Early waking and middle of the night peeing

I have been lax in posting because...Sam has been getting up in the 4am hour as well as sometimes in the middle of the night. So we are...tired.Plus, I went to Mexico, which was so awesome I can't even believe it. But, back to Sam. Yesterday afternoon/evening we had some great family time. M was leaf blowing and the kids were really into it and standing in front of it with piles of leaves. Then we went over to our neighbors yard to watch them carve their pumpkin (both sides!) and run around. Sam has never been in their yard before...they live behind. He did great though, and it was a lot of fun. When M told him it was time to go, he ran back to our yard with no fuss. Then he M let him do some of the leaf blowing. Nothing like seeing your child running with a tool that looks like a chainsaw. Little person and I stayed a while longer and when we came back both kids were pretty mellow. M lit a fire and we snuggled on the couch watching Scooby Doo, with a dinner break of roast chicken, carrots and cous cous. Kids went to bed easily, and we watched Into the Wild. Pretty good, pretty, pretty good.

Apology

Sorry dear readers (if there are still any of you out there). It may sound cheesy, but I think of you all the time. I am just having trouble putting pen to paper. Also, to be honest, things have been pretty good around here. Sam has been affectionate and sweet, and while that is wonderful for us, it's kinda boring to write about. My only complaint is his early (4:15am Thursday) wake-ups. Today he slept till, wait for it, 5:45am! It was awesome, especially since I went to bed a little bit later than normal.

I am feeling a little guilty. Kid number 2 and daddy are at the circus. I am thinking now that Sam might have been able to handle it, so maybe we'll try both kids next time. Anyway, Sam and I are hangin at home, and I feel like I should take him somewhere or do something exciting with him...but it is nice to chill, and so much easier with one! Especially the (sort of) quiet one.

Tomorrow is the Walk for Autism, and the four of us are going to go together with babysitter extraordinaire to help. We have raised almost 3K, and I am proud, and almost excited to go. I'll be sure to update. http://www.walknowforautism.org/greaterboston/ami

Thanks to everyone who supported us with a donation to Autism Speaks. Considering the stats I heard recently (1 in 91 children, 1 in 58 boys), I would be concerned if I were having a baby right now. That's part of the reason we are participating in the Mass General/Tufts genetic study. Of course, I still have to finish the paperwork...

What not to do when you see a parent with an autistic/developmentally disabled child in public

1. Involve them in long conversation while said child is screaming, struggling or wandering off. We are trying to pay attention and not appear rude while also making sure the child is not running off into danger.


2. After saying "hello" to child, make repeated attempts to engage a child that is obviously unable or unwilling. This only stresses the parent out further.
   
3. Insist that the child follow rules that he/she cannot follow (get in line!). Most likely the parent is doing the best they can and unless they or someone else is in danger, that is their job, not yours.
   
4. Compare your typical child to a child with a developmental delay (My child does the same thing...). Your experience is not the same. Our whole world is about an experience that is unlike everyone elses. This does not mean you cannot sympathize. Quiet companionship, or "How can I help?" is most appreciated.
   
5. Offer unsolicited advice. It is okay to ask questions, but remember that the subject is very personal for us. Be gentle and respectful.
   
6. Judge us. Not until you've walked a thousand miles in our shoes.

* Now that I can finally sit down and write this...I seem to be forgetting the good ones. I'll add as I think of them...