4 years... Look How Far We've Come!!

March will mark 4 years since we got Austin's official diagnosis of Autism. At that time I had hardly ever heard of Autism, had no idea what all it included nor how broad the spectrum really was. I consumed myself with literature, research, studies, testimonials, and found a support group a county away. Met with professionals, teachers, other parents, etc... We were scared and intimidated, but we were also hopeful. Many, many prayers went up (and still go up) for Austin and our family. At that time Austin couldn't tell me when he was hurting, hungry, sad, happy etc... When he needed something he would point and grunt. Sometimes he would just cry and cry. Fortunately, we were blessed that he wasn't aggressive, but passive. He would hug us and allow us to snuggle him. One thing that he used to do (even before we suspected anything) was pat. He would gently pat everything, his high chair, people, toys, etc... It was so sweet when you would hold him and he would pat you on the back.

After the diagnosis he was able to start getting therapies at school and a more hands on approach with learning. And, along with God and all the prayers and love he slowly began to come out of his shell. He started talking, although at first it was just repeating what everyone said. After a year he was talking to us, able to tell us what he needed.although it was still limited. I will never forget the first time he was able to tell me his ear was hurting instead of just crying and us not figuring out why. One of the most cherished moments happened during our first trip to CCK. He was 5 years old and we had just gotten to our room and unloading our stuff and he hugged me and my Mom and said for the first time "I LOVE YOU". We were in tears and so, so happy to hear him say those words. So many parents take for granted when their children say those 3 little words, but when you have gone 5 years without hearing it the first time is monumental and heart warming.

Here we are 4 years later now and he is a totally different child. Talks all the time, sasses, back talks, gives attitude etc.... He has come so far and though we still have struggles when I look back I see how minor those are compared to where we were.

A friend of mine shared this video with me and it reminded me of where we used to be and where we are now. And, that we are getting by and will continue. Austin is my Hero and I love him more than infinity!!

2 Hour Cleaning Job

How do kids accumulate so much stuff? Lydia's room had gotten quite out of hand and I just kept looking over it and kicking a path, but I just couldn't stand it ANYMORE. Below are the before pics. Don't ask me why there is a step ladder right in the middle of the floor.

I sent Pete the above pic at work and said if you don't hear from me please send a search party. After 2 hours of throwing junk away, arranging books, toys, clothes, jewelry, make up, hair bows, and shoes I finally seen an actual room. Oh, I can't forget all the stuffed animals as seen on her bed below.

The toy kitchen was also a wreck.

But, this happened....

I'm happy to see the floor, but it also makes me CRINGE. I forgot about all the little stains that have surfaced over the last 10 years and now am super ready to pull it all up.

Now, that it is clean I'm going to attempt to work out a daily to do list for Lydia to help keep it clean. The next big tackle will be Austin's room. Luckily, it's much bigger and doesn't look as messy.