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First Day of Kindergarten

It seems that I have taken a little vacation from blogging. I have lots of catching up to do and I owe a post on our favorite apps for the iPad. I promise to post all of that in the next few days! I've spent the past few months contemplating whether or not to continue writing this blog. I realized that this space has been my sounding board. This is the way I make sense of what is going on around me. I also want to be able to help others who are going through something similar. So here I go!

 There has been a lot of change in the works. Finn started Kindergarten a few days ago. This is a big transition for any child, but for a child with ASD it can be extremely difficult. I planned for every possible circumstance! I made a list of "Finn Facts" for the teacher with the help of an amazing woman, Marilee Emerson. I listed his likes and dislikes and basically any information the teacher could make use of. This was Marilee's brilliant idea, of which I have also used for babysitters. During meet the teacher night I had my own little photo shoot in the classroom. I took pictures of Finn's cubby, the rug for circle time, his seat, his teacher, the front of the building and put it all together in a book called "Finn's First Day of Kindergarten." We started reading it a few days before school started, so that he knew exactly what to expect. I couldn't have been more prepared, so I thought.

 A week before school started we had Finn's appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician. She gave him an IQ test to further investigate the possibility of Aspergers. He scored very high, but he would have done even better had he been able to sit still for more than a few seconds. And so there is this little thing called ADHD. I thought we could get away with not talking about it for at least another year. I knew it was coming... MEDICATION! There is no way around it, unless we keep Finn home and hire a private tutor for the rest of his school career. This was a big blow to say the least. I am an extreme type A and this was not part of my plan for the transition into Kindergarten. We filled the script and started over the weekend. He was tired and a little grumpy in the afternoon for the first week. Then I started noticing changes that were absolutely amazing. He was thoughtful and focused instead of the usual impulsive behavior. I could have a conversation with him and stay on subject for more than a second. He has gone to school all week and we haven't had one problem. My sweet little boy is growing up right before my eyes! Once again I have learned that flexibility is at the top of the list when it comes to parenting a child with Autism. I need to remind myself of this more often! As parents we can plan and prepare all we want, but if we can't adapt quickly then we are no help to our children or ourselves.

Product Guide

Finn has been in Occupational Therapy for almost 2 years now. It has helped tremendously! Along the way we've tried an insane number of products, as I will buy anything to make things easier on him. I've decided to narrow the list down to what we've found works best.

Ferby Beginners Triangular Pencils are easy for a child to grasp and the lead is very soft, eliminating the need to use pressure.

Pen and Pencil Grips like these are great for adding extra comfort for little fingers during those repetitive practice sessions. It also stops the pencil from slipping.

Spring Scissors saved our child from never learning how to use scissors. He absolutely refused, until I bought these. I was convinced that he would somehow graduate from high school or even worse college, without being able to cut a piece of paper. The spring gives the scissors pressure for assistance in cutting. He cuts like a pro now!

Raised Line Paper has been a big help. The child can feel the line as they write.

Last but definitely not least is the iPad. This has made the biggest change in our lives. We have found a ton of inexpensive and free educational apps that Finn loves. Our latest purchase was a Wacom Stylus, which he uses to practice writing his letters. I highly recommend a durable case! We have many friends whose children have shattered their iPads. The Gumdrop has saved our iPad from complete destruction. I was totally against it at first because it isn't the lightest case. Let's just say that it has proven itself on a number of occasions. Check back next week for a list of Apps that I recommend!

My Boss

Last weekend while Bil was in San Francisco, I decided that Finn and I would spend the day in our pajamas. Finn had his own plan in mind, which consisted of me sitting at the sewing machine while he art directed. He had complete creative control. We worked into the evening without a break. Finn wanted me to keep working, but I had to put my foot down. He ended up with a little stuffed friend and a super hero cape. In the meantime my curtains are still not hemmed, but at least Finn will be able to fight crime in style.

The Year Ahead

There is something about 2012 that feels like more of a new beginning compared to years past. It could be because I turned 40 and I'm going to Paris! The weather in Florida has been perfect, 72 degrees with no rain. Finn and I have been driving around with the windows down, listening to French music. He prefers the Amelie soundtrack. We started Rosetta Stone last week. I say "we" because Finn repeats everything I say these days. He has been walking around saying garcon and will probably speak fluent French by the time I leave for my trip. Of course I will only know how to order wine, bread and cheese. Priorities!

Finn will also be turning 5 this year. He is growing like a weed and is so mature (and huge) for his age. I can't wait to see where the next year will take us!

