Today The Hubs and I attended a "Right Moves Rally" at the kids' school. It was basically a big assembly where awards were given out to students for "right moves" - academics, attendance and citizenship.
Each teacher gave out 3 awards: Outstanding Reading, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Math.
They split them into grades, so first up was 2nd grade, 3rd grade and the AU (autism) classes. While JT is based in the AU classroom, he is in the mainstream K class for assemblies and most of the day.
Audrey got the Outstanding Reading award, and got a citizenship award. She was all grins up on stage, and was so excited to see us.
While taking pictures of her in the entryway, we saw JT's class. His friend from the book fair saw us and was so excited to see us :)
JT was so happy to see us (he spotted us and exclaimed, "That's my mommy and daddy!"), but he stayed in line like he was supposed to. His (mainstream) teacher told us we should stick around (we were anyway) because "JT is actually getting an award."
We went back to our seats, and the K and 1st grade students filed in for their assembly.
JT had a citizenship ribbon, so we figured that was his award.
When they started calling up the Outstanding students for his teacher's class, guess who was first?
JT got the Outstanding Math award for his mainstream K class!!!
It was so amazing to watch our little man get an academic award.
The absolutely beautiful part of it all was watching how his classmates took care of him. I saw at least 5 different students helping JT. Helping him to his seat, tapping him when he should stand, whispering to him when it was his turn, and giving him a hand to get up and walking him to his spot in line. They all seemed to truly like JT and to really want to help him. It was so precious to me.
Score 1 for both our babies today. SUPER proud parent of two award-winners!!!
Showing posts with label happy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happy. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
An emotional book fair.
Tonight we went to the kids' book fair at school.
As soon as we walked in, a little boy stood up in the hallway (he was sitting waiting for his parents) and shouted, "JT! JT! Hi JT!"
He ran up to meet us, and said hello to JT. JT said hello, then turned to us and said, "It's so-and-so" (my heart was about to explode, I didn't catch his name). He told us how JT is in Mr. Dussek's class with him sometimes, but is in a special class the rest of the time. The little guy asked JT about his Lego, JT managed a few responses, and then the little boy's older brother made him sit back down.
So we go and get our books, and we're standing in line. This little girl appears out of nowhere, and JT starts giggling as she says, "Hey JT!!!" He looked up and said, "It's Mackenzie!!!" SUPER excited, and they waved to each other.
He ran back up to say hey to her as we were leaving.
Then a teacher (we have never met her, she's just another teacher in the school) was giving out leis to the students. Audrey grabbed one, and then the teacher pulled JT over. She asked him if he wanted one, and he said yes. She knew exactly how to handle him. Then she had him pick out a color, and made sure he got the one he wanted.
So thankful for what their school is doing, because clearly they're doing something really, really right in regards to helping students understand and be friends with my boy.
Apparently book fairs can be pretty emotional places!
As soon as we walked in, a little boy stood up in the hallway (he was sitting waiting for his parents) and shouted, "JT! JT! Hi JT!"
He ran up to meet us, and said hello to JT. JT said hello, then turned to us and said, "It's so-and-so" (my heart was about to explode, I didn't catch his name). He told us how JT is in Mr. Dussek's class with him sometimes, but is in a special class the rest of the time. The little guy asked JT about his Lego, JT managed a few responses, and then the little boy's older brother made him sit back down.
So we go and get our books, and we're standing in line. This little girl appears out of nowhere, and JT starts giggling as she says, "Hey JT!!!" He looked up and said, "It's Mackenzie!!!" SUPER excited, and they waved to each other.
He ran back up to say hey to her as we were leaving.
Then a teacher (we have never met her, she's just another teacher in the school) was giving out leis to the students. Audrey grabbed one, and then the teacher pulled JT over. She asked him if he wanted one, and he said yes. She knew exactly how to handle him. Then she had him pick out a color, and made sure he got the one he wanted.
