Reflections of 2014

In preparation of us heading into a New Year in just a few hours, I will dedicate this post to sharing few moments of Landon's progress.

I'm certain you will enjoy just as much as all of Landon's family, friends and supporters have.

These are just a few Reflections of Progression!!!

 

• This first video link is him and his lead teacher doing some Arts & Crafting.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Byq_VGn7v_NrSlUyX1VDaFRNMk0/edit?usp=docslist_api

Taken 12/4

• Here's Landon's first school picture since being a Langley Tiger. I was called to help assist him, I guess he was having some difficulty preparing to have his picture taken. Needless to say he was ALLL CHEEZZ when I arrived and of course he wasn't willing to take the picture without him Mommy!! As you see I was not prepared to have a picture taken this day.... The benefits of working in the same building with you kid!

• Everyone knows Landon loves reading books, especially when the reader is animated. He enjoys turning the pages of the book, looking at the pictures and often taking lead. This story was of course the best of out this world as he was having this moment with his Dad.

Taken 10/11

 

• How about the fun at the Autism Walk back in October. Here he's sharing a moment with his Big Sis DaMari, as he's checking out the Team LRG poster made by his Auntie Nicole. 

Taken 10/4



• Here's a picture of him taken during his lunch time, holding and drinking from an open cup independently. His teacher sent me this. 

Taken 7/28

 

• Let's not forgot about the BEST DAY of 2014, when Landon officially starting walking independently! Ooh what a joy it was seeing that smile on his face as he stomped off with no gait trainer throughout the entire evening. As if he knew he was holding this news to himself and it was time to share! 

  

  June 24th!!

Often we don't realize how fast our kids grow, how times passes right before our eyes. But in the world of special needs and/or developmental delay we seem to await these milestones a little longer then normal. But in the process while making mental notes, we're so busy embracing the progress in that moment we forget to record these special notes in those beautiful baby books--we'll at least I have. These are the times I'd like to call my brain a flash drive, because I'm storing all this memories deep inside; along with all of the other moments that give me breath, peace and that long winded silent sigh of excitement.

I can only imagine what the upcoming year will bring....I can only imagine!

“Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.”

-Yvonne Woon

Dental Grooming Visit

Today was Landon's dental appointment. This is actually his 3rd time going. He does pretty well, of course he sits on my lap to get serviced. Today I was anxious to inform the dentist that he is still grinding his teeth and find out what could we do. As we were seated in the seat, I started to mention it to her and he started right at that time.

Landon says CHEZZZ!

She mentioned, "oh I hear him, but he's still to young to get a mouth guard". Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I guess I had to accept it. She also mentioned the grinding provides him with a sense of sensational comfort. I also brought to his doctor's attention too, he mentioned it's a few things that gets from it, such as, behavioral sensory and a calming effect. #shrugshoulders

I just know it's mighty annoying once he gets to going. Often I try calling his name to distract him, it works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I'd like to hope this is something that he will eventually grow out of. And most importantly I hope it doesn't harm his teeth to badly.

Back to the visit--he sat as she begin brushing his teeth. Of course it wouldn't be true if I said he sat still the entire time, he eventually starting to tussle with me as she was coming to an end. As for now everything else, from what she was able to see looks good, no cavities or other issues and all teeth are accounted for.

Now that's what I call a great dental visit!!

Christmas Is Here

Seasons Greetings,

May the beauty of the season bring you joy and warm memories to cherish throughout the remaining of year!

Joyfully Signed,
Mom'ager of Team LRG

The journey of life is with many twists and turns. But with faith and courage, no obstacle can stop you from reaching your goals. Keep faith, peace and kindness in your heart, and you shall always shine. 
Merry Christmas.

-author unknown

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring....well except Chloe. As Landon got prepared for bed and dressed in his best christmas pj's, he went over to his box of books and pulled a few out.

I guess he said, since Mommy didn't have cookies & milk he'd pick a book to read for Santa!!!! Well... that was the case before he walked back over to get on the bed...before he knew it, Landon was out.

