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.

Irvine Railroad Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch at the Irvine Regional Park with friends for an afternoon of fun with all the kiddos. Matthew had fun seeing his pals, going for a hay ride and riding the train. The bounce house proved to be a little much for him but overall, he enjoyed his day and we had fun visiting with our friends.

Could he be any cuter?

Matthew's friends who make outings so much fun!

Happy Anniversary

Five years ago today.........

Who would have thought when I initially interviewed Mark in 1997 at Panasonic that 11 years later we would be married with a beautiful little boy. I even told the manager not to hire him….. Good thing he did not listen!
We had a nice anniversary afternoon. We went to a TACA meeting that was about recovered children/parents (how encouraging is that!) and for happy hour then dinner with friends. We laughed and talked all night….and most of it was not about autism! It was a lot of fun. A far cry from when we went to this same meeting last year. We were looking for hope last year and now we are experiencing it.

Our lives have turned out differently than we imagined 5 years ago when we walked down the aisle but filled with so much happiness with our precious son Matthew . I can’t imagine this journey with anyone else but Mark. A better father, husband and friend does not exists, I got the best there is.

XOXOXOXO to you Mark.

The Boys

We had a relaxing afternoon with Keiko's family today to celebrate Mark and Naymama's birthdays. Friends who have known me over the years will remember what a big role Andrew and Zach have always played in my life. I was head over heels for both of them from the moment they were born. They have given me so much love and joy and it makes me so happy to see them play with my son now. Matthew has a special bond with the boys (David was not there but Matthew asked about him several times) and is able to connect and interact with them in an exceptional way. The adults ate lunch while Matthew hung out with the kids. We checked on them several times but Matthew was content to stay with them and enoyed their company. Matthew can be very aloof so to see him desire to be with my nephews is a big step socially and one that Andrew and Zach are thrilled about too!

It was a rainy day but such a vibrant rainbow was in the sky when we got home. A beautiful end to a nice day. Matthew was mesmerized by it.