Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Happy family
This is the closest we've come lately to a full family picture. :) If Lucy looks tired to you, it's because she has been taking extremely short naps! Sleeping at night is still OK though.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Starting the diet
Yesterday I went to Mother's Market and bought lots of gluten-free/casein-free-friendly items, like gluten-free (GF) all purpose baking mix, white rice flour, GF cereal, and casein-free (CF) vanilla rice milk. Today was Nate's first full GFCF day. It went well until tonight, when we were over at Ray and Colleen's (I bring the children over there and Colleen watches them while I teach my flute lessons) and everyone else had pizza (pretty much Nate's favorite food). Poor Nate didn't understand why I wouldn't let him have any; instead he had a GFCF waffle, baby food fruit (he still eats these), and popcorn. He got over the pizza thing once we put it away and everyone was done.
It's interesting that he has been asking for cookies and crackers all day and then rrrreally wanted the pizza tonight. That seems to confirm the idea that his body is addicted to those things.
We will continue doing the enzymes with Nate, but since we'll be doing the diet too, I won't have to be so strict about enzymes with every bite he eats. I'm wondering if it might also work the other way around--that I might not have to be so strict with the diet since he's using enzymes. I'll have to ask about that.
Here are some sites I've found helpful in this very new venture:
Information on flour alternatives - what each kind of flour is good for, substitutes to use for gluten (which is needed to make foods stay together and have a good texture)
Recipes and meal planning ideas - the chicken fingers look good.
Yummy cookie recipe - this blog has several good-looking recipes, many GFCF.
I'll add more as I find them. :)
12/3/07 Wow, this girl has a lot of great information (includes casein-free too):
Cooking & Baking Gluten-Free: Tips from a Gluten-Free Goddess
It's interesting that he has been asking for cookies and crackers all day and then rrrreally wanted the pizza tonight. That seems to confirm the idea that his body is addicted to those things.
We will continue doing the enzymes with Nate, but since we'll be doing the diet too, I won't have to be so strict about enzymes with every bite he eats. I'm wondering if it might also work the other way around--that I might not have to be so strict with the diet since he's using enzymes. I'll have to ask about that.
Here are some sites I've found helpful in this very new venture:
Information on flour alternatives - what each kind of flour is good for, substitutes to use for gluten (which is needed to make foods stay together and have a good texture)
Recipes and meal planning ideas - the chicken fingers look good.
Yummy cookie recipe - this blog has several good-looking recipes, many GFCF.
I'll add more as I find them. :)
12/3/07 Wow, this girl has a lot of great information (includes casein-free too):
Cooking & Baking Gluten-Free: Tips from a Gluten-Free Goddess
Monday, November 26, 2007
What's new with us
I received a Nannie request for a blog post, so here's what's new with us!
Nate's Monday-Wednesday-Thursday therapy schedule is going well. He's still adjusting to the group therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays; it's a much different setup, and he still has to learn the "wait your turn" concept, but he's doing well and it's great for him.
This week he just started saying something lots of children say, and I think it's so cute. When he wants to be held, he says, "Hold you." I love that.
Lucy is sitting relatively well and is scooting around on the floor but not getting onto all fours yet. Soon!
Thanksgiving last week was really nice. We went to Jon's parents' house for the meal and had a great day. I must say I do miss my mom's creamed onions. (Mama, can we have that at Christmas?) :)
Jon and I are about to sit down to a homemade pizza and watch the Clipper game!
Nate's Monday-Wednesday-Thursday therapy schedule is going well. He's still adjusting to the group therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays; it's a much different setup, and he still has to learn the "wait your turn" concept, but he's doing well and it's great for him.
This week he just started saying something lots of children say, and I think it's so cute. When he wants to be held, he says, "Hold you." I love that.
Lucy is sitting relatively well and is scooting around on the floor but not getting onto all fours yet. Soon!
Thanksgiving last week was really nice. We went to Jon's parents' house for the meal and had a great day. I must say I do miss my mom's creamed onions. (Mama, can we have that at Christmas?) :)
Jon and I are about to sit down to a homemade pizza and watch the Clipper game!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cuties
We are loving the park lately, especially now that Lucy likes going in the swing. It's nice for me now, too, since Nate is able to go on most of the structures without giving me a heart attack from almost falling.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Intro to treating autism
I'm no longer feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there on treating autism. But I remember what it was like starting out with Nate, feeling like there was so much to learn but nowhere to start. Here is my primer on treating autism, including books I've read and treatments we've tried. (I'm writing this as much for myself as for anyone else; I like to get all these thoughts down in writing but also want a place to point people to if they come to me asking about the things we've done for Nate. I am definitely NOT an expert on this subject, but I've been learning a lot through research and through friends and acquaintances who have been through it too.)
