bus, and her day. Everything was ok again.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Sadness
I cry for my kids.... Every single day. Every time I think about the struggles they will face. I wish I could take it away.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)