Is it already July?

The summer is going by too fast, it is literally flying by. It is hard to believe it has been a year since Mark's dad passed away. Matthew still speaks of his grandpa, they had a special bond. In remembrance we went to the cemetery on the anniversary of his passing.

After this we grabbed a bite to eat with Mark's family. Matthew enjoyed his cousins, it was nice to see Matthew really connect with them.

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We came home and Mark and Matthew engaged in one of their pass times, catching lizards. Yuck!

As long as they keep those things outside, have at it.
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Friday Matthew had surgery. His tonsils and adenoids where removed and he had a frenulectomy. I was a wreck but going in he was a brave boy.

After a little "silly juice".

It was actually a BRUTAL day. Matthew was fine going in but had a very hard time coming out of anesthesia and was in a lot of pain. He had such a horrible reaction to the anesthesia, it took the surgeon, anesthesiologist, Mark the nurse and I to hold him down when he came out because he was crazed. They tried a few meds to calm him because he was ripping out his IV and literally could not be contained. It was heartbreaking to see. He does not cry often so it was very difficult to see him so out of sorts. My poor baby! After he awoke again he was back to himself but in pain. He is healing well and in great spirits though still experiencing some discomfort.
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For July 4th I got Mark and Matthew matching t-shirts.

Are these two peas in a pod or what?

Matthew swinging his first real golf club. Not bad. Wonder where he gets it? :)
We had our friends over for some dinner and to watch the fire works.

It was a lot of fun. It was beautiful weather and everyone enjoyed the day.

Kiran got in on the golf too!

The kids all had fun and enjoyed the fire works show. Matthew was mellow all day and by the evening was not feeling well at all. He was better today and I think with a few more days of minimal activity will resume to his sunny, happy, energetic self. Poor little thing has been a trooper. He has been on a liquid diet since Friday and on antibiotics and pain killers.
He still manages to be the sweetest boy and gives those smiles that warm me to my toes!
Hope you feel better precious!

Summer is here!

This school year has flown by. There were lots of tough times this year but a year full of growth and progress. Monday was Matthew's last day with Kelly (on the left). She has been his social skills teacher for 2 years and his shadow for over a year. She has been amazing with unending patience and perseverance and he has learned so much from her. She is moving up north and I am so sad I cry every time I think about it. Kelly-I hope you know the impact you have had on my son and my family. We love you and are grateful every day that you came into our lives....for Matthew and for us.

Tuesday was the last day of this school year for Moulton (School District). It has been a year of much learning and changing there too. Matthew had wonderful teachers. We decided that another year of pre-k would be highly beneficial. Though academically he would do fine in kindergarten we felt that socially he needs another year so he will be in his same class next year. It is great because he can have the same teachers (he loves them) and have many of the same kids as well. Then when he goes to kindergarten he will move on with the kids he is in class with next year.

Thank you Mrs. G and Miss Mansi!

The kids had a fun last day party. Matthew even wore some face paint (that was a first!)

My adorable little man!
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To celebrate the end of a good year we surprised Matthew with a trip to Disneyland.

Miss Melanie surprised us with a visit there and rode a few rides too.

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What a year. Lots of really rough days and lots of tears (Matthew and me)......but lots of wonderful moments too! We love you so much little fellow and are proud of you.

So proud!

We still have many issues that we are working on but I am so proud of my Matthew I could burst! I would love to show this to the doctor (who will go nameless) who told me Matthew would probably not speak......
How it this for non-verbal?

Counting in 4 languages! Go Matthew! You amaze me every day and I love you so much.
I am so lucky to be your mom!

Catching up....

It's been a busy few weeks for us. Matthew went to his very first movie! He has been begging to see a "show" so we took him to see Shrek 4. We went to a "sensory friendly" viewing where they keep the lights on and the volume bit lower than usual. You can bring your own snacks (for kids on special diets) and it is an environment that brings the stimuli to a more tolerable level for kids with issues with noise, crowds, etc. Matthew did not care for the movie (we lasted about 20 minutes which is actually a big deal for anyone who knows Matthew) but he does want to go back for Toy Story 3.

