A Better View of Xander's Progress

I know, I know. More video? Yes. This is actually a better look at Xander's progress over the last year. It's pretty drastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptHwUsSf5tI

Lights, Camera, Xander!

I've started to document Xander's progress over the last few months. I'll be adding more from his earlier years. He can't have a true conversation with anyone;however, he's getting better at answering questions with complete sentences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgS5XGdgo6U

The Frisbee Apocalypse

My conversation with Spencer last night:


Spencer: "Frisbees are bad guys you need to hit with a bat or they'll eat your eyeballs and you become a frisbee."

Me: "You mean zombies?"

Spencer: "Oh, you're right, zombies."
 
I fear for my child's survival in the coming zombie apocalypse

A self-advocate's letter to her younger self

I recommend going to this link. Amy Gravino is a young woman with Asperger's who I find very inspirational.
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/04/15/itow-gravino/

You can also find Amy's blog here:
http://minikitkatgirl.blogspot.com/

Autistic Kids at the Movies: Where Shhhh Isn't Allowed

Autistic Kids at the Movies: Where Shhhh Isn't Allowed

Time Magazine article I was quoted in. Kinda cool.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Hey all. I know, I'm a very lazy girl. I don't have much to say right now. Just wanted to remind everyone that April is Autism Awareness Month. Here's the link to the Autism Society of America : http://www.autism-society.org/ . You can find information on chapters local to your community here. I recommend you attend a function in your area if you can. You'll see how amazing these people are.

What the...?

I went to our monthly high school get-together on Saturday night. Pictures were taken, food was eaten, drinks were imbibed. Fun was had by all. I look at the pictures people have posted from get-togethers past and I compare them to this get-together. My first thought, "What the...?"

A year ago I was 20lbs lighter and looked 10yrs younger. I was exercising six days a week, eating healthy food. Now I've reverted into a lazy, tired blob who barely has the energy to take a shower in the morning. My excuses? "My ankle is hurt; I had a medical incident that threw me off; I don't feel like it." Damn, I just gave myself away, the truth is I just haven't felt like it.

I need to get over it. I have a 4yr old and a 6yr old with special needs. I not only want, but I need to be there for them. I want to be there for the ups, the downs, the all arounds. My mother lost her father when she was 8yrs old and it is one of the defining incidents of her life. My grandfather was only 45 and he died from a massive coronary. I don't want Spencer or Xander to grow-up without me. I don't want Andy to have to be a father AND a mother.

This is my promise to my boys and myself, I will take better care of myself. I will not leave you without a mother or wife because of something within my power. Alright, it's time to stop bitching about the way I feel and look. It's time to get off my ass and get to work.