So thankful for what their school is doing, because clearly they're doing something really, really right in regards to helping students understand and be friends with my boy.
Apparently book fairs can be pretty emotional places!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Guess what?
Today is my first day blogging at Hopeful Parents!It would be awesome if you'd go take a look at my post, Stepping back.
Monday, December 19, 2011
First babysitting adventure
Went WELL!!!!
The Hubs and I both had to work last Sunday, which meant the kids didn't have one of us to watch them. That's never happened!
When we moved to Charlotte, The Hubs told me he had an aunt here that was so sweet and awesome, and I had to meet her. He met up with her while he was here alone, and told me that his cousin (her daughter) was so sweet and babysat, and thought she would be awesome with our kids.
So, our kids stayed with The Hubs's (I guess OUR) aunt Cindy, uncle Jerry and (Z's cousin) Kate (awesome name :) ) - and they had the best time ever.
They came home so excited and happy, and they ate square pizza, went to the lake and (both kids) came home with painted fingernails (BOTH were so excited!)... Seriously, they were SO happy!
It is so freaking awesome to live close to family, and hopefully they'll be willing to babysit again for us.
Considering no one has watched the kids in 6 years, this is crazy cool!
YAY!!!!
The Hubs and I both had to work last Sunday, which meant the kids didn't have one of us to watch them. That's never happened!
When we moved to Charlotte, The Hubs told me he had an aunt here that was so sweet and awesome, and I had to meet her. He met up with her while he was here alone, and told me that his cousin (her daughter) was so sweet and babysat, and thought she would be awesome with our kids.
So, our kids stayed with The Hubs's (I guess OUR) aunt Cindy, uncle Jerry and (Z's cousin) Kate (awesome name :) ) - and they had the best time ever.
They came home so excited and happy, and they ate square pizza, went to the lake and (both kids) came home with painted fingernails (BOTH were so excited!)... Seriously, they were SO happy!
It is so freaking awesome to live close to family, and hopefully they'll be willing to babysit again for us.
Considering no one has watched the kids in 6 years, this is crazy cool!
YAY!!!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Meds.
About three weeks ago, JT started spiraling.
By spiraling, I mean aggressive, angry, sad, and just plain mean. Screaming at us, even reverting to biting and hitting when he didn't get his way (which was completely unpredictable, by the way).
Our insurance was kicking back in June 1, and I knew we were reaching crisis point. I called who I always call: a psychiatrist. For him this time :)
I found an amazing place. I was a little nervous when looking at their webpage... it made it sound like the old 'refrigerator mother' way of thinking. But, with other psychiatrists only taking pre-pay - oooh, and offering to print you the paperwork to get reimbursed for the $300-odd up front you have to pay (hello, I'm already paying 'up front' for insurance at $267 a week - yes, a week - I can't afford to pay you, too), I had little choice but to go with them. Plus, the guy was SUPER helpful, spending tons of time with my insurance company to ensure they would cover it, that I felt good about the decision.
About a week before the appointment, it reached the breaking point. He was screaming at himself mid-meltdown to "JUST CALM DOWN!!! CALM. DOWN. NOW!!!" Then a few days later, he got in trouble and was sent to his room. He screamed at me, then two minutes later, like a light switch, started sobbing uncontrollably in the fetal position on his floor. "Please help me mommy. Help me PLEASE. Mommy, help." over and over. I knew then that this was the right choice.
Thursday was our appointment. We met Jamie Rogers, our PMHFNP-BC, Ph.D. She is AMAZING. I was so nervous. JT was not behaving (obviously, he hadn't been for two weeks). But she was fantastic. Sweet, knowledgeable (20 years experience with ASD kids!), interested in my baby and just all-around great at what she does. She gave us phone numbers, email addresses and everything in case we need help before our next appointment. Just fantastic.
We (The Hubs and I and Jamie) felt JT would benefit from risperdal or abilify. Both are used to treat the aggression and irritability associated with ASD. We chose risperdal based on JT's age, the generic availability and it has fewer side effects.