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Later that day we saw Andrew in a Rubik's Cube speed contest at the Discovery Science Center. His best time was 49 seconds! I was blown away! He was a bit disappointed as he can do 34 seconds but Holy Cow! What a stud! A true MIT candidate, and sooooooooo handsome!

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Matthew started swim class and is having a blast.

Warm ups with Coach Ashley
His little teeth were chattering so we got a wetsuit to keep him a little warmer.
Is he cute or what?

He loves swimming this year and has become so brave. I know where we'll be spending lots of time this summer.....if only mommy was swimsuit ready :(

Look at my baby go across the pool!

Relaxing in the jacuzzi after swim class
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We had a fun day with our friends Matt, Alex and Aiden this weekend. We went to a BBQ restaurant that had GFCF food for lunch and off to the pool after. Doesn't this cutie look like he could be Matthew's cousin?

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These pics are from Matthew's pre-school's year end potluck. Matthew enjoyed having us there and we loved seeing Matthew successful in school. He participated in the games, circle time and chatted with the boys on either side of him during the snack time.

He got to have a GFCF break and had some real pizza. He was in heaven!

As we observed Matthew at the potluck we were reminded again of how big the past few months have been for him. We could not be more proud of the progress he has made this year and how hard he has worked. He inspires us every day. We love you Matthew!

Pinch me........

Today we had an IEP that we were so happy with....and no attorneys! After a rough 2008 our team for 2009 has been awesome! It was so wonderful to meet with the IEP team and hear how happy everyone is with Matthew's progress and we can all celebrate his successes the past few months. We still have many issues that we are working on but the progress he has made is thrilling.
His favorite thing in the entire world is roller coasters, the ones at Disneyland in particular. He LOVES to watch them on youtube and has become quite adept at navigating the web. He enjoys spelling too and hops on the computer and types in the various rides he likes to watch.....over and over and over and over....! Here is a clip of him doing just that. My smart, sweet little guy. I can hardly believe that in a little more than 3 months he will be 5. Where did the time go? This little fellow has made it the best years of our lives. We love you peanut!

Walk for Autism 2010

Zachary decided to spend his birthday weekend doing the Walk for Autism in honor of Matthew. He spoke to his school a few weeks ago about the importance of supporting this cause and the devastating effects this disorder has on children and their families. He raised over $3300!
We could not be more proud of this special boy!
Thank you to our friends and family who supported him, we appreciate all of you.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Zach, David and the Team Freemont walkers

Zach and David walking with Matthew

Matthew loved being with his cousins. He had a fun day.

As we met several wonderful people and saw children representative of all ends of the spectrum, I was reminded of what I have to be so grateful for and how much hope we have for the future, not only for Matthew but for all the children in our lives affected by autism.
Thank you Zach for doing such a wonderful job and working so hard to make a difference.
You are a wonderful advocate for your cousin and I love you very much.
Happy, Happy Birthday!

It feels like it has been so long since I have posted but it has been quite busy for us. I ended up having surgery and have pretty much been off my feet for the past 5 weeks. That has kind of put a crimp in our outings. I am posting just a few photos from Easter with Mark's family and a few photos of Matthew at a birthday party with his beaming smile.

He is doing so well right now, I feel like I have to pinch myself at times. We went to Irvine Spectrum yesterday (they have complimentary wheel chairs) and as wandered around we were reminded of when we used to go with Mark's parents. We never let Matthew out of the stroller as he was a HUGE eloper and when we took him to the water area we had 1 person at each entrance to catch Matthew while he ran aimlessly towards every exit. Yesterday he calmly walked along side, even pushing the wheelchair at times and chatting about the mini-schnauzer he wanted us to buy at the pet store. He has come so far, I often look at him and can hardly remember those difficult times. His progress has been nothing short of a miracle. Still, we have issues we are working on but I now know that there is nothing Matthew can't over come.
Mom and Dad are proud of you Matthew! We love you!

Mark and his brother

Matthew and cousins

My little thrill seeker

Wahoooooo!