tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91717280938379868772024-02-18T20:41:28.405-08:00Okay, who turned out the lights?Life with a gifted child, a child with autism (who is super smart, too) and a whole lot of craziness :) Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-81361223126506608852013-08-15T18:37:00.001-07:002013-08-15T18:37:22.968-07:00New Hopeful Parents Post Just posted my new Hopeful Parents post. You can find it<a href="http://www.hopefulparents.org/2013/08/control.html"> here</a>. :)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-11699073670997533442013-07-26T21:23:00.000-07:002013-07-26T21:23:29.841-07:00Parenting a child with a disability. Or at least my child with a disability (they're all different). (And, hey, fun fact, little miss has anxiety, SPD and OCD, which technically means she has 'special needs', too, although luckily they seem to flare less often... for now). <br />
<br />
What's it like?<br />
<br />
A lot of people say, "I could never do what you do." "I don't know how you do it."<br />
<br />
But, hey, what parent could have imagined waking up at all those ungodly hours with a newborn, right? And the insane bodily fluid messes... no one expected that! The tantrums, the injuries, the rough times... well, no parent *really* knows what they're signing up for. Rewarding? Absolutely, beyond your wildest dreams. Difficult? You. Cannot. Imagine.<br />
<br />
That's parenting, right?<br />
<br />
Parenting a child with a disability isn't different in the parenting aspect.<br />
<br />
Just like you, I love my baby. I would do anything to help calm him, keep him from losing it, have a good day. It just happens more often for me, and probably more dramatically.<br />
<br />
Beyond the basics is where it gets... complicated. <br />
<br />
I have to know a lot about... a lot. Occupational therapy. Speech therapy. Behavioral therapy. Development. All the appropriate levels. His level. What we need to work on, so I can try to sneak in 'work' at home (because doing work after school/work is SO. FUN. Yes?!). <br />
<br />
I have to know the right thing to say to calm him down (Batman 2, 2 player is a favorite. Along with 'sure, buddy, let's go work on that right now'). I have to respond right.now., because in three seconds is far too long and he's already upset and there goes 15 or more minutes of my day and my daughter can't handle noise and has now locked herself in her room while he's screaming about wanting to die and hating me. Because a single 1" squinkie is misplaced. Or I didn't respond fast enough. Awesome?<br />
<br />
I have to know what motivates him, what will help him want to work at school, at home, anywhere. So I can use that as 'positive reinforcement' so that he will eventually be able to be self-motivated to behave in those places without those external motivators. <br />
<br />
It's about knowing limitations, and occasionally being a crazy person and forgetting them just to see if your kiddo will do something spectacular (it happens!!!) and blow your mind, like getting in the pool up to their neck or actually engaging properly in a social situation. Forgetting your own fears, and letting go, because your child surprises you more than you can imagine. <br />
<br />
It's about hearing what your child CAN'T do, and seeing what they CAN. It's about blowing expectations out of water, and realizing what a miracle life is, and what a miracle your child is. <br />
<br />
It's about making decisions for a child who is not yet old enough to understand the words 'diploma', 'college', 'job', or even 'disability'. Life-changing decisions, because the educational system throws that crap at you when your child is in third grade. Because apparently that's a good time to determined whether your child should be on 'general curriculum' and get a diploma, or 'adapted curriculum', and well.. NOT. <br />
<br />
It's about trying to hide the tears when things go great. When you are so proud that it feels like your heart will explode and your eyes are burning because you don't want him to see you cry, because he thinks crying = sad, and you are so far from sad it's ridiculous. It's sneaking in to see your baby, who you were so worried about everyone being mean to him, being led by a group of kiddos, all giggling with him and wanting to do whatever to make him happy. It's about being so choked up from the kindness of others - children, adults, strangers, teachers, professionals - that you seriously don't know when the next breath will come.<br />
<br />
You go to bed crying many nights. Some from happiness, some from confusion, some from sadness... and waking up the next day with a hope and a prayer that it will be a good one. <br />
<br />
You learn to trust certain people. To ignore certain people. To forget what anyone thinks when you are having a good time, or a bad time, and just focus on your family. Your child. Tantrums become less embarrassing, and you learn to care less about what anyone says about your parenting. Because, really, no one knows. They couldn't. You learn to forgive them (at least I do) for their ignorance, 'by the grace of God' they don't/can't understand, and let it go.<br />
<br />
You learn a happy kid is more important than what you think entails a successful childhood. I never, ever, want to hear my son say he wants to kill himself again. A child who is suicidal is the worst possible scenario. If your child is happy, you can work from there. That's all that matters. <br />
<br />
