The A Word. A Diagnosis.

Back at the end of February we had a follow up appointment with the developmental pediatrician concerning a questionnaire both us, and Cole's preschool filled out regarding his social behaviour.  Apparently our answers were so similar, that the doctor asked us if we filled out the questionnaire together.  We even came to the same score, which never happens.  It was the social component of Cole's assessment back in August 2011, that required further observation before making a final diagnosis.  If you remember Cole was given the label of "Global Delays" after his initial assessment in August 2011.  After the parallel consensus of the questionnaires, the Pediatrician finally gave us a diagnosis of high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Since then life has been a bustle of various appointments for Cole regarding different therapies, as well as preparing him for Junior Kindergarten in the fall.  Every time I've thought about blogging this significant milestone in our journey, there just hasn't been what I have deemed enough time or the clearness of thought after putting the kiddos down for the night.  So here I am, with a terrible sinus cold, and possible infection ... unable to sleep.  After hearing from a couple of friends perhaps just starting this journey of diagnosis, I thought it was about time I shared the end result of ours.

We've been told by several professionals that we are taking the diagnosis quite well.  This can be a devastating blow for many families.  Frankly, to be honest, it was more of a relief.  For myself, personally, I have suspected Autism since Cole was almost a year old.  At two years, I was almost certain.  The next almost 2 years was more of a waiting game while jumping through the proper hoops amidst a move across the country and provincial health systems.  I'm not pretending that this was at all easy, but I think I did the bulk of my "grieving" 2 years ago.  I say "grieving" because I'm not sure of how else to describe the feeling that a diagnosis like Autism gives.  I think this may be a whole other post in itself.  I'm going to  have to save that one for another day.  I don't think my aching sinuses could handle the emotional release that rehashing those feeling would give.

So what does Cole's new diagnosis mean for us?  As a family, not much.  Cole is still Cole, just the way God made him.  Like any kid he has his own challenges and learns at his own pace.  These challenges are a reality that we have learned to accept and work with since he came into our lives.  We will continue to help him achieve, learn, grow, love and gain Independence just like any other child.  How we approach this may just be a little different.

What does Cole's diagnosis mean for him?  Cole doesn't know that he is different from anyone else at this point.  He has always been Cole, and that's normal for him.  This diagnosis will merely give him the resources in our society (for eg. school) to help him navigate his way in a world that functions differently than he does.

What does this diagnosis mean for others?  I believe it means that people can now have a reference point as how to relate to our son.  An awareness of what Autism is can result in an understanding of why and how Cole does what he does. 

One final thought ...

I read a number of blogs written by parents whose children have ASD (autism spectrum disorders).  One mom in particular at MOM - Not Otherwise Specified, did an excellent presentation to her son's class about what Autism is and blogged about it.  She titled it "A hair-dryer kid in a toaster-brained world" I highly suggest you read it.  It will make you think about Autism in a very tangible way and she expresses it better than I ever could.

Summer is Here

After years of the hassle of inflatable pools, we finally got a hard plastic one thanks to Kendall's birthday and a gift from Opa.  Today's muggy weather was a perfect day to break it in.

Kendall is like a duck to water, so her excitement was anticipated. 

Last year Cole wouldn't even step foot into the pool and threw a tantrum about wearing a swim diaper, so we weren't sure what he would think this summer.  As you can see by these pictures it wasn't even a concern this year.  In fact he asked to wear a swimming pull up even though I wasn't planning on requiring him to wear one.

Yes the kids stood the whole time.  I couldn't blame them since the hose water was a mite chilly.  It didn't stop them from throwing water at each other and themselves (or mommy either!).

Waiting for Daddy

BIRTHDAYS!

So it's been a long while since my last post.  I seem to post in waves.  Sometimes I feel like posting, and sometimes I don't.  It's been a dry spell lately.  I've been keeping myself busy though.  Apparently I planned and threw 4 birthday parties in the last month and-a-half.  Here's a recap:

Birthday #1  Cole's 4th Birthday

The Theme was Disney/Pixar's Cars 2.  Cole has a great memory for detail and could recount every decoration from last year.  However, he seems to have missed one major item of importance.  He INSISTS he is TWO.  I guess he doesn't remember the first two birthday parties we threw him, despite showing him the pictures and counting the birthdays.  Now that his sister just turned two, he'll tell you they are the same age.  Most days it seems true, so maybe he knows something we don't. 

 Back on topic ...

Cole once again loved his cake, but didn't want to eat any.  It was delicious though.  The racetrack cake was easy to make.  We made sure to use character cars from the movie.  A couple of our own and a few new friends for the birthday boy.Other presents included a few new books for Cole's Leapfrog Tag and a couple of Innotab games, so he was pretty much entrance for the rest of the day and totally happy.  Cole will start Jr. Kindergarten in the fall, which is almost too hard for me to wrap my head around until I look at him, and see he's now more boy than baby.

