Hummel's WIN! Phillies???

Today was awesome! Now, I have no idea how the Phillies did, but for the Hummel's- it was a win! Of course Timmy was his typical two year old self- opening the bathroom stall as I tried to use the restroom (too much information I know) embarrassing for me but typical for Timmy. He was also his wonderful two year self, asking tons of questions and truly loving being out in this big world of ours. Lexi was her typical 7 going on 13 year old self. A bit skeptical, mopey, and already complaining before we got there. But she also didn't complain about her feet hurting, as she normally does, even as we lapped the stadium. She was excited by the "shopping" even if it was for Phillies attire and thought the day was overall - really cool. She even smiled for a few pictures. Robbie was happy to go from the beginning. Rob showed him a picture of the stadium and he asked to go to the baseball game. He was quietly content on the ride there, watching his iPad and looking out of his window. He happily took the free Philly Phanatic hat and wore it, along with his sunglasses all day. ( He's still wearing it) The only time he became agitated was when I pulled him to keep up with Dad who was pushing Timmy in his stroller through the crowd at warp speed. I realized my mistake and slowed down apologizing to Robbie. The day was a bit overwhelming for us all. It was really crowded. It happened to be the birthday of the Philly Phanatic. Our seats were in the blazing hot sun and extremely high up. I am not usually bothered by heights but all I could think about was my sunburned two year old falling over the railing to his death. A bit dramatic I realize, but it was pretty high up there. Even so the day was amazing! I've always known that everyone's "normal" is different but what I realized is how vastly different we all are. A few people I mentioned our proposed outing to were shocked and horrified at the thought of it, yet we ran into others at the game who had not only brought they're children, but their children's friends as well. For me this was such a special day. I got to spend it with four of my favorite people on earth and share a new experience with three of them. Love or hate baseball, there is something special about going to a baseball game, especially on a perfect day. You can smell the peanuts and feel the sunshine. I know my kids won't forget it. And I'll make sure by framing the pictures!!!!

Family

The past few weeks have been interesting..... We are the midst of potty training a very ,very- did I say VERY, headstrong toddler. Lexi was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has begun a course of Adderall to help keep her focused while she is at school. She was also diagnosed with a learning disability- Dyslexia. We have special tutoring set up for the summer to attack that. Yet, as a family- we are in a really nice place. Robbie has been on a steady course of Abilify and hydroxyzine. The Abilify has been life changing. While he has gained some weight, his mood, behavior, aggression has improved tremendously. He is happy and we are able to do things as a family. The entire family- not just some of us. Don't get me wrong- there are still challenges- but lately they are with the toddler. It has really made me reflect on what part of Autism has been the most challenging for me personally. Not being able to do the "normal" family activities that others enjoy. That is what I've struggled the most with. My husband has had an unbelievable basketball season. The awards are too long to list and I know I will miss some- a state championship, coach of the year, most wins ever in the district, proclamation from the township...... yet we missed most of the season. As my husband and those close to me know- I am not a huge fan of basketball- yes I said it! But I was so sad to miss so many of the games to support him. The kids actually love the game. This winter was just too hard for for Robbie. Since the abilify we have gone to games. Last week I took all 3 kids to the awards dinner for the team. We lasted 2 hours until Timmy had reached exhaustion, but Robbie was great. Today we are all going to a birthday party for a good family friend/neighbor. Tomorrow- (gasp)we are attempting a Phillies game. I have no idea how it will go, but the fact that we are at a point in our lives where we can attempt this excursion is awesome. Doing something as a family. That's all I want and I know being with his family is what makes Robbie happy as well.