I learned a lot of my own struggles and weaknesses, and became a better person. I think our whole family has a little of his struggles in us. We grew. We learned to stick together.<br />
<br />
What I do is simple, but not easy. I just love my kid. That's all. He just needs a little more help, and more patience than some.<br />
<br />
Nothing worth anything comes easy, though.<br />
<br />
And let me tell you, this kid (well, both my 'different' kids!) is going to be spectacular. Because loving them, and parenting them is simple... but never easy. <br />
<br />
Reminds me of this video. Love. It. And it is so true... every one of them. <br />
<br />
I especially like, "Enjoy him, you're both STRONG!" He certainly inherited his stubborn nature from me.<br />
<br />
But when I'm having a bad day, I come back to this. Beautiful. Seriously. Watch it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZ78gHne0LM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-22535110156091804202013-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:002013-07-16T20:40:39.030-07:00Summertime!I've been terrible about posting...<br />
<br />
Little Miss survived the tonsillectomy. We found out she's allergic to hydrocodone (so is mommy - VERY glad they heeded my warning on the morphine that <a href="http://okaywhoturnedoutthelights.blogspot.com/2008/12/scary_7.html">almost killed me</a>!). Other than that, her recovery was amazing. She had no pain until 7 days out, when the scabs 'slough' (ick). But after that one day, perfection. She was ecstatic to get the all-clear for popcorn :) Turns out, kids CAN get sick of ice cream!<br />
<br />
We did get lots of snuggles and mommy-daughter time, so, as it turns out, it was good for us both ;) . Little man learned that he wasn't the end-all-be-all all the time, and it's carried over nicely, so she doesn't feel shoved to the side. All in all, I am impressed with the entire thing. <br />
<br />
Little Man is doing great. Language (as always over summer...) he's making huge gains. He's reading some more, we work on it... He is SO. CLOSE. He knows sounds. He can draw them out long. I just cannot get the blending to work! Keep on keepin' on... We're working on place value, just started on that. Not sure where we stand yet, but he gets math, so I expect it to go better than reading (haha, remind me of that later...). Mostly, though, I've been enjoying the conversations. He likes to know what we're doing. What we're thinking. At bedtime, he'll call one of us into his room, "Mom/Dad, I wanna talk to you about somethin'." So. Precious. I cannot explain how cool it is to hear how he feels about things, his opinions, his perceptions, his reality. It is too cool to finally get the 'why'.<br />
<br />
Small example: he had been chewing on shirts. So I asked him why. He simply responded, "I need something to chew on." I asked him if he wanted me to buy him a necklace to chew on, or another chewy. He said "necklace". He sat down and helped me pick out a chewy necklace. Now he will go get his necklace if he needs it, or one of the flexible headbands (just the rubber Goody ones) that he likes to chew, or ask me to find it, if he needs it. He will tell me, "I need to chew", and he will use the necklace or headband. It amazes me that he knows he needs it, knows what is appropriate to use, and wants to use the appropriate tool (rather than get his shirt wet, which he says 'people will make fun of me' - he's embarrassed!). It's all pretty remarkable to me... He is definitely an amazing kid. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-56964300620658064982013-06-19T19:51:00.002-07:002013-06-19T19:51:33.338-07:00Excited... about a tonsil/adenoid removal?Tonight as I was tucking little miss into bed, I asked her about her surgery coming up this Friday.<br />
<br />
"I'm kind of excited." was her reply.<br />
<br />
When I asked why, I got this... "Because I don't usually get a lot of attention... my brother does. And I'm going to get attention."<br />
<br />
YIKES.<br />
<br />
That was like a knife in the heart.<br />
<br />
She followed with, "I know he has autism, and he needs things, but I'm excited to get attention, too."<br />
<br />
Twist the knife...<br />
<br />
It was an opportunity for a long talk.<br />
<br />
If she ever needs us, she can ask us for a Sunday. Sundays, her dad is off work, and we can split the kids and go 1:1. If she ever feels like she needs us before then, let us know, and we'll figure something out. Just let us know. We're not perfect, we're just doing the best we can. We need her help, too. Anytime.<br />
<br />
She cried. I cried.<br />
<br />
It hurt to hear that she feels like she doesn't get what she needs.<br />
<br />
But hopefully she understands that in the future, she can let us know, and we will make sure it's okay.<br />
<br />
Sigh. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-34339279689854475712013-06-18T12:59:00.001-07:002013-06-18T12:59:23.181-07:00The "R" Word. "You're so retarded."<br />
<br />
Every time I hear that word, it makes me flinch.<br />
<br />
The other students, fifth graders, I was working with, noticed my reaction to one of their classmates using the word.<br />
<br />
One was angry, he knew it wasn't okay to use that word.<br />
<br />
The others wanted to know why. They honestly didn't know why it was wrong to use the "R" word. People use it so freely, so unabashedly, that they didn't understand. <br />
<br />
It was an opportunity to show them why the word is hurtful, and why we shouldn't use it.<br />
<br />
But it's not easy to explain.<br />
<br />
