Read more about the article I’m a 36 year old single Dad and I put myself in timeout
My thoughts / Parenting Advice

I’m a 36 year old single Dad and I put myself in timeout

The boys have spent most of the morning bickering amongst themselves. They were fighting over the most ridiculous things and I told them that if they didn't stop, I was going to put myself in timeout, leaving them no one to complain to. They weren't quite sure what to do with that but it stopped the fighting. 😉 While we're on the subject of timeouts, I thought I would share a tiny bit of unsolicited advice.     I know how frustrating and overwhelming being a parent can be. When you add special needs into the mix, that can raise the challenge significantly. Unless you have some super secret origins story, you're very likely only human and as such, prone to limitations, just like me.  When you find yourself reaching those…

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August 5, 2015
Read more about the article This problem will add a new level of complexity to an already challenging situation 
My thoughts

This problem will add a new level of complexity to an already challenging situation 

I mentioned before that there were going to be some challenges coming my way in the near future. Well, one of those challenges showed up this morning. I debated about whether or not I should share this because some people will take this the wrong way. In the end however, I decided that I have no control over what other people think and if my goal is to help people, honesty is the best policy.. The reason I share these more personal things, in such an honest and transparent way, is because it's the only means with which to provide a true window into my life as a single parent of three kids with Autism. It also helps people in a similar situation to know that they aren't alone in…

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August 5, 2015
Read more about the article Shhh…. I’m hiding from my kids
My thoughts

Shhh…. I’m hiding from my kids

I very much love and adore my kids but my goodness have they taken a lot out of me today. I'm exhausted both mentally and physically because it's been nonstop for most of the day. The boys have had dinner and are currently watching cartoons.  I've carpe diem'd the shit out of this opportunity to sneak away and find some relative peace and quiet. While it's really nice just sitting in my room writing, I already hear them getting into it with each other and so this will be short lived. Short lived or not, I need these little pauses in my day to help me make it through to the next with as much of my sanity intact was possible. 😜   

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August 4, 2015
My Opinion

Did this Deputy go too far by handcuffing this 3rd grader with ADHD?

I came across this on BuzzFeed today and I'd like to know what you would do, had this been your child? I don't know the whole story but the officer makes reference to this little kid with ADHD and behavioral issues related to a trauma, taking a swing at him. If that's the case, that's clearly unacceptable behavior and I would hope we could all agree on that. That being said, just watching this video disturbs me on many levels. This kid is in 3rd grade (8 years old) and has ADHD (which doesn't excuse behavioral issues but it explains them and should absolutely impact our approach to dealing with them). He was handcuffed behind his back at his biceps, which would likely be painful and was left in this position…

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August 4, 2015
Read more about the article This was my “healthy” lunch today 
My thoughts / Taking Care of Myself

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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August 4, 2015
Read more about the article My son has had over 416 needles stuck into his belly in the last 2 years and never once complained
Gavin / IVIG Infusion / My thoughts

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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August 4, 2015
Read more about the article I’m seeing much more of Gavin’s delayed emotional age lately and it’s concerning
Gavin / IVIG Infusion / My thoughts

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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August 4, 2015
Read more about the article Something I noticed after almost a year of sleeping alone 
My thoughts

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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August 4, 2015