And that was his story of "Twas the Night Before Christmas"!

Now this Mommy has gifts to wrap!!!

Happy Christmas Eve to All! And to All a Goodnight!

#DecemberHasBeenDelightful

A Evening of Holiday Fun

This post is several days late....but here goes....

Landon & I made it to the Holiday Party with Kids In Action at HSC, as I stated in my post last Friday.

Check out My Holiday Cookie Monster!

As we walked in we were greeted with friendly smiling faces from staff and other families. The set up consisted of snacks & beverages, crafts, cookie decorating station, ornament tables, wall game with Rudolph, and a gift table. Of course you can guess what table Landon saw first and kept going back and forth too! After a while the room suddenly began to fill up with more staff, parents & families and most importantly more kids, ranging from ages 1 to 22; all with different health impairments.

I started out by taking Landon around to the different craft tables. We stopped at the mitten table first since he walked over to touch the cotton balls, then we headed over to the ornament tables. I was actually surprised that he didn't get tensed and clingy. He walked around with his smiling funny faces while grabbing all the cookies at his reach.

What I enjoyed most about this evening was being in the company of other families and seeing so many different children who owned the uniqueness of themselves. I mean we have been to several doctors appointments or other places where we ran into other special needs kids but we had never been surrounded by so many at one time. This actually made me feel settled knowing that we all had something in common- -that was rather different in appearance. And Of course I was approached with the question "is he autistic"? Which is always so difficult to give a straight answer, because he hasn't been diagnosed with autism but his genetic syndrome produces the autistic traits. But in short, its just seems easier to say yes.

I didn't get to meet any parents as I would have liked to, nothing more than friendly gestures and hellos. As everyone was just in their own moment with assisting, mingling and engaging in the fun with their kid(s). I'd admit this was definitely the confirmation I needed to remind me why I need to quickly move on with my vision for M.A.R.C.H.H; as it also provides more clarity that this has become apart of my life, which I've become accustom to enjoy.

Landon's crafty ornaments we made.....

Eventually Landon starting to get a little uncooperative so we went to grab a seat and in no time, he cuddled up on me and fell asleep. At that point I sat there for a while then we went around to say out good-byes and headed out.

In all the evening ended well and I'm glad we went, I'd like to say we both enjoyed our evening filled with holiday fun!!

#DecemberBeNice

Weekly Recap

Happy Friday!!

Landon had a good week this week. Other wise the 3 wet mornings by time we arrived at school, he's been a good boy. I told him to have a talk with Mr. Happy so that their on the same page; to stay dry (Ha!). I almost forget how much work is with potty training.

I'll admit its not so easy enforcing at home in the evenings when I'm trying to prepare for the next day, fix dinner/warm left-overs or just sit to think.


















So the new for this week is Landon walking up to the heaters in the building touching them and saying "hottt"!

"HOTT"

This week I've been able to stop by his class a few times and today I was able to catch a few pictures--yahh!

Here are the notes from his teacher this week.

12/8 Note:
Landon completed his puzzle independently today as well as did a very good job stopping, walking and waiting in the halls when asked to do so. Also, Landon used the potty again this afternoon.

12/9 Note:
Hail to the King! Landon complete both of his puzzles this morning with easel. He also did a good job imitating body parts and attempting movements during moving exercise. Keep up the good work.




In other news for today I'm excited about us attending the Kids In Action Holiday Party at HSC this evening. I'm looking forward to making some new connections with parents and staff. Not to mention hopefully this will tire the little guy out for the night!!!

That's all folks!

#DecemberBeNice

King Landon

Just thought I'd share this email from Landon's teacher today. This tickled me....

I hope you find humor in reading this as I did--or maybe you have to personally know Landon to truly understand.

Hey Ms. Staton,

I understand that you would like for us to put Landon on the toilet around 2:45 pm daily. We usually use the bathroom following nap around 2:20pm. We have to start our STAR 2 rotations at 2:30 followed by snack and prepare for dismissal. We will try to have him use the bathroom prior to if he finishes his work and snack early. Sometimes our King Landon likes to escape work by acting like it is not in front of him or looking upward. When I say Landon I know you are trying to ignore your work but you still have to do it, then he laughs. He is so hilarious but I told King Landon that we are all workalholics in here and have to maintain our image!

