True Blue Friends

When Josiah was 15 months old, he and I ventured off on a plane together to Arizona to visit some family. I knew he was at an age where he would realize that he was away from his usual surroundings. One article I read recommended to help your child bond with a stuffed animal or [...]

Homage to Poems about Raising Special Needs Kids

Okay, here I go. I am about to offend a whole lot of people. I just have to say I’m sorry upfront and I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m headed into sacred territory. Coping territory. The place where good, caring people go to harvest sentiments to “make you feel better” about having a child that has some [...]

Meet “Marta,” My Cultural Au Pair

For you faithful readers out there, I’m sorry that I have been so lamely absent from the blog for about a month! “Me time” is just nowhere to be found these days. I remember back before we had a baby when my husband and I would comment, “Oh, we’re so busy. I mean between working [...]

Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Josiah loves looking at himself in the mirror these days. He’s been enjoying seeing how his mouth moves, and also how other people’s mouths move, for that matter. He gets a big kick out of my husband’s mouth and stubbly chin, as he sticks his fingers in Joe’s mouth and just squeals with delight. Apparently, [...]

In a bit of a ‘jam’

Josiah has been seeking a bit of “deep pressure” lately, as his therapist explains. He’s been trying to squeeze into some pretty small places, and he likes to sit behind us in a chair and pull us close to “crush” him a little. Temple Grandin noted how when cattle were put into a tight chute, [...]

Multi-tasking

Can you relate? Sometimes a boy just has to rest. Giving proper attention to duck, blanket and computer–all while riding in the car–will have to wait.

My Son is Addicted to Crack…ers.

“Stolen water is sweet;
       food eaten in secret is delicious!” Proverbs 9:17

I never thought I’d have to have the “Just Say No” talk with my son at the age of three. A few months ago he casually dabbled in the Glutino-brand gluten/dairy free crackers. He thought they were okay, I guess, but he didn’t HAVE to [...]

The Great ‘Put On’

“Put on…. Put on… Put on shirt… Put on shoes… Put on pants… Put on glasses… Put on coat… Put on… Put on… Put on.” I’ve been chanting these words steadily and calmly a lot lately while dealing with a squirmy, slippery, Houdini-like, going limp three-year-old. Whether it’s autism, sensory, or just being a three-year-old [...]

The Gazelle Glide Gains a Satisfied Customer

Tony Little, my son loves your in-home exercise product, “The Gazelle Glide.” The dust flying when he stepped on it, he smiled with glee as he tried out his delightful new discovery that up to that point held no interest to him. Suddenly, he was drawn to it, and somehow he knew exactly how to work [...]

A Toddler’s Defense Mechanism

You never know when a predator is lurking around the corner. You’re a little thing minding your own business, and suddenly you’re presented with a threat–and it’s bigger than you, it’s more powerful than you, and it has the power to stop your fun. If you’re a skunk, you will defend yourself by making a [...]