a little writer's block

I just couldn't keep my excellent blogging streak going. Well, my blogging wasn't excellent but I was pretty consistent, at least for me. And then wham! Writer's block.


As Luke was recovering from the stomach bug we made a little trip to one of the prettiest neighborhoods around for a very top secret project to be revealed after Mother's Day. (It's actually no big deal but the gift recipient is the #1 most likely person to read this blog.)






Showing off some crazy kicking skills while we waited our turn.

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A recent prayer Luke said before dinner:

"Dear God, Thank you for playing Wii. Thank you for our Deal or No Deal Game. And thank you for the ladies."

***

We finally took Luke for his 5 year old check up this week. Decided we should squeeze that in before he turns 6. Seriously, I'm only 3 months late. Last year when I took him for his 4 year check up in February he had strep 3 days later. So this year we waited til the end of cold and flu season. But he had a tummy ache this morning, so perhaps my plan wasn't that brilliant.

I was pretty stressed about the 5 year old check up for a number of reasons, mostly because we had to make some decisions about vaccines. And we have prayerfully considered a lot of options and feel at peace about our decision. But Lamar is always a little freaked by how much I share via the blog so perhaps I'll refrain. Not that I think my decisions would influence anyone. Anyway, on the appointment.

Luke was so excited to go to the doctor again, seriously, despite some of the unpleasant parts I had described to him. His favorite was climbing on the scale just like on Biggest Loser. I had to make "beep beep" noises and he was a little let down there were no giant numbers broadcasting his weight. (If Biggest Loser style scales should ever somehow make their way into doctors' offices, I am done with medical care.)

We saw a new doctor in our practice, mainly for scheduling reasons. Lamar and I both wanted to be there and with our schedules and Luke's school and therapy, yesterday was the window and it was our doc's day off. And I talked with the new doctor on the phone during Luke's foot "injury" and was most impressed. So . . . I know, who cares? But the background is kinda important to my little story. Luke was very excited to meet "the lady doctor".

Luke loved "using" the little plastic cup to leave his sample. When the receptionist handed me the cup at check in I passed it right to Lamar and said, "Hey Luke. Go the bathroom with Daddy. He needs you to do something so silly." Another waiting mom was amused. But occasionally having an RN husband is a real perk.



Our regular doctor has been with us since infancy and always looks to my lead for what Luke can tolerate at an appointment. He lets him stay fully clothed. But the new doc gave Luke a gown. Luke was SO excited about his "costume".






I admit I've been amused by moms posting doctor's office pics on their blogs in the past (Sorry ladies. True confessions.) but there I was wishing I had my camera for the milestone. But all I had was my phone. Thankfully I finally figured out how to email pics from my phone. Welcome to 2004, Amy!

Not a fan of the finger prick and DEFINITELY not a fan of the band aid. He seriously hates band aids. But here he's accepted it and is now showing off his bandaged finger. Too bad there's no flash on my phone and his hand is just a blur.

So after the very thorough exam, the new doctor asking Luke lots of questions, and her reviewing the data with us (Luke needed a prime seat to view her laptop too), we were all very pleased with our extremely healthy boy. And then the doctor said, "And I just want to tell you that having not met him before, seeing him for the first time today, I would have never guessed he has an autism diagnosis." I'm sure if she spent more time with him she would have seen some gaps in his language and a little awkward sentence structure. But it was still a big moment for us.

Luke bravery continued as we finished up the appointment. And he got a new Wii game on the way home. We love a good reward around here.

Last night Luke was playing in the tub. He gave me a toy and said, "You be the doctor and I'll be . . . " I supplied, "The nurse?" And he said, "Um, no, the . . . contestant?" Contestant? Patient? Close.

sick sick sick

I think I mentioned in my Chattanooga recap that Luke was sick. But likely most didn't care to read every minute detail of our 2.5 days in Chattanooga, so you may have missed it. Luke had a bit of tummy trouble last week. He had to miss gymnastics because he threw up right before time to leave. But he seemed to bounce back quickly. I blamed our crazy vacation diet (2 nights of ice cream, chocolate chip pancakes, etc).