C'est Magnifique

Bil gave me the most AMAZING birthday present a girl could ever dream of, a trip to Paris with one of my best friends, Karen! He is officially the best husband! It has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and he made it come true. He did this water color and gave it to me enclosed in the book This is Paris. Finn couldn't wait to give me the present and seems to think that he will be going with me.

Happy Birthday Merry Christmas!

I love the holiday season, even more so because my birthday is just 6 days before Christmas. I have to say that I do get the shaft most birthdays, but it's easy to forget with all of the holiday excitement. This year feels different from any other. I am celebrating a huge milestone, turning 40. I've been preparing myself for the past year, so I am ready to say that I'm officially old. Although, I don't feel old and that is the good news. I started running for the first time in May and completed 3 5Ks and a half marathon in 6 months. It was my goal to run a 5K before I turned 40 and I'm so proud that I could accomplish that and more. Finn keeps saying that I need to decide what I want for my birthday. He says it is a tricky one and suggested a doll house. It's a very sweet suggestion, but I can think of many other things I would like. I have no idea what Bil has planned, so this should be interesting.

Giving Thanks

The past couple of years have been extremely difficult for my family. We've had to sadly accept an ending to many lives and relationships in a short period of time. When our son was diagnosed with ASD last year, it felt like the end. Little did I know, it was the beginning of something amazing. We were pushed to the edge emotionally and physically. After a year of hard work, I now see that it was all worth the effort. I am so thankful for our adorable, hilarious, loving and super smart little guy. I am thankful for my husband, who keeps me laughing through all of the crap and happens to be the most amazing father. I am thankful for our families who have supported us in more ways than I can mention. I am thankful for our friends who checked on us constantly and made sure we stayed sane. This year, I realize that I'm a pretty lucky lady. I can't wait to eat a ton of stuffing and celebrate with good friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat? Finn prefers trick or better yet a toy. Four Halloween parties this year and trick or treating. All of this candy that Finn will not eat! Who do you think eats it? Me of course! I do have my favorites, the chocolate is the first to go. Finn also likes to tell everyone that he doesn't like candy and that his mommy will eat it. He also tried to give some of the candy back at one house in the neighborhood. I wonder what they were giving away? We made it to 5 houses and Finn told me that he was ready to go home. When he woke up the next morning, he asked if Rudolph would be coming to our house. I guess it's time to get the Christmas decorations out.

nighty-night

Bedtime is very methodical at our house. Sometimes I wonder if my "Baby Wise" scheduling methods created a monster. Finn goes to bed without any arguments, goes right to sleep and sleeps through the night. He has always been like this, which amazes our friends when they witness the routine. The problem arises each night when we spend 15 minutes putting every stuffed creature in a particular order on the bed or the dresser, some covered with blankets, a few of them need squishy toys to hold to and aliens go on the dresser lined up nicely. This method is to be taken seriously. Finn is not messing around and it needs to be perfect before he can fall asleep. Luckily for him, I also have OCD and totally understand the method to his madness. Sometimes it is a little ridiculous, especially when Yoda requests a specific squishy toy.

Endless Summer

The weather in Florida is finally cooling down, mid 80's. We can actually go to the park and enjoy being outside. After spending the last couple of months hiding inside from the heat, Finn can't get enough of being outside. This is why I love FL, we will be outdoors through the winter and into spring.

Finn's View on Video

Finn was playing angry birds on my phone the other day while I was putting gas in the car. Later that day I was looking for a photo on my phone and noticed at least 10 mysterious videos. We watched them together 3 or 4 times. Apparently he is his own biggest fan, as he fell onto the floor from laughing so hard. Here's a little compilation...

Congratulations Karen & Mike

We had an amazing time in Raleigh this weekend. Karen & Mike's wedding was absolutely perfect. Jenny Hammar was the wedding photographer, a friend of Karen's who flew in from Sweden with her husband Tom. She posted this on her blog, a little tease of photos to come. Can't wait!

Friends Getting Married

One of my very best friends is getting married this weekend. I've been trying to write a little toast, so I thought I would share a bit of what has been on my mind. Even though we've spent most of our friendship communicating long distance, as I moved to Florida just 4 months after we met, we managed to continue to talk twice a week. Karen has been there for me through it all. We've spent many a night drinking wine either in person or over the phone, mulling over life or brainstorming our next creative project. She is not only a good friend to me, but also to Bil and Finn.

She sends Finn gifts from her travels.

And makes him the most adorable things that end up being presents for me too!

I'm so excited to see my friend off on her next journey. I know how special it is to marry the love of your life and begin a family. I can't wait to watch her as she experiences how amazing it all can be.

