Dear Children’s Hospital, We just left your Saint Paul hospital. We visit you often. Not for super serious things thankfully. Ear tubes, Adenoids, Impaction, sedated blood draws, to name a few. We’ve been going to doctors for so long that at this point, I don’t know if my son is getting easier, we are getting stronger, or hospitals are finally starting to get it. Either way, today went well. Although I always like to say a huge success in our world is probably still an epic fail by typical standards.…
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This afternoon I took Cooper and my baby for a walk. If you have followed me for a while then you know that my son is thriving. It’s obvious in my posts. I like to say we are all settling into autism. Me. My husband. Sawyer. And Cooper. Our whole family. We are all learning. We have calmed down. We rarely get shocked anymore. And Cooper is doing so great. We have started venturing out into our community. Daily. We keep trying. Pushing. But I never, ever take my boys…
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I have a date tonight. At 4:30. Right after school. We are going to go train hunting. Me and my boy. He has a ticket. Well, actually it’s a piece of paper that I wrote on this morning. But to him, it’s a ticket. A reminder. Something he can hold onto. And treasure. Something he can show his teachers. And keep with him all day. I am going to pick him. I am going to bring snacks and drinks. I know he will burst out the doors smiling. Running. My…
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The walk to the car with my husband after Liam’s autism diagnosis was filled with words we both finally spoke. “At least now we know.” and “We will get him the best services possible”. The car ride conversation was about how the label doesn’t change him. He is still our same little boy. When we pulled in the driveway I started to feel a knot in my stomach. I opened my front door to walk into my home and I just stood in the kitchen. I turned to my husband…
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It was a beautiful, sunny April day last year when Autism first became a part of our lives. It was in the last few days of Autism Awareness Month that we were presented with my son Jack’s suspected diagnosis of Autism and we would begin our journey on the spectrum. His diagnosis would be confirmed a month later at an appointment with our developmental pediatrician- a last minute appointment we were lucky to get almost seven months early due to a cancellation and our ability to be there with short…
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I still remember the day we found out we were having a girl. To say I was excited is a complete understatement. I literally burst into tears. I have always dreamed of having a little girl. It wasn’t just about the bows and the tutu it was about the mother daughter relationship. My mom is my best friend and that is what I wanted with my daughter. Sadie was born on October 9, 2014. Life was great. Well it wasn’t perfect but I had 2 amazing children and a loving…
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When I pictured my son at age 8, I thought it would be full of sports. Throwing baseballs. Riding bikes. I thought we’d be building with Legos. And playing PIG at the neighborhood basketball court. I pictured play dates. And never ending birthday parties. I thought we’d be arguing over math homework. And trying to get you to wash your face. And of course conversations about Minecraft. I thought you’d be so popular. And that your life would be so busy I’d be praying for time to slow down. I…
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With April being World Autism Month, I wanted to share something that’s been on my heart lately in hopes to help “Light It Up Blue.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the words “I’m sorry,” since Jack was diagnosed with autism last year. I’ve honestly lost count. First, I want to say that this is not to knock anyone or make them feel badly about how they react when they learn about a child who has special needs. You see, prior to having my own child…
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April is Autism Awareness Month. If you’re in my circle, I imagine you’re pretty aware of autism. We live and breathe autism. My son Michael has always been loud. He’s always made his presence known. He’s larger than life. I dare you not to smile when he signs “more tickles, please”. As anyone who has ever met him will tell you, it is impossible not to fall in love with him. I know as his mom, I’m biased, but he’s the cutest 3 year old in existence. The thing that…
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In honor of Autism Awareness Month, I asked my supporters to answer a question. I asked them to describe how the world views autism…and then what autism is to them and to their kids. The result is absolutely amazing. I promise you the last ten seconds will have you in tears. https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice/videos/575387466275729/ Want to learn more about becoming a supporter? Click HERE. Interested in writing for Finding Cooper’s Voice? LEARN MORE Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of…
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