This week began with us all adjusting, like it or not, to our regular routine. We were doing fairly well. On Wednesday Luke fell from the zip line at OT. Just about a 4 foot drop onto a padded floor, but he really cried at the time. Lamar was there with him and checked out his foot. Luke was quickly off and running again, even climbed up the zip line ladder and zoomed down one more time.

Wednesday night we went to our typical pre Bible class restaurant. As we got out of the car, Luke said he could not stand on his foot. Lamar carried him in and after a minute he was able to stand on it, but had trouble walking. I assumed his foot had gone to sleep in the car. But after dinner, he absolutely could not stand on it at all.

I was convinced the foot must be broken and we needed to go to the hospital. Luke asked if he had to go to the animal hospital just across the street from the restaurant. He eyes that place every week and we discuss what sick animals might be there. I'm not sure if he was relieved or disappointed we were going to the children's hospital. Lamar thought my decision might be a bit rash, and suggested we give him Motrin and watch it for the night. I refrain from saying, "You maybe a medical professional but clearly his foot is broken" (mainly because I know Luke will repeat it multiple times if I do) and call the pediatrician to confirm my diagnosis. After I describe the current state of the injury, she suggested I give him Motrin, wrap it, ice it, and made him an appointment first thing in the morning.

Luke was so excited that he was going to the doctor he could hardly stand it. Seriously.


His first ace badge ever. He needed to touch it for the photo, in case it isn't clear which foot is injured. He insisted on a sock for the other foot so they at least somewhat matched.

I could not believe how good he was about sitting still (his inability to stand may have helped with that just a bit) and keeping ice on his foot. He took it so seriously. He asked me to pretend I was the doctor. I did and asked him about his foot. He explained his fall from the zip line. Then Lamar explained about xrays and that he might need some. Luke asked Lamar to pretend to do the xrays. (We're so progressive with our gender roles in pretend play.)

Luke woke us up the next morning saying he needed to throw up, which he promptly did. Shortly after vomiting he could stand on his foot again. A vomiting miracle? But he soon complained of it hurting. Then he had more stomach troubles, confirming our decision to sit on the sick side of the pediatrician's waiting room.


All looked well with the foot and our doctor didn't think it necessitated xrays. Big disappointment for Luke. And Luke was walking on his foot by the time we got home. The doctor also gave us lots of information about nausea and vomiting and being very careful about reintroducing food too soon. I was feeling pretty confident in our abilities to nurse him back to health from the stomach flu and dismissed most of the advice about reintroducing solid food too soon. Luke asked for french fries at lunch and I obliged.

And then Friday morning at 12:45 a.m. a very sick little boy walked into our room announcing he thrown up again. And he did several times in the next 12 hours.



This is how he spent nearly the entire day Friday. Absolutely unheard of for this boy. Seeing him really sick has made me realize how blessed he's been with good health. I've really never been up all night with a sick baby or boy. Now I spent the first 2 months of his life up all night all the time. But he wasn't sick. Just awake. All. night. long.





He's feeling much better today. It may not be obvious from this photo but he's pale and lost a couple of pounds. Eating is still hurting his little tummy some. And he tells me "I do not want to frow up again."

He's been just the sweetest boy through the whole illness. I'm amazed by how much he understands--truly comprehends--these days. Receptive language was such a struggle for so long for Luke. And while we've been having real conversations for months and months, just to see him really understanding new things, grasping when something is serious and he needs to fully comply without argument . . . well, it's just an enormous blessing.

