I got a Facebook message from my long time friend Margie saying that since FB is my new BF, Carson's blog is suffering. haha! She's absolutely right. It's quick and easy to give FB status updates and much more interactive so I've been taking that route. However, although this blog takes a lot of time and thought, I find it to be very therapeutic so I really do need to get back into this habit.
So....lots of things have happened in the past 5 months...here's the Reader's Digest version.
Mia is talking up a storm. You can't make a lot of it out but she tries and is very animated. She is getting a lot of words and has a big personality just like her mom. She's adorable. She gives her brothers a run for their money. She goes head to head with both of them. They hate when she touches their stuff. She and Griffin frequently have screaming matches. It's great. Quite often you will hear Carson bellow "No Mia. Daddy get him out of here." Yes, him. Carson is still having pronoun issues.
Griffin is in the "terrible 4's." This little guy has one of the biggest personalities that I've seen in quite some time. He's an emotional roller coaster. He's very funny but also takes every bit of patience that we have. He's in tee-ball and soccer right now. It's quite a trip watching him. He seems a little more into soccer than tee-ball. He gets a little bored at tee-ball but we'll keep trying new things with him. He's definitely our sport-o...very competitive. He fights with his brother and sister like nobody's business. Sometimes he's as sweet as can be though. You can 't help but love him even when he's naughty because he's so darn cute.
Carson is doing pretty well. He's almost done with first grade. I can't believe it. He's made a ton of progress this year. Again, I must give props to his teachers and therapists. He has a great team working with him. He's started some new supplements and meds. We have him on Sonic Cholesterol now because his cholesterol is too low. Apparently, if we can get his cholesterol up, it will help his brain...I know, complicated stuff but we'll see. He also started Respen A last month. It's supposed help increase speech and socialization and decrease aggressiveness among other things. I haven't noticed a lot at home but his teachers said they are noticing improvements which is encouraging. He will be starting Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy again as soon as school is out. We scheduled 40 sessions....4 days a week for 10 weeks. I'm excited about it. The last two summers of HBOT have been very helpful. He also got a scholarship to attend a two week camp through Building Bridges this summer. It's supposed to help greatly with socialization.
Emily has started a new job at Act II Salon and Spa. She is now using her esthetician license and seems to be enjoying it. It gives her a break from Fin and Mia, who literally won't stay off of her and it also helps having the extra money for our family. Emily is on a Zumba kick right now and she is really enjoying it.
As for me...work is still work....just celebrated my 17 year anniversary with L&L. I'm trying to get healthier...even tried running....crazy, I know. Trying to take time to read too...what is happening to me? We've started attending a new church...Heritage Church. I'm really loving it. We actually look forward to going. I'm feeling growth...spiritual, emotional, mental...it feels really good. I'm trying to become a better person and I really think it's helping.
We've had a few rough patches so far this year but overall, life is good. We count our blessings everyday. We really just try to stay focused on the positive things in our life. We truly are blessed. We have a great marriage, three beautiful children, very close-knit supportive families and friends....all the important things in life.
Thanks for reading...especially you Margie. I really am going to try to keep this blog going. Knowing people like you read it and care will help motivate me.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! One of my resolutions is to update this blog much more frequently. I'm shooting for at least weekly.
It seems as though each year that passes, goes by more and more quickly. I have to say that 2010 was better than 2009 for us (financially anyway) but I'm hoping for a much better 2011. Things are looking up at my work so I'm thinking 2011 will be better for me there. Emily is doing okay at her job. It's not great, but okay for now. They tell her it really picks up in January so we're hoping. Unemployment is officially gone for Em so things are really tight again. Hopefully, things pick up for Em at work. She's considering going back to school this semester as well. The next couple of months will tell the story of whether this job will work out or not.
