What a great weekend! The weather was so nice, we had a GREAT time at the zoo, we had fun with our pumpkins, I only burnt a FEW seeds, and Trick-or-Treating was a success. I didn't succeed at all in leaving the Halloween candy the hell alone, but once again, I nearly ran out of candy, so I only have to worry about that which DOES NOT belong to me. I highly recommend Halloween at the Milwaukee zoo, for anyone in the area - the kids (and parents too) enjoyed it thoroughly.
This morning, James lost his little mind almost before he was even awake. I got so upset about the prospect of taking him to the screening alone, that my husband came to my rescue (I seriously love that man - he ALWAYS gets it right when it counts) and called in to work so he could come along.
The screening itself went really well, and they will be recommending services for him, so that part I am thrilled about. However, his screening showed he is most likely on the autism spectrum. And I can't quite figure out how I'm supposed to feel about that. So for now, I vacillate wildly between fearfully mourning his "loss" of normalcy to being hopeful for him since we are on to it so early (he's 3). Insert spontaneous fits of crying, and you have my day.
The LEEP went smoothly, no huge deal. I am happy about that. I've been ordered to take it easy for a few days, specifically no running. So I'll be back to it soon. Tori hit it right on the head when she said I was way more worried about James. I'm still way more worried about him.
I am sure I'll have lots more to say on all this soon. But for now I just wanted to let you all know where things stand. Thanks so much for your kind words and good wishes...they mean a lot to me.
you are doing everything you can for James, so rest easy. I have a 5 year old nephew who is also on the autism spectrum. He is such a lovely little boy, that it doesn't matter that he has issues. My sister works her butt off to get him all the help he needs, and since he was diagnosed at age 2, he has made amazing strides. Good luck, and I am pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteYou sounds like an amazing Mom and you are doing all you can to make sure he gets any help he needs. Remember, he is still the little boy that you love with all your heart. Being on the autism spectrum doesn't change that. Good luck to you and your family!!
ReplyDeleteYay for a fun weekend and a successful LEEP. The autism spectrum is soooo broad and so much of it is so very treatable so do not give up hope. I have more than a couple of friends with kids that have progressed beautifully. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad yours went well. Resting is tough sometimes but also sometimes it feels great to have an "excuse" to skip running.
ReplyDeleteThe zoo looks like fun! We haven't ever done it for Halloween but maybe next year since it seems like so much fun.
The autism spectrum thing is hard. On the one hand, the word is just a label and doesn't define anything really. It's great that he will get help though because sometimes that is hard to get. I think catching things early is always a good thing but I definitely see how it could be upsetting to hear the label attached to your child (even though you know the label absolutely doesn't predict or define what he will be capable of in the future anyway)
When my youngest was little I am pretty sure he would have been there too. He had all kinds of issues that I never really thought much of because I figured out how to handle them. Now he definitely still reacts to things differently than my other kids ever did but has found ways to adapt and be part of the classroom so that you might never know. Except sometimes he talks about how much effort things are that "normal" kids never even think about at all and has certain things he does differently than most kids do. No matter what, you are an awesome mom (and your husband an awesome dad) for getting him the help he needs right now.
Also if you really look at what they include in the autism spectrum, pretty much everyone falls in there somewhere at times in their lives don't you think?
Looks like a very fun weekend! It sounds like you are doing everything you can! I'm sure it will all work out. Hang in there and stay strong!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos! You all look great.
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful for James too :)