Its SO rare......

......to get eye contact (although its getting better) let alone a picture of those gorgeous blue eyes. All I can think of when I see them is who wouldn't want to stare into them all day. I wish I was able to see them more often, for each time I see them I am give a Piece of PEACE.

The Rock has been in a private school for children with autism for the past month and a half. I went and visited at school and I was blown away with excitement with all he was doing. Right now they are working on attending (meaning sitting still with feet on the ground, hands to themselves, eyes on the teacher), every day Hagen is passing of another level (these tasks are broken down into small steps). Also he is learning to say "yes" and "no" for things he wants. He is doing well in the structured environment and is following directions and remembering routines (putting his box away, putting on his own backpack, holding friends hands as they walk down the hall). When I came into the classroom the Rock took my hand and showed me his favorite places, the story corner and the drinking fountain. It was so neat to see him show me what he loves about class. He was excited about having me in class and that made me feel so good. At home the Rock is continuing to enjoy our company. I was/am worried about him loosing his desire to be apart of the family because he is away from us so much more now. So far we are doing ok, a daily goal for each of us to play and talk with the Rock.

More and more children the Rocks age are starting to notice he doesn't communicate like they do. They talk to him and get upset when he won't talk back or when he just does something and they were trying to talk to him. It's just interesting to me at what age other children really start noticing their peers. The Rock is starting to notice peers and will occasionally play/follow them, communicating is coming VERY slowly, BUT it's coming......I pray.

HOLY COW!!!

The Rock is moving along, just this week....... 1)When sharing Diet Coke (a love we have in common, don't judge me :) look at what it gets him to do) I can say "Mama's turn" and then he will point to himself to give him a turn. Today he even said his name. (grabbing my head and shaking it) WOW!! 2)Said "dank do" for thank you today (now I'm crying I'm so happy) 3)Played in a small room of 50 people, 35 were kids. He followed them a lot of the time and copied his brother. When they sat in a circle he sat in the circle next to his brother. He would drag his brother by the finger to go with him. This is so amazing, with everything going on he hung with the group. Sure he would take a time out and hide or stim with his hands, but overall he was AMAZING! 4)Said "cracker" 5)Cries if we leave him, because he wants to play WITH us. 6)Randomly he will drop whatever is in his hands and go and hug his brother. It is the MOST precious thing you have ever seen. It's never when I have my camera so I don't have a picture. Hopefully soon I will. It's so neat to see how much Taz loves to get hugs from the Rock. I don't even really get hugs. I get loves but not like this. I am so excited about all the fun things. My baby boy is a walking miracle everyday!

6 months LaTeR....

I can't believe that it has been since months since the Rock was diagnosed with Autism. The intial overload hasn't totally worn off but has become smaller. When I first took the Rock to see the doctor I felt like I was loosing my son, today I feel like I am a part of his world. EVERYDAY miracles happen at our house, I think they probably happen at yours too, it's all in how and what you see as a miracle. To us miracles include: *the girls wanting to read the scriptures or read at all *Taz not going to timeout *the Rock eating!!! (just eating anything is good) *Punky enjoying school *Spunky saying she's smart *the boys playing together *the Rock following/understanding any direction *the Rock crying when we leave him *Taz playing and learning *the Rock pointing for something he wants There are so many others, but the simple things ARE the tender mercies and miracles sent from heaven above. ***disclaimer I write this to remind me of my blessings, it's way to easy to get caught up in all that is needed, I prefer to see the miracles (right now anyway).