Jamie told us we would see a difference in 30 minutes, but it may take 2 days to build up.
Boy was that right.
I can't even fully describe the difference in JT. Most importantly, HE IS HAPPY. He has had some small angry moments, but they're so within the 'normal' range it's crazy. Absolutely zero meltdowns. No aggression. No scratching. No screaming at us.
His teacher described it as "JT without the anxiety". I 100% agree.
His sister is thrilled. They have been playing together - real games - not just chase and running around - all day long. He's being nice to her, really loving on her and interested in her. He's even following all her 'rules' in made-up games, and I could just see her beaming.
I was terrified that I was screwing with my kid. I felt like somehow giving him meds was a failure on my part. Like I should have been able to do it myself. But he's not messed up. He's just happy. Still hoppy, flappy, ornery and loud. But happy. And it's obvious it wasn't what we were doing, it's just he needed something to help him along.
We haven't seen that in a while. It's so great to see his beautiful smile again.
By spiraling, I mean aggressive, angry, sad, and just plain mean. Screaming at us, even reverting to biting and hitting when he didn't get his way (which was completely unpredictable, by the way).
Our insurance was kicking back in June 1, and I knew we were reaching crisis point. I called who I always call: a psychiatrist. For him this time :)
I found an amazing place. I was a little nervous when looking at their webpage... it made it sound like the old 'refrigerator mother' way of thinking. But, with other psychiatrists only taking pre-pay - oooh, and offering to print you the paperwork to get reimbursed for the $300-odd up front you have to pay (hello, I'm already paying 'up front' for insurance at $267 a week - yes, a week - I can't afford to pay you, too), I had little choice but to go with them. Plus, the guy was SUPER helpful, spending tons of time with my insurance company to ensure they would cover it, that I felt good about the decision.
About a week before the appointment, it reached the breaking point. He was screaming at himself mid-meltdown to "JUST CALM DOWN!!! CALM. DOWN. NOW!!!" Then a few days later, he got in trouble and was sent to his room. He screamed at me, then two minutes later, like a light switch, started sobbing uncontrollably in the fetal position on his floor. "Please help me mommy. Help me PLEASE. Mommy, help." over and over. I knew then that this was the right choice.
Thursday was our appointment. We met Jamie Rogers, our PMHFNP-BC, Ph.D. She is AMAZING. I was so nervous. JT was not behaving (obviously, he hadn't been for two weeks). But she was fantastic. Sweet, knowledgeable (20 years experience with ASD kids!), interested in my baby and just all-around great at what she does. She gave us phone numbers, email addresses and everything in case we need help before our next appointment. Just fantastic.
We (The Hubs and I and Jamie) felt JT would benefit from risperdal or abilify. Both are used to treat the aggression and irritability associated with ASD. We chose risperdal based on JT's age, the generic availability and it has fewer side effects.
Jamie told us we would see a difference in 30 minutes, but it may take 2 days to build up.
Boy was that right.
I can't even fully describe the difference in JT. Most importantly, HE IS HAPPY. He has had some small angry moments, but they're so within the 'normal' range it's crazy. Absolutely zero meltdowns. No aggression. No scratching. No screaming at us.
His teacher described it as "JT without the anxiety". I 100% agree.
His sister is thrilled. They have been playing together - real games - not just chase and running around - all day long. He's being nice to her, really loving on her and interested in her. He's even following all her 'rules' in made-up games, and I could just see her beaming.
I was terrified that I was screwing with my kid. I felt like somehow giving him meds was a failure on my part. Like I should have been able to do it myself. But he's not messed up. He's just happy. Still hoppy, flappy, ornery and loud. But happy. And it's obvious it wasn't what we were doing, it's just he needed something to help him along.
We haven't seen that in a while. It's so great to see his beautiful smile again.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Freedom!
I think few people understand, truly, how isolating autism can be to an entire family.
