I "celebrated" my first World Prematurity Day in the NICU. Sam was just two months old actual and was on his second full day of being off oxygen support. A lot has changed since that day, and I thought I would take a moment and reflect back on the five main things I have learned in the past five … [Read more...] about Sharing Insights On My 5th World Prematurity Day As a Preemie Parent
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Stop treating him like he is different
Last night, in a discussion with a friend, I was told I needed to stop treating Sam like he is different. Now, I can't stop thinking about this. Sam has been different since the day he was born: He was only 24 weeks at birth, but was considered large for his "age". He was off the vent in … [Read more...] about Stop treating him like he is different
What’s One More Therapist
When Sam graduated from the NICU, we were lucky. Aside from our pediatrician, Sam only had one specialist, a retinoligist That didn't last long. Pretty soon we added in the developmental playgroup (which came with an OT and a PT), the high risk infant follow up clinic, a weekly visiting nurse, … [Read more...] about What’s One More Therapist
Can you make something with me?
This morning was magical. No seriously. Magical. I was in the kitchen getting breakfast made when I first hear it. It was faint and in the distance. Then it got louder. Giggling. Lots of giggling. And not just one voice, but two. The giggling was then followed by a conversation. Again, not a … [Read more...] about Can you make something with me?
Potty Training with Three Strikes Against You
Potty training is something many parents fear. Hundreds, if not thousands, of books are dedicated to helping ease the transition from diaper to potty. There are even "How To" videos on the subject. There are also the antidotal horror stories people are more than willing to share with you when … [Read more...] about Potty Training with Three Strikes Against You
Vaccinations, Autism and the Immunocompromised
Dangerous territory... I know. I may offend some of you. I may not. But I feel I have to put this out there. I am approaching this topic as the parent to a vaccinated child who has autism and a weaker immune system than some. Before you go "Aha! Vaccinated and Autistic.. Aha!", let me be … [Read more...] about Vaccinations, Autism and the Immunocompromised
Advantages of Autism
Everyone always focuses on the negatives of an autism diagnosis. Myself included. So today I figure I will focus on the positives of an autism diagnosis. Autism is not a fatal diagnosis. Yes it does mean a very difficult road ahead but at the end of that difficult road is life. My child will … [Read more...] about Advantages of Autism
We Survived Our Extended Hospitalization
The idea was simple enough. Well, as simple as a hospitalization and surgical procedure on a 4 year old could be. But this is Sam. And he has never - ever - done anything simple. After speaking with the hospital admissions team, we decided to admit Sam at 11:30 am. This would allow him a few … [Read more...] about We Survived Our Extended Hospitalization
It must be about the poop
I know - Sam's birthday came and went without my usual post talking about the emotional stress leading up to his birthday and the joy of the actual celebration. I wish I had a better reason for not writing, but I don't. i just didn't. What can I say. I was sad and emotional up until his … [Read more...] about It must be about the poop
Acceptance
Tomorrow is Sam's first ever birthday party... with friends... from his school. I was hesitant to throw him a party, unsure if other kids would come. I was nervous that if I invited his class, they would all find excuses not to attend the party. Sam's therapist pushed me. She told me Sam was … [Read more...] about Acceptance
The Chicken’s Way Out
Did anyone notice? That is what I kept asking myself after hitting publish on my last post. The opening line was so obvious: After 7 months of single parenting, But, since I hadn't told a lot of people, I wasn't sure if anyone would really notice... or realize what I had just said. This was … [Read more...] about The Chicken’s Way Out
Of Lice and Poop
After 7 months of single parenting, I really thought I had a handle on things. We were a well-oiled machine. We were eating better. There was less fighting in the house. We were on-time to everything. Kids were happy. I was happy. Then, in one evening, my façade came crashing down in a pile … [Read more...] about Of Lice and Poop
Potty Training the Autistic Child
So, you think it is time to potty train your son. Great! But, before we start, I have to ask, why are you sure he is ready? Here are a few typical answers you might get: "Well- he keeps hiding in a corner when he poops, and every time he pees, he grabs at his diaper." "He asked is he could … [Read more...] about Potty Training the Autistic Child
Why is asking for help so hard?
You would think, with all I have been through, that by now I would be an expert at asking people for help. Or at least accepting help when it is offered to me. The reality is, I am terrible at both. I hate leaning on people. I hate needing help. I feel guilty every time I accept help. This … [Read more...] about Why is asking for help so hard?
Stop trying to “cure” my son
The past few weeks have been filled with a number of amazing stories on autism. Stories that were insulting, inspiring, and infuriating. I know that I may be in the minority because I do not sit and wonder why my son has autism. I am confident I know why. Sam was born at 24 weeks. That means the … [Read more...] about Stop trying to “cure” my son
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