Finn's Playlist

This is Finn's most recent playlist, the songs he requests when we get into my car or during our afternoon dance parties. He refers to each artist by name, except for She & Him. Whenever he hears Zoey Deschanel sing, he tells me that it's our friend who sings the Winnie the Pooh song

.

I'm not sure why he thinks she is our friend, but it's kind of cute and she is pretty adorable. Maybe he has a crush on her?

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
Cee Lo Green - Forget You (edited version)
Selena Gomez - Love You Like a Love Song
Andrew Bird - The Naming of Things
She & Him - This is Not a Test

No he didn't just say that!

I bought this book a few weeks ago to record the hilarious things that come out of Finn's mouth. Life has become a comedy show and my son is the lead character. I have found myself either bursting with laughter or beet red from embarrassment. My latest embarrassing moment was in the restroom of the Orlando airport. Finn proceeded to ask a female security guard if she was a police officer, "Do you fight bad guys? You have a big belly! Belly, belly, belly, big, big, big". It was bad enough, but he had to make up a little song at the end. Needless to say, I was humiliated. He speaks the truth, but we need to work on the filter.

I picked him up at school the other day and ended up meeting his occupational therapist. I had a nice conversation with him and got lots of tips to help Finn at home. We said goodbye and went to the car. As I was buckling Finn into his seat, he was staring at my teeth with a confused look on his face. He told me that I had something on my teeth. By the time I got into the car and looked in the mirror, it was gone. I asked him to tell me what it looked like and he said "it looked like a missing tooth". Apparently the turkey bacon I shoved in my mouth on my way out the door was stuck to my teeth. Lovely!

Weekend at Home

I'm having trouble getting into the groove today after a lazy weekend sitting around the house. I took lots of naps and Bil taught Finn how to play Star Wars Legos on the Wii. He is also teaching Finn to how to paint. Man, I'm making myself look bad. Oh well! It was a much needed break, but I always feel guilty afterward.

Back to School Shopping

As a kid, I loved back to school shopping. All of my favorite things; new fall clothes, book bags, shoes and paper products purchased during a two day shopping spree. Wish I could still do that! Instead I'm shopping for Finn. It isn't quite the same, but I do love dressing him up.

Stripes and Cardigans - enough said!

Finn is extremely particular about his shoes. In the spring I ordered 3 pair from Zappos in hopes that at least one pair would work. He wouldn't wear any of them, so I bought the shoes he already owned in a bigger size. I think he will like this pair of Adidas.

I wonder if I can get him to wear a bow tie? Probably not, but it's so darn cute.

He has this backpack in a slightly different design.

Weekend Wedding

Our dear friends got married over the weekend in Central Park. It was a lovely wedding, despite the pouring down rain. There was something charming about seeing a cluster of umbrellas in an impossibly intimate little area of the park. We were all soaked afterward and decided to head to the Plaza Hotel for a drink. It was very impromptu, like most of our days living in the city. Such good memories! I miss New York, but I did come to the realization that we could never live there again. Schlepping through the rain, in and out of cabs (or subway) with a child, is not how I want to live my life. It's easy to forget how difficult New York City living can be. I have definitely romanticized the time we spent there, which is fine considering those were the best years of my life.

Weekend Update

We spent the past few days at the Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg with family. It felt so far away in time and space, complete with a beautiful beach and a 1960's vibe motel. Finn had a blast meeting ladies in the pool. We're in big trouble! We tried the beach with complete failure for the 2nd year in a row. Apparently the rubbermaid box of sand he plays in, my attempt to break him of his fear, did not pan out. Instead we spent lots of time in the lobby putting quarters in the toy vending machines. I also taught him my mad pinball skills.

Before & After

I'm all about Before & After reveals. Last year when Finn went to preschool I found myself in desperate need of a project. My sanity is dependent upon design projects, so I decided to start with the house. I love the bones of our house, but there are so many cosmetic issues I wanted (and still want) to tackle. I started by painting all of the wood trim in our over 2,000 square ft house, along with the brick fireplace. It took me almost a year, but it has made a huge difference.

My next project was the master bath/bedroom combo. This was Number 1 on my most hated room list and ironically where I spend most of my time. I began with painting the wood trim white followed by the vanity. We had the carpet replaced with wood laminate and removed the light fixture, replacing it with two separate light fixtures. And we finally took down the giant mirror and put two framed mirrors up in its place, which I found at a discount store and painted white. The walls are painted Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore. I have many more house projects on my list, much to Bil's dismay. Luckily for him, I am very determined and figure out how to do most things on my own. So far we haven't had any mishaps, knock hard on wood.