Birthday #2 Dave's Birthday

If you know my hubby, then you probably know he doesn't like cake.  Last year I made him a cheesecake (very different) and this year I made him my cherry pie (a favourite).  Dave doesn't like a big fuss for his birthday but since the kids think that decorations = birthday in this house I made a few of my own using a pad of construction paper.  The kids were enthralled by the Muppets colour blocking and it now resides in our family room.

Dave and I loved the Muppets growing up, so as soon as it came out on Blu-ray we bought it and let the kids watch too.  Over a month later it continues to be a favourite and the kids request it at least once a day (which of course I don't indulge them in).  The both have the soundtrack memorized and quote lines from 80's Robot.  Hearing your 1 year old say lines like "Gnarly to the max", and, "gag me with a spoon" is incredibly cute.

 

Birthday #3 Swingsley's Birthday

The Birthday monkey (right) and his Uncle (left)

Party guests arrive

Helping Swingsley blow out his candle

Swingsley's gift from Mommy and Daddy ... a new friend!

One morning Cole informed us that it was Swingsley's birthday and that he was going to have a party with decorations, party hats and a cake and that Swingsley's uncle and monkey friends were going to come.  It was short notice but I had an extra box of cake mix in the pantry.  A few hours later I learned that Swingsley's birthday was the next day ... so now I had a little more time.  The result was a Curious George party.

A banana shaped cake with monkey cupcakes and decorations thanks to PBS kids.org and my printer.  Swingsley got one present from Mommy and Daddy, a new friend.  The picture of Cole's, I mean Swingsley's, excitement is priceless!

Birthday #4  Kendall's 2nd Birthday

After throwing so many parties already, Kendall's birthday kind of got put together last minute.  I was getting pretty birthday-ed out and the thought of adding more cake to my waist line didn't really inspire me.  I didn't decide on a theme or decorations until less than a week before the party. 

Finally I decided on a Sesame Street theme.  "Elmo" was Kendall's first word after all.  Cole's second birthday was an Elmo theme so I had to think of  something fresh.  Thanks to my Pinterest addiction, I found some Sesame character themed poof decorations on Etsy.  I thought "I could make those" and was sold.  I also saw some pins for rainbow cake which seemed yummy and could tie into Sesame's bright colours.  So I ordered some decorations and committed.

The poofs turned out great.  But the cake ... I had to improvise on my toes.  One of my coloured layers stuck to the cooling rack and completely fell apart, turning my 4 layer cake into a 3 layer cake.  Oh, and other than knowing I wanted a rainbow cake with white icing, I had nothing else.  I had no idea how to decorate it.  So an hour before the stores closed, I drew up a couple of quick sketches, and then hit Bulk Barn for some inspiration.  I came home with a tube of black icing and some Mike and Ikes, and got to work.  It turned out terrific, if you over look the fact that there was so much red food colouring you had to scrape off the top of each served piece because Elmo's face tasted horrible.  (Note to self:  next time splurge and buy the tasteless red food colouring.)

Needless to say, after having been a guest a the previous 3 birthday parties, Kendall was giddy with anticipation.  Her hands were literally shaking with excitement while she ate breakfast in the midst of the decorations.

I can't believe my baby is now 2 years old!  In comparison to Cole and his challenges, she's grown up so quickly and almost too easily.  She's my last baby and I am thankful that she has let me savour her every moment.

So no more birthdays until next year.  Mine is in December, and I refuse to throw my own party.  But who knows?  There's a lot of favourite stuffed animals in this house that could possible have birthdays coming up.  However, a little more notice for Mommy would be appreciated.

Results: An Update

Remember this post ?!

It was the start of my commitment to shed those extra baby pounds and get in shape.  Well, that was almost a year ago.

Someone may be wondering what's happened since then.  Mostly, because I rarely post pictures of anyone other than my adorable children on this blog.  So unless you've see me in person, its probably been a big mystery.

I'm happy to report that thanks to being smarter about what I ate, and a regular amount of pushing a double stroller around our neighbourhood this summer, I was able to reach my goal weight (and then thanks to the flu this Christmas ... a couple of extra pounds).  Not only was I able to wear something other than my maternity sweaters this summer, but I was also able to fit into a dress for my cousin's wedding in August.

And the icing on the cake ...

After being reunited with my wedding dress (my mom had been storing it all these years across the country), being married just shy of 10 years, and 2 kids later ... I was curious to know...  I decided to be brave during the kids' quiet time and just go for it.  Imagine my delight ... IT FITS!

(Now if you're a guy ... you may want to skip this part.  You've been warned.)

Now without a tummy tuck (won't happen), I will probably never wear a 2 piece bathing suit, or anything clingy again.  Nor will my belly button probably ever return to its original shape, size or position.  But, I'm extremely proud of reaching my goal.  My next one ...?  Now that I'm sure there are some abs down there, to firm them up a bit.  I'll check in again in a year and let you know if I've had another success.  Oh goodness ... I think I'll have to patch up my relationship with Jillian :-P