It's not just that no one understands autism - it's that, literally, leaving your house is a nightmare.
JT would freak out anywhere we went. Grocery stores. Restaurants. Doctors offices.
We're talking, full-on meltdown, screaming, kicking, biting, fight-or-flight mode type stuff. Long gone, inconsolable stuff. People staring at you and whispering stuff. People outright saying things about my parenting, about how awful my son was (yes, I had, on more than one occasion, people out loud refer to my son as 'bad' or worse).
It broke me eventually.
It was hard enough getting him out, let alone braving the people who were so cruel.
Lately, though, a shift in JT - a HUGE shift - made me get back up and try again.
Guess what?
JT is awesome, that's what.
He goes shopping with me, no fits. He goes to the zoo, no fits. He goes to restaurants, no fits.
Not perfect behavior, but oh my goodness MANAGEABLE.
We can go out - as a family! - and have a great time.
I've signed up for those cute little Lowe's and Home Depot classes. We're planning family weekends.
I've never known what it feels like to do family things and just enjoy them... It's fantastic.
It's not just that no one understands autism - it's that, literally, leaving your house is a nightmare.
JT would freak out anywhere we went. Grocery stores. Restaurants. Doctors offices.
We're talking, full-on meltdown, screaming, kicking, biting, fight-or-flight mode type stuff. Long gone, inconsolable stuff. People staring at you and whispering stuff. People outright saying things about my parenting, about how awful my son was (yes, I had, on more than one occasion, people out loud refer to my son as 'bad' or worse).
It broke me eventually.
It was hard enough getting him out, let alone braving the people who were so cruel.
Lately, though, a shift in JT - a HUGE shift - made me get back up and try again.
Guess what?
JT is awesome, that's what.
He goes shopping with me, no fits. He goes to the zoo, no fits. He goes to restaurants, no fits.
Not perfect behavior, but oh my goodness MANAGEABLE.
We can go out - as a family! - and have a great time.
I've signed up for those cute little Lowe's and Home Depot classes. We're planning family weekends.
I've never known what it feels like to do family things and just enjoy them... It's fantastic.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there!
I'm lucky to have the best dads in the world in my life... my awesome dad and my husband.
I hope every dad gets a chance to relax and take a little time for themselves today.
:)
I'm lucky to have the best dads in the world in my life... my awesome dad and my husband.
I hope every dad gets a chance to relax and take a little time for themselves today.
:)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Midterm Reports
They're here!
Audrey is doing great! She's on target in academic subjects. She's advanced in language and writing. And she's above grade expectations in art. Yay!! Just like her mommy!
JT's progress report was impressive, too. He is expected to meet all of his IEP goals this year!
Fantastic news all around :)
We are SO proud of our little smarties!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!
The Duzan family wishes everyone a happy, healthy and fabulous 2010!
Here's to a new year, and a new decade!
Here's to a new year, and a new decade!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!!!
Well, we had a good time in the end (haha).
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
"Through My Eyes"
This is a song/video by one of my friends - an amazing woman from my Children With ASD Board who is incredibly talented (and obviously loves her son). The children are all from the board... Beautiful children :)
Please check it out. It's perfect. See the world through their eyes...
PS - JT is in there around 0:50...
Love -
KD
Please check it out. It's perfect. See the world through their eyes...
PS - JT is in there around 0:50...
Love -
KD
Friday, July 3, 2009
BENIGN!
The pathology came back, and Bob was a "well-differentiated schwannoma" - which is BENIGN!!!!
Greatest news ever.
I celebrated by going for a run last night... After 8 months and 3 surgeries, I am taking my body back. If they want to take anything else out, they're going to have to catch me!
Ah, the beautiful pain of running. How I have missed it.
Love to all!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Happy Heart
JT said mama!!!
He says it whenever he gets upset... He calls for me!
My heart is SO happy... Little man says mama!
He says it whenever he gets upset... He calls for me!
My heart is SO happy... Little man says mama!
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