Mimi and Papa came by today with a little plastic golf set for Luke. This led to getting out all our sporting equipment and having each family member take a turn in every sport. Later tonight Luke wanted to play a little more baseball. We were in the front yard and I was showing him how to stand when batting (Hilarious. Likely whatever I showed him is wrong.) and Luke said, "Hey Mom." I was pretty sure he was going to tell me he was done with my ridiculous coaching and waited. He said, "Hey Mom, I love you VERY much." Melt my heart.

new shoes

On a rare family outing to the mall (seriously rare), I spent my Gym Bucks (And I was a total sucker to that marketing ploy. I couldn't find the exact dollar amount I needed to redeem my bucks so I bought another t-shirt which made me $10 over. I'm on to you Gymborree. Oh, I'll still shop there and likely fall victim to your schemes again. But I'm on to you.) . . .

. . . And it was time to replace Luke's crocs. Crocs are hands down his absolute all time favorite shoes. Last year's pair are too small and worn out.

We visited the Crocs mega kiosk and Luke chose his favorite style and took them for a test stroll. Awesomeness.

The teenage croc employee asked if he'd like some adornments for his crocs. I cannot remember the trademarked name. Giblets? Surely their not named after poultry innards. Anyway, I've seen many of Luke's buddies sporting these gibblety things so I thought and opportune time to introduce them to Luke. A good conversation starter for him with his friends.


That's Donald and Tweetie Bird. I'm fairly certain he'd never seen Tweetie until selecting his Giblets (I could seriously google and see what they're actually called, but I'm kind of amusing myself calling them giblets. It doesn't take much.) So now he knows Tweetie. Bonus!

As we're paying the helpful employee asked if I would like him to install the giblets on the shoes. Well, sure. Luke selected where he'd like them to be placed. I get out my wallet, make sure Lamar's eyes are on Luke while he prances around the kiosk (Luke was prancing, not Lamar, but I'm totally laughing imagining Lamar prancing around at the mall), and see I have a message on my phone. Despite all the distractions, I notice the giblet installation requires a little effort so I ask, "Now how do these come off?" He explains it's kind of like a button. He said, "He won't be able to get them off if that's what you're worried about." I say, "Oh heavens no! He doesn't have the fine motor to remove those. I just need to make sure I can do it when he freaks about them and decides they must come off immediately." I started to relay the candy cane reindeer antler car decoration story, but thought better of it.


He's pretty proud and so far completely into the giblets.

Chattanooga Review

Craving a quick spring break getaway, our little family of three headed to Chattanooga for a couple of days. Luke talked non-stop about "Chaganooga" for days. I'll now recap our trip in detail only interesting to me, and maybe Luke some day as we recount our family vacations.

We arrived Monday mid afternoon and checked into our fabulously family friend hotel, just steps away from the downtown attractions. After settling in we headed to the Creative Discovery Museum. Luke's last experience at a museum was a friend's birthday party. Luke was three at the time and was totally overwhelmed by the crowds, noise, lights, all his nemeses at that age. So why not spend $32 to try again?

Just after spending that $32 I learn it is Chattanooga's spring break and the place is packed. It was about 3 p.m. and the museum looked like it had had a rough day.


After trying out the smallish indoor playground and the water works, Luke stopped by face painting. The mirrors were a bit graffitied with scribbles, but Luke was able to create this masterpiece.



Checking out the puppet theatre. The cropping is weird here because I had to remove myself from the photo. HAD to.

Hands down Luke's favorites were the computerized exhibits. Shocker.

Easily his favorite was this make your own stop action movie exhibit. He eyed another boy doing this and could hardly wait to try it out. He arranged several animals. Took a picture. Moved them. Took another picture.

His 16 photos then combined into a very short movie. He was most pleased with his work.

The roof had several cool exhibits/rides demonstrating simple machines. Luke found it to be a needlessly complicated playground.

After leaving the roof Luke decided he had to wash the paint off his face and insisted we leave. We had completed the museum at this point, so good timing with the mild freak out.