Its amazing to see how he can have such personality even with existing delays.

My Baby having breakfast this morning!!

While at the same time he can become this timid shy-like clingy little boy--but will burst out with a laugh like no other at such perfect timing. I tell him all the time, "you think everything is funny".  I guess it reminds me that laughter is known to be the best medicine; and regardless how indifferent we may be from one another, we all benefit from laughter in some way.

"Cute is when a person's personality shines through their looks. Like in the way they walk, every time you see them you just want to run up and hug them."

-Natalie Portman

Today's Note(s):

Hello! I'm excited to see Landon's progress in PT. I am in the process of ordering a small chair for him and I need his height and weight. If you don't have it, ill just take him to the nurses office for it next week! Will you email me if you have it.

Thanks,

-PT

Hi! Thanks for the update. Please keep me posted with this process. I would suggest taking him to the nurse, his last appointment they couldn't get a accurate read because he wasn't cooperating. Let me know of you need further assistance from me.

-Lavita

Wow, Landon urinated in the potty today. He woke up dry from nap, went to PT and returned dry. He sat on the potty for 3 min and the rest is history! Way to go Landon!

-Teacher

Yah Landon! As he's been acting like a "Lil BUTT" at home when putting him on the potty. But I'm trying. Recently all his pampers ran out so were officially pull-up central here at home.

-Lavita


#DecemberBeNice

December Be NICE

Happy December Team LRG Viewers!!

Its officially the "Holidays"! And 24 days until Christmas.

Let the countdown begin!
For a little Festive Fun, I'm going to #DecemberBeNice at the end of each post.

Enjoy!
xoxo

Gym Time

Here's a video I received from one of Landon's teacher today. 

He's at gym. Check him out as he kicks the ball!!

Wait to Go Landon!!!

**FYI--it appears to be a glitche in the sharing rights for this video with Google. I'll try to fix and re-post for your viewing; meanwhile here's the link 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Byq_VGn7v_NrQ3RIa3Y4SjRGMDQ/edit?usp=docslist_api. 

Thanks!!!

Post Thanksgiving Thanks

Hello!!

We hope you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving filled with warmth of Love amongst family & friends.

We have been so THANKFUL for your support, kind words, prayers and keeping up with our journey & blog news.

Say Hi to Mr. Turkey...made by Landon!!

We APPRECIATE YOU....from the bottom of our stuffed tummy's & hearts!!

xoxo,
Mom'ager of Team LRG


**Stay connected.....M.A.R.C.H.H is coming your way for 2015**

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."

-Oprah

Progress & Updates

We had our first parent-teacher conference on Monday, November 11th. There was so much information shared for Landon's progress with his teachers. I was super pleased hearing my boy has adjusted so well with his new schooling environment. Although he's in the same building with me, there is so much I don't get to see. But with the daily logs that come home and having this opportunity to actually see how his day is structured and his work is simply breathtaking; with every shared progress I always feel a piece of fulfillment knowing my daily prayer is making him stronger by the day.

His teacher shared his Glows Log report:

• Repeated the word "stop" when teacher asked him to stop while practicing walk, stop and wait in the halls; dated 10/21
• Imitated wave hello to friends during morning meeting opening song, "Hello"; dated 10/21
• Initiated song "Wheels on the Bus" by rolling hands as a reinforcer for completing 3 piece inset picture to picture wooden puzzle; dated 10/21
• Provided with a teacher model to "raise hand", Landon raised his hand to participate during morning meeting; dated 10/29
• Landon did a nice job playing alongside peer for abut 2 minutes as well as sharing toys with peers; dated 11/7

Now how awesome is that!!!

But with all that greatness above and while he is rapidly progressing in certain areas, there is still other areas we have to focus in working on. See below email shared from his teacher for seating support...
"Hey Ms. Staton, PT and I talked today about supports for Landon while sitting during seat work and meal time. See email below.