"So, you guys know that technically, 'retarded' means slow, right?"<br />
<br />
They did.<br />
<br />
"And slow doesn't mean you never get something, right? Just that it may take you longer to get something."<br />
<br />
I got some nods.<br />
<br />
"So, say you're talking about a kid who is technically 'retarded' by medical terms - let's say the kid is 10. But maybe he's slower at developing than typical kids... so he gets what maybe a 5 year old would get. Did you understand when people were making fun of you at 5?"<br />
<br />
I could see they were getting it by the looks on their faces. <br />
<br />
"And by calling people 'retarded' when they do stupid things... you're basically saying that people that are slower at learning are just plain stupid. And they're not. They are just slower at picking up new stuff than an average person. And like I was saying, they get that they're being made fun of. And it hurts them."<br />
<br />
It wasn't perfect. I feel like I could have done a better job. But for a small group of 5th graders, I think I actually made a difference.<br />
<br />
Spread the Word to End the Word. They explain it WAY better than I did - watch the video:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/T549VoLca_Q/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/T549VoLca_Q&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/T549VoLca_Q&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-11153746193595676662013-06-17T20:11:00.003-07:002013-06-17T20:12:42.653-07:00One of those days... or weeks...Summer vacation has a way of waking me up.<br />
<br />
I get to see the real 'dis' in disability.<br />
<br />
I see the struggles that his awesome school deals with, that I am blissfully unaware of.<br />
<br />
However well I think he is doing (and geez, let me be clear, we are SO far ahead of where I EVER dreamed of being!), summer, the 24-7 autism, feeding off each others' moods (we do that to an extreme)... it is difficult.<br />
<br />
I happened upon this video (actually, I have it bookmarked, and watch it occasionally...). I absolutely adore it. 'Extreme Parenting' sums it all up nicely. It's just a reminder... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZ78gHne0LM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-55457506110997189112013-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:002013-01-11T18:41:38.045-08:00What he is. There has been a lot going on in the autism community since the Newtown tragedy.<br />
<br />
The best response I have seen is <a href="http://www.autismshines.com/">Autism Shines</a>. If you have a chance, go scroll through the pictures and read about these wonderful kiddos (and some adults!). They are truly amazing.<br />
<br />
It has me thinking... I know my son ISN'T a monster like the Sandy Hook shooter.<br />
<br />
What is he?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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?'<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
He loves his cat. They sleep together every night. He gives up his pillow for his kitty every single night and goes without.<br />
<br />
He loves math, and is good without being able to explain his answers. He just knows.<br />
<br />
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 <a href="http://okaywhoturnedoutthelights.blogspot.com/2012/11/tonight-i-used-a-word.html">here</a>. I have more updates about that, but let's just say this is my favorite thing about autism right now :) ).<br />
<br />
He is obsessed with beanie baby boos and Sonic the Hedgehog.<br />
<br />
He loves the xBox.<br />
<br />
He loves going places.<br />
<br />
He misses his grandparents terribly, and gets excited about their next visit.<br />
<br />
He is him. He says he likes his autism. And for that reason, *I* like it. Because it is him.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
He is ours. Mine. He is him. He is my soul. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFJjUE4PuEGassliQpChQyWOMcJEbcOKhSafnqFwO63KEvuqXNT9iBHSxxNetHMHguFZ7eLnJnK_qoDIOWe8UMWfS3rQsoHDV__TIeLO6JP5Ob91Aea1bm_uX5AjjeE81c9HAPfNMJAyH/s1600/IMG_9802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFJjUE4PuEGassliQpChQyWOMcJEbcOKhSafnqFwO63KEvuqXNT9iBHSxxNetHMHguFZ7eLnJnK_qoDIOWe8UMWfS3rQsoHDV__TIeLO6JP5Ob91Aea1bm_uX5AjjeE81c9HAPfNMJAyH/s320/IMG_9802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-44414772118514396982013-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:002013-01-05T13:23:05.594-08:00Hello, 2013!Usually I do a 'top ten of' list that covers the last year.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
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!).<br />
<br />
1. Be more involved at the kids' school. I've actually started on this one :)<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
5. Be a better mom/wife/clean the house better/yadda yadda yadda. The obligatory New Years' resolution!<br />
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'.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, those are my resolutions.<br />
<br />
They're reasonable, doable and all make me better.<br />
<br />
Here's to a better 2013! <br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-21158972975846950242013-01-04T16:14:00.001-08:002013-01-04T16:14:15.036-08:00So true. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV4fJ6kKaA7nM8Ph7WmxJ99hXiYJOcPHG5HTnXrUW_UFKY9gcuGWOlPPsp7K3hMStZ5e83rFkvi6WWT_Q2jZStS47J9eWoj870xRrEA5wo0gcxBzQD_fRnPYfNaQbvAFyX6tkh7Kz41dJ/s640/blogger-image-289136087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV4fJ6kKaA7nM8Ph7WmxJ99hXiYJOcPHG5HTnXrUW_UFKY9gcuGWOlPPsp7K3hMStZ5e83rFkvi6WWT_Q2jZStS47J9eWoj870xRrEA5wo0gcxBzQD_fRnPYfNaQbvAFyX6tkh7Kz41dJ/s640/blogger-image-289136087.jpg" /></a></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-88915374075708806282012-12-24T17:56:00.001-08:002012-12-24T17:56:41.985-08:00Careful. Ever since the unimaginable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, I have
