Reflections

The last few weeks and weekends have been filled with activities. Two more support groups have found their way into our lives and I'm feeling more connected to the local Autism community. Amidst the meetings, workshops, and therapy days, I find quiet pockets of time to reflect on how far we've come. Kenneth is blooming like all the beautiful spring flowers around us. We are so fortunate. His fourth birthday is around the corner and like every parent, we naturally look back over those early days. What a blessing. What a gift. What a joy he is.

Brightening the day

March 31, 2008

Mrs. Waterman,

Would you mind if I commented on Kenneth and his general social behavior
in the school? I would love to mention how he brightens everyone's day,
and the comments the principal has made (she loves walking him in from the bus because he's so eager to get to class, and it's the best way to start her day).

Ms. Young
Special Education Teacher
Lakewood Elementary

Kenneth and "Ollie"

He got this owl from Highland Park United Methodist Church. We were on the waiting list to get into their "NightOwls" program; basically respite care. So they gave him this owl and he loves it. He has never shown interest in stuffed animals for fun... it is very cool.

World Autism Day - April 2nd

CNN is broadcasting "Autism - Unraveling the Mystery" on Wednesday. This broad, deep examination of autism is being featured online and on CNN, CNN International and Headline News.

Check it out at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/autism/
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We know Kenneth will lead a productive and independent life. Pray for him and all who are affected by this condition.
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Sand table

Kenneth loves his sand table. We had it in storage for months since he wasn't really interested. Then I filled it with rice to see if he'd like it. We are now in sand-land. I tell him "it's just like Galveston."

Happy Spring!

Well I finally got a weekend where I could focus on planting my pots on the porch. Kenneth was supposed to be helping me water the flowers, but instead kept trying to drink from the pitcher.

We've been busy the last two months and I hope my pictures can catch you up. We took a short trip over spring break to San Antonio. I love that place. I always feel so relaxed down there. Anyway, Kenneth did fantastic with all the stairs along the riverwalk; he did not cry or whine once! He had a more difficult time with sleeping at night. Two out of the three nights were a loss. We came back exhausted.

So it's good to be back home...sweet...home.

Kenneth in enjoying church and all the activities. We just had a date night this Friday and he loves going. We drop him off with dinner at 6:30, mix with the other parents, then go off on our own until 9:30. It's a great chance for us to not only get some downtime from Kenneth's routine, but reconnect with each other. I am really grateful to have this.

Kenneth sings a new song

I'm not sure the exact date since I'm writing this in late March, but Kenneth had me reeling when I asked him to repeat a song I just sang. It was "Ring around the Rosie" - a song he's always loved. Here is a video clip of him singing...