• Hello AT team!
  I am the physical therapist for Landon Greene, a three year old student . I have CC'd his teacher and OT to this email.
  Today I noticed that Landon is very unstable in his current seating arrangement. In the cafeteria, he sits on a bench and his legs dangle. I had to support him because he was falling to the side and staff report that he has fallen backwards off the bench. In his classroom, he has no chair small enough for him to rest his feet flat on the floor. Even with a box under his feet, I feel that he needs lateral supports for safety. He has very low tone and poor core strength.
  When would you be available to see this child or meet with me/his teacher? Can we get him a chair with lateral supports with an optional tray that can be used in the classroom and in the cafeteria?

Once someone contacts us to schedule a visit, I will also discuss assistive technology supports for communication as well. Thanks". 

However, in other news check out who was honored for RESPECT??

Go Landon!!!!!

Landon received his very 1st school award for demonstrating a Langley Core Value!!!

And I'm including a few pictures his teacher shared.

sitting in the gym...

having some therapy time with the bike..

Potty Training 101

Posting PRAISES for Landon using the potty AT HOME today!!!

Since he started school he has been in the training stage, he wears pull-ups daily during the week. And I'm currently in the transition to practice this at home and eventually have him wear them permanent, so can we say "Bye Bye Pampers".... soon!!!

At school he is sent to use the bathroom at least every 30 minutes, for 3 minutes each time. Which seems almost impossible to implement this same rule at home, but my ultimate goal is to try this and/or at least sit him there with hopes he will attempt to go or just go.

Personally I had no intentions on reaching this stage this soon. I was thinking this would be enforced as we moved forward with new communication methods. But his teacher is very adamant about him and their class learning to be independent; so they are enforcing potty training by implementing other ways to communicate, ie. pictures and even gestures.

I will admit I have been contemplating on purchasing another potty chair,

this is his current potty seat...

as the one he currently has doesn't have that high upward piece in the center needed for boys, which makes me somewhat uncomfortable forcing his "Mr. Happy"into the bowl area {#shrugshoulders} to avoid any outside splashes.

I'm thinking to purchase a seat and another potty chair as well. I carried the potty seat when I was potty training my daughter, I kept it right in her travel bag. It came in handy when we were out, while still enforcing potty training.

desired potty chair..
(see the difference??)

desired potty seat..
(this would be good for traveling purposes)

Needless to say I sat my boy on the pot and told him not to get up until he was done. Within the next few minutes he got up and marched over to my direction, I said, "Landon why are you up"...he looked at me with that silly grin of his. So I walked over to the pot to only see he did exactly as I had asked of him!!
Boy ohhh Boy did that make Mommy's Day!!! I praised him by clapping and telling him Good Job Buddy!

These precious moments remind me that while my baby is still behind, he's determine to catch up at his own pace and with that said, Mommy is okay with that!

A quote that comes to mind with this post is:

"every child is Gifted, they just unwrap their packages at different times"

-unknown

Hallow Harvest Fun

For the last 3 years I have somehow missed out in having Landon participate in Halloween Festivities, so this year I made sure my baby got in his missed time.

Just a recap--
First we started with attending the National Harbor Halloween festival on Sunday, October 26^th.  And considering I had a costume in mind for him all this time, it was short and simple 
to pull it out and get him dressed. 

Farmer Greene!!!

Although in my mind I wanted to go deeper with it, by having me and Anesia participate in dressing up but since I was kind of in a lazy mood, I just let him lead the way. 

I'm A MUMMIE!!

Friday we attended an actual Halloween Party with my mom, sisters & brother in-law, nieces, and my aunt and I figured why not create him a costume that would fit his personality and most of his “cool distinctive” walk. I was totally surprised that he actually let me and Nae wrap him, well up until he got tired but overall it turned out really cute and when I say he feel right into character, you would've thought he knew what he was.

Landon's Pumpkin Patch Experience....

