Why I Talk About Autism

I went to a get together at my friend Rachael's house the other night. I only get to see Rae 1 or 2 times a year but she is still an awesome friend. She doesn't have any kids and we are not particularly alike at all but we fit nicely together and through all 4 of my kids and all our craziness she has not run for the hills. Anyways what makes our friendship even more special is thinking how she is placed in my life for reason & I in hers. Rachael has a friend with a 13yr old boy with Autism. I met this boy when I was pregnant with Steven but never thought I would have a son as special as him. While I was talking to people I knew at the party I mentioned Mitchell's Autism and this other guest spoke up at how similar our lives seemed and she has a 5yr old daughter on the spectrum. Blow me down. Hear we are, 3 random women with 1 person in common and we all have children with Autism. I'm thinking we exceeded the normal ratio for typical:spectrum. At MOPS earlier this year we had s speaker who talked about being Authentic and not being afraid to share your story because someone else may need to hear it. I'm a pretty outspoken mom Mitchell & Autism. I used to cry at the thought of saying the word but now it's one of the first things I say when you meet me. I don't throw it out there as a "oh look at poor me" or even "look at rockstar me & all I can handle". I do it because I want to share my story in hopes of letting others know its ok to share theirs. Saturday night was so much more than a cookie exchange. If I hadn't talked about Mitchell maybe I wouldn't have known the new girl & I had something so important in common.

Halloween 2011

I finally got my new camera and was able to transfer the pictures stick on my old broken camera.  Halloween is a fun, if not interesting time at the Ivey house.  Steven doesn't like spooky or gooey, Caroline & even Grace take every opportunity to terrorize him and Mitchell doesn't really care either way.  It is one of the few times during the year I feel pretty normal.  I think it's because even typical households have chaos during this season with all the costumes & candy floating around.  Steven & Caroline trick-or-treat with their friends and Mitchell and Grace take turns going around the block.  Everyone catches on pretty quick to "hand them your bag and they put candy in it." Enjoy the picture storytelling below.  Also make sure you check out the Halloween video on the youtube link.

 She enjoys sticking her hands in the pumpkin.

 Little helper.

 Letting daddy do all the hard work.

 Caca look at all your stuff.

 Far away from the table where all the gross stuff is.

 Steven showing his goo.

 Mitchell trying to get back into house, didn't want his picture taken I guess.

 Another picture without Mitchell

Clockwise from triangle eyes: Mitchell, Grace (with eyebrows), Caroline (Rapunzel), Mommy, Steven (A Halloween)

My Like List

Since I do not like my crazy Thursdays I tried to experience things i fo like & think happy thoughts. Here are some things on my "like" list. Not in any particular order. 1. Getting an interrupted night of sleep 2. Mitchell's current phase of goingbto bed & staying in bed 3. Listening to Steven sing Veggie Tales Christmas in the car 4. Driving at night listening to Christmas music looking at Christmas decorations 5. The silence of snowfall 6. Having big girl conversations with Grace 7. Mitchell's infectious laugh 8. Hugs from Steve and the kids 9. Mondays (sorry working folk) 10. The way Caroline has to feel/touch everything (I'll miss it someday) 11. Adult conversations without kids around 12. Newborn babies 13. Hearing encouraging words 14. Showing my kids I love them 15. A good chic flick 16. Laughing until I cry 17. Listening to Grace repeat something she has just figured out like "you're my mommy, Caca's mommy, Steven's mommy, Mitchell's mommy & Daddy's wife" 18. Walt Disney World 19. Family parties 20. Janet Evanovich books