Music Man

Jackson really likes music. Music of any kind, really. He loves the praise band at church, Dan has turned him on to David Bowie, and of course he's a big fan of Jack's Big Music Show. He's in bed right now listening to his MP3 player happy as can be. I'm just reminded what a powerful force music is in his life!

I got to Spy Today

As I was coming home this afternoon, Jackson's class was outside. It's always exciting and nerve racking for me to observe him on the playground, but I was really pleased to see him generally involved (though he stopped to pick at flowers) and following his peers into line. Honestly, the best part was that he didn't even see me! Here is a photo his teacher sent me from this afternoon.I can't believe how BIG he looks!

The Colts Jersey

Can't believe I forgot about this!
Today when Jack got off the bus he was wearing a Colt's Jersey his friend Jhai gave him. I was so surprised since he picks out his own clothes and almost always wears character shirts!

I'm thrilled with the small things!

Adjusting

Can I just say I don't like Daylight Savings Time? It makes me crazy that I'm trying to put the boys to bed and Cal reminds me that it's 'still light out'. We could accomodate it in the summer, but now we've got school!!!

Jackson is adjusting to the school routine. It's hard for him to get in bed when it's still light out, but he's really getting worn out at school.

He's been doing FABULOUS with homework! His attention span and ability to work indpedently have improved dramatically! It's nice to give him a "homework" paper and have him be able to complete it independently.

Here He Is!!!!

We're off and running in 5th grade! Here are photos of him getting on the bus, standing next to his desk. So far, so good.

Today with Mrs. O'Conner the class did a "snowball fight". Each student wrote a clue about themselves on a piece of paper, then crumpled it into a ball. Then, they had a "snowball fight". How fun does that sound? After a few minutes, the "fight" stopped and each person picked up a "snowball" and read the clue, then had to guess who it represented. I guess Jackson had a great time and participated acceptably in this activity!!!

I'm very proud of him and so badly want to be a "fly on the wall" to see just how he handles it.

Well, 2 days down, 178 to go!!! ;-)

School Starts Tomorrow

We went to school, visited the 5th grade teacher, took pictures and made a 5th grade book. We also made a "summer vacation" photo book to share with his class and maybe illustrate what he did this summer.

Side note, WOW! We did a lot this summer: Muncie Children's Museum, Chicago Shedd Aquarium, Fun Spot Park 3x, Hocking Hills State Park--hiking, swimming, fishing, and Sesame Street!

So, I'm hoping he's prepared; praying he's not too stressed out tomorrow. He's always so anxious about change.

I've got my fingers crossed that Dan is able to get a picture of him getting on the bus.

(Did I mention I'm so very glad we decided to wait to send Cal to kindergarten? Sending them both would probably send me over the edge!)

Here's to the First Day of Fifth Grade!

5th Grade

It's starting Monday. We're thrilled with his gen ed fifth grade teacher and are keeping our fingers crossed regarding his special needs teacher. We'll have to wait to see how it all plays out. He definitely knows his days are numbered, and isn't looking forward to Monday...but I think all will go well.

We caved on Pirate Big Bird. He's going to 5th grade with Jackson. [Jack used to take about a dozen toys to school every day as "comfort items". Last year, we limited it to Arthur--DW joined him--and we talked up Arthur going to 4th grade. Well, this year it's Pirate Big Bird going to 5th grade--Elmo and Cookie too--I try to keep things age appropriate, but what can I say...I'm a softie I guess].

Keep Jackson in your prayers as he prepares to start another school year; transitions are always rough!

Round 2

We went to Fun Spot Park today with P2 (Paige & Parker). Of course we had a fabulous time, as we always do, it's a terrific little day trip. A couple of highlights:

Jackson actually requested to ride the "blue" roller coaster.

Let me try that again:

Jackson actually requested to ride the roller coaster!

I was quite surprised by it. He wanted to "ride the yellow, then ride the blue". I'm not sure exactly what to make of it, but it was a wonderful feeling riding that coaster with him!

It's always so nice to go to this park, autism isn't really a part of the picture. Jackson can just be Jack and enjoy being there. On one of the rides, the operator as especially patient and kind towards Jax. It's beyond words what that means to me!

Pirate Big Bird

Jackson has been coveting this Big Bird since we were at Sesame Place; and of course, thanks to the magic we call "ebay" he knows he can get one. A few days ago he asked me to "get pirate big bird on ebay". (ok, yes, I was thrilled with his command of language and schema to bring the idea to the table...)

Now I'm dealing with his incessant request for this toy. I told him we would ask Santa for it...So (intelligent child that he is/or creature of habit I'm not sure which) he goes to the calendar and starts, "Christmas is in December. We have to wait 'til December" But, truly, it's so abstract for him. I often group things in 3's for him, so I suggested:

• School Starts
• Jackson's Birthday
• Trick 0r Treat

THEN, Santa.

So, guess what my precious child is doing right now? Dressing up his toys to trick or treat:

POOH is wearing a ninja Turtle eye mask

KERMIT is wearing a build a bear superman cape

KIPPER is wearing a build a bear spiderman costume

PIGLET is dressed as batman

It's actually comical. Honestly, at times like this, autism is either heartbreaking or heartwarming. For me, it's heartwarming today. I love that the idea of trick or treat has sparked a tiny bit of imagination.

Just another day in paradise! As for the big bird, I'll probably end up bidding on it....

New Fridge!

We just got a new bottom freezer refrigerator delivered. (Jackson actually went with Dan to pick it out). Now Jackson seems confused, he likes the new fridge, but keeps asking me to, "put it back". I don' t know if he's talking about the old fridge or maybe the food that we put in the old fridge--maybe he thinks it should be in the new fridge...I'm not sure.

He's getting very settled into a morning routine revolving around PBS kids morning shows: Super Why, Dragon Tales, Word World, and of course Sesame Street. He doesn't sit and watch the entire episode of any of these shows, I think it's just comforting for him to have them in. He generally bounces back and forth between the TV, computer and his basketball goal....These are truly the dog days of summer where our days have minimal routine or schedule. I know it's difficult for him, but he's hanging with it. Today we rode bikes to Magic Wand for ice cream. Then he asked to go to the park.

I've started a school countdown, but it's pretty upsetting to him (it probably is to most 10 year olds...). We'll have to really dig in next week, make arrangement to visit his 5th grade teacher, [OMG, can he really be in 5th grade already?] take pictures and get all his supplies around...