On a high note, Carson is doing amazingly well. This year has been huge for his road to recovery. He has made huge strides. He's doing great at school. He's completely potty trained, which I was worried we would never see and he's much more conversational and social. I am so happy about all of his progress. I feel like my prayers are finally being answered. We have a lot more things that we can still do. We saw Dr. McKenzie in December. She is his bio-medical pediatrician. She is the one treating his autism. We just did more stool, urine and blood tests over the last couple of weeks. We should have the results soon. The thought right now is that Carson has a lot of bacteria in his gut. He just started a new anti-bacterial medication and an antibiotic to help kill the bacteria overgrowth. If this is the issue, we should know in the next few weeks. If not, we'll move on to the next treatment. We still have chelation as an option to remove heavy metals from his system. That may be one of the next steps, if necessary. As time goes on (even though it seems as though it is taking forever) I truly believe that Carson can make a full recovery...and when he does...we are going to have a HUGE party!
Griffin is going through the terrible 3's right now. I've never quite seen an attitude and personality like this in a 3 year old. He makes me laugh so hard but also makes me completely crazy at times. He's currently obsessed with "deers" and hunting. That is all he talks about. He is constantly pretending he's a deer and everyone has to "shoot" at him. He's very stubborn but oh so cute. We're very close to having him potty-trained (finally!) He still seems to think that "little turds" in his pants are okay and everytime he has an accident, it's just a "little turd" even if it is a huge mess. He is starting to like me more but is still completely obsessed with his Mommy.
Mia is a ray of sunshine. She has turned into such a happy little girl. I can barely remember the crazy crying infant that she was for so long. She's so beautiful and funny. She is Emily's twin and even has her very sensitive personality. She's the only person that loves Emily MORE than Griffin does. She is on Emily like a leach. It's crazy! She gives the best kisses I've ever received from a baby. She also has the cutest dimples. I love seeing her try to get in and play with her crazy brothers. They get so mad when she takes their stuff but she holds her own. She and Griffin have screaming matches at each other when they are mad and Carson just yells "Get him (Mia) away from me."
I hope each of you has a GREAT 2011! I have a feeling it's going to be a year of big changes for us...all good I hope!
Thanks for reading!
It seems as though each year that passes, goes by more and more quickly. I have to say that 2010 was better than 2009 for us (financially anyway) but I'm hoping for a much better 2011. Things are looking up at my work so I'm thinking 2011 will be better for me there. Emily is doing okay at her job. It's not great, but okay for now. They tell her it really picks up in January so we're hoping. Unemployment is officially gone for Em so things are really tight again. Hopefully, things pick up for Em at work. She's considering going back to school this semester as well. The next couple of months will tell the story of whether this job will work out or not.
On a high note, Carson is doing amazingly well. This year has been huge for his road to recovery. He has made huge strides. He's doing great at school. He's completely potty trained, which I was worried we would never see and he's much more conversational and social. I am so happy about all of his progress. I feel like my prayers are finally being answered. We have a lot more things that we can still do. We saw Dr. McKenzie in December. She is his bio-medical pediatrician. She is the one treating his autism. We just did more stool, urine and blood tests over the last couple of weeks. We should have the results soon. The thought right now is that Carson has a lot of bacteria in his gut. He just started a new anti-bacterial medication and an antibiotic to help kill the bacteria overgrowth. If this is the issue, we should know in the next few weeks. If not, we'll move on to the next treatment. We still have chelation as an option to remove heavy metals from his system. That may be one of the next steps, if necessary. As time goes on (even though it seems as though it is taking forever) I truly believe that Carson can make a full recovery...and when he does...we are going to have a HUGE party!
Griffin is going through the terrible 3's right now. I've never quite seen an attitude and personality like this in a 3 year old. He makes me laugh so hard but also makes me completely crazy at times. He's currently obsessed with "deers" and hunting. That is all he talks about. He is constantly pretending he's a deer and everyone has to "shoot" at him. He's very stubborn but oh so cute. We're very close to having him potty-trained (finally!) He still seems to think that "little turds" in his pants are okay and everytime he has an accident, it's just a "little turd" even if it is a huge mess. He is starting to like me more but is still completely obsessed with his Mommy.
