Been a while...

For reasons I can't quite explain I've been avoiding writing--since March. So much has happened since, a lot of it noteworthy, but I was really in a slump I think. Looking forward to sharing more of the lessons I've been learning and of course to gab about my fabulous family.
Here are just a few of the happenings I've been meaning to write about, but hadn't felt ready to.

The People Magazine came out the end of March!! See it here:
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20353593,00.html

B had further testing at Kennedy Krieger in April that found he has some markers for Autism--this placed us in a very unique position--we got into a One Year Treatment study called Achievements for Little Learners. This opportunity has given us so much hope for B and will probably be a subject of later ramblings. We are nearly finished the six month program and it has been magical seeing B make so much progress!

A is still having doggie-phobia. Ho Hum. We keep thinking it'll get better, and at times it has gotten tolerable (like when we are at Aunt Cookie & Uncle Billy's house with their lovable dog Willow) but it seems to have spiked again. We have been on the fence about professional help and I need to just make an appointment and try to help my girl. I can only explain it this way to people who *think* they are helping. If you are afraid of someone coming at you with a flaming torch (and who amongst us isn't??) you would panic and run away. That is how it is with A and dogs. Cats too....well except for the ones at Aunt Cookie & Uncle Billy's house! So for now MY big anxiety is Halloween. Oh my.

C.....what can I say about C. She continues to keep Hubby and I on our toes and is keeping her Pre-Kindergarten teachers on their toes as well. C is in a sibling study at Kennedy Krieger much like A & B and during her 4-yr. testing this summer it was found that she is most-likely in the genius "range." I'm so thankful and grateful for and in awe of my children. They are each special and unique in their own way. I'm just afraid that if this one is smarter than me I'm not going to be able to keep up past about next week.

Hubby & I have had some really amazing opportunities lately to speak about our experiences with Autism and Early Intervention. The first was in September where we talked to the Board of Directors at Kennedy Krieger--we basically told them A's story and filled them in on B's story thus far. Nerves were killing me (as they always do when I need to be in front of a large group) but being up in front of a group of people who make really important decisions seemed to help out--I got to talk about my fabulous kids and how far they've come (and continue to come!) And maybe, just maybe, our story will help other families get help for their babes. The second speaking opportunity was at KKI's Tenth Annual Autism Conference. Dr. Rebecca Landa asked us if we would share our story and we simply couldn't turn her down. She could pretty much ask us to stand on our heads and do karaoke and we'd pretty much agree ;) Again nerves overtook me, but Hubby had my back and together we presented to a large group of parents and professionals and Early Intervention specialists. I was really blown away by how moved people were by our story. It makes me think I really can make a difference in this world. One story at a time, I will get parents and families to know that Early Intervention now means a world of difference later!!

Happy Fall to Everyone~thanks for humoring me,
tlc