World Autism Awareness Day

• Autism Statistics 
• Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• Autism is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
• Autism is nearly 5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).
• Studies in Asia, Europe, and North America have identified individuals with Autism with an average prevalence of about 1%. A study in South Korea reported a prevalence of 2.6%
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by:
• Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts;
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities;
• Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and
• Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
• ASD can range in impact from mild to significantly disabling.

I created this layout for the October Afternoon Blog today. 

The layout started with that heart cut YIKES! I then got the layout done on plain paper but it was missing something so I decided to print "His Story" for the background and cover it in vellum. The wonky view is because the vellum is over the chipboard arrows too. I wanted to keep the focus on the heart with all that's going on I hope y'all like the layout. Me I'm second guessing myself. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day! 

After 4 years...

After having this blog private for the past 4 years I've decided to make it public again and what better day than today April 1st the 1st day of Autism Awareness month. I'm going to do a bit of a different format to the posts this time. I'm thinking some letters to Mav, Autism info for you, daily happenings in Mav's world,of course there will be photos, and all things Mav. A lot has changed in the last 4 years but we'll slowly working into all that. Let's get started. Today is a letter day.

 Dear Mav,

 There are not enough words in the languages of the world to express how much I love you, how you've changed our lives, or how grateful I am for you. You amaze me, drive me crazy, love me unconditionally(most of the time), you make me smile and laugh, worry and cry.

 Last night spending 2 hours "washing dishes" with you brought me so much happiness. Thank you for sitting there jabbering, splashing, and just being. Some may think I'm crazy to thank you for a moment like that but those little moments are awesome because lately they have been few and far between.You'd rather have your space and do your thing which makes you happy and I'm ok with that because I'd rather you be happy upset or melting down. It was wonderful to see you smiling and having a grand ol time with something as simple and boring as washing dishes with mom. I have to admit I did take my time scrubbing those knifes and forks just so I could look over at you and be in the moment watching you. I miss so much of the time when you needed me, you were always momma's and always will be but as you grow older and independent things have changed and I'm glad on one hand but still wish it was me and that little Mav hugging the turtle and not letting me go. I promise to always be there ready for the hug or with a hand to wipe your tears whenever you need me.

 Thanks for making me smile and telling me "have good day" this morning as you skipped off to the bus! I love you, Dude!

 xo Momma

He

Today I woke to the Dude sitting in the chair watching me just smiling and it put a much needed smile on my face.he's such a handsome little guy,he amazes me everyday,He makes me grateful for the little things, He makes me stop and think,he makes me happy,He is a blessing to me, He is one of the reasons I feel like a lucky lady,He brings tears to my when I think about this journey were on,He melts my heart just looking at him,he's so many many things but most of all He is my Mav.
Today took his Spring Break Adventures to Gma & Gpas house for the next few days he's going to have fun! When he isn't here it makes me think about him lots that's the reason for the above I get emotional when he's away I'm always wondering about him.

One of his favorite things right now....

Watching movies or playing games on the computer. He has a special way he listens to the computer we put earbuds in his wars and put a fleece hat on over those. He is a happy little Dude you don't hear a peep out of him unless he sqeaks "help".As you can see he still loves Thomas too.

Thanks for stopping by today!

April 5th

Sorry for not updating ugh like I said lots of changes,adjustment and life stuff happening here at the house of K. I've added an app to my phone so that I can try to update on it. Mav is on Spring break this week he woke up In a great mood today! He's been having a tough time dealing with momma not feeling so hot(I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago). It's been hard but we're getting thru it with help from my mom and my gparent and a very patient teacher at school.
We all wore blue on Friday Teagan made sure to ask everyone " hey are you wearing blue? Cause today is Autism Awareness Day and you know my brother has Autism."
Saturday we hung out at home enjoying the weather playing outside.the Dude loves the swingset and the tower lots of smiles!
Sunday we celebrated Easter here at home with my mom and dad.we had an Easter egg hunt too.the Dude totally got into that so cute! Will share pictures soon.
Will share more info later.
Thanks or stopping by!