Mia is a ray of sunshine. She has turned into such a happy little girl. I can barely remember the crazy crying infant that she was for so long. She's so beautiful and funny. She is Emily's twin and even has her very sensitive personality. She's the only person that loves Emily MORE than Griffin does. She is on Emily like a leach. It's crazy! She gives the best kisses I've ever received from a baby. She also has the cutest dimples. I love seeing her try to get in and play with her crazy brothers. They get so mad when she takes their stuff but she holds her own. She and Griffin have screaming matches at each other when they are mad and Carson just yells "Get him (Mia) away from me."
I hope each of you has a GREAT 2011! I have a feeling it's going to be a year of big changes for us...all good I hope!
Thanks for reading!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Because of you
Because of you, I feel love deeper than I ever dreamed of...
Because of you, I have the three most amazing and beautiful children a man could ever want...
Because of you, I have the strength to overcome any obstacle life throws at us...
Because of you, I have learned to always find good in people...
Because of you, I can share my deepest feelings and biggest fears...
Because of you, I believe in soulmates...
Because of you, I laugh louder and smile bigger...
Because of you, I try harder to be a better person...
Without you, I wouldn't be whole and with you I feel like I hit the jackpot everyday. You truly complete me and inspire me in so many ways.
I know I take you for granted sometimes and I know that I can be very hard to live with but I never, ever want you to forget how much you are loved and appreciated.
You have made all of my dreams come true.
On your birthday and everyday, I love you more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for loving me.
Happy Birthday to you...my wife and my best friend!
Love,
Jay
Because of you, I have the three most amazing and beautiful children a man could ever want...
Because of you, I have the strength to overcome any obstacle life throws at us...
Because of you, I have learned to always find good in people...
Because of you, I can share my deepest feelings and biggest fears...
Because of you, I believe in soulmates...
Because of you, I laugh louder and smile bigger...
Because of you, I try harder to be a better person...
Without you, I wouldn't be whole and with you I feel like I hit the jackpot everyday. You truly complete me and inspire me in so many ways.
I know I take you for granted sometimes and I know that I can be very hard to live with but I never, ever want you to forget how much you are loved and appreciated.
You have made all of my dreams come true.
On your birthday and everyday, I love you more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for loving me.
Happy Birthday to you...my wife and my best friend!
Love,
Jay
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Soccer Story
Today Carson had soccer at OU. He does pretty well. Imagine a loud gymnasium full of kids on the spectrum and most of their parents and about four coaches trying to play soccer. It's quite chaotic. Griffin came today and he and Miss Liz played basketball on the other end of the gym for a bit. Toward the end, there is always a game. Many of the kids do not get the concept that the other team is supposed to try to take the ball away...needless to say, there are a lot of frustrated children trying to keep the ball.
Today Carson and one of his teammates collided and Carson got hit in the nose by the other kid's head. He was very upset and needed a break. Griffin was quick to offer to jump into his spot. Of course I didn't let him but he was very sure he could go out and "teach" them how to play. It was almost over so since Carson was a hot mess, we decided to just leave. As we were leaving, Griffin said "One day I'm going to punch that kid in the nose so he can cry and not bug Carson anymore." It made me laugh so hard. The whole way to the car, Griffin was consoling Carson saying things like "But Carson, he didn't know he was on your team. It was an accident." It was so cute and funny. I love listening to them converse.
Today Carson and one of his teammates collided and Carson got hit in the nose by the other kid's head. He was very upset and needed a break. Griffin was quick to offer to jump into his spot. Of course I didn't let him but he was very sure he could go out and "teach" them how to play. It was almost over so since Carson was a hot mess, we decided to just leave. As we were leaving, Griffin said "One day I'm going to punch that kid in the nose so he can cry and not bug Carson anymore." It made me laugh so hard. The whole way to the car, Griffin was consoling Carson saying things like "But Carson, he didn't know he was on your team. It was an accident." It was so cute and funny. I love listening to them converse.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Happy Birthday Mia!
Happy Birthday to my little princess!
