This was my “healthy” lunch today 

I'm really trying to eat better and workout everyday, at least to some degree. Once the boys are back in school I can get back to walking in the mornings.. Rather than have what sounded really good for lunch today, I went with what was better for me. I do love my smoothies and have for years. Veggies are really tough for me to eat. I can't do the texture and so rather than not eat them at all, I make smoothies. They're actually really yummy and I think they're pretty healthy.  I recently started using fresh mint leaves and they are simply fabulous.. The mint leaves are really strong but they keep my breath fresh all day...  Anyway, here's the one I had for lunch today.  👍   

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My son has had over 416 needles stuck into his belly in the last 2 years and never once complained

Gavin just finished up his first IVIG infusion of the week. It took about 90 minutes but went though without any issues.  Gavin's a lot of things but one of those things is brave. Gavin's a brave kid and has never once complained about any of the hundreds of needles he's had to endure over the last few years.  I really think that says a great deal about him as a person. Just since we began doing these infusions at home about two years ago, he's had over 416 needles stuck into his belly. How many of us could so that and not complain?  I'm not sure that I could.. For this and a few other reasons, Gavin is one of my personal heroes... 😀      

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I’m seeing much more of Gavin’s delayed emotional age lately and it’s concerning

I've been writing about Gavin's IVIG infusions for many years now. For those who are new to our story, here's the 10 cent tour.  A few years ago, it was accidentally discovered that Gavin had lost majority of his immune systems functionality. There's no explanation or theory that seems to hold water.   As a result, Gavin must receive donor antibodies in the form of IVIG, twice a week via subcutaneous inversion into his belly.  This treatment helps to keep him healthy and gives him an immune system that can fight off the things that would otherwise make him very sick. It's not a perfect solution but it keeps him alive and healthy-ish.     I've also mentioned a few times about Gavin seeming to start regressing once again.  For the…

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Something I noticed after almost a year of sleeping alone 

This is sort of a random post but I'm curious if anyone else has noticed this happening in their life.  Since my wife left last October, I've spent every night sleeping alone. The obvious exception is when Emmett climbs into my bed at some point each night.  Anyway, I noticed that I've recently started sleeping on the opposite side of the bed than I used to sleep on when I was married. For the longest time, I stayed on the left side of the bed, as I've always slept on that side.  As I have adjusted to my new life, I've found that I have been moving to the opposite side of the bed.  I was wondering if anyone else that has gone through a divorce or break up, continued…

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Gavin had a heartbreaking meltdown yesterday

I meant to write about this earlier but it somehow slipped my mind.  While we were at Dr. Reynolds office yesterday, Gavin got up to use the bathroom during our time with the nurse practitioner. This isn't unusual because he's frequently using the bathroom throughout the day.  He was gone about 10 minutes when nurse asked if we should be worried about him. I said no, because he frequently spends a few minutes in the bathroom, just making sure he doesn't have to go.     No sooner did I say that, than the nurse was pulled out of the office for an emergency.  I had a very bad feeling come over me and so I followed her.  Turns out Gavin was the emergency. He had gotten locked in the bathroom…

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Today’s been full of parenting challenges

It's been kind of a busy day here. Gavin had an appointment this morning that we never worked out. We waited so long that we got bumped to the nurse practitioner and didn't get to see the doctor.  There are just sometimes you have to roll with the punches as a parent. Bigger fish to fry and all that stuff..  I really struggled with Elliott today because he was just so far over the edge that I just couldn't get him back. We had brief moments of calm between the meltdowns but he really had a rough day.  The evening was the high point of the day and not just because it brought about bedtime.. Lol I made arrangements for the boys, myself and Maggie to meet my Mom at…

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#Autism and #anxiety are kicking my butt today 

Anxiety often goes hand and hand with Autism. My kids on the spectrum are no exception and struggle with anxiety almost every single day.  As a parent, this can really take its toll after awhile because it's a constant game or putting out fires.  For the last few hours, Elliott has been struggling because he's hungry but can't decide what he wants. The only thing he's willing to eat at this point is pancakes and I don't have everything needed to do that.     There's plenty of other options but he simply won't budge off the pancakes that I will not be making.  It's tough because a large part of this is outside of his control but at the same time, he's trying to guilt me into giving him what…

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Gavin’s blood pressure was really high for him today

Before every appointment at his psychiatrist's office, Gavin has his vitals taken. This allows for the detection of any significant medication related changes to be monitored.  Because of Gavin's autonomic disorder, his blood pressure is always really low.  The last time it was taken at this doctors office, it was 100/40 and that's about his average since the autonomic issues first started a few years back. When Gavin's blood pressure was take this morning, it was 137/66.     That's actually not too bad for the average person but Gavin anything but average. The general consensus is that this may be caused by his medication that helps with the side effects of the Clozapine.  Gavin's been taking liquid Pseudoephedrine three times a day to control the bladder issues caused by the…

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