Day 177: The Word of the Day is: "YUCKY!"

Today at dinner Lyla was eating her french fries and I look over and she's opening her mouth weird, as she does when she doesn't like what she's chewing on. So I put her plate in front of her so she can spit it out. She does, and looks at it and says (completely unprompted) "YUCKY!!!!" 

Now, if one of the other kids would've done this I'd have said, "that is yucky and you shouldn't spit your food out, you should swallow it." But in this case, I was cheering and saying "YES!!! That IS Yucky!!!" and then I started bawling because she said something that had true meaning without us prompting a response! 

A truly amazing moment to end a long day.

The beginning of the day my mom came over and we went to visit Stepping Stone preschool. They have integrated classrooms for kids with IEPs (Individualized Education Plan) and kids without who are normal functioning. We really would like to see Lyla in this type of setting, at least to get a feel for what her needs will be when it comes to a classroom environment. Walking into this school I just knew this was the place for Lyla. All these staff who we passed by in the hallway or who walked by us while we were waiting for our "tour guide" greeted us with bright smiles. The woman who took us on the tour and explained the programs they have available was so great. She made me feel like Lyla was already placed here and this is what they can/will do for her when she starts in September. (She actually apologized for doing this later on, but I think that's really part of what sold me!) It's close to home, the kids all seemed so happy and relaxed. I can't wait to put this place down as her preschool on Monday when I call up the CPSE head. I can see that they will guide us along all these unknowns we have ahead of us, and I am looking forward to the fall when she can start.

Day 176: PreK Graduation!

Day 173: "Crocheting..."

It may be Spring, and nearly summer, but I'm still working on crochet goods! This is a hat I made for an auction to raise money for the March of Dimes. I don't crochet AS much as I do during the winter. Most people aren't looking for warm hats and such. But I've been working on some new ideas, and continue to play around with old favorites as well! I'm hoping to get a bunch of ready-to-ship (RTS) items made so that I can list them and have no wait time...I love doing custom work and colors...but it makes the process a lot longer. So hopefully I'll find some interest in things I make through this slower season! :)

Day 172: "Happy Father's Day!"

There's nothing like playing in dirt with your daddy!

Day 171: "Toad"

Noah caught a toad!!!

Mr. Toad.

Day 170: "Very Merry UnBirthday to Emmalee!"

Her bday celebration at school.

Everybody singing to her!!

My girl!

Day 169: "Skinny Minnie!"

Oops!!!

Much better!

Day 168: "Field Trip!"

Day 167: "More For the Birds!"

Looks like there's 2 little peepers in there!!! And there's Momma Bird in the tree in our front yard, making sure we're not trying to get them!

Day 166: "Baby Birds"

Look at this pile of feathers! A Robin built a nest on our porch light after several attempts of us pulling down her starter branches. It's been there for a few weeks, and the other day we saw a little beak poking out. There's 2 or 3 in there!!! I just hope the neighbor's cat doesn't get to them the day Momma Robin teaches them to fly.

Day 165: "Cousins"

Day 164: "Diggin' in the Dirt"

Day 163: "Bittersweet"

This is Lyla. She is just shy of 3 years old (I can't believe it's been almost 3 years since we welcomed these little miracles into our life). Today is a bittersweet day. Lyla was given the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Why is this bittersweet? Why aren't you sad, devastated, angry, scared? Well I am all those things, but I am also relieved, anxious, ready and content. We've known for several months that Lyla was a little behind her brothers. She and Noah both started Early Intervention services back in October of last year and we were so ready for both of them to start communicating with us in real words! Noah within a few months was making huge strides, and we were finally understanding each other, whereas Lyla was making no progress and even made some regression, which was discouraging. After a few more months and suggestions from her speech therapist (ST) we decided to pursue the opinion of a Development Pediatrician who specializes in, well, development and specifically Autism Disorders. When I called to request an appointment I was terrified, and when they called me to interview me about Lyla, I was worried I'd say the wrong things and they wouldn't see her and we'd be stuck. But they wanted to see Lyla, and today was that visit.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
At { http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism } it says:

"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age."

So what now? I'm asking this myself. With the support of her therapists and team of teacher/service coordinators etc we will put into place the right plan for therapies to help Lyla learn to communicate and develop behaviors she doesn't have hard-wired like we do. Over the next several weeks this plan will be developed and executed and as a family we will figure this all out. Because Lyla has the diagnosis there will be more doors open for her than if she did not, so for that I am relieved and content. I knew there was something going on, but didn't know what it was. Sure, I suspected Autism, but I hoped I'd be wrong. No one wants this for their child, but with this diagnosis, opportunities for growth and development are so much greater now than if we were to leave her to catch up at her own pace.

Lyla is such a loving and affectionate individual and I believe with all we have in store for her she will succeed! I'm still anxious and scared, but I'm ready for whatever this roller coaster will put in our path. As long as our Lyla is getting what she needs, we can do anything and long as we never give up.

Day 162: "TBT"

June 5, 2013 Closeup!

Day 161: "Just a Thought."

Who's with me????

Day 160:

Day 159: "Say Goodbye to the 'Fro!"

BEFORE

AFTER!

Day 158: "Lyla and her Onions"