Christmas thru the years....

My precious boy has grown up so much...I can't believe he is not a baby anymore. It has gone by too fast...sometimes I just want to slow the clock down.
Here is a stroll down Christmas card lane.

2005


2006


2007


2008


2009


2010

Our sweet, beautiful boy! We love you so much, I hope you always know that.

Hard Times

I finally uploaded the photos from the end of season soccer party. It was such a great experience for Matthew and I feel like he really benefited from it. I am looking forward to spring soccer!

Our awesome coaches who made it so much fun!
We love you coach Jon and Joe!

Matthew was so excited to get a trophy!
*****
So, keeping things real, it has been 2 of the worst weeks I can remember. I was hoping the new meds would help but things seem to get worse by the day. I feel like I am watching Matthew unravel and I can't do anything to help. I imagine it is difficult to be in his skin right now. The meltdowns, insomnia, rigidity is wearing on us right now. Please say a little prayer that the doctor is able to find the med/dose that will help Matthew get back to his sweet, happy and sunny self.
I HATE autism!

Matthew is in love!

Can you say head over heels? Matthew just adores his Pandy. Pictures say it all!

Nothing like a wet puppy kiss!

Matthew has been so patient and gentle with his Pandy.

He begs to snuggle with Pandy every night.

Pandy is crate trained but we let him stay in bed with Matthew until Matthew falls asleep and then move Pandy to his own crate next to Matthew's bed.
Truth be told it has been a brutal few weeks. We had a change in Matthew's med and the fallout while the doctor tried different meds/doses has been exhausting. Meltdowns every few hours and behaviors we haven't seen in a long time. Of course the person it is hardest on is Matthew, and Pandy has been a great source of comfort to him. After 2 weeks of upheaval I think the doctor has hit the target....I don't want to jinx it yet so I will just save it for another post.

Matthew. you are such a wonderful boy and we love you so much. We are proud of how hard you work. Your smile fills my heart!

The newest Sumida!

Today Matthew's dream came true....he got a miniature schnauzer puppy! His very favorite (and lucky for us a great dog for an allergy sufferer) type of dog too!

It was a very big decision but Matthew has such a love for dogs and wanted one so badly. I didn't want a dog but felt that it could provide him so much of the companionship he doesn't get from peers. I have seen him connect with dogs in a way he doesn't connect with people. Heartbreaking sometimes but I hope this will build that bridge.

We took him to visit the puppy to make sure he didn't have an allergic reaction. This was his face when he laid eyes on the puppy. We told him that the breeder was a friend and that the puppy was hers. Didn't want to break his heart if he had a reaction and we could take the puppy.

So today.....that puppy became his! We went to pick him up the puppy and when we got back, we put it in our room. We sat Matthew down, told him how much we loved him and had him close his eyes. When he opened them...

He was so happy! I told him initially that he could have a puppy when he is 10. He kept saying, "that is my dog? Am I 10 now? I can keep him?" He was overjoyed!


His smiling face made my entire year! He was gentle and sweet with Pandy (he named the puppy himself) and spent the entire day side by side.

I love you sweet pea and am elated beyond words that you are receiving such joy from your puppy!

Puppy Love!

Family Fun

Sunday was Andrew's 13th birthday. We went to have brunch and celebrate his becoming a teenager. As usual, Matthew was thrilled to have some time with his cousins.

Matthew and his Auntie Keiko

I absolutely love my nephews...
They are the brightest, sweetest kids and I am so proud of them!

Seeing Matthew so bonded to them makes me so happy.

Halloween

Last weekend was Halloween, and Matthew had such fun!

We started the day at a local pumpkin patch.

*****
In the afternoon we went to the Rao's house. Matthew walked in the neighborhood parade and then did some trick or treating. He was so cute, Lightening McQueen!


Matthew and Daddy

Are they cute or what?

Matthew did a great job and enjoyed himself completely. Mark and I loved watching him enjoy and participate.
*****
This week brought lots of changes. Matthew had had a great year so far and was moved to the pre-k at Wood Canyon. We were happy that the IEP team saw what we have known, Matthew is amazing and capable! We feel bad that he is having to make the change mid-year. Still, we have been fortunate to have wonderful people working with Matthew.

Good bye and thank you to the wonderful pre-school staff, we will miss you!

This is his new teacher. Today was day 1. He was very anxious but he did a great job! We are so proud!

Matthew, we love you sweet boy

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

Finally.....a break in the rain! We wanted to get Matthew out for some outside fun before the rain started up again so we went to the Irvine Pumpkin Patch.

Look how tall our little guy is getting!

He loved driving the tractors. Last year he was so impulsive and difficult to reign in that we had to pull him off the tractor after a minute or two. He remembered and said he was going to do it "cowectwy" (correctly) this year and he did great. I think he rode it 3 times! Who says Japanese can't drive?

All smiles in the haunted house

Not really sure why but Matthew LOVES the hay ride. Unfortunately it sent his allergies into orbit. :(

Matthew's highlight was ridding the trotting ponies. He is a complete animal lover. really enjoyed himself.

I love that smile!

Matthew and his Daddy!

A fun day with my little precious....Nothing better!