been reeling. First, those babies. Oh my goodness. As a teacher (and
future teacher in the public schools), I cannot imagine. I love my
babies with everything, and I would protect them. Those brave teachers
and sweet babies...<br />
<br />
Second, the unconfirmed link and
media speculation to the autism connection. Some media outlets went as
far as to blame the tragedy on the killer's reported autism diagnosis.<br />
<br />
Autism
does not lead to violence. It's been proven again and again, autistic
individuals are more likely to be the victims of violence than the
perpetrators.<br />
<br />
So I posted, "Autism is not a mental illness."<br />
<br />
But
here's the deal. While I did not intend to make the link (after all,
our family is knee-deep in mental health diagnoses, JT has bipolar for
example), it makes it sound like I'm linking all people with mental
health issues to violence. <br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml#Intro">NIMH</a>, 26.2 percent of Americans suffer with some sort of mental illness.<br />
<br />
26.2 percent.<br />
<br />
It is SO wrong to demonize in ANY way those with mental illness. 99.99 percent of them would never hurt anyone. <br />
<br />
And as far as we know, the killer didn't have any diagnosis.<br />
<br />
I know it wasn't the autism.<br />
<br />
I don't know what it was. Why it happened.<br />
<br />
But
it's not fair to lay it on mental illness in general, when we have no
idea what it was. It leaves the millions upon millions of Americans
struggling with mental illness with blame they don't deserve.<br />
<br />
We have to be careful. Just because it wasn't autism, doesn't mean we should divert the blame elsewhere just to divert it.<br />
<br />
It was just evil. Plain and simple. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-56443055658370870372012-12-13T15:46:00.000-08:002012-12-13T15:46:14.606-08:00Special.<br />
<br />
Last week, we had my little guy's IEP meeting. It was a re-determination meeting (our first 3 year re-evaluation, actually), so it was LONG. And draining. We went over so many tests, goals, accommodations, learning aids...<br />
<br />
I learned a few things at this meeting.<br />
<br />
First, I adore his team. The clearly love my son, and believe he will succeed academically and in life. They talk about his sense of humor, his intelligence, his strengths - non stop. They frame his weaknesses as 'not yet's' and 'we're making progress'. I left the meeting feeling like everything was good - and anyone who's ever been to an IEP meeting knows that isn't always the case.<br />
<br />
Second, we have a long road ahead of us. I'm not talking academically, I'm actually talking about psychologically. The psychologist, when going over IQ results, told me he is 'acutely aware' of what he cannot do that his peers can do. He gets upset when he can't do something - calling himself 'dumb' or 'stupid'. On the flip side, he is immensely proud of himself when he does something right - he thrives on praise. <br />
<br />
He's got a long way to go as far as speech and academics - really just reading, but it is so hard for him. I try to think about how that makes him feel. To know his peers can easily read a book, and to be unable to sound out a word. To hear his peers speak, and know that everyone else can keep up with the conversation but you can't. To understand (the speech therapist pointed this one out) that you are trying as hard as you can but you cannot produce the /f/ or /l/ sounds. Basically hear yourself say it wrong, despite telling your mouth to say it right. How hard it is to know you act different than everyone else, that everyone else is fine with those loud noises and sensory input.<br />
<br />
Her point was proven a few days ago.<br />
<br />
While visiting his classroom, I saw a picture of a little boy on a cubby that I had never seen before. I asked Graham if there was a new boy in his self-contained class he spends part of his day in.<br />
<br />
"Yes, N is new. He's 'special'. He's 'special' enough to be in Ms. G's class."<br />
<br />
He didn't say it in a positive way.<br />
<br />
And in that moment, I felt my heart break.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-70778549565194823792012-12-09T09:33:00.000-08:002012-12-09T09:33:30.636-08:00Grad school...Semester 1 is done (except 3 points in my intro class).<br />
<br />
It has been challenging, stressful, and wonderful. I have loved my classes this semester, and I have learned so much.<br />
<br />
I've had to get used to taking tests again, learned how to balance life and school and kids and work, learned how to study, how to take notes, how to keep up with a thousand due dates at a time and get everything in on time.<br />
<br />
Crazy.<br />
<br />
But I officially have a 4.0!<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to start next semester. I know I will learn so much more.<br />
<br />
So, until January 9... I can relax.<br />
<br />
