What he is.

There has been a lot going on in the autism community since the Newtown tragedy.

The best response I have seen is Autism Shines. If you have a chance, go scroll through the pictures and read about these wonderful kiddos (and some adults!). They are truly amazing.

It has me thinking... I know my son ISN'T a monster like the Sandy Hook shooter.

What is he?

He is an amazing brother. He loves his sister with all his heart, and if she gets upset, he gives anything to make her happy. Yes, they fight, but when push comes to shove he gives up his position to stop her from being upset.

He is the best son ever. He will ask me what's wrong if I look anything but happy. He cries when he gets in the least bit of trouble (and he is RARELY in trouble, he tries SO hard to be good). He is the first to apologize when he does wrong, and wants reassurance that 'Is okay?'

He is a good friend. When his best friend comes over, he only eats a snack if he can have 3 - one for him, one for his sister, and one for the guest. He gets excited when this makes him happy.

He loves his cat. They sleep together every night. He gives up his pillow for his kitty every single night and goes without.

He loves math, and is good without being able to explain his answers. He just knows.

He unapologetically loves pink. And unicorns. And poodles. (By the way, I've been learning some awesome things about autism since my rather depressing post here. I have more updates about that, but let's just say this is my favorite thing about autism right now :) ).

He is obsessed with beanie baby boos and Sonic the Hedgehog.

He loves the xBox.

He loves going places.

He misses his grandparents terribly, and gets excited about their next visit.

He is him. He says he likes his autism. And for that reason, *I* like it. Because it is him.

Lastly, he makes me a better person. I'm sure he has that effect on many people, but he has changed my life immensely. He has shown me what I want to be, who I want to be, and refocused my priorities just by being himself.

He is ours. Mine. He is him. He is my soul. 

Hello, 2013!

Usually I do a 'top ten of' list that covers the last year.

I decided not to do that this year. Mainly because it was a pretty darn rough year for us. I didn't want all of my top ten to be 'we survived ______'. We came out better for it, and we're doing great now, but it was tough on all of us!

Instead, I figure I'll go over my New Years' Resolutions. There's more than one of course.. what can I say, I'm an overachiever (okay, and the OCD means I LOVE lists, and it's a socially acceptable list! Woohoo!).

1. Be more involved at the kids' school. I've actually started on this one :)
2. Lose the last of my weight. I've lost 25 so far (yay me!), but still have some to go. I'm pretty confident that this one will be done by March. I love running, and am getting consistent with my workouts and my mileage is increasing.
3. Run 13.1 miles. I would say 'run a half marathon', but the truth is I'm not big on organized events. I like to decide where I'm going when I get there. It's just about the only thing in my life I'm spontaneous about, haha! I love the freedom of running alone and wherever I want.
4. Improve my health and my kids' health. I'd love to say my husband, too, but he is just about the healthiest person I know. Plus, he won't take supplements... Probiotics, vitamin D, multivitamins... I need to be more consistent with taking (and giving) them.
5. Be a better mom/wife/clean the house better/yadda yadda yadda. The obligatory New Years' resolution!
6. Learn APA formatting. This sounds absolutely absurd, but I suck at APA. And, of course, it's a big part of graduate school. This falls under a bigger umbrella of 'continue to work hard on my courses'.


So, those are my resolutions.

They're reasonable, doable and all make me better.

Here's to a better 2013!

So true.