First, autism is treatable. It isn't just a brain thing. Mainstream/traditional treatments like behavioral therapy are really helpful and should be pursued. Alternative/biomedical treatments are also effective and should be vigorously pursued... as early as possible.
What are the treatments?
Mainstream - Many children with autism are put in behavioral therapy, like ABA (applied behavioral analysis). ABA is a play-based therapy where they work on social skills, eye contact, appropriate play with toys, imaginary play, whatever the child needs help with. Children may also be placed in occupational (for self-care skills, eating, oral motor movement, sensory issues), speech, and physical therapies.
"Alternative" - This is where the list of possibilities seems to go on and on. I use quotation marks because pediatricians and other doctors are often ill informed and don't know about or believe in these treatments, so they would think of them as alternative; however, they are working for many, many children. Because autism is tied up in many systems in the body, not just the brain, it seems logical to treat all of the affected areas, especially the ones that seem to start the chains of symptoms that lead to the ones in the brain. Many parents see results when they put their children on a special diet (like gluten-free/casein-free).* This is because children with autism don't seem to process certain foods correctly, and parts of those foods end up acting like drugs, attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and thereby altering behavior (among other things). Along these same lines, enzymes can be used (alone or in addition to diet). Here is my post on enzymes. Also, since their bodies often don't process nutrients correctly, these children may benefit from various (and many) supplements. The first book I list in the books section has lots of information on helpful supplements, what they do, and why they are needed. Some other biomedical treatments include hyperbaric oxygen, treating for yeast overgrowth (Candida), chelation/toxin removal, and methylation (which has shown to help over 90% of patients with autism in some way! See here, here, or here).
Books
Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians - This book changed the way I understand autism. I had read bits and pieces in other books about autism being more than just a brain thing, but Jepson's book fully lays it out. The first half is very technical and very informative, explaining what goes on inside the bodies of children with autism. He cites many, many studies and explains them in good detail. The second half spells out biomedical treatments to try. Jepson doesn't give specific dosing information, because most of the things should be under a doctor's supervision. I like that this book presents the "why" and not just the "what" for treatment.
Children with Starving Brains - Written by the grandparent of a child with autism and the founder of Autism Speaks, this book is written along similar lines as Changing the Course of Autism but is a bit more practical. I still haven't finished this book (am only 1/3 of the way through), but it is on many recommended readings lists.
Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions - This book is not particularly well written, but it details using digestive enzymes in a very practical manner. DeFelice details what enzymes are, how they work in the digestive system, how to start using them, what to expect when starting, the myriad benefits of using them, etc. It is also from this book that I found out why and how to use magnesium (in the form of epsom salt lotion).
Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life - This book is written from a strictly behavioral treatment standpoint. It explains some good philosophies for how to interact with children with autism, encourage them to use language, steer them away from stims, etc. However, it was sort of depressing for me to read: I read this book early on--before Nate was talking at all, and so many of the strategies were for children who were already talking. Overall, I wouldn't say someone should read only this book, but instead read this book in addition to some of the biomedical treatment books. This can help provide a broader, comprehensive treatment picture.
Steps to take
If your child is diagnosed with autism (or you suspect it), here is what I recommend you do:
- Get a regional center/state services evaluation. Here is the Orange County CA reg center website. This will start the process of getting traditional therapy for your child through the state.
- Attend your child's therapy and learn to interact with him/her the same way the therapists do so you can continue the learning at home.
- Look into changing diet and/or adding enzymes gradually; pay attention to your child's behavior and see if you can tell a difference. (Remember to wait out the adjustment period.)
- Find a DAN! doctor. Many successful biomedical treatments (like supplementation or chelation) should be attempted under a doctor's supervision.
- Read, read, read!
- Have someone to talk to--it doesn't have to be someone who has a child with autism, but at least someone who can sympathize, lend a listening ear, and encourage.
- Remember that your child is still your precious, unique child!
Websites
Talk About Curing Autism - This Southern California-based organization's website has lots of resources for parents, including help with special diets, vaccine recommendations, support meetings, and more.