His last and final Harvest activity was him attending the Pumpkin Patch at Cox Farm for the first time. His auntie chaperoned with his class. And she said they had tons of fun. She came back with Apple Cider juice, donuts and pumpkins...and of course she took tones of photos.

I'd like to think this Lil Guy had his fare share of Hallow Harvest Fun this year!

Kennedy Krieger Follow-Up Visit

Thursday, October 30^th our follow up visit to KKI had arrived, one whole year has gone by seemingly fast.

The morning started out early, we had arrived in good timing, which I had hoped for.

Peep the "napper"!

We arrived so early we were able to sit; Dad was able to catch a nap, I was able to feed Landon some breakfast and played some temple run and but of course snapped a few usies … #smiles.

As the hour went by, it was now time to get down with this appointment. We checked in, and had a seat while waiting to be called. We started out with Landon having a vital screening and we were prompted to await the doctor.

While we waited he took a few scrolls back and forth throughout the waiting area, peeped in the toy box, played with a few toys and eventually ended up playing shoestrings with Dad…right until the door opened and the Dr. announced “Landon Greene”.

We all got up and walked towards her, greeted and followed her. As we were following her lead she stated “He’s walking now, that’s great”. Moving along with the appointment, she started out with some follow up questions, inquired about the status of connecting with John Hopkins, which I had explained; fell through to due to non-insurance coverage. She then moved right into some instructional play with him to see what he could articulate and comprehend. They did this repeatedly using different tactics such as books, bubbles, fine finger grasping with small object items, imitation, and receptive play.

She continued to ask us questions on our thoughts with his progress and what were some goals we would like to see him accomplish.

She also inquired his recent status with schooling and as I informed her he was currently attending public school full-time, in an Autism structured-class, she stated that was a good environmental setting for him and recommended that he remain there.

As she was starting to wrap up our visit she expressed her interest in another evaluation. She stated she wanted to be clear with his current diagnosis before she added on another one. She continued with saying while current flags of autism are present she wants more time to evaluate and watch his progress considering the delays are caused from Kleefstra. She also recommended that we continue with all current settings and programs as she sees much improvement since initially evaluating him one year ago; however, developmental wise she placed his growth at age of a 1.5 year old.

So needless to say there was NO diagnosis determination made!!!

How do I (we) feel about this?  Dad and I agreed that we were comforted knowing that she wasn't a doctor who was quick to place a title on a kid. That she showed interest in learning more about Kleefstra and that she’s passionate in her field with accepting and dealing with each case as needed. She appeared to be vested in making an appropriate judgement accurately--and for that I'm grateful for her time, regardless how many times she requests we follow up.

Where do we go from here? Well only time will tell. All of Landon’s progress depends on what Landon wants to interpret and achieve. I feel as his mother I’m assuring he’s receiving all the proper services he needs, so with that, he will continue to grow stronger developmentally and physically daily. Meanwhile we will wait out next visit. And continue with regular care.

How’s Landon been adjusting to school? So far so good. Landon has always been capable to letting someone know when he doesn't want to do something. There are some days he has challenges going up and down the steps, but his teachers and other staff has been helpful with assisting him when needed. His PT Therapist recently recommended and requested he receives an full- armed supported seated chair to assist with him sitting in the chair correctly, as he slouches when sitting on the benches during lunch time. And I’m currently waiting on feedback for his Assistive Technology communication device. His teacher and I recently meet and she recommended that I get rid of his sippy cup, pamper usage and use pull-ups only, and start incorporating a picture communication system at home. She said overall, he has adapted quickly and faster than she expected.

"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be" 

Khalil Gibran

Today's Note

"Landon had a good day! Today Landon did a nice job imitating clapping hands, patting and waving during morning meeting. Today Landon had speech. Landon is in the beginning stages of using PECS {Picture Exchange Communication System} in order to communicate his wants and needs.

This was the note his lead teacher wrote in his book today. I enjoy reading his daily progress notes. One of the simple things I miss from Easter Seals, receiving the notes from his therapy sessions. However that process is slightly different here at Langley, we don't recive therapy notes, but we do recieve daily notes from his teacher--which is my new "Good Read of the day".

