Happy Holidays!

I am getting so excited for Christmas!! I continue to melt as I watch the dynamics between Robbie and Lexi. We were driving to Walmart to do a little Christmas shopping and Robbie got out of his booster seat (bad)- but the reason was he wanted to sit right next to his sister. On the ride home I moved his booster to the middle position in the car so he could be close to Lexi. (it's a short trip) They both had lollipop's- Lexi dropped hers and started crying- screaming is probably more accurate. Robbie gave his lollipop to her- which obviously made her very happy!!



We do have our ups and downs. The ABA therapist that is working with Robbie told us he is having a hard time with his colors. This surprised us because over the summer he seemed to know most of them- or at least be able to match colors. Robbie and I played Candy land on the computer this morning- which is a color game. He did great! He knew almost all of them- and faded towards the end of the game because he was tired. For Robbie- that is key. When he is tired it is hard for him to concentrate and focus. More so than the average person. He had a great week in school this week- we were told. I think the key may be he got plenty of rest and slept through the nights.



All in all I feel optimistic and can't wait to see my 2 favorite little faces on Christmas morning!!

2 peas in a pod

One of our latest joys has been watching the relationship develop between Robbie and Lexi. She has adored him since birth- as the younger sibling adores the older one- but he has recently warmed up to her as well. He motions for her to follow him and says "come on". If she falls down and cries he will kiss the top of her head. It is so nice to watch them play together and even fight over toys as all siblings do. On the other hand- they do feed off each other in terms of bad behavior. He spits juice on the floor- she laughs - making him do it more. She'll throw food on the floor- he'll laugh- causing her to do it more. Honestly though- if it means a little more clean up on our part- it is well worth it to hear the two of them laugh - together!!!

Dad is losing it...

Well I'm officially losing it. Robbie has been doing well at school but at home is "stimming" like crazy. His "eeee" chanting is getting increasingly worse and we are noticing a new behavior coming to light. He holds his right hand in the air when he is supposed to be relaxing and getting ready for bed. He also does it anytime he is sitting or laying down. He holds it almost straight up in the air, even when he is at the dinner table.

I am blogging because I'm getting scared and I thought this would help. What the hell am I supposed to do? Why is this happening? Can I help him?????

When we first found out he "IS" autistic I was a mess. Crying on the outside even when I was at work. Lately I have been keeping it all inside and dealing with it. So I thought. Today, I feel helpless. I know my wife is upset but there is nothing I can say or do that will help her. There is NOTHING I can do to make it go away. The days I don't cry on the outside I am crying on the inside. I work in a school and a lot of great people talk to me on a daily basis about my son. They are all awesome people and I thank them for caring....BUT I don't think I can talk about it anymore.....or at least for a few days.

My poor daughter Lexi....she is awesome! Am I neglecting her because of all of the time I focus on Robbie? She needs my love too. I/we are trying to make sure that she gets all the attention and love a one year old needs. God she's a tank....and funny as hell!

Wow, I really am a mess....positives.....He says "I love you dad." He is really close to having a conversation with us. I hope that happens before he is four.

I don't know how to sign off on this pitty party so I'll just say thank you to all of you that have helped us through this so far. Peace and on to another day! I know I should be watching the Phillies but man they suck right now...could really care less.