Autism Research Institute - Home of Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!), the ARI website also has many resources, including an overview and myths about autism, a recommended reading list, a video "My Child Was Just Diagnosed With Autism -- What Do I Do Tomorrow?" (under "First Steps"), and the official list of DAN! doctors.
GFCF Diet - Help with starting the gluten-free/casein-free diet.
Kirkman Labs - Supplier of many supplements, enzymes, and other products many parents use.
Houston Nutraceuticals - Where we get Nate's current enzymes, Peptizyde and Zyme Prime.
Enzymes & Autism Yahoo Group - Forum where you can ask questions about enzymes and other biomedical treatments.
Autism Speaks - Contains current news, videos, and research information.
* We still haven't put Nate on a special diet, but in anticipation of being asked to do it when we take Nate to the Rimland Center next month, I have removed straight milk. He hasn't seemed to miss it. Next will be yogurt. It will be hard to get rid of cheese since Nate has a quesadilla at least 6 times per week.
First, autism is treatable. It isn't just a brain thing. Mainstream/traditional treatments like behavioral therapy are really helpful and should be pursued. Alternative/biomedical treatments are also effective and should be vigorously pursued... as early as possible.
What are the treatments?
Mainstream - Many children with autism are put in behavioral therapy, like ABA (applied behavioral analysis). ABA is a play-based therapy where they work on social skills, eye contact, appropriate play with toys, imaginary play, whatever the child needs help with. Children may also be placed in occupational (for self-care skills, eating, oral motor movement, sensory issues), speech, and physical therapies.
"Alternative" - This is where the list of possibilities seems to go on and on. I use quotation marks because pediatricians and other doctors are often ill informed and don't know about or believe in these treatments, so they would think of them as alternative; however, they are working for many, many children. Because autism is tied up in many systems in the body, not just the brain, it seems logical to treat all of the affected areas, especially the ones that seem to start the chains of symptoms that lead to the ones in the brain. Many parents see results when they put their children on a special diet (like gluten-free/casein-free).* This is because children with autism don't seem to process certain foods correctly, and parts of those foods end up acting like drugs, attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and thereby altering behavior (among other things). Along these same lines, enzymes can be used (alone or in addition to diet). Here is my post on enzymes. Also, since their bodies often don't process nutrients correctly, these children may benefit from various (and many) supplements. The first book I list in the books section has lots of information on helpful supplements, what they do, and why they are needed. Some other biomedical treatments include hyperbaric oxygen, treating for yeast overgrowth (Candida), chelation/toxin removal, and methylation (which has shown to help over 90% of patients with autism in some way! See here, here, or here).
Books
Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians - This book changed the way I understand autism. I had read bits and pieces in other books about autism being more than just a brain thing, but Jepson's book fully lays it out. The first half is very technical and very informative, explaining what goes on inside the bodies of children with autism. He cites many, many studies and explains them in good detail. The second half spells out biomedical treatments to try. Jepson doesn't give specific dosing information, because most of the things should be under a doctor's supervision. I like that this book presents the "why" and not just the "what" for treatment.
Children with Starving Brains - Written by the grandparent of a child with autism and the founder of Autism Speaks, this book is written along similar lines as Changing the Course of Autism but is a bit more practical. I still haven't finished this book (am only 1/3 of the way through), but it is on many recommended readings lists.
Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions - This book is not particularly well written, but it details using digestive enzymes in a very practical manner. DeFelice details what enzymes are, how they work in the digestive system, how to start using them, what to expect when starting, the myriad benefits of using them, etc. It is also from this book that I found out why and how to use magnesium (in the form of epsom salt lotion).
Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life - This book is written from a strictly behavioral treatment standpoint. It explains some good philosophies for how to interact with children with autism, encourage them to use language, steer them away from stims, etc. However, it was sort of depressing for me to read: I read this book early on--before Nate was talking at all, and so many of the strategies were for children who were already talking. Overall, I wouldn't say someone should read only this book, but instead read this book in addition to some of the biomedical treatment books. This can help provide a broader, comprehensive treatment picture.
Steps to take
If your child is diagnosed with autism (or you suspect it), here is what I recommend you do:
- Get a regional center/state services evaluation. Here is the Orange County CA reg center website. This will start the process of getting traditional therapy for your child through the state.
- Attend your child's therapy and learn to interact with him/her the same way the therapists do so you can continue the learning at home.
