Perhaps I'm alone in my feelings, but just in case, I thought I would put this out there. All of my life, I've always loved the holidays. I loved seeing family and friends that I haven't seen in awhile.  I loved the atmosphere and feeling of togetherness.  I was also quite fond of all the lights, sounds and smells that come with the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now I have a family, a special needs family and everything has changed, at least for me. You see, all the things that I loved so dearly about the holidays, my family can't cope with. The reason for this is that my wife and all three of our boys are all on the #Autism spectrum. Basically, the holidays, in the more traditional form,…

I'm really concerned about Elliott and this new allergy.  We're still waiting to hear from the doctor, as she likes to personally call and explain things. Having said that, when the nurse informed us of the results, she said that Elliott's numbers were extremely high and that he can't have any contact with almonds. What we don't know yet is exactly what this means. We don't know whether or not other tree nuts are on the list and just how carefully these need to be avoided. It does look as though he will need to carry an epipen on his person at all times. Needless to say, this complicates our already complicated lives and has increased Elliott's anxiety.  :-(

Emmett is a very careful shopper.  He reads the back of the box to learn what's in the food he's eating.  Actually, he traced the words on the back of the box.  He's got the right idea though. I think it's important for him to learn things like this and even if he's only practicing. :-)

Lizze fell asleep this afternoon in the middle of multitasking.  She was working on a post, her new book and listening to music, all at the same time.  :-) She's probably gonna kill me for posting this.  However, in my defense, she looked so peaceful and she's working so hard on these things. 

I had to be at Summit Academy this morning at 9:00 am to meet with Elliott's teachers for conferences. Elliott's teachers couldn't say enough positive things about him.  He's excelling in academics and socially as well.  To quote his teacher, "Elliott just blows my mind". That said, they do have some concerns.  He's incredibly anxious and worries all the time. He also is lacking confidence in the sense that he doesn't believe in himself. Hearing this was not a surprise as we see the same things at home.  They are going to continue working with him on these things and we will do the same at home.  I'm so proud of my little man.  He's doing so awesome and as a parent, I loved hearing all these amazing things about…

We just spoke with Elliott’s immunologist's office to follow up on his allergy testing.  If was freakishly good timing because they just received the results back. As it turns out, Elliott has a very, very serious allergy to almonds.  The nurse said that as soon as the doctor gets into the office, she's gonna show her and we will receive a call.  It looks as though Elliott will need to be carrying an epipen with him at all times. As if life wasn't hard enough for Elliott, now it's going to be even tougher. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Oh, and if you happen to see Murphy, the author of that law, tell him I said to go screw himself.  :O

Not even 24 hours into Gavin temporary return home and we're already having problems.  The second I leave the room or the house, as it was earlier this morning, Gavin begins messing with Lizze.  He begins asking the same question over and over.  When I asked him about it, he admitted to it but denies knowing why. Once I'm home, the behavior stops.  As soon as I'm not around, he starts up again. Lizze doesn't appear to be letting him get under her skin.  Good for her.  :-) Gavin was talked to about this at least twice this morning already and I'm not going to play any games.  He lost his choice for lunch and will be having oatmeal.  To his credit, he took it in stride and didn't freak…