After face washing and clothes changing we explored downtown a bit. Our hotel gave us a handful of restaurant coupons. Luke strongly suggested we stop at Easy Bistro, which looked a bit out of our budget and not exactly kid friendly. But the friendly hostess outside (I think she was the main reason Luke wanted to stay. He loved that she talked to him.) quickly showed us their kids' menu. So we enjoyed an outside table, a free appetizer, and great po boys.

at Easy Bistro

Still at Easy Bistro

After a very filling dinner we did a little more exploring. Luke frequently asked, "Where is Chaganooga?" I attempted to explain Chattanooga was a city, just like our hometown. He finally said, "OH!!! ALL these (sweeping his hand all around) are Chaganoogas!"

We discovered several people sliding down this hill (covered with dead grass) right by the riverfront. Perhaps the grass is dead from all the people sliding on cardboard boxes down the hill. We found a couple of unclaimed boxes and Daddy and Luke were off. The first trip down Luke slid off the box many times.

So Daddy and Luke tried sharing a box. Much more successful.

Then they tried again with Daddy running alongside. Daddy is the best sport.

And now he's got it. Luke even convinced me to join them in the final slide of the evening. No photo of that event for certain.

We headed back to the hotel for the swim time we'd promised Luke. We suited up and went to the tiny indoor pool packed with every child staying in the hotel, all of whom love cannonballing into the pool repeatedly. Luke loved every second of it and left the pool knowing every child's name there.

After drying off Luke suggested we get ice cream. Lamar and I were still stuffed from dinner, but off to Ben & Jerry's where Luke had chocolate fudge brownie with M&M's and sprinkles. Luke couldn't polish off the last few bites. Thankfully I was suddenly hungry again and helped him out.

Tuesday morning we began with the delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel. The place was packed but the service was great and the food was delicious. Excellent french toast.

In case it's unclear from the photo, we headed to the aquarium. We started with gusto.

My favorite picture of Luke at the aquarium is unfortunately in front of these rather boring fish. Sad considering all the really exquisite, amazing fish. Sorry gray fish, whatever you are. Luke wasn't really into reading and learning about the fish. That's my excuse.

Here was a touch tank exhibit. I don't remember what these were. For some reason sturgeon is stuck in my head, but Lamar thinks it's some sort of toothless shark. Regardless, I was impressed Luke would put his hands in the water and attempt to touch the fishies. Of course he was motivated by all the other kids he wanted so badly to interact with. Can you tell here he is so ready to join this boy's family? I had to remind him many times he had to stay with our family and look at the fishes. Sorry if we're boring.

These I remember. The piranhas. I was really taken with the piranhas for some reason. So beautifully ugly. And I love their color palette.

Here's another pretty good one of Luke with some slightly more exotic looking fish.

In the butterfly exhibit. Again amazed he would attempt to hold one.

Over in the ocean building we visited the penguins. I was surprised how small the penguin exhibit was. I hope those penguins are happy in there. Pretty cool to be this super close to a swimming penguin. Again, I was surprised he didn't freak out when the penguin jumped in the water right in front of him. But again, all the other kids were doing it. We are in serious trouble when he's a teen.

Taking advantage of the cheesy shark tank photo op.

After the aquarium we rushed over to the IMAX theater for the 12:00 movie. Luke chose the ocean film over the Hubble space flick. We've never taken Luke to the theater before. We tried at Christmas but our movie of choice was sold out. I realized an IMAX 3D was likely not the best first movie experience. But it was only 45 minutes.

Luke did okay during the demo of the incredible surround sound, but did have to cover his ears a couple of times. But the 3D freaked him out. Anytime something jumped from the screen, he flinched and jerked his glasses off. He lost interest in his popcorn and Coke and moved to my lap and let me know of his dislike. About 30 minutes in he said he had to go to bathroom. After climbing over a family of 5 I determined we would not be returning. I was actually a little bored with the preachy documentary following a school (?) of sardines migration and waiting for all the animals that would hunt them.

