You've come so far in one year!!!

Looking back a year ago. http://wife-mom2ddand3ds.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html Last year I remember crying a lot and wondering if we would ever talk to one another and how I would know you. This year, I know what you want, and what color. You want Lollies and you want the orange one as your first choice.

I have so enjoyed four days with just you and me and a bit of your Dad, but for the most part he's been busy working. I've been busy watching you and smiling, and crying a few happy tears. For the most part, you are just like any other child. It was so much fun watching and listening to other parents at Disneyworld. There is so much more of you to know, but I got to see you as you for four days. No interference from other siblings and I think this is where I need to step back and realize how important this one on one time is to your well being and my comprehending you as a person.

A weekly trip to a new place is important for your health. New places, and new situations and watching how your mind works. It's been amazing to watch you. And Dawn was so correct in music being a key element to your learning. Reflecting on last year and reading what you were doing then verses how far you have come. WOW!!!

Autism Speaks

Nathan speaks....sometimes he doesn't shut-up. He sings, he talks, he tells you somethings but he isn't a normal 4 year old, or maybe he is....he does his own thing. Autistic, I'm not sure...people who have autistic children look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them his diagnosis is autism. I agree this kid isn't autistic, he's quirky and probably somewhere on the chart...but it is very different and yet similar at times depending on his mood.

He plays with toys, he sleeps through the night, he's potty trained, he is very naughty. He pretends, he dances, he acts out stories, he has very good manners. Thank-you Peter. Please...

"Jump, jump, weee." He says as he jumps off the couch. "abre'!!" "NO, Peter!!" "A treasure chest, hello Mommy."

when asked to bring something to the trash, "NO." When he doesn't want to do something he fakes snores.

Whatever but he's Nate. He's four and he's growing up.

Strong willed and annoying

Interference.... I was going for a pass and ended up getting tackled. There are days when I can plan my life and then something happens and I end up with so much stress from this child...complicated by other siblings.

I booked my oldest child to watch her younger brother. She did but then for some odd reason felt like coming to watch her younger siblings and ruined my day. I get so annoyed at the younger child who lacks the ability to sit through any performance but the older siblings seem to not think.

I've gotten to the point where I don't want him coming anywhere with me if I want to enjoy something. A movie, forget it. At age 4 he isn't like other children and lacks the ability to sit still, not make a scene.

I wonder how other parents with special needs children handle them. He can seem so normal that you forget how much of a handful he can be in public. At home he is fine. He watches too much television, but is happy doing that, playing with legos.

Trying to figure out what is best for him. Intense therapy....I don't see the point. He has a normal attention span of a 3 year old. (yes he is 4...) I don't see the point in driving 30 minutes one way, and spending 30 minutes playing with some toy and saying the names of the items, driving 30 minutes home.

He's improving, it is just becoming more obvious that something is wrong. "He doesn't act like a four year old." an observation by one of his 10 year old brother's friends. No, he doesn't. He won't talk to you much. He's quieter but if he wants something or wants to behave a certain way, expect it to happen or an extreme moment where he is so annoying you wonder, is it worth it....yes, because maybe the next time he won't do it.

Learning to Share

co-op...it's interesting. You are with 11 other kids. I forgot the break through I had with you sharing...I was so shocked. You had your cars/trucks lined up and pitched a fit....so I removed you from the room and we spent some time sitting in a corner. It took a while but you wanted to go back to the other room.

"here, you go." I was shocked, as you handed the toy to Abram and continued to play. The other teacher looked at me and said, it's like another child. I don't understand why or when, but there are days where you take a huge leap forward and this was a day you turned a corner.

Going Out to Eat

I don't like taking you out to eat. Often you are very difficult but today you were better behaved. Maybe because it was a buffet. You sat and ate rice. You got out of your seat once and ran around the restaurant but for the most part it was a success. It's the little things that make my day.

And Now You Are Four

Graduating from the 3 year old group. Are you ready? In many ways yes, you are ready to be four years old. You know your colors, many shapes, many words, but I wonder how far you will go. Octagon, you are so very cute when you say this. And last night as we said prayers together I noticed you can now clearly say so many names, Grandpa is one you struggle with.

You have grown up so much. You are drawing more, wish you would stay off the walls, your Dad gets upset when you color there. I was going to get you this awesome magnetic board that you cold also write on but then lost the sale on the yardsale site.

Your siblings are teaching you so much. I love watching them with you. You make them smile, and bring so much joy, and yes at times you are so annoying and you make the house messy with tons of toys that you struggle to clean up and constantly need help with.

I wish I knew if you should have a lift or not, the doctor says no, but you stand with your leg to the side. I am so thankful for other Mom's that have children with hemihypertrophy, I may only meet them online but it is enough to know I am not alone. A different journey than I would of chosen, but one that I would chose to take.

Happy 4th Birthday!!

Time Flies!!!