Mia is pure joy....yes, let's not all forget that she had a rough start (about 8 months worth) but she is pure joy as of now. She is getting her own little unique personality. She loves her mommy and gets very sad if she cannot get her mommy's complete attention...even big tears sometimes. She gives the BEST kisses I've ever received. Sometimes, she looks around at her brothers like....wth? Is this really my family?
She loves people (just like her mommy.) She is her mommy's twin and I think she is going to grow up to be just as beautiful as her mommy.
Some people have asked if it's different being a daddy to a little girl. I didn't really notice a difference at first but I'm starting to see there is a little difference now. I'm sure it will continue to be more different. It's not different better...because I love my boys and I love being a dad to two amazing little boys but it is different and special to have a beautiful little daughter.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to have boys and a girl.
Mia is the perfect addition to our family. I can't wait to see how her little personality grows.
We are very blessed. God bless you baby girl. I hope you always know how much you are loved and cherished.
Happy Birthday!
Mia is pure joy....yes, let's not all forget that she had a rough start (about 8 months worth) but she is pure joy as of now. She is getting her own little unique personality. She loves her mommy and gets very sad if she cannot get her mommy's complete attention...even big tears sometimes. She gives the BEST kisses I've ever received. Sometimes, she looks around at her brothers like....wth? Is this really my family?
She loves people (just like her mommy.) She is her mommy's twin and I think she is going to grow up to be just as beautiful as her mommy.
Some people have asked if it's different being a daddy to a little girl. I didn't really notice a difference at first but I'm starting to see there is a little difference now. I'm sure it will continue to be more different. It's not different better...because I love my boys and I love being a dad to two amazing little boys but it is different and special to have a beautiful little daughter.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to have boys and a girl.
Mia is the perfect addition to our family. I can't wait to see how her little personality grows.
We are very blessed. God bless you baby girl. I hope you always know how much you are loved and cherished.
Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Carson ROCKS!
Just a quick Carson update....
Carson was the "special person" of the day in his first grade class yesterday. His resource room teacher e-mailed us and let us know that he did AWESOME! She said he went up to the front of the class and told them all his name and some things about him. He said "My name is Carson. I like computers. I like I'm hungry (they corrected him to say I like to eat.) I like gym class. I do tricks. I like superheroes." His teacher said it was so great that she welled up. I am so proud of him! I wish I could have seen it. I can't believe how much progress he is making....of course, I want more....in time...I know:)
I also cannot say enough how AMAZING his team at school is. We get constant communication from his resource room teacher. She and his speech therapist just made him a big board of superheroes. Each superhero has bubbles coming out of his mouth with one of the class rules. On the other side of the board are villians with a picture of Carson saying "Oh no...don't let the villians get me." I know this sounds funny but I think he will respond well to it. He's very visual and very imaginative.
All in all, he is doing better in first grade than we ever expected. He truly amazes Emily and me all the time. What a blessing he is!
I'm so thankful that he is responding to his treatment plan. I hope it continues and one day this will all be behind us and we will look back and say "Remember when we were recovering Carson from Autism...."
That is my dream and my biggest wish:)
Thanks for reading!
Carson was the "special person" of the day in his first grade class yesterday. His resource room teacher e-mailed us and let us know that he did AWESOME! She said he went up to the front of the class and told them all his name and some things about him. He said "My name is Carson. I like computers. I like I'm hungry (they corrected him to say I like to eat.) I like gym class. I do tricks. I like superheroes." His teacher said it was so great that she welled up. I am so proud of him! I wish I could have seen it. I can't believe how much progress he is making....of course, I want more....in time...I know:)
I also cannot say enough how AMAZING his team at school is. We get constant communication from his resource room teacher. She and his speech therapist just made him a big board of superheroes. Each superhero has bubbles coming out of his mouth with one of the class rules. On the other side of the board are villians with a picture of Carson saying "Oh no...don't let the villians get me." I know this sounds funny but I think he will respond well to it. He's very visual and very imaginative.