Luke and I waited for Daddy in the lobby. He was not interested in a commemorative t-shirt from the gift shop. He needed to sit and wait for Daddy. So we did. Lamar said he would have left too, but thought better of traipsing over the family of five with lots of refreshments on the floor. But I was relieved to know the sardines did eventually arrive at their destination without being overhunted by the local fisherman. Apparently the last five minutes of the film when several species feed on the sardines simultaneously were pretty exciting.

We ventured out to the mall from some lunch, a little indoor playground time, a new DS game, and a trip to Walgreen's for a pool float and a small ball.

We returned back to the hotel from some more swimming time. Luke had the best time "hiding" the ball by pushing it under the water and then letting it pop up. He insisted we all take turns and we played forever.

I did not take the camera to the pool. I should have because Luke said the pool was his favorite thing in Chattanooga. But I value my camera and it would have been soaked in the pool room.

So here is Luke post swim.

Tuesday night we had our absolute best meal at Blue Plate just a couple of blocks from the aquarium and right by the river. Such good food I was mad I couldn't finish every bite. And another great free appetizer thanks to our coupons. If I'd taken my camera there would totally be a photo of my meatloaf, grilled asparagus, and mac and cheese here.

After dinner we headed back to the hill for more sliding. Luke was so tired that after a few trips he begged Lamar to carry him up the hill to slide again. Have I mentioned Daddy is a good sport?

Then exhausted Luke headed to the playground just beside the sliding hill. I told him he didn't have to do the playground if he was too tired. No, he needed to try it. The playground had a big rock wall and several other challenging climbs. Lamar encouraged Luke to try things independently. I was fearful of him breaking a bone in a city where I know no one. I've never hidden the fact Luke inherited most of his paranoia from his mother.

After the playground we headed back to the hotel for the night. But Luke needed ice cream. So we stopped in Cold Stone for Luke to say "I've already had chocolate. Today I'm going to have valina." He was a big fan of valina and ate every bite, polishing off the last as Daddy carried him on his shoulders. We got back just in time for Luke to change into pajamas, brush his teeth, and doze off just in time for Lamar and me to enjoy a fabulous LOST.

Wednesday morning we got ready to head home, but enjoyed one more fabulous meal at the hotel breakfast buffet. I had a great omelet and Luke had some seriously delicious chocolate chip pancakes that I sampled more than once (Seriously the diet of champions for Luke this trip.) Luke played his DS while we waited for our food and Lamar and I shared the free USA Today. I'd forgotten about free USA Todays outside the hotel door. It used to be my favorite travel perk back in my travelin' days.

Saying bye to Chattanooga. Fun times.

Overall I was so proud of Luke this trip. He did completely loose it over not being allowed to program the GPS on our trip to the mall. And the IMAX was a bust. But his flexibility and enjoyment were great most of the time. I loved listening to Luke say good bye to everything thing we saw and did as we drove home. I love that when he called me at work today (to tell me he was sick. boo!) he said, "Hey Mom, I had fun in Chaganooga."

And I was impressed by how family friendly downtown Chattanooga is. I'm sure this is driven by the aquarium. It's been years since we've been to our local downtown, but I don't remember anything there being at all family friendly. The Chattanooga attractions were not cheap, but everything was well done and worth the price in my opinion.

So hooray for spring break vacations!

Easter Happenings

Easter began with the basket. Luke got books and just a little bit of candy. He was pretty pleased. I know a Wii game would have been more exciting. But I didn't want to set myself up for the battle that would ensue if he got a new game right before leaving for church.


Enjoying the new Bible and wearing a little poptart.



After church we went to Mimi and Papa's church for another egg hunt. Even the Easter Bunny was there! Mimi called to warn me about the furry friend and I prepared Luke. Luke asked me if the bunny would talk and I told him I didn't think so. He informed me the Easter bunny was just pretend so it was okay. Glad he told me. He didn't hear that from me.

Luke was a little unsure but quite amused by the big bunny.