- Look into changing diet and/or adding enzymes gradually; pay attention to your child's behavior and see if you can tell a difference. (Remember to wait out the adjustment period.)
- Find a DAN! doctor. Many successful biomedical treatments (like supplementation or chelation) should be attempted under a doctor's supervision.
- Read, read, read!
- Have someone to talk to--it doesn't have to be someone who has a child with autism, but at least someone who can sympathize, lend a listening ear, and encourage.
- Remember that your child is still your precious, unique child!
Websites
Talk About Curing Autism - This Southern California-based organization's website has lots of resources for parents, including help with special diets, vaccine recommendations, support meetings, and more.
Autism Research Institute - Home of Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!), the ARI website also has many resources, including an overview and myths about autism, a recommended reading list, a video "My Child Was Just Diagnosed With Autism -- What Do I Do Tomorrow?" (under "First Steps"), and the official list of DAN! doctors.
GFCF Diet - Help with starting the gluten-free/casein-free diet.
Kirkman Labs - Supplier of many supplements, enzymes, and other products many parents use.
Houston Nutraceuticals - Where we get Nate's current enzymes, Peptizyde and Zyme Prime.
Enzymes & Autism Yahoo Group - Forum where you can ask questions about enzymes and other biomedical treatments.
Autism Speaks - Contains current news, videos, and research information.
* We still haven't put Nate on a special diet, but in anticipation of being asked to do it when we take Nate to the Rimland Center next month, I have removed straight milk. He hasn't seemed to miss it. Next will be yogurt. It will be hard to get rid of cheese since Nate has a quesadilla at least 6 times per week.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Videos
I've been working on a super-long autism-related post, which is why I haven't posted in a few days. But I just had to come on and link to these videos, one of Nate singing "Jesus Loves Me" and one of Lucy laughing last night.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Beds and car seats
This weekend we took apart Nate's crib and set up his toddler bed. He was so excited about it... until we told him he had to sleep in it. :) So Jon sat in the room with Nate for an hour or so that first night, but the two nights since then have been a breeze (in part because we installed a bed rail the next day), AND he has still been taking a nap! The transition was easy, and Nate is proud of himself and his big boy bed.It's about time for Lucy to switch to a bigger car seat, so I was planning on giving her Nate's and getting a new one for Nate. This is where I need some help: what "next step" car seats do you all use or have liked in the past? So far I've looked at the Britax Regent, which is huge but really safe; the Cosco Summit, which keeps him in a 5-point harness until 40 pounds and then switches to a seatbelt booster; and the Evenflo Generations, which is like the Summit. Nate weighs 32 pounds right now. What do you all recommend?
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Rimland Center
I'm really excited tonight because we got an appointment for Nate at the Rimland Center. It's a new, state-of-the-art autism treatment center in Lynchburg, VA, the town where my parents live. Here's a news article about the center. Several of the doctors there are DAN! doctors, knowledgeable about biomedical treatments like diet change, supplementation, yeast treatment, etc. My mom attended the grand opening this past Saturday and relayed to me how wonderful the place seems. (An interesting note: one of the speakers at the open house was Dr. Houston, the creator of the enzymes we give Nate.) I downloaded and filled out the paperwork (30 pages!), faxed it to my mom, and she brought it to the center. We were praying that they would be able to take Nate some time during the week between Christmas and New Year's, since that is when we are already going to be in Lynchburg (airline tickets already bought). Today we found out that they are able to take us! I am thrilled and really anxious to get moving on these next steps for Nate.
Speaking of Nate, he is amazing me more every day. Today we were doing a puzzle together, and I asked him what one of the pieces was (it was the letter Y, with pictures of yarn on it). I have told him before that it is yarn, but it has been a long while--since before he was talking at all. He said, "Y ... is... yarn!" It's so cool to realize that, though he couldn't put any of the sounds together, he knew what it was, and now he totally remembers and is able to say the word without any prompting!