All in all, he is doing better in first grade than we ever expected. He truly amazes Emily and me all the time. What a blessing he is!
I'm so thankful that he is responding to his treatment plan. I hope it continues and one day this will all be behind us and we will look back and say "Remember when we were recovering Carson from Autism...."
That is my dream and my biggest wish:)
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Off and Running....
Wow! I can't believe how fast summer flew by. I guess that's what happens when you have HBOT four times a week, Speech and OT twice, Art and Music Therapy and Equian Therapy all going on. It wasn't a very fun summer. It was so HOT. I love heat but I could not stand all of the humidity. I feel like we barely swam all summer and if we weren't swimming, I couldn't even stand to be outside. We made it a few times over to Aunt Carol's and Uncle Roger's for a swim but it was minimal. Kristie and Brian also got a pool this summer but I think we only made it there three times the whole summer too.
Oh well, there's always next year. I have to say that I am completely loving this September weather so far (so is our electric bill.) I don't think we shut the air off once in July or August...YIKES!
I decided now was a good time for a blog update....it has been a crappy week....I am OVER so many things this week....first and foremost Autism. I soooo want it to go away. I am over Griffin's new attitude...he has been so challenging this week. I am over working...I'm feeling like I really need a change and I definitely need to make more money....I'm sick of struggling financially and feel like I worked way too hard to get all of my degrees and now am going backwards. I'm sick of never having any quality time with my kids...I feel like we have constant plans and constantly have people at our house or have my wife wanting to go somewhere or visit with someone. I thought things might get a little better since Em is back in the workforce and is getting some adult interaction but not so much just yet. We just differ in the fact that I deal with people all day in my job...and sometimes by the end of the day I just need a break because I need a little "down" time. I feel like I am "on" all day. Most of all, I am over Wells Fargo. After working for 22 months on a mortgage modification, I got one.....let's just say it was a TOTAL waste of time and 22 months of stress for nothing. Our mortgage went down less than $80 and is actually up about $350 from when we started the process due to an escrow shortage. I love how the banks get bailed out and we can't get jack for help.....never missed a payment, etc. and you call that a modification. WOW!
Well enough crabbing....I want to end on a positive note (that was the point of my blog today.) To get me in a better mood that is........
I have to focus on the positive. I'm married to my best friend. I have three beautiful, healthy (somewhat) children. We have amazing families and friends. We have health insurance, even though it barely covers anything for Carson...it helps for the rest of us:)
Mia started full blown walking this week. She is pure joy...happy, beautiful...if you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have never said she was our easiest child but right now, she definitely is. I love her giggle, her dimples, her little Pebble Flintstone ponytail...everything about her.
Although Griffin is having "terrible threes" right now, he has moments where he is sweet as can be. I love his lips, his language, his lisp. He's so beautiful. When he comes by me, which is rare, I love his snuggling. He's loving his skating class for hockey and his soccer team (just not today.) I really think he is going to be an athlete. He's obsessed with the Wii right now. We have to limit his time on it because he will play until he actually starts crying because his arms hurt. He started preschool this week...so far, so good. We'll see....
My Carson is doing really well. At times, I get so depressed still but I have to stop and look at his progress. He is blowing us away in first grade so far. A couple rough days but this is a HUGE adjustment for him. Full days! He's a little overscheduled. He was supposed to start drama this week but we decided to hold off until winter. He started soccer on Saturdays and just started ice skating lessons last Friday. He also will continue to have Speech and OT two nights a week. That is enough for now. Horseback riding will be coming back in October as well. He is so affectionate. He loves to snuggle and his language is really taking off. We are working on his digestive system right now. I feel that is where most of his problems lie (besides the mercury and other metal poisoning from the nasty vaccines) so we're trying to clear those up. It takes a while but we're making progress.
Emily is doing well. She's loving her job. We're all loving the little extra money. She's on her way to building some new accounts and in no time, I'm sure she be doing even better. She has great relationship building skills and that is a huge part in sales. I know she will rock. She always does. She is my rock and I can't imagine not having her. Does she get on my nerves sometimes? Absolutely...but who doesn't? haha Believe me, I get on hers too....Overall, I married my soul mate and to have that is a true gift from God.
