Parenthood

I've head so many things about the show Parenthood - a drama based on the box-office hit movie that follows a family through their daily lives. Included are characters Christina and Adam Braverman who have a son, Max, that is recently diagnosed with Aspergers. With the arrival of a Roku for Christmas I decided to give it a shot and started with episode one. And I was hooked.

I love this show because I can relate. Watching Christina, Adam and Max was like watching my own life from the outside. Dropping everything for that last minute opening with the overbooked psychologist... color coding my calendar with appointments, therapies, and personal time. Struggling, fighting over things that only an Aspie would fight you on. Avoiding certain activities, rejoicing in small strides, and being your child's biggest advocate. This show has been MY therapy. And I'm excited to catch up and see where this goes!

As for updates on us, Ben started a 'Stepping Stones' therapy at In-Step. It's a social skills group for children ages 4-5. Some of the other children also have a neurobiological disorder, but most are just socially shy or overbearing. It has been nice to talk with other parents and hear things that have worked/not worked for them. And after hearing their struggles I have to think we have it pretty good. Ben is mostly even tempered and has already come such a long way. I'm so thankful that we were able to get him early intervention. Ben continues with services through the county and his resource aid has been excellent at providing ideas to help us at home as well as preschool. I'm currently in the process of setting up charts for morning & evening routines, along with house rules (these are all great for ANY family). It's a little unnerving to cover my walls with brightly colored construction paper but I know its for the best for everyone, especially Ben who operates best on visual aids and positive reinforcement.

AJ continues to be Ben's biggest fan and they play wonderfully together. Thomas also has improved tremendously from his OT and PT - while his diet is limited he is self feeding a variety of table foods. His core strength has improved and we hope to have him walking before his first birthday.

Hope to provide other updates soon! Until then, I'm off to watch episode 28! :-)

Celebrating our Fuzz

AJ turned three last week and like Ben he had a fun filled week of celebrations!

It started on Wednesday when he received his present after breakfast and exclaimed "I'm 4 like Benny!" and then a book reading by none other than moi at his preschool - The Little Red Caboose (he knows all the words by heart).

Thursday Marisa gave him a little extra attention by treating him to a trip to Target (his favorite) for cookies and an extra special present.

For his party on Saturday we decided to do just a family affair (when I asked him who he wanted to invite to his party he said "Ben" and "Thomas"). So that's what we did. We started our morning at Build A Bear workshop where Uncle Jon & Aunt Cori joined us. AJ had already pre determined he was getting a dog (which he brilliantly named "Doggie") and he was super excited to have his new pooch in hand. He chose a giggle sound which is so fitting for AJ.

Ben followed suit and get the exact same thing as AJ. Yay. His dog is named "B-ruff" and has a dog barking sound (the only way we can tell them apart, really!)

It was a fun adventure (even though they were terrified of the machines) and it was so cute to see them excited about their new pet.

We then hit up Chic-fil-a for lunch and finished with cake at Nana and Grandpas. AJ requested a 'Cars' themed party (I was happy to move on from Thomas) so thats what we gave him. Notice Nana's nice decorating skills!

Right as we were wrapping up Grandpa offered to take the boys on the metro to Union Station. Seth took Thomas home and the rest of us hoped in the car. They were eager to skip naps and brave the traffic. They had a great time (despite AJ's foot getting caught in the metro door) and enjoyed their first taxi ride through the city as well.

Needless to say, he slept well that night!

Thank you to everyone who made his week extra special!

Happy Birthday AJ!

A very special birthday with for AJ who turns 3 today! He is such a happy guy, always full of energy and is embracing "big boy" status like he's just turned 21. We love you buddy and look forward to celebrating with you this weekend!