(If you know me... stop laughing. Relax a little.)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-82098385067881830232012-12-03T19:39:00.001-08:002012-12-03T19:39:41.724-08:00Momma + baby <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl3BvaKPoPB7oS8aOG1kkff9uV88Np-E0GKV9wMFkjnGlru58xhcM_rGHrjtcVtOWpLxD_D9TMQNuNB1wlWGwvOilajvZIP7BZtb2I-aiKMh_70Q2qu6LJp_0HurjAcTvi8_9UVDEbpbc/s640/blogger-image--559877674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl3BvaKPoPB7oS8aOG1kkff9uV88Np-E0GKV9wMFkjnGlru58xhcM_rGHrjtcVtOWpLxD_D9TMQNuNB1wlWGwvOilajvZIP7BZtb2I-aiKMh_70Q2qu6LJp_0HurjAcTvi8_9UVDEbpbc/s640/blogger-image--559877674.jpg" /></a></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-3386476167957410972012-12-02T20:03:00.000-08:002012-12-02T20:03:14.651-08:00My baby... Dear JT,<br />
<br />
Happy birthday!<br />
<br />
Today you are 7 years old. It's hard to believe it's been 7 whole years since you came into this world.<br />
<br />
You came into this world fighting. You had your little hand between the (double wrapped) cord and your neck... so lucky you made it. SO. LUCKY.<br />
<br />
Since then, you have shown again and again that fighting spirit.<br />
<br />
When someone has said 'can't' or 'won't', you have proven them wrong.<br />
<br />
I love that about you. You are hard-headed just like your momma. It has always served me well, and it is definitely working for you. Never lose that fire.<br />
<br />
You are the most amazing person. You never give up. Ever. You know what you want, and you go after it. Even if it makes you, and everyone else, crazy :).<br />
<br />
You love with all you have. Your sister, mommy, daddy... You love us. And kiss. And hug. And tell us. I can't explain to you what hearing the words, "I love you, too" mean to me. Someday, when you have kids, maybe you will understand. I waited years to hear it. It is beautiful.<br />
<br />
You are funny. You entertain. You love to see people smile, and perform to get them to. Your sense of humor is amazing. Everyone talks about you and your funny self. We all love it.<br />
<br />
You are smart. SO smart. You don't always think you are, and that makes me sad. I hope soon you will realize how crazy smart you are. You amaze me daily. You will go SO far. Trust me. You may be only 7, but I see it in you. You're going places, kid :)<br />
<br />
You love to hug, to run, to giggle. You love Beanie Baby Boo's (they are ugly, but you and your sister collect them... so we oblige). Your favorite movie (that we saw today, your first birthday 'party' with our neighbor!) is Wreck-It Ralph. You LOVED it. You are good at riding your balance bike. You could ride a regular bike if you wanted in a second. You just don't want to! You hate waiting. You prefer to stay home rather than go to school. You like to fall asleep in my bed, snuggling. You hug cats. You giggle hysterically at goofy shows and things like burping.<br />
<br />
There is so much more I could say about you. You are amazing.<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to see what the next year holds.<br />
<br />
Love you... to the moon and back,<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-51765874049686490152012-12-02T18:22:00.001-08:002012-12-02T19:07:09.942-08:00Happy #7to the cutest, sweetest, smartest, most awesome boy ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFJ4XlbQKkouk5ns75zMxydWCadzFDRc5vcZHw0ODy9vv3MVQyujWoeJ3BwnEJWq4fwrjw7lLgg1lj3IP4ki_Gu2nD2zrxEdC72KXZAtvBf8FzM-PI8lB2lDdkXx53A5_ZwsHZdNZg6eP/s1600/IMG_9802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFJ4XlbQKkouk5ns75zMxydWCadzFDRc5vcZHw0ODy9vv3MVQyujWoeJ3BwnEJWq4fwrjw7lLgg1lj3IP4ki_Gu2nD2zrxEdC72KXZAtvBf8FzM-PI8lB2lDdkXx53A5_ZwsHZdNZg6eP/s320/IMG_9802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Today he told me, "Mommy, I'm your baby. I'm your 7 year old baby."<br />
<br />
Forever and ever my baby :)<br />
<br />
It was an awesome day filled with Wreck-It Ralph with his friend, lunch, cake and iPad-playing. Best birthday ever, as told by him!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-46556464082405426452012-11-30T22:00:00.003-08:002012-11-30T22:05:29.870-08:00Tonight I used the "A" Word. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGXFEz3JYDvAU80btBkS2jryE9SryJG2cC0uuhEy-r2JNY83RtUhFnNhpgVK8nEJjCtCfqGb_TFEX1RxYSclR8T6hLZbFbXLX90GMiRo6bSJYRBwavgE5Gawop-Bglt1mUw2GveI0P8X4/s1600/IMG_9752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGXFEz3JYDvAU80btBkS2jryE9SryJG2cC0uuhEy-r2JNY83RtUhFnNhpgVK8nEJjCtCfqGb_TFEX1RxYSclR8T6hLZbFbXLX90GMiRo6bSJYRBwavgE5Gawop-Bglt1mUw2GveI0P8X4/s320/IMG_9752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>JT and 'Cookie', his Beanie Boo (he loves Beanie Boo's - HUGE collection!) </i></div>
<br />
We have never danced around the subject of autism around JT. We have used the word freely. But never with him.<br />
<br />
Let me back up a few steps first, though. I have to explain why tonight would be the night I would choose to tell my son he has autism.<br />
<br />
Today we had his 3 year re-determination for special education services.<br />
<br />
It involved some results that while, not surprising, were difficult to hear. Severely delayed in language (really in expressive in particular). A lot of results that weren't surprising that were good to hear - like that his IQ is in the average to above average range (take THAT children's hospital team who said my son would never talk and was likely severely cognitively impaired! My team suggested sending you the results of JT's IQ test today... they made me giggle just a little in the midst of the 2+ hour process). Results that did surprise me - he no longer needs OT (I saw samples of work)... Academically he is average in every single area - what the hey?!<br />
<br />