Overall...just trying to adjust to this new school schedule and get in a new routine. I am looking forward to September and October. I love the weather...apple orchards, trees changing and my little princess turning one in a few weeks. I can't wait for her party...weather pending, it's going to be a blast.
Thanks for reading!
Oh well, there's always next year. I have to say that I am completely loving this September weather so far (so is our electric bill.) I don't think we shut the air off once in July or August...YIKES!
I decided now was a good time for a blog update....it has been a crappy week....I am OVER so many things this week....first and foremost Autism. I soooo want it to go away. I am over Griffin's new attitude...he has been so challenging this week. I am over working...I'm feeling like I really need a change and I definitely need to make more money....I'm sick of struggling financially and feel like I worked way too hard to get all of my degrees and now am going backwards. I'm sick of never having any quality time with my kids...I feel like we have constant plans and constantly have people at our house or have my wife wanting to go somewhere or visit with someone. I thought things might get a little better since Em is back in the workforce and is getting some adult interaction but not so much just yet. We just differ in the fact that I deal with people all day in my job...and sometimes by the end of the day I just need a break because I need a little "down" time. I feel like I am "on" all day. Most of all, I am over Wells Fargo. After working for 22 months on a mortgage modification, I got one.....let's just say it was a TOTAL waste of time and 22 months of stress for nothing. Our mortgage went down less than $80 and is actually up about $350 from when we started the process due to an escrow shortage. I love how the banks get bailed out and we can't get jack for help.....never missed a payment, etc. and you call that a modification. WOW!
Well enough crabbing....I want to end on a positive note (that was the point of my blog today.) To get me in a better mood that is........
I have to focus on the positive. I'm married to my best friend. I have three beautiful, healthy (somewhat) children. We have amazing families and friends. We have health insurance, even though it barely covers anything for Carson...it helps for the rest of us:)
Mia started full blown walking this week. She is pure joy...happy, beautiful...if you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have never said she was our easiest child but right now, she definitely is. I love her giggle, her dimples, her little Pebble Flintstone ponytail...everything about her.
Although Griffin is having "terrible threes" right now, he has moments where he is sweet as can be. I love his lips, his language, his lisp. He's so beautiful. When he comes by me, which is rare, I love his snuggling. He's loving his skating class for hockey and his soccer team (just not today.) I really think he is going to be an athlete. He's obsessed with the Wii right now. We have to limit his time on it because he will play until he actually starts crying because his arms hurt. He started preschool this week...so far, so good. We'll see....
My Carson is doing really well. At times, I get so depressed still but I have to stop and look at his progress. He is blowing us away in first grade so far. A couple rough days but this is a HUGE adjustment for him. Full days! He's a little overscheduled. He was supposed to start drama this week but we decided to hold off until winter. He started soccer on Saturdays and just started ice skating lessons last Friday. He also will continue to have Speech and OT two nights a week. That is enough for now. Horseback riding will be coming back in October as well. He is so affectionate. He loves to snuggle and his language is really taking off. We are working on his digestive system right now. I feel that is where most of his problems lie (besides the mercury and other metal poisoning from the nasty vaccines) so we're trying to clear those up. It takes a while but we're making progress.
Emily is doing well. She's loving her job. We're all loving the little extra money. She's on her way to building some new accounts and in no time, I'm sure she be doing even better. She has great relationship building skills and that is a huge part in sales. I know she will rock. She always does. She is my rock and I can't imagine not having her. Does she get on my nerves sometimes? Absolutely...but who doesn't? haha Believe me, I get on hers too....Overall, I married my soul mate and to have that is a true gift from God.
Overall...just trying to adjust to this new school schedule and get in a new routine. I am looking forward to September and October. I love the weather...apple orchards, trees changing and my little princess turning one in a few weeks. I can't wait for her party...weather pending, it's going to be a blast.
Thanks for reading!
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