Posts Tagged ‘Nonverbal’
Be a Warrier, Not a Worrier.
I typically avoid all situations where I will get sad about Cooper’s differences. At this stage in the process it’s a must for this mama. This typically includes any events or activities where there will be kids that I know that are Cooper’s age. Quitting ECFE and a local Mommy and Me group were two of the best decisions I ever made. My heart just couldn’t take it. So I was surprised yesterday when I almost broke down at Starbucks. I was at work and at 2 pm I realized that…
Read MoreThe Diagnosis Post
I made an appointment at Fraser, an Autism clinic a little over 4 months ago. It is the best place in the state of Minnesota for diagnosing Autism. When I made the appointment I thought maybe we would never really have to go. I thought maybe the quirks and rigidity would start to get better. Honestly, I made the appointment because I felt pressure from other people to do it. The appointment was 4 hours long and scheduled for July 15th. Before the appointment I completed a book of paperwork as well…
Read MoreCooper Updates at Age 3 1/2
I realized that I haven’t done an actual Cooper update in a long time. I tend to get very caught up in how I feel about all of this and often my posts take on a sad feel. And I don’t want it to be like that ALL the time. Cooper has come a long way. I know that in my heart and need to remind myself of it daily. He is adorable and so sweet and so loving. He gives and gets a million kisses a day. He enjoys…
Read MoreThere Is No More Hiding
Coopers quirks are showing more every day. There is no more hiding behind age. He is the size of a 4-5 year old. He’s also so loud that blending in isn’t an option either. He is ALWAYS making noise and it’s loud. I am sitting here observing him as he watches his trains. He borders between pure joy and stress. He’s flapping and jumping and making nonstop noise. Think shrieking. Every change to the track or train brings very obvious stress to him. To me, there is zero FUN in…
Read MoreWe've Lost Control at Home.
When we bring the boys to a store we know that Cooper is a wildcard. And if you saw us you would probably have two thoughts….1. That mom is freaking insane and/or 2. Her kids are so well behaved. Why is she running around like a sweaty lunatic? Funny, right. When I bring Cooper out I know that I will be the one that needs to manage the situation. Jamie always takes Sawyer. I will be armed with multiple kinds of snacks, a drink, a sucker, a phone, etc. If Cooper gets…
Read MoreI Thought I Had More Time.
I am spiraling down fast. I’m finally seeing it. The behaviors. The rigidity. And it makes it hard for me to breathe. Jamie was on a fishing trip so I flew solo with the boys this weekend. Cooper was Cooper and than add in dogs and a toddler. It is what it is. The problem is I saw Cooper’s rigidity like never before. I think I can say I watched him unravel before my eyes. It’s bad. And it’s controlling every second of our lives. Every meal was a fight. Every thing was a…
Read MoreToday is the Day.
Today is the day that I will love Cooper the most. Today he needs me more than ever. Today I am his advocate. His protector. His cheerleader. Today I refuse to wish that he was different. I will be proud of how far we have come and accept that we need help from the school and teachers and others. Today, I will accept that I can’t do this alone. Today I will go easy on myself. I will wear something I won’t sweat through. I know that I will be running…
Read MoreJust A Little Ole 'H' Sound
I have some exciting news from yesterday. This is so subtle that I truly don’t believe anyone would have ever noticed it but me. And I made Cooper repeat the action so I could make sure it was real. We were reading book number 4 before bed last night. It was this big book about Sesame Street. Lots of colors and pictures and actions. Per the usual, I ask Cooper to point to different things. ‘Cooper, where is the red balloon? Where is the blue car? And so on.’ I…
Read MoreA Photo a Week Challenge: Joy
Joy. What gives you pure joy? For me, it’s my kids, my husband and my dogs. Yes, they make me feel like a constant passenger on the bi-polar express but that’s not important right now. Nancy Merrill Photography asks ‘share a photo that expresses joy.’ I LOVE THIS IDEA! And I had fun searching for one as well. This picture is Cooper’s personality in a nutshell. A combination between pure joy and pure emotion. We are at Lake Superior throwing rocks into the big lake. Cooper’s favorite activity of all time.…
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