What was the hardest thing to hear hands-down was the negative self-talk he had during the process. The Speech therapist (ST) and psychologist reported him saying he was "dumb" and whispering "dumb, dumb" under his breath multiple times. This came usually when presented with a task he was unable to complete. The ST was unable to write anything on her evaluations, instead taking 'coded' notes on another sheet of paper, because JT was watching her to make sure he got it "right", and would get upset if he was wrong. <br />
<br />
When it came time for the school psychologist to give her results, she told me she knew why JT was so hard on himself. She said his IQ (particularly his nonverbal) is so high that he is 'acutely aware of what he cannot do that his peers can do'.<br />
<br />
I can't fully put into words what the meeting was like today. There was relief that my 5 year wait to hear whether or not he was cognitively impaired was over. Sadness about speech results, and the fact that he is so hard on himself. Happiness that he is doing so well and his team ADORES him, and knows him amazingly well. Heart-swelling love for the people in the room that were so quick to point out that JT has only been talking 3 years... and for a 3 year old, he's advanced! "Imagine what he'll be doing in 3 more years, 4 more years!" Distress that even they know that he needs 1:1 to learn best, and that they can't always provide it. Happiness that they DO provide it in the instances he needs it - reading, and mainstream math - his worst and best subjects.<br />
<br />
Hearing administrators say that feeding therapy (behavioral) should be included in an IEP because 'eating affects everything' (our SD does NOT cover feeding therapy). That an AU student not getting a diploma is complete and utter B.S... THAT is heartening. That they agree, that they want to do more... they are doing everything they can. To hear his teacher say that someday JT will have a good job, make good money because 'he's SO smart and capable', that 'someday he will be completely mainstreamed, we just need to work to get him there' - THAT lifts my spirits.<br />
<br />
I'm studying all this stuff in my classes (particularly diagnostics). I know what these numbers mean. That was the reason my breath caught in my throat when I saw his standard scores for speech. Why I smiled so big at his nonverbal IQ score. Why it was impossible to just listen to what they were saying and instead look at the standard score and know where he stands.<br />
<br />
More than 2 SD's below average with speech just about kicked the wind right out of me. It seems so huge.<br />
<br />
But JT has done huge before.<br />
<br />
He had a 95% delay (or more) in every area at 26 months.<br />
<br />
He's not even close to that now. He's closing the gap.<br />
<br />
My only goal is to help him feel good about himself.<br />
<br />
So tonight I told him he has autism.<br />
<br />
"Wha's autism?"<br />
<br />
I explained it makes it harder for him to talk, and to listen. That it makes sounds too loud.<br />
<br />
I also explained that he is so smart. That his teachers tell me how awesome he is at math. That he is so sweet. And so good. And the best. boy. ever. That he is going to do whatever he wants to do because he is so smart and so many people are going to make sure he can do it. <br />
<br />
But I felt kind of guilty. Why did I not have a reason why autism has HELPED him?<br />
<br />
The hubs and I are both really good at math. That's not autism. I'm selectively social. Perhaps that's JT's social issues. We won't even touch OCD, I'm a big fan of order and neatness :) So is Audrey. Totally genetics. Science? Totally the hubs. I mean, our family is a bunch of nerds. Maybe he just has issues on top of that? But still, not a 'positive' for autism.<br />
<br />
I want something good to say. I want to be able to say, THIS is what autism does for you.<br />
<br />
But what I see is that it makes him feel like he's dumb, be in a separate classroom, hard for him to talk and cause motor planning impairments (an OT thing that we discussed today in detail). He has told me he feels like he has to perform routines (talking before he drinks or eats, repeating phrases, flapping, running, etc) and he tells me others don't do it - so he's unable to control it but he knows others don't do it (he's fine with it at home, kid runs laps like nobody's business around our living room). It means his diet is so limited I'm left to feed him infant vitamin drops to make up for nutritional deficiencies (hidden in the chocolatiest milk you will ever find so he can't taste it). <br />
<br />
I LOVE him. LOVE. He is PERFECT. And mine. Autism or no.<br />
<br />
Ideas? I want something positive to say. Maybe I'm not seeing something. If you've got something, please help. Seriously. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-4833850913529568882012-11-22T15:12:00.001-08:002012-11-22T15:14:09.929-08:00Thanksgiving - autism-style.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdetODgG6NW8Jg6upE70pgmM58oQ4FIw-Iy0UnlRCm4DITWChcSRPHsxxnEN90XXeYOCBa5ggABG1iGbP7oXMYudIgmRPzTTizW6XR3rSuC4bJ5C3befF3xC_qS8_BFNGRCC2knCGCYf4I/s1600/donut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdetODgG6NW8Jg6upE70pgmM58oQ4FIw-Iy0UnlRCm4DITWChcSRPHsxxnEN90XXeYOCBa5ggABG1iGbP7oXMYudIgmRPzTTizW6XR3rSuC4bJ5C3befF3xC_qS8_BFNGRCC2knCGCYf4I/s320/donut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today was a great day.<br />
<br />
I woke up, ran over 7.5 miles (sa-weet!), and came back home to a sweet, snuggly (albeit sick) JT. <br />
