In case you thought I was kidding.

A step forward

So Arwen was accepted into a social group that was supposed to be 6 years and up.  they kindly made an exception for her at the request of her therapist.  I had a conflict however.  I had to rearrange our schedule completely. Both, Arwen and Rowan have speech therapy on Mondays.  The people at Northwest Ohio Speech, Language, And Rehabilitation Services aka NOSLARS  really went out of their way to help me fit therapy into my already crazy schedule. I am so grateful for all the help that we are getting.
My husband was stuck on a call at work and arrived home late on Monday.  This made us 10 minutes late for the Social group.  I was already pretty nervous about that. I crept in and took a seat.  Luckily they hadn't started the session.  There was a mixup and some other folks were also late.

They split the kids up into their groups and the parents into a group. I was actually very nervous and excited.  It was so wonderful to meet other parents with Au-some children.  I think I need this.  I really look forward to getting to know them. We can learn from each other.  I am already a part of an online social group.  I spend more time talking with them than my own friends.
Anway we did our introductions in the Social group.
This nearly broke me.  I was ready to start bawling. The heat filled my face....I was flushed and my emotions were ready to boil over.  Somehow I maintained my composure.  Thank goodness.  I feel foolish crying.
What caused this? you might ask..
The stories they told.  The way their children are treated by others.  The laughing, pointing......the inability to make friends. ....the desperation and sadness.

Is this what I have to look forward to????

I see everything in a different light.  Thinking about the future is painful.  So I will settle for right now.  I'll cherish the precious moments that I have.  I will give love as much as I can.  I'll help others.

They have made me a better person.


I left that meeting feeling great.  Arwen had a great time in her group.  I am so happy to think that maybe I can connect with someone who understands.

More toilet news

Rowan chanted potty, potty, potty, potty, and then went into the bathroom to pee.

Quirky kids

Two cool things about today. 

1. Rowan was chanting pee pee pee pee pee.....he went into the bathroom on his own. He climbed up on the potty and started peeing.  It shot across the room but he knew what to do! !!!

2. He said "yellow bubbles".  That was him asking for the yellow bottle of bubbles.

And a quirky kid moment by Arwen: I told her she could jump in the bath, get washed quick and get out, so that she could play Pokémon.   She said "I don't want to jump in the bath! "

In case you aren't aware. ... kids with autism are very literal.  Haha

Milestone

Rowan has learned to take off his pants and underwear. The only negative is that he prefers to be this way.

Learning to eat

Rowan has learned to take bites out of cookies. Will he be able to generalize and do the same with other foods? This is exciting news. ..I sure hope so!

Sorry

I know I'm way behind writing here.  Things have been hectic. From pediatrician,  developmental pediatrician, ABA therapist, Speech therapist, occupational therapist, neurologist, behavior technician, and soon to have geneticist for Arwen and Rowan.  Then we have pediatrician, gynecologist, and chiropractor  for Mila. I also occasionally help get her to work or from school. I have appointments coming up for myself too. I've been stretched pretty thin.  Rowan still panics with anything that looks like an exam room.  The neurologist appointment was a nightmare.  There's a lot to say but no time right now.  I have one home because of scheduled off day.  Another home because of fever and then i have to pick up the middle and  take the whole lot to two appointments.  Luckily my oldest daughter is an adult and handles things herself.  .otherwise  I'd probably be in serious overload. 
Was that excuse good enough?
I'll write a better update when I can.

Please pray for a better car situation. ..my car is on the verge of breaking down and I'm panicking every time I drive it. Thanks. We need a miracle.