Christmas 2008

It has been a busy few days so I am combining Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and today all in one post. I did not get as many photos as I had planned but we had a good few days. We went to Keiko’s house for Christmas eve and had a great time. Mark and I were able to visit and snack while Andrew and Zach kept an eye on Matthew. My little guy has really bonded with the boys and it makes me so happy to see him engage with them, it is a far cry from last year We had a really enjoyable evening.

Andrew and Zach giving thanks for the dinner

We spent Christmas day with Mark’s family. Matthew has a big soft spot for his Grandparents and loves to go to their house and feels at home there. He always gets upset when it is time to go and never wants to leave. It was a nice, relaxing Christmas day.

Matthew and Grandpa Sumida

We came home and Matthew played with his favorite Christmas present, his Thomas train track.

Now for today, everyone the past few days has been telling us that Matthew needed a haircut (he did) so I braved it and took him. The first 3 minutes we broke out in a sweat holding down flailing arms as he was screaming but he calmed down quickly and did well after, and boy does he look handsome. That face melts my heart!

After putting Matthew to sleep last night Mark and I marveled at how different this Christmas is and how grateful we are for the changes this year has bought to our son. Watching Matthew’s progress is the greatest gift we could possibly receive and a continual reminder that recovery is possible.

Christmas Train

We took Matthew to ride the Irvine Christmas Train with friends. Irvine Park does a great job with decorating and stringing lights everywhere and of course, there is a chance to see Santa. We did not plan for having to wait for hours in the freezing cold. It was also packed and very loud. It was sheer craziness. Regardless, there was something we walked away with that made us very grateful, and that is all the change that a year has brought for our little man. Last year this type of chaos would have triggered a monumental meltdown; Matthew would have been screaming and hitting everyone around him the entire time, unable to communicate as he had no language. We would have been unable to stay and he would have been out of control. Of course he was impatient last night as would any 3 year old be, but he is able to express what he wants and needs and process his environment so much more. He is able to let us know how to help him far more, even if what he needs is for us to cover hears ears to drown out the sound.

The kids did have fun once they finally got on the train and enjoyed seeing Santa. Even though it was not the most comfortable night, we always enjoying spending time with our friends.

Good-bye Crib

It was a big night at the Sumida house last night. Matthew’s bed arrived! We have been talking to him about it for about 2 weeks and he was so excited. We probably bought more time with Matthew in his crib than most people but it was necessary as he is such an eloper. No child proof lock is safe from him either so we milked the crib as long as possible. He seemed a little uneasy for a few moments when it was time to go to sleep but was out pretty quick. He had a great night of sleep and only woke up once (a typical night is 3-4 times). I went into his room this morning because he was so quiet (he is usually up extremely early and demanding to get out) and he was laying on his back relaxing. He said “Mommy, go out. Close door.” I asked him if he wanted to get up and watch TV in my room and he said “lay down right here big boy bed.” It was really cool to see him understand that this space is his and to see him exhibit the independence to want to time to himself. He is such an amazing little boy and the absolute love of our lives. We certainly have much to be grateful for this year.

Mommy, I am not so sure about this.....

Our little sleeping beauty.

A Day To Remember

OK, so I have to officially go on record and apologize to Keiko for all of the times when we were kids that I charged her a quarter to sleep on my floor because she was afraid of the dark, and all of the times I would con her into picking up the dog poop (my chore) and for stealing her clothes and sunglasses when we got older. She and Rob gave me a birthday that I will always remember. Since I was a kid I have loved the opera Carmen. The tragic story, beautiful costumes and sets and the exquisite music…… Today they sent Mark and I to see Carmen….what an afternoon! It was incredible and we loved just getting lost in the excitement of it all.
It was a phenomenal performance!

We ended this special day with Rob and Keiko taking us for a delicious dinner where we indulged in decadent desserts!

Of course I politely declined such calorie packed confections (uh-huh!)

You are HOW old?

On a serious note, many thanks to Rob and Keiko not just for today but for everything. You guys have given us so much love and support, especially during the past 2 years. You guys have made us feel that our burdens were yours and that we are all in this together.

We love you guys.

It was a beautiful day and one of the best birthdays I have ever had (and I have had a lot).

Thank you!

Happy Birthday Auntie!

Today was Auntie Keiko’s Birthday so we celebrated by getting together for lunch and cake and just lounging for the afternoon. Keiko loves poker so we thought this cake was perfect for her….until she told me that there are no dice in the game of poker. Who knew?