Far as PECS, I have been doing some research on this lately since it was brought to my attention from one of the SPED teachers and I'm very interested in learning more to help assist with his communication needs. I had said a while ago I was going to work on a new project by creating a picture system on the refrigerator using velcro, never knew there was an actual name for this system. I also came across some workshops for parents and/or educators I'm interested in and is planning to take next year; definitely looking forward to that.
For more information on PECS visit:
http://www.pecsusa.com/index

On another note we will be visiting Kennedy Kreiger this Thursday for our follow up appointment.

Signing Off,
Landon's Advocate aka Mommy

"We are all born with great potential. Shouldn't we all have the chance to achieve it?"

--Kennedy Kreiger Institute

Who's Here?

Today Landon was responsible for bringing the attendance to the office. The lead teacher called to warn me before he arrived, so I went to stand behind a closed door where I could just watch. Well he walked into the office smiling from ear to ear, holding the attendance folder firmly as he walked up to the tray where it supposed to be placed and dropped it right in.

He needed a little assistance reaching
 the tray this time...

One of the teacher aides was with him and she congratulated him on doing such a awesome job with being responsible. But the funny thing is while he's being responsible he still wants to check on his mommy.

Meanwhile, I'm standing back there but ducked to avoid him looking in my direction as he's walking around with his loud little stomp towards my area {where the orange paw is}. I'm peeping at him as he has this look like "where is she", he turns the empty chair around as if I was going to appear. He then looks around like "y'all know where she is". His teacher calls out his name, as he turned around he seemed a little upset. But he proceeded to move towards her.

Coincidentally she let him do it again, she grabbed the folder back from the tray to hand it back to him, and again he responsibly placed the folder back in the tray....

BAM! He got it!!

Which is where these great photos came from!!! 

This time once he was done, he nicely turned around with her and proceeded out the office.

Now imagine how overjoyed I was with witnessing such an achievement for him; as this was only his second time at this task and he did a magnificent job and HE owned it! 

I swear MY BOY sure knows how to BRIGHTEN such a Dull Day!!

.

Thumbs Up for Therapy

Today was Landon's normal day for his Monday evening therapy session at HSC Pediatric Center, which Dad normally takes him to and I meet them there, if I make it or just see them afterwards. However, Dad wasn't able to take him today, so I did.

As we arrived we had a seat, only for Landon to initiate the shoe-string game while we were sitting. He eventually stopped and got up to start walking around, right before his therapist came in to get us. As we headed around to the section where they normally hold his session, she needed to run back to get something. So we continued on to the area, but on the way we have to walk through this long hallway which he always stops to (what I think) stare at the elevator. So I figured what better time to pull out my phone and snap a photo! And what a great capture it was, as it looks like Landon is giving "Thumbs Up"!

But the truth behind this photo is he wasn't, he was actually standing there staring at the elevator as I stated while stimming (self-stimulatory behavior, also known as stimming and self-stimulation, is the repetition of physical movements, sounds, or repetitive movement of objects common in individuals with developmental disabilities, but most prevalent in people with autistic spectrum disorders); which is what I call "Happy Hands".

While we're moving forward into the therapy session his therapist mentioned she wanted to try him in the leg wrap (proper name Hip Helpers Support Shorts) today, so I follow them to assist with removing his pants, changed his pull up and she assisted with putting him into the wrap. Normally Dad & I step off to keep from distracting him while watching. So he's in the wrap and he's ready to take off--of course not as fast considering his legs are tightened together. She mentioned that these are made for correcting his thigh area with balance, some closure and better coordination when he's walking. But of course I immediately start to laugh because they remind of spanks--of course you know what I did next...snap, snap!

I eventually moved out of the area as he started to stimulate more on me walking up and down the stair-steps with him, then he did with doing it himself. After this session was over they walked to where I was sitting and his therapist give me the run down of today's session. She stated how she was very pleased with him this evening as he remained engaged with the activities. She also gave me a list of goals she created for him, which are:

LTG1: Landon and his caregivers will demonstrate compliance with attendance and home exercise program as provided by physical therapist, ongoing.