<br />
We started the turkey, prepped the broccoli cheese rice casserole and the mashed potatoes, and sat down to watch tv and be lazy.<br />
<br />
At dinner, the hubs and I had a little of everything. Audrey was all about the turkey and potatoes.<br />
<br />
JT had Doritos, glazed donuts and Cheetos.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is all about enjoying great food and spending time with family. Whether it's turkey or donuts. <br />
<br />
At the end of the day, we're all full, happy and we all had a relaxing, fun day.<br />
<br />
Big. Fat. Win. <br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-31480730860223529502012-11-20T16:24:00.001-08:002012-11-20T16:24:55.421-08:00Spelling!JT's most difficult areas in school are reading and writing. <br />
<br />
Imagine my surprise today when I opened his backpack and found a spelling test with a grade of 100%!<br />
<br />
Hooray!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXEelTlKCX_nRBLY5DNveTsbNrH7Gdb9lyxU6nByR1wKsWDFydMy8oaUZlU07xMDcfxKNa0NGfbiOQdrPnHAlYfNGERGDxt1eSLW5GK-7iLYSovtAqcAS-zLoI-nMR1EPN_5snRBlhYrk/s640/blogger-image-1794243040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXEelTlKCX_nRBLY5DNveTsbNrH7Gdb9lyxU6nByR1wKsWDFydMy8oaUZlU07xMDcfxKNa0NGfbiOQdrPnHAlYfNGERGDxt1eSLW5GK-7iLYSovtAqcAS-zLoI-nMR1EPN_5snRBlhYrk/s640/blogger-image-1794243040.jpg" /></a></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-65333010699343642682012-11-19T14:14:00.001-08:002012-11-19T14:14:47.825-08:00Running. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7YHsacNo5HW0XqfVUAPXBjHLXUfYP8-C2M2oLT-Q6oQm2degCFik4G2dzTGSZcca8p23A_S2eBu0dOZIGVJwuCo9ut9aK3vv5pKnKCYWdfs0MWJmhkJke_pdLWUGRi4_VE6V8tNWRlDM/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7YHsacNo5HW0XqfVUAPXBjHLXUfYP8-C2M2oLT-Q6oQm2degCFik4G2dzTGSZcca8p23A_S2eBu0dOZIGVJwuCo9ut9aK3vv5pKnKCYWdfs0MWJmhkJke_pdLWUGRi4_VE6V8tNWRlDM/s320/running.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since earlier this summer, I have been on a weight loss journey (my last one, I am not doing this to my body again). So far I have lost roughly 30 pounds, and while I have some left to be at my goal weight, I am now at a healthy weight and a good size. I'm happy, even if I'm not quite where I want to finish up at.<br />
<br />
Part of that journey has included running. I've been running since 7th grade on and off... That's 21 years. Most of my life, I've been running. <br />
<br />
I am finally to the point where I really enjoy it again. It takes time to get in shape (especially with those additional 30 pounds!).<br />
<br />
It has always been a release for me, therapeutic, a way to get away from
everything and take some 'me' time and think. To break away from responsibility and just be free for a short period of time. <br />
<br />
This weekend I ran 6 miles. I barely felt it. I got lost in thought, my mind full of autism and JT and the future. My eardrums vibrating from the (too-loud) music beat. <br />
<br />
And I realized, running is the only time I allow myself to feel weak. To feel like maybe I do carry a heavy load, and that sometimes it feels like it's crushing me bit by bit. The irony of doing the thing that makes me strong while feeling my weakest emotionally is definitely there.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's why I love running.<br />
<br />
I get my frustrations out, pounding my feet on the pavement. I allow myself to feel things I don't in my regular life.<br />
<br />
When I get back home, I am myself again. I feel recharged, refreshed and able to take on anything.<br />
<br />
Maybe it takes weakness to feel strength, and strength to feel weakness.<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, I'm thankful for it. Thankful I am able to go out and wander. To be free for a while. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-38965720700868873742012-11-11T15:23:00.002-08:002012-11-11T15:23:19.275-08:00At Hopeful Parents<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my latest.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa_Qs6aRh2CBL0mGV7wRLEIhx8ZUYpQgiBJ1C40Tfz-WLLGphihFxhd1PsV670ApbuEVRJm2xw2QT1yuPHAGXpRaeXcnmPFW8iDJ5WldE5f-rjAS6fN6mRcJpA7jnwR2Lzmk7Z5eTMLgV/s1600/hopefulparents.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa_Qs6aRh2CBL0mGV7wRLEIhx8ZUYpQgiBJ1C40Tfz-WLLGphihFxhd1PsV670ApbuEVRJm2xw2QT1yuPHAGXpRaeXcnmPFW8iDJ5WldE5f-rjAS6fN6mRcJpA7jnwR2Lzmk7Z5eTMLgV/s320/hopefulparents.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hopefulparents.org/2012/11/where-to-start.html">Where to start...</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-6309023923593931202012-11-05T15:58:00.004-08:002012-11-05T15:58:46.960-08:00ID, IQ and why grad school rocks. This semester in my diagnostics class has been odd. The parallels between my life and the class have been amazing.<br />
<br />
Of course, we are going through the 3 year re-evaluation process with JT, so there's a lot of 'diagnostics and assessment' going on. That's a big part of it.<br />
<br />
Last week was huge, though.<br />
<br />
Our discussion was on Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and IQ tests.<br />
<br />
Part of JT's 3 year re-eval is the IQ test. When JT was diagnosed at 2 with autism, they also told me he would likely never speak and that he was likely 'severely mentally retarded' (their term, the correct term is 'cognitively impaired' now). They said I should get an IQ assessment done around the age of 7 (IQ tests aren't reliable before then) to confirm.<br />
<br />
Since that day, I have been terrified.<br />