We had a fun afternoon and Matthew enjoyed spending time with his cousins. After seeing Matthew so distant from people, it is wonderful to see him want to be around his cousins.

Kisses are as sweet as cake! (Especially Matthew's)

Happy Birthday Aunite Keiko!

Thanksgiving 2008

What I am most thankful for..............

This precious boy that has made our lives complete.

Matthew's School Photo

OK, I know I am a bit biased but is that face precious or what! This is Matthew’s very first school picture and I had to share it. It is so very sweet to us because we had so much doubt that this day would be. Matthew loves school and has made such incredible progress there. He attends a wonderful school where everyone is so supportive of him. It is a great feeling to see him in a place where he is safe, loved and appreciated for his many strengths and exceptional qualities. We know the challenges that are still ahead and we are still struggling with many issues but the past year is a testament of all that is possible. We could not be more proud of our little guy. He is an amazing little boy!
We love you sweet pea!

Thomas the Train

It has not been a load of fun around our house recently between the stomach flu, croup, surgery…so even though Matthew was so sick we just could not say no when he begged to go to the Thomas the Train event we promised. We only stayed for about an hour because Matthew was feeling awful but he cracked a few smiles as he rode the train. We did not take many photos but I just loved these.

Are these 2 peas in a pod or what?

Sing-a-long

Today was the pre-school Sing-A-Long at Matthew's school as well as pajama day. The kids were so cute that I could hardly contain myself. They walked out of their classes holding a rope in a line and then sat in the courtyard and each class sang a song. Matthew's class sang "the Hokey Pokey". Most of them did not get it quite right but they were all adorable and I could see Matthew's mouth singing and his smile. As soon as I upload the video I will post it, it is certainly the best little movie we have ever seen!

Miss Freeman, Matthew's teacher

Danny, Matthew's ABA therapist and best friend

To see Matthew excited to be at school and to be able to be around kids and tolerate so much stimulation is wonderful. Having children in close proximity and the noise that comes with that would have put Matthew into a meltdown a few months ago. I started tearing up when for a moment I watched my beautiful son look like any other kid. I know the issues he has and the difficulties he still faces but his accomplishments take my breath away. He is extremely smart, curious, funny and sweet. I am so proud of him and look to the day when autism, GFCF, biomed, therapy, etc. are a part of our past.

Our little Buccaneer

Tonight we took Matthew to a halloween party at Sensory City. He was a pirate and the cutest little buccaneer you have ever seen. He had a great time and we enjoyed watching him play with the other kids and have a chance to visit with other families.

A visit with our Anna who Matthew loves dearly.

Playing in the ball pit, a new favorite.

A great time was had by all. I wish we had taken more photos but were having a good time running after our little fellow. We are enjoying being able to experience so many different things with Matthew that were not possible before. He is able to handle various stimulation so much better and loves seeing his friends and playing. We look forward to even more special and memorable times with our precious boy.

Mommy loves you Sweet Pea!

Playing Hooky

Mark had the day off today so we headed down to Sea World and got some more use out of our passes. This time we went to many of the exhibits since Matthew has been interested in fish lately. He was not as excited about the shows as the actual exhibits. They were a bit loud for him and it was crowded so a little overwhelming. He seemed to enjoy the World of the Sea Aquarium the most, we actually went twice because he wanted to go back and see the turtles.

We took him to touch the California Bat Rays which he got a kick out of. His face tells the story. We are not sure if he actually touched one but he sure liked trying.

The bouncer and riding on Daddy's shoulders are the other treats Matthew loves at Sea World. Could that face be any more precious!

The funniest moment of the day was when we went to the Penguin Encounter. It smelled so bad that Matthew held that little nose with his fingers and said "P U. Tity boee!" (P U stinky birdy!) Mark and I just howled. Matthew knew he said something funny and went on to say "Yucky Yucky boee" (Yucky Yucky birdy) and laughed hysterically.

More and more we see this larger than life personality emerging. Matthew is so smart, funny and entertaining. Watching him be able to enjoy the world around him is so exciting for us. There was a time not so long ago that engaging him to even look at us for a fleeting second was a battle, so these times are are so very sweet and ones we cherish. He was so tired on the way home and fell asleep before we hit the freeway. I still love to watch my little angel sleep.