LTG2: Landon will amb 150 ft with appropriate BOS  and step length and without LOB or falls, processing.

STG2a: Landon will amb 50 ft with appropriate BOS and step length and without LOB or falls, progressing.

LTG3: Landon will ascend 4 stairs with 1 railing demonstrating reciprocal stepping with supervision for safety, progressing.

STG3a: Landon will ascend 4 stairs with 1 railing demonstrating step to pattern with supervision for safety, progressing - use of B handrails, requires assistance for proper LE form.

LTG4: Landon will perform floor to stand transition independently without UE support, progressing.

She ended with saying he has made a decent progress and she request that  I add/edit to the list of goals as needed and share with his physical therapist at school as well. And lastly we discussed purchasing some personal Hip Helpers as I mentioned would be helpful to have him use at home while he's moving and walking around.

These are the moments in the world of Special Needs that pleases us, just hearing how your baby has made some progress. But what would our world really be if right after that we get home, I prepare his dinner, put it on his chair top and he starts to eat independently to eventually start throwing, first the fork, then the food!!!! Yikes! Now I have a mess to clean. 

At the end of each day, whether it was a sweet smooth sailing one or a wild & rough day I wouldn't trade this journey for nothing; because it was made just for US!

'Tis the set of the sail that decides the goal, and not the storm of life.

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

1. 
   

Schoolin' Coolin'

Check him out, with his book bag...
My Baby is becoming a BIG Boy!

Tomorrow makes 3 weeks since Landon has been attending school and so far he's doing very well. I've been getting excellent feedback and comments on him adjusting. Although he's not always so eager to voluntarily walk off with one of his teachers in the morning, but he goes with a little bribe.

The funniest thing is it's amazing that he knows where I am. At any time his class may be heading outside or back inside he's trying to peep in the office. One day he was the chosen one to bring the attendance around, as they are learning independence and responsibility; although I had assumed they would illuminate him from that process considering I'm in there. But here he comes, all I heard was "come on Landon" looked up to see his lead teacher was standing in the door way giving me the "here he comes look" and there he was walking up with the attendance folder in his hand. So I quickly ducked, all for them little feet trying to stomp around towards me. However he was intercepted, turned around and boy of course he wasn't happy about that. 

Sometimes I wonder what he's thinking since he isn't able to tell me. I wonder does he know that his environment has completely changed, that he's in a new building with new people. I wonder who he may be missing from Easter Seals. Often times I'll lose myself in thoughts of thinking what he may be thinking, what he may want to say, but knows he can't. At some point I bring myself back from those thoughts and appreciate the now. 

Standing checking out the scenery....

Currently he has been making more sounds, "ma ma", "ba ba", "be be", "bye bye" just to name a few. The most recent sound was "sti sti" after me telling him he "stink stinks". And I swear he tries to mimick me when I yell "Nae", he repeats it and yells "Naa". 

This Wednesday my baby will be going on his very first school trip to the Punkin Patch. I have arranged for his Aunt to chaperone with him, as I'm a little concerned how he may act. And unfortunately I didn't want request leave to attend, I figured I'd wait since I'm already scheduled to be off the following week for our follow with Kennedy Kreiger. But I will defiantly be attending a future trip.

I'm still in the awee moment that we've reached this phase of our journey. But while there so much improvement with his progress there's still things he does that lets me know we're not in the clear. Friday we came home and my nieces we here, ages 4 & 1 and for the oddest reason he immediately became tensed and clingy.  As I know Landon isn't a peer play seeker but chooses to gravitate towards adults, you would thought he never seen them before. And of course the oldest one doesn't understand so she continues to try to play with him but he just try's his best to avoid her and get to me or Sissy. He ended up falling asleep after I put him on the bed to watch tv, as if he didn't want to do anything else as long as they where here. That made me wonder how he interacts with the 2 kids in his class, which hadn't came to mind since I hadn't heard otherwise; but will definitely be asking tomorrow. It kind of makes since to me why he
seeks play from Anesia and even his older cousins, because in his mind they are big people.