Speaking of Nate, he is amazing me more every day. Today we were doing a puzzle together, and I asked him what one of the pieces was (it was the letter Y, with pictures of yarn on it). I have told him before that it is yarn, but it has been a long while--since before he was talking at all. He said, "Y ... is... yarn!" It's so cool to realize that, though he couldn't put any of the sounds together, he knew what it was, and now he totally remembers and is able to say the word without any prompting!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Group
Nate started group at therapy yesterday. I stayed to observe the first several minutes while I fed Lucy her breakfast. We walked in (right on time, but people must get there early), and Nate saw the 15-20 children sitting in the circle; he walked right up and sat in the circle next to Will, his former in-home ABA therapist who is now Nate's "shadow" for group. They all sang five or six songs, and Nate joined in on the ones he knew and tried to do the motions, too. Toward the end, he started crying because 1) I was still there and 2) I think he wanted to go on the slide or something. But he got over it. After the song time, they all split into smaller groups to do what seems like a station schedule: Nate and two or three other kids went into a small room to do some sort of work, while another group went to do "gross motor" (the obstacle course/"fun stuff"--slide, ball pit, balance beam, etc.), and another group went into a different room, etc. Nate did gross motor later, too, and Will said he liked it but didn't like the taking turns/waiting for the person in front of you to go first thing. He'll catch on to that very quickly, though. Overall, I'm very pleased with this new setup for Nate and look forward to his getting adjusted to it.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Lucy - 7 months
What a joy sweet Lucy is in our lives. She is content and easy-going, with the softest cheeks and skin I might have ever felt. She has her daddy's eyes and face/head shape. I'm hoping she also inherits his good skin, generosity, humility, and even temper.
So far, Lucy has eaten baby oatmeal, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans (not a fan), and rice cereal. Here she is not enjoying the green beans (a.k.a. snaps):
She sleeps at least 8 hours at night (8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.), but I'm hoping that will stretch longer soon. (I'll probably stretch her times by half-hour increments over a couple of weeks.)
Lucy has some favorite toys: a stuffed giraffe that rattles, a plush teether toy with several colors that also rattles, and a little plastic pink and green turtle. She also loves chewing on Nate's blocks and playing in the exersaucer.
She can roll easily both ways now and sits with assistance. She hasn't gotten up onto hands and knees, but I think she'll figure that out soon. At her doctor appointment last week, she weighed 15 pounds 14 ounces (40th percentile), and her height was 50th percentile. Her head cirumference was 40th percentile.
She smiles a lot and is very content. She doesn't laugh as readily as some babies, but when she does, her eyes light up and her giggle is so cute. She laughs easiest at Nate, and he now understand what I mean when I say, "Make Lucy laugh."
I am so thankful for our little sweet pea!
So far, Lucy has eaten baby oatmeal, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans (not a fan), and rice cereal. Here she is not enjoying the green beans (a.k.a. snaps):
She sleeps at least 8 hours at night (8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.), but I'm hoping that will stretch longer soon. (I'll probably stretch her times by half-hour increments over a couple of weeks.)
Lucy has some favorite toys: a stuffed giraffe that rattles, a plush teether toy with several colors that also rattles, and a little plastic pink and green turtle. She also loves chewing on Nate's blocks and playing in the exersaucer.
She can roll easily both ways now and sits with assistance. She hasn't gotten up onto hands and knees, but I think she'll figure that out soon. At her doctor appointment last week, she weighed 15 pounds 14 ounces (40th percentile), and her height was 50th percentile. Her head cirumference was 40th percentile.
She smiles a lot and is very content. She doesn't laugh as readily as some babies, but when she does, her eyes light up and her giggle is so cute. She laughs easiest at Nate, and he now understand what I mean when I say, "Make Lucy laugh." I am so thankful for our little sweet pea!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Back to normal
This week is a bit back to normal now that we can go outside without getting covered in ash. The fires are mostly contained, and we're praying the winds don't pick up again.
Nate had another evaluation at Cornerstone, and they recommended he keep the same number of hours but instead of doing in-home ABA on Mondays, he would do what they call "group" on Mondays and Wednesdays. Group is a lot like preschool: there are several children (4-5 I think) together, and they sit together, sing songs, do obstacle courses, raise their hands to volunteer or ask questions, etc. It sounds really cute and perfect for Nate. We'll see if Regional Center approves it.
I'm off to eat lunch while the children nap!
Oh, and here we are as Clark Kent and Lois Lane for a party we went to this weekend:
Edited to add more pictures:
Nate had another evaluation at Cornerstone, and they recommended he keep the same number of hours but instead of doing in-home ABA on Mondays, he would do what they call "group" on Mondays and Wednesdays. Group is a lot like preschool: there are several children (4-5 I think) together, and they sit together, sing songs, do obstacle courses, raise their hands to volunteer or ask questions, etc. It sounds really cute and perfect for Nate. We'll see if Regional Center approves it.
