Thankful

Today, we are thankful for diagnosis.

This past March, Philip was definitively diagnosed with Aspergers. Just a few short months later however, we have found a whole new world of promise, hope, and encouragement through the support of each other, family, and community. We have taken part in our state PieceWalk, and are now taking part in organizing the walk for 2011. We have been through both the red tape and fabulousness of an IEP. We have seen great growth in Philip, and the growth of a guardian and protector in his little sister, Evelyn.

We have rejoiced and chuckled at his wonder and excitement for learning, and marveled at the things his young mind can comprehend. ...And sure, we've cried when a leap forward meant three huge steps backward in other areas.

Philip and Evie, we are so proud of you. And we are so thankful we have resources and answers to give you, Philip, and Evie, tools to be a helpful sister and understand. WE LOVE YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quote for the Day

Philip, "Mom... When is God going to make a new flavor of Rolo's?"

News

Thursday, Philip's speech pathologist said they had completed all the goals they had written for the IEP this year. While this is very good news, it's distressing too, because she mentioned she wouldn't be working with him as much anymore, and that they IEP won't be rewritten until the 1st grade, which means a whole year and a half without new goals.

Yes, he's corrected his L's and is looking at people when he speaks with lilt in his voice. But there are still SO MANY THINGS going on. And once one piece is improved, another piece of the puzzle moves out of place and we're essentially back to square one.

Please send prayers, thoughts and good juju we're on the right path. Because now, I'm nervous.

I Will NEVER Know Where This Came From...

Me: Philip, go wash your hands before we leave for school.

Philip: (furious, and yelling) Well, you're just all pride and valiance, aren't you! UGH.

...Um....Wait....What? Huh?

The Sophisticated Party

Philip turns five in just a few weeks and plans for his party are underway. These are some of the conversation snips that have left me a little off my game in the planning department, and illustrate Philip and his amazing mind!

Me: Philip, what kind of cake would you like?

Philip: The Periodic Table

Me: What flavor do you want it to be?

Philip: Well...eggnog. Because that's my favorite.

Me: (BLANK STARE) I'll...um.... (dialing) "Mom? How do you make an eggnog cake???"

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Me: What kinds of games do you want at the party or activity?

Philip: Science experiments. And I want each kid to be a different element.

Me: (BLANK STARE) I'll....try...I.... (click click GOOGLE click click)

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Me: What kind of sacks do you want for the goodie bags?

Philip: I want them to have an element on each sack for each kid.

Me: I can do that one! I can do that one! HOORAY!!

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*****Read, then see below.

Me: Do you want the 5 candle, or the sparkler "P"?

Philip: My name is Philip. It isn't 5 or "P". It should say Philip. Or "My name is Philip."

Me: Well, the people at the party will know your name is Philip. So let's just put Philip, not "my name is."

*****Philip DOES NOT like nicknames. He does not like abbreviations. And this came off of having spoken to his Speech Pathologist the week before who told me she had been working with him and said, "What would you do if someone called you a bad name?" Since he takes all questions at face value he said very simply. "Well, why would someone call me a bad name? My name is Philip." She said, "Well, what if they said, 'You're dumb!' or something like that." He smiled. "Well, that's just silly. They would call me Philip because that is my name." She said she really had to work not to smile because she thought it was so sweet.

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Philip: Mom?

Me: Yes?

Philip: ...I really like my treat sacks. And I like that you did the element Pd for me. Because my name is Philip Deaton.

Me: (Hugging him) Yes, I thought you'd like that (smiling).