Water Play...his Favorite!
One of his teachers shared this with me Friday.

"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding"
-Robert John Meehan

The Birthday Clubhouse

Sunday was nothing but SPECTACULAR!!!

For the last 4 months, which seemed like forever I had been planning and preparing for not only the Autism Walk but also Landon's Birthday Party.

A capture of the setup....

Initially I had thought we'd do something simple like a indoor pool party since he loves the water. But almost immediately after June 24th; the day Landon started walking independently I knew I wanted to throw something BIG!! I wanted this celebration not to only acknowledge his birthday but to also acknowledge My Boy had accomplished something so simple and expected to some, but something so freaking major to us.The theme came easy simply because he adores Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but of course I had to give it some funk, so I requested all boys to wear bow-ties and girls to wear tutu's.

I had started goggling all DIY Mickey Mouse projects from making the ears to cake ideas, food menu & names and decoration ideas. I felt like since I started planning so early I would be ahead of my game came day before party day. Well, I wouldn't be me if somewhere I  hadn't gotten overwhelmed from trying to master this all alone with no help, that I eventually was scrambling. I however was lucky enough that my daughter, her bestie and my niece was able to jump in and help a great deal that night before the big day. Boy I didn't even go to sleep until after 4am' that day. The day of, I tried to get a few hours of sleep but had to cut that short knowing time would fly by. I had to make the sandwiches, needed to make a final store run to Costco to get the Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets and a few other items but nevertheless, between time catching up, having to pick up the cake and still meet the guy to open the center.... I never made it. Once we where in we started to set up, I had my sister meet the guy just in case I was late so she was there to assist me and my cousin meet us and joined in. The entire time I'm saying I gotta get my chicken nuggets thinking what's a Mickey Clubhouse Party gonna be without them? Next thing I know it was just about 3 o'clock I knew it was out of the question now. I still had to get home to get dressed and get Landon dressed, which Dad ended up doing. Coincidentally while I'm walking out to head home to get ready our first guest arrives and not only that, the cartoon artist was in route as well. 

 I got home and started to get ready, meanwhile Dad,

The cartoon artist at work...

Landon and my other helpers headed on around. Finally Mommy of the Clubhouse was ready and headed out the door to get the party started.

Moving along..... I got there and was in total awe that the room looked amazing and we had more guests. The cartoon artist was setup and sketching one of the kids--so we were in official Clubhouse mode! Eventually after some time Auntie Streamer the Clown & Company had arrived, they were there to do a puppet show, face painting, balloons, and had Mickey & Minnie especially for Landon. However, he wasn't to excited about seeing them when they came out but he wasn't to scared where he cried either.

Our Family "G5" in our Clubhouse Gear!

I can definitely tell he wasn't to comfortable but he remained calm for the most part and just looked at them perform. They even made him apart of the puppet show. 

In all I was absolutely honored that the party turned out to be such a success, it was obvious all the kids were having fun, the adults were mingling & enjoying each other's company, Dad was socializing while backing me with assuring everyone and everything was flowing and the entertainment was on point & defiantly the party booster.

Our  Boy was Clubhouse Cool!!!

By this time Landon was just exploring the room in its entirely while also being pulled by this person and that person, but not once did he fall out with a behavioral tantrum or cry, my baby was just walking around owning the event and Clubhouse Coolin'!!!

If I do say so myself, KUDOS to Me & Dad for hosting A Super Cool Clubhouse Party!!!

Daddy & Mommy of the Clubhouse!

A Few Special Shout-Outs ..... as they provided Awesome service & products to assist in making Landon's Birthday Clubhouse the BEST!

Customized Mickey/Minnie Shirts:

IG @ deedee-_tutusnthings

FB @ DeeDees TutusNthings

Landon's Customized Mickey Bow-tie:

IG @ chocolate_diva80

Esty @ kkreations2011

Printable Mickey Clubhouse  Party Favors:

http://greatfavors.com/

Cake & Cupcakes: 

Personal Local Baker (email for info)