I don't want to forget....

For the past 3 years we've gone to a great pumpkin patch in October with some playgroup friends. The cooler temps we had earlier this week got me very excited about going this year. October won't come soon enough! I have a friend making some super cute pumpkin shirts too. Hopefully we'll get some good pictures this year. Look for the post in the coming weeks... These are from last year!

AC is talking all the time. It's so fun to see what's going on in her mind. She'll have conversations with her baby doll or stuffed animal. She'll talk about what she sees while we're driving in the car. She'll tell me what EK is into to....that's a helpful thing! :) I think she speaks pretty clearly and that a stranger would understand most of what she's saying...especially because she'll keep saying it until you get it! ;) I'm sure there are times she's thinking, "What's wrong with you mama? Can't you understand that I'm saying the word ______?" Sometimes she'll even make gestures and point to an item to help me out. :) There are a few words that I have to translate for people and I don't want to forget the cute words she's made up: gla-gless: glasses no anks: No thanks cluff-cloff: washcloth (not sure where that one came from) em-a-lade: lemonade sic it: fix it EK has recently starting calling her sister ...

Since this is kind of my journal, I want to remember some of the little successes for EK. It's all too easy to get caught up in how behind she is, what she doesn't do, how AC has been doing something for months now, etc. **The past 2 days she's said "watch a movie". That's a big deal. Usually she doesn't request anything. She'll either turn on the TV herself or she'll wait for AC to do it. Both days I have praised her for it and rewarded her with a movie. :) **She has gone on the potty at preschool 4 days in a row now. WOW! I haven't pushed potty training with her in several months b/c she just wasn't getting it. The past month has been devoted to AC's potty training (which is going very well). I'm excited that perhaps she's starting to understand the concept of going on the potty. I'm sure it will take a while, but it's a step in the right direction. **She worked on a puzzle with me today for a few minutes. For the past...

I want to say a BIG "thank you" to the faithful preschool workers who work with my kids every week at FBC Keller, especially Ms. Trish, Ms. Shirley, Ms. Karen, and Mr. Bill. Those of you who have kids that go to the nursery during bible study and "big church" know what I'm talking about. Without these men and women, I wouldn't be able to attend church or I guess I could attempt to worship, but I'm not sure if I would get anything out of it (nor would those that my girls would distract). When you have a child that needs some special attention, it's hard to place them in someone else's hands. Yes, a parent needs a break, but you also need to know that your child is truly loved and cared for. This is true about every single teacher that EK (and AC) has this year. I'm so thankful that they are willing to serve our Lord (and Keith & me) in this capacity. It's not easy and may not always be rewarding immediately, but they do it with love an...

This picture makes me smile. EK didn't know what to do with AC. She would start to touch her and then pull her hand away. It was really hard to get a picture of her holding AC. We usually had to ask EK to give her sister a hug and hope she wouldn't hug too hard. :) EK was almost 20 months old when AC was born. My, how little my girls were! Happy Friday! :)

It's here! My baby is officially two! :) WOW! I am so thankful for my sweet little girl. I'm thankful that she's growing physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. I have no concerns that autism will be a diagnosis for her. Sometimes I think the Lord graciously gave me a child that is well above where she needs to be so I wouldn't worry about it. It does cross my mind with having another child. We had AC's birthday party yesterday. She had 3 of her friends from church and family here. I think she really enjoyed herself, especially when baby Callie came. :) Apparently she was a little overwhelmed at one point b/c Keith found her in her room reading a book in her rocking chair. Just needed a little break, I guess. :) She also was a little apprehensive when everyone was singing "Happy Birthday" and staring at her. But, she blew out both candles and enjoyed eating her cupcake(or should I say licking the frosting?)! Her favorite gift was a baby dol...

Wow! It's hard to believe my baby is turning two. :) She is at such a fun age right now...talking up a storm, wanting to do things herself, able to entertain herself for a little while (although if she gets too quiet, I know she's up to something). She's such a helper to me. She hates when water is on the floor and needs to get a towel to clean it. She'll look for EK's shoes or cup when I can't find it. She keeps an eye on EK and tries to comfort her when she's upset. (She's such a "big" sister.) We have her birthday party tomorrow, so that'll be tomorrow's post. I'm hoping that EK won't freak out with quite a few people here. We had company for dinner last night and she did SOOO good. I'm hoping her behavior will be similar since most of the party will be family. We got her 2 year pictures done last week so I'd have them to give out at her party. It took her a little bit to warm up to the photographer. He finally got he...

It's still kinda strange to be on the parent side of school. I taught for 6 years and I remember every parent orientation. In fact, I remember my first year of teaching one newly divorced father brought me flowers to the parent orientation. I was nervous already just to be talking to adults instead of kids and that situation flustered me even more. But, that's not why I'm writing this post. :) I had parent orientation with Ms. Sharla last night. I know I've raved about her already, but tonight just blessed me again and confirmed to me that EK is where she needs to be. She shared how she's passionate about teaching kids with autism. She helped start the first autism program in Keller quite a few years ago and you can just see how much she loves these kids. She gave a lot of ideas of things I can do at home, such as: picture schedule (I've been working on one, but need to add more cards) password at the door (She has them say whatever is on the card before they co...

Some of you have already heard the news, but for those who haven't I wanted to announce that my sister Becky's baby girl made her entrance into the world yesterday evening. Callie Grace was 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 19 inches long. She was due on September 15th, but was obviously ready early! She's adorable. I don't normally consider myself a baby person, but it was very sweet to hold her this morning. It's been a long time since I've had a baby that little. AC wasn't sure what to think at first, but she quickly warmed up. AC loved holding her and got rather possessive when a family friend came in to see baby Callie. She wanted the baby all to herself! I imagine I'll start hearing that she wants a baby sister/brother or we'll be borrowing baby Callie when needed. ;) She will be a great "big" sister one day. My sister is doing well. I'm sure she's tired. She had a c-section so they'll stay an extra day at the hospital. It'll be good ...