Good people still exist

In this world, we see things that can harden so many people's hearts. We also see so much that shows us that those who give without regret do exist. For instance the hot topic of the week was about a New York policeman going into a shoe store and purchasing a pair of boots for a homeless barefooted man. The officer proceeded to place these boots on this man's feet.

Children Come First

The holidays are just around the corner, and my least favorite season is coming upon us.... winter. I am more of a summer gal myself. Lately, I have been in a bit of a funk, and I don't really know what to do to get out of it. I am trying desperately to find some daily happiness or a bright spot.I am surrounded and reminded of theses positive things constantly, but maybe some vitamin D is in order!  It has just been a lot harder to do, although, I will say that I really do have a lot to be thankful for. With that said, I think maybe I will write a few things out, just off the top of my head.

Show me the money

I am beginning to really understand how our income is becoming a factor in Cameron's future. It certainly stinks to be lower/middle class with a child on the spectrum. Every good parent wants to give their child the most they can, but when that "gift" is a chance at independence, it tugs on every heart string you have. We are about to embark on yet another attempt at potty training. This will be our 4th major attempt, and hopefully,the last. Back when my husband and I originally met with Cameron's teacher, they simply told us not to even worry about until they began training him in school. His teacher then told me that 9 out of 10 kids that they had the past year were potty trained by the time they were ready to move up to the next class. That was nice to hear, but I had at least 3 failed attempts under my belt and had read how hard it is to get children on the spectrum trained by other parents.

2 steps forward, 1 step back

Cameron got his first "report card" of sorts this past week. They updated information on his IEP as far as skills mastery, and things seem to be trucking along. For now, a lot of focus is on pre academic needs. Some of this stuff may not be mastered until he is a lot older, but again, I am just amazed at what he has been able to do. He is making more noise in class, and they say he frequently says "stop it". LOL. That is pretty fitting.

Open and Close

So, lately, Cameron has this thing with opening and shutting doors,cabinets,drawers, toys,whatever he can get his hands on. He has now figured out how to unlock the front door, including deadbolt and locks. Earlier this week, I was changing a diaper on the baby in the living room and Cameron decided it would be a good time to go explore the neighborhood I am guessing. He bolted and all I kept thinking about was him getting hit by a car.

Change

Cam started school this past week. All I can say is that he is doing new things already. He is wiping his own face with a napkin, chattering more and more, signing much more than he ever has, and takes naps at school. Seriously... naps at school... long naps. They also tell me he is eating most things, but they are having to feed him. He is also playing with forks and spoons a lot more. He began taking a fork, poking it on his plate and putting it to his mouth, although the fork has no food on it, It is such a big

Goodbye 2, hello 3

 Cameron is now 3. He has "graduated" from Early Intervention. What that means is that he will be going to PPCD in the Fall... or Preschool for Special Needs Children. It is done through the regular public school system, and they are required by law to offer education and preschool to those with disabilities... like Cameron. He was evaluated earlier in the summer and accepted full day, from 8 till 2:30 m-f. I couldn't be more thrilled with the school district we live in, especially when it comes to Cameron, but this IS the public school system. A lot of parents of children with special needs find homeschooling a more viable option for their children, considering all of the tests and guidelines administered thanks to government bureaucracy.