When I signed up to be a mom I dreamed it would be magical and everything lovely. It was magical, but also very rough. My first baby, a boy named Tristan was born unhealthy and I struggled to keep him alive his first year of life. You can read more here about my son at…
Special Needs Mommy Meltdown
Being a special needs parent is hard physically, emotionally, and it is draining. Being that we are a military family and move a lot we do not have the support of close family or friends, so a majority of my son’s care has fallen on my shoulders. Sometimes I will admit I wish I was…
Positivity in a Jar
I saw a photo floating around Facebook last week where people write down the positives in their lives and put them away in a mason canning jar. These notes are then read at the end of the year. I loved the idea, but I decided I wanted to do a “kid friendly” version. Teaching my…
I Got Fired!
I have never been fired by anyone or from anything in my life until this past month. A few weeks ago, I received a letter in the mail from my older two children’s pediatrician. In the letter it stated if I did not bring my children up to date in their vaccinations and start vaccinating…
Five Simple Steps to Replace Bad Behaviors
Does your child have a behavior that drives you nuts and makes you want to pull your hair out? What about negative behaviors that ruin or destroy items in your home? My son Tristan is five and has autism, and at times many of his repetitive behaviors make me batty. I could scold my son…
Stand Up and Say No To Bullies
The top story this week is about a New Jersey father Stuart Chiafetz, who says his 10-year-old son Akian who has autism was tormented for at least six months by his public school special education teacher and aide. The father sent his son wired to school and the six hour recorded audio that came back “changed…
Autism Awareness One Apron At A Time
A few weeks ago I ordered a tailored made autism awareness apron from Fried Green Aprons a family run business. I received my apron and I LOVE the apron so much I have to share the talented Lynne, Joan, and Judy – sewers, artists, and co-owners extraordinaires of Fried Green Aprons with you. These wonderful…
Inexpensive Chewable Tubing for Oral Fixation
Lately I feel like we take two steps forward and one or more steps back sensory wise with our son Tristan. My recent pregnancy was hard on me physically. Mentally and emotionally drained I became a reactive parent, rather than one who responds with firm calmness. Tristan began to bite his nails which is not…
For Tristan’s Eyes Only!
Today, my post is dedicated to my son Tristan. In celebration of National Autism Awareness Month, I created something on this blog for him to enjoy. I think perhaps only he will understand and experience the true joy of this post. Thanks Dieselducy! Tristan, I hope you enjoy this post! Perhaps there are a few…
Autism Awareness and the Use of Social Stories
Autism is very near and dear to my heart. Some of you already know my five year old son Tristan was given the diagnosis of PDD-NOS right after his third birthday. Even before the autism diagnosis we went through many hurdles medically and physically. My son’s diagnosis does not define him or who he is as…