<br />
I cannot explain why. He has autism. I know this. He has difficulty with many things. He has depression. He has OCD (part of the autism). He has anxiety (also a part of the autism). <br />
<br />
But an ID? I just couldn't handle that.<br />
<br />
Until last week and our class discussion.<br />
<br />
We talked about a lot, but here are the things that I have highlighted in my notes:<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">IQ
is what a child does, not what a child is. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is not fixed or unchanging. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is
not a measure of potential. </span></span><br />
<br />
It dawned on me that it doesn't matter. IQ isn't reflective of what your child can accomplish. It doesn't mean you put restrictions on them or lower your expectations. It is just a snapshot of right now how they perform on this test versus their peers. It does not define them.<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-64495388576481387882012-11-01T14:10:00.002-07:002012-11-01T14:10:27.170-07:00Halloween 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOuKvQj7lQA8CRKvEvZnnISFrzWK6V0vHaEJereHIgxqgVkAPrHUGjDKDAFs21riW9jZyNKL4eCh0cTzhQ3jFGAqMjKXgdDhDQ3feeEjRIV4xCFcKYAhwnKJ5CcmXjUqbLyCMJoFx1VLZ/s1600/281558_10151126468602263_1337679702_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOuKvQj7lQA8CRKvEvZnnISFrzWK6V0vHaEJereHIgxqgVkAPrHUGjDKDAFs21riW9jZyNKL4eCh0cTzhQ3jFGAqMjKXgdDhDQ3feeEjRIV4xCFcKYAhwnKJ5CcmXjUqbLyCMJoFx1VLZ/s320/281558_10151126468602263_1337679702_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Here you have Batman and Batgirl!<br />
<br />
We had a great time trick-or-treating. JT was great, chatting up the neighbors (sometimes forgetting candy after talking with the person passing it out). He was done after an hour, but we had walked all around our neighborhood and our neighbor and Audrey were tired, too. They got way too much candy and all had a great time.<br />
<br />
In fact, JT is lying on the floor in his costume watching tv right now. He's a little upset today that Halloween is over. I'm glad he had fun at least!<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm also participating in <a href="http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo-november-2012-blogroll">BlogHer's NaBloPoMo </a>(basically you blog every day in November :) ) since I've been slacking at posting lately. Fun stuff!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-16411287276484955892012-10-25T18:49:00.002-07:002012-10-25T18:49:52.740-07:00Getting back to it. After some desperate phone calls, we finally got in to see the psychiatrist.<br />
<br />
He diagnosed JT with depression-NOS (likely bipolar) and anxiety. <br />
<br />
He adjusted meds to help JT get back to the happy, flappy little man he is usually.<br />
<br />
And it's working.<br />
<br />
We are lucky.<br />
<br />
Graham is giggly, goofy and happy.<br />
<br />
And it's only been 4 days.<br />
<br />
Relief is the biggest understatement ever.<br />
<br />
He's doing better at school - they've noticed a big difference.<br />
<br />
In a week or so (once we're sure he's stabilized) we start a new medication for his ADHD. It's tenex, which is not a stimulant (the good doctor and I are in full agreement that stimulants are a big NO from here on out).<br />
<br />
I am not thrilled to be dealing with another go 'round with a new medication, but the reason we put him on it was for him to be successful at school. He can't be at his best running around crazy all day.<br />
<br />
However, if this one is a dud, we're out of options. We've tried all the types of meds as of this one.<br />
<br />
Fingers crossed and prayers said. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-26093309686263742892012-10-16T18:17:00.000-07:002012-10-16T18:17:03.278-07:00Where we are. <br />
Lost. <br />
<br />
It was more than ritalin.<br />
<br />
Undoubtedly, the ritalin caused the suicidal thoughts.<br />
<br />
But the rest is real.<br />
<br />
Crying at school and at home. Super emotional. Having to drag him to gymnastics (even though he LOVES it). <br />
<br />
He picked back up on the 'you hate me' whenever we're upset with him. He still says he's stupid.<br />
<br />
Tonight I told him, "Ms. *school psychologist* and Dr. *psychiatrist* and mommy are going to help you be happy again."<br />
<br />
He replied, "I can't be happy."<br />
<br />
Broke. My. Heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDotriL0f7vgYce_AjgNeFgyJjox-BPy6sYdTeAh5JbmyZp1ODr-J5Lc5ZG4HsbmWk2yRx8SVnT0TOatGX1z6sN7xzUI3i8T9E7E4ikchXj6MtKa0aNTpjVZsoV_4i1su1BHG2eQCI1hL/s1600/557807_10151108633367263_1828387196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDotriL0f7vgYce_AjgNeFgyJjox-BPy6sYdTeAh5JbmyZp1ODr-J5Lc5ZG4HsbmWk2yRx8SVnT0TOatGX1z6sN7xzUI3i8T9E7E4ikchXj6MtKa0aNTpjVZsoV_4i1su1BHG2eQCI1hL/s320/557807_10151108633367263_1828387196_n.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want this back. This happy, goofy, carefree boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My soul. </div>
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9171728093837986877.post-36409275493893700792012-10-13T21:10:00.001-07:002012-10-13T21:10:10.569-07:00Going anonymous.So, I've decided to make this blog anonymous.<br />
<br />
Don't be surprised when you see my babies are now 'Audrey' and 'JT'.<br />
<br />
<br />
Try not to use real names in comments, please :) Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13383296098215262765noreply@blogger.com0