He warmed up to the bunny. Occasionally he would reach and move his (actually her I think) hand or pull on his fur, as if he were a big toy.




Then Luke agreed to have his photo take with the bunny all by himself, but this was as close as he got. But he was all for holding the bunny's hand. Could this boy be ready for a trip to Disney?





After church I forced my family to look into the bright sun and pose for photos, since our outfits were so well coordinated, right? Great idea.



More egg hunting at Mimi's. Luke insisted everyone have a turn hiding and finding.

Serious hiding and finding.

My favorite finding team. Oh the things we will do.

Yesterday I got out the resurrection eggs. Luke enjoyed opening each egg and discovering what was inside. And I told him a very simple version of the crucifixion and resurrection story. He loved it, or so it seemed. About egg 10 he said, "Are we going to Target?"

Happy Easter!

spring has sprung!

Gorgeous week! Yesterday was 80 degrees. We skipped April weather and jumped right into mid May. Hopefully that pattern won't continue into mid summer. I'm not a fan of 90 degree weather coming early.

On Tuesday we had an egg hunt for Luke's class. A dinosaur egg hunt. They were just finishing up a unit on Sammy and the Dinosaurs. My mom found some great green and brown eggs at the dollar store and dino stickers I put in the eggs.

The awesome Ms. Jenny got a shovel and pail for each child, just like Sammy has in the book.



I got several cute pictures of the kids hunting their eggs and enjoying their dino fruit snacks (except Luke. He still cannot handle the texture of fruit snacks.) But I'm always unsure about posting pictures of kids from school. So here's one little egg hunter.


The weather was absolutely perfect.

While at school I met the elementary special ed teacher we will work with next year. She was observing Luke in preparation for our transition meeting the next day. I liked her very much.

The transition meeting went beautifully on Wednesday. I'm very happy that Luke will the level of services Luke will have kindergarten. I also very pleased with the kindergarten teacher and speech therapist I met. It was a joy to hear about all the errands Luke runs to get familiar with people and building. Listening to Ms. Jenny and Ms. Jodie describe Luke and make recommendations, I realized they know his personality at school better than I do. Of course they do! My mission the past few years has been becoming an expert on my child, trying to learn what makes him tick so I can help him most effectively. But I occasionally see him at school and they see him every day. And his motivators at school with his peers are different than at home. I am amazed at how well they understand him. For example as we discussed his aid for next year, Ms. Jenny stressed that while the aid's priority will be to make sure Luke is successful, she needs to appear to be an aid to all the students. Because if Luke feels he is the only child with an aid, he will be very embarrassed. Brilliant!

******

Luke's spring break began Friday, an absolutely gorgeous day to be out of school! After spending Thursday night with Mimi and Papa, we enjoyed some ChickFila lunch outside, at Luke's insistence. The wind nearly took our lunch from the table into the cars waiting in the drive thru line more times than I can remember.

Luke returned home mid afternoon. We soon got a call from our buddy Cooper inviting Luke over for an impromptu sprinkler party (I believe Cooper's name for it was "just a small 3 hour party").

I can't describe how much better playdates are than in years past. Playdates used to absolutely exhaust me. It was all work for Mommy if I wanted Luke engaged. Playdates typically are lots of fun now. But not always. I suspect this is true for all children, neurotypical or not. Sometimes the personality blend just doesn't work on a particular day. Well, yesterday was a pretty perfect playdate.



Luke was a little tentative about the sprinkler, but learned to laugh it off if he got sprayed a little harder than he'd like.

Getting braver.

The boys found a worm and shared it beautifully.

Big giggles on the malfunctioning slip n slide.

One of these boy's father works on cars regularly and the child frequently observes and helps. And one does not. Can you guess which one?

After the playdate we enjoyed dinner out and some fabulous frozen yogurt (that tastes exactly like soft serve ice cream). The boys ran and played and giggled. And Luke feel sound asleep as soon as we got home. Yeah spring!