I'm off to eat lunch while the children nap!
Oh, and here we are as Clark Kent and Lois Lane for a party we went to this weekend:
Edited to add more pictures:
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Nateism
For a long time, I've looked forward to the day I could start posting about cute things my children said. Kids really do say the darndest things, and it is a special joy for me that Nate is starting to be one of those kids! Tonight after Bible study (where a babysitter watches the 8-10 kids at the house next door), as we were driving away, Nate said goodbye using a word we've never formally taught him: "Bye bye, children!"
Saturday, October 27, 2007
In the works
This week I've been making more calls for the next steps in Nate's treatment. I've been looking for a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) doctor. These are doctors (sometimes pediatricians, sometimes internists, sometimes other M.D.s, sometimes more "holistic" doctors) who usually have been to one or more DAN! conferences and believe in treating autism biomedically (enzymes, diet changes, supplementation, toxin removal, more) in addition to traditional therapies. I want to start taking Nate to one because some of the next things I want to try should be medically supervised (like if he needs treatment for yeast overgrowth, which often requires prescribed medicine).
The first and most prominent place I called is so full it is not taking new patients and apparently is not even using a waiting list (the girl on the phone was pretty rude, even when I read out loud to her an e-mail I'd received from one of the doctors there). However, another place I called sounds much more promising: the receptionist spent a good 15 minutes on the phone with me describing the doctor and her work, which includes a 2-hour initial appointment. The receptionist said about 30-40% of this doctor's work is with autism, which I like since some of the other places I looked at made little or no mention of autism. In addition, this doctor holds an open-to-the-public session one evening a month, so we could go talk to her and meet her without committing to a large first appointment fee.
This week we also went to get Nate's blood drawn for a second time. We'll have to go back to the lab for a third draw since the amount of blood needed for all the tests the neurologist wants run is too much to draw at one or even two times. Most of the tests are measuring things I don't understand unless I look them up: DNA for Fragile X, carnitine levels, quantitative plasma amino acids, acylcarnitine profile, and quite a few more. There will also be results for levels of lead, lactate, and ammonia in the blood. Whatever doctor we end up going to will no doubt use these results (and maybe more) in determining what we'll try next.
The first and most prominent place I called is so full it is not taking new patients and apparently is not even using a waiting list (the girl on the phone was pretty rude, even when I read out loud to her an e-mail I'd received from one of the doctors there). However, another place I called sounds much more promising: the receptionist spent a good 15 minutes on the phone with me describing the doctor and her work, which includes a 2-hour initial appointment. The receptionist said about 30-40% of this doctor's work is with autism, which I like since some of the other places I looked at made little or no mention of autism. In addition, this doctor holds an open-to-the-public session one evening a month, so we could go talk to her and meet her without committing to a large first appointment fee.
This week we also went to get Nate's blood drawn for a second time. We'll have to go back to the lab for a third draw since the amount of blood needed for all the tests the neurologist wants run is too much to draw at one or even two times. Most of the tests are measuring things I don't understand unless I look them up: DNA for Fragile X, carnitine levels, quantitative plasma amino acids, acylcarnitine profile, and quite a few more. There will also be results for levels of lead, lactate, and ammonia in the blood. Whatever doctor we end up going to will no doubt use these results (and maybe more) in determining what we'll try next.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
More on motherhood: being appreciated
I often depend on my husband to validate me, to make me feel appreciated, to tell me I'm a good wife and mother. He is good at doing that and does it often; however, I realize that it shouldn't be my motivation, that it isn't what dictates whether I actually am doing a "good job."
Amy from Amy's Humble Musings echoes these thoughts:
Aha!
God knows women desire appreciation and to be noticed. The Proverbs 31 woman, who seems to "do it all," is appreciated. A highlight of that chapter for me is verses 28-29:
I do desire for my children and husband to appreciate me, and I don't believe that is wrong. However, verse 30 should be my focus:
It is the woman who does all of this work for Him who deserves the praise!
And happy birthday, Lucy M!
Amy from Amy's Humble Musings echoes these thoughts:
For many years, I walked around waiting for someone to notice my sacrifice and hoped for some grand acknowledgment on Mother’s Day. (I admit it.) One day I realized that my obedience is better than feeling appreciated. And this is the secret of the Christian’s life--everything is an offering for Christ. What we do for little ones, we do for Christ.
Aha!
