I don't want to forget....

Actually she's 4 years and 7 months. How is my sweet baby girl nearing 5?!?! I asked her some questions so later on, I could remember the things she likes at this age. Favorite color: pink Favorite TV show: Doc McStuffins Favorite part of preschool: lunch Favorite thing to do with Mom: stay home and cuddle Favorite things to do with Dad: snuggle :) Favorite game: UNO Favorite toy: her pink flashlight Favorite book: Nursery Rhymes Favorite food: push-up popsicles Favorite restaurant: Main St. Cafe (we go there frequently for breakfast) I want to be a "teacher" when I grow up. Favorite Bible story: Daniel and the Lion's Den Favorite thing to do outside: play "catch" with Daddy She told me a couple weeks ago that she couldn't wait to be a mommy and that she wanted to have 10 kids! I told her that was a lot of kids, but that being a mommy is lots of fun. I am thankful that even though I have bad days, she still thinks being a mom is a grea...

This girl has changed me so much! She has certainly taught me a lot. EK is doing well. I wish there was major progress to report, but there's not. I have been reading more to see if/what we're missing. I'm wondering if there's a therapy that could help or if we're missing a diagnosis besides autism. I just don't know! My major hope for her is that she'll learn to communicate, even if she never becomes verbal again. We have tried PECS in the past (picture cards) and this year they have been attempting to use the ipad for her to make requests. She just doesn't seem to get it. I so want her to have a voice...to tell us what she needs, how she's feeling, what makes her happy, etc. She has been making a few sounds, which is encouraging. I'm not sure if she's doing it b/c AK is starting to babble or if her body is now able to make sounds or if she has a desire to make sounds. The babbling isn't an attempt at a word though (or at least ...

This cutie is 8 months old! Just 4 more months before he's a year old. That is so crazy!! This past one was a big one for him. He's now very mobile. He first learned how to sit up on his own and just this past week, he started crawling. I am getting a glimpse of his activity level. He's my earliest crawler by a month. Guess it's either b/c he's a boy or he wants to keep up with his sisters. :) It was hard getting a good picture this month b/c he can't sit still! An example of how he's always moving... Here's another one... Enjoying the exersaucer outside! Whose idea was this? He loved it for a good 20 minutes. We got rid of the infant carrier and we're now in a convertible carseat. He was talking to himself in the car this afternoon b/c he can see himself in the mirror. So cute! Trying out the ball pit See the red mark on his forehead?? This was there for about a week when he first learned to sit himself up. His arms ...

Today was one of those days that didn't go as I had hoped. Usually on Tuesdays, EK and AC go to school, I am able to go to Bible study while AK goes to the nursery and then AK and I run a couple errands. Yesterday, EK's school called to say she threw up at recess. I was a little surprised b/c she had acted fine earlier in the day. I know kids can get sick randomly though so we went up to the school to get her. As I was putting the kids in the car, one of her teachers reminded me that she had to be ok for 24 hours before coming back to school. I thought about all that was going to change today and prepared myself for it. I sadly don't handle a change in my plans very well, usually. I realized I was missing my last Bible study session (in an incredible study called "Seeking Him") and that I wasn't going to be able to join my small group for lunch like we'd planned. I was rather disappointed, but I knew that the Lord's plan was obviously better. Our mor...

The other day, Keith and AC went outside to get the mail in the afternoon. A minute later, they were yelling for me to come out and to bring the camera. This was so neat to see right from our porch! The tree had tons of pollen on it that attracted the butterflies and bees. We've lived in our house almost 8 years and have never seen anything like this! :)  

On Friday night we attended our church's Good Friday service. It's a time to reflect on Christ's suffering and sacrifice. I am so thankful that I was able to start Easter weekend that way. It was the first time I was able to go in several years. EK went to the preschool area with AC and did well! I didn't get paged and she was happy when I picked her up so I'd call that a success. :) EK's anxiety has really gone down and that's a blessing! Dyeing eggs Trying her first peep She liked it! :) AC's egg decorating skills Sunday morning I woke AC up early so we had time to make resurrection rolls. She has mentioned these many times since we made them last Easter. In fact, she reminded me to get the ingredients at the grocery store last week. I had forgotten to write what we needed on my list. Looking pretty before they went in the oven. AC in her easter dress! Attempting a picture with all 3 kids AK's first e...

April is designated as Autism Awareness Month. Have you seen/read this article? Read here . Findings from 2008 are saying that autism effects 1 in 88 now. WOW! Some will say it's improved detection and reporting. Even if that's true, this is still a very scary statistic and one that is now 4 years old! Early intervention is key! In our specific situation it really didn't help EK, but I'm thankful we can say that we tried things like ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy and other biomedical interventions (like diet and supplements). If you have concerns about your child or know a friend that has concerns, don't wait! The earlier you/they get some answers, the better. If the child is less than 3 years old, you/they can contact their state program. Texas's is called ECI (early childhood intervention).   Each state has their own version. They will come out and assess your child to see if there truly are some concerns. If the child is older than 3, talk ...