God knows women desire appreciation and to be noticed. The Proverbs 31 woman, who seems to "do it all," is appreciated. A highlight of that chapter for me is verses 28-29:
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
I do desire for my children and husband to appreciate me, and I don't believe that is wrong. However, verse 30 should be my focus:
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
It is the woman who does all of this work for Him who deserves the praise!
And happy birthday, Lucy M!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Miscellanies
Fires
Many of you have probably seen news coverage on the southern CA wildfires. The Malibu fire destroyed Malibu Presbyterian Church, where I went when I attended Pepperdine. It also destroyed a really neat castle we used to drive by and wonder about.
The air at our house has an eerie brownish tinge to it, and the smoke/ash smell is really strong. The closest fire to our house is still not very close, but having it be in our city does make the fact that people are losing their homes more real.
All of this is to say we're OK, and please pray with us for those affected!
Something new
I've been using my current purse since early high school. It is still in decent shape (which is certainly a testament to the sturdiness of this brand, The Sak), but I've been finding myself feeling a little embarrassed by it because it is so out of style. I have a couple of other bags, but they aren't everyday bags because they have lots of colors or are too fancy or too small. This past week, I used some of my flute lesson money to get myself a new bag. It came today and I LOVE it! It's a Harvey's seatbelt bag. Ricci had (still has?) one and I've always admired it.
I'll try to post a pic of my new bag later!
Cute kids
Here are Nate and Lucy after her nap today. I love these kids!
Many of you have probably seen news coverage on the southern CA wildfires. The Malibu fire destroyed Malibu Presbyterian Church, where I went when I attended Pepperdine. It also destroyed a really neat castle we used to drive by and wonder about.
The air at our house has an eerie brownish tinge to it, and the smoke/ash smell is really strong. The closest fire to our house is still not very close, but having it be in our city does make the fact that people are losing their homes more real.
All of this is to say we're OK, and please pray with us for those affected!
Something new
I've been using my current purse since early high school. It is still in decent shape (which is certainly a testament to the sturdiness of this brand, The Sak), but I've been finding myself feeling a little embarrassed by it because it is so out of style. I have a couple of other bags, but they aren't everyday bags because they have lots of colors or are too fancy or too small. This past week, I used some of my flute lesson money to get myself a new bag. It came today and I LOVE it! It's a Harvey's seatbelt bag. Ricci had (still has?) one and I've always admired it.
I'll try to post a pic of my new bag later!
Cute kids
Here are Nate and Lucy after her nap today. I love these kids!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Language
Nate is saying a LOT! He repeats almost anything I say now, often with correct pronunciation. I hope to catch him on film saying some of the especially cute things, like "Cool," "Exercise," "Good morning," "Okay" (pronounced "Otay" of course), "Hi baby girl," and "Ohhh, nice" (he says that one after he gives someone an unpromted kiss, I think because I often say, "Oh, that's so nice" when he kisses Lucy). We also got his PECS book this week, and we've been using it. He finds the picture of what he wants, places it on the velcro strip next to the "I want" picture, and brings me the strip. Then he says, "I want _____" (cereal, bubbles, whatever). The key here is that he must bring me the strip and communicate with me, not go to what he wants and miss the communication thing (example: running to the fridge and saying "milk" even though I'm in the other room).
Go Nate!
I caught some of the words today:
Go Nate!
I caught some of the words today:
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Busyness
We are into the fall season, and it feels especially busy this year. We have therapy 4 days a week, MOPS (a fun commitment!), AWANA, flute lessons, and of course the normal day-to-day stuff. Now that I look at it, that little list doesn't seem like much... but it is! We don't have any commitments on Fridays, so I always let out a big exhale when we make it to Thursday afternoon. I don't want to get through each day just barely holding on, but some weeks, it feels that way!
Other notes: Nate and Lucy had their first sibling bath together on Monday evening. I was giving Lucy a bath, and Nate wanted to get in. It was cute.
Ricci and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch yesterday. A couple of school groups were there, so it was really crowded, but the kids still had a fun time.
Miles & Nate
Eli
Lucy in the sling
Other notes: Nate and Lucy had their first sibling bath together on Monday evening. I was giving Lucy a bath, and Nate wanted to get in. It was cute.
Ricci and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch yesterday. A couple of school groups were there, so it was really crowded, but the kids still had a fun time.
Miles & Nate
Eli
Lucy in the sling
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