Hello April

Can you believe that its April already? You all know what that means here at the House of K Autism Awareness Month and the anniversary month of the day our lives changed forever. There has been so much happening here lately I'll get to that more later but lots of changes and its been very very had on Mav so hard it makes me cry just thinking about it poor dude. This month will be full of news, giveaways and all things Mav so please stay tuned. You can follow the blog too if you'd like it will let you know when I've updated which will be daily even if it is late like today( i have a great excuse which like i said will fill you in on later if you don't already know).

Tomorrow is April 2nd World Autism Day

if you'd like spread the word tell someone about Autism , Mav, or the blog come back leave a comment or email letting me know and I'll put you in a drawing for a special giveaway it will be something cool i promise!!! Also wear blue show your support! Thanks for stopping by!!

If your new to the blog and would like to read Mav's story you can check it out over on the sidebar. As Always if you have questions or want to share something with me please leave a comment or feel free to email me just click the "Email Me" on the sidebar.

Thanks again for stopping by!

NEWS TO SHARE

Ok so last post was short and sweet things were kinda crazy and I was a bit overwhelmed fast forward to now ans things are good. We had to change Mavs meds up again which was good for him because things were getting bad for him he was seriously moody, aggressive, not a happy camper the meds were doing bad stuff to him. He is doing great now thank goodness. He has surgery next Monday so praying that all goes well and he'll have a quick recovery.

NOW TO THE GOOD NEWS I MEAN REALLY GOOD AND COOL
My parents have a seasonal spot at a local campground that is on a lake Mav absolutely loves it there as do the rest of us but that's not the news. We were given a Bear in the Big Blue House movie about Potty Training he was watching it as mom and I were chatting he was singing and all happy then I got the thought to check to see what else he was doing well the DUDE had went into the bathroom and pooped on the toilet I was so happy and excited and so was he. SO so proud of the dude. Then yesterday we went to get more cloth diapers since that what we decided to try this summer anyways we got home last night and we talked about the potty he decided we'd go sit in the bathroom and he went potty on the toilet not once but twice Louis was home to celebrate with us and he is so proud and excited too. I know this is only a couple times but I really think this is a good start whether it comes to him soon or well whenever he gets the whole bathroom thing down. I'm just happy and excited.

Also wanted to say thank you to Lisa T Howard for the shout out on her blog and to those of you coming over here from her blog thanks for stopping by I/ we really appreciate it.

toodles

THANK YOU

Today I just want to say thank you all for your support it's very much appreciated!!!Thank you for stopping by and reading the blog! Mav is doing pretty good I think things are getting better like i said it will be ok. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!

Sick Dude

Yesterday Mav came home from school sick. I got the call around 8:20 to come back to pick him up. I felt so bad because he was fine when I dropped him off then I guess it hit right after they got to class. He came home took a shower then we relaxed the rest of the day.He is at school today was doing fine lastnight and this a.m. so I have my fingers crossed i think today will go ok. Still adjusting and figuring things out. I found out yesterday Mav is going on his first field trip in a couple weeks he is going fishing with his class I get to go too if I want which YEs I do. I was assured that he would be totally safe it's all fenced in and lots of helpers which is cool. I'm excited and nervous. He gets to ride a bus for the first time so I hope that goes ok. I'm sure he'll love it.
He's loving the rain we have been getting the last few days he likes to sit and watch it, play in it, and just sit and listen he's so funny. He is loving sleeping in a sleeping bag at night now too. I think his sensory issues are getting a little bit more sensitve he's hokding his ears more, more sensitve to touch and the screaming is not so great.Working on figuring out what to do about it. I am kind of excited that we only have like 4 weeks left of school then we have Summer Break I'm so ready for it. School is going great for him and it will take time to adjsut to the new schedule but I think he will like sleeping in and just hanging out at home.

I think that is all for today. Sorry I haven't been posting everyday like planned but as you all know life sometimes throws you a curve ball and things don't go as planned. lots going on that i didn't have planned that is for sure. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

ENT and Surgery

Mav had his ENT appointment on Friday he will be having surgery on June 1st to remove his tonsils and adenoids(sp?) I am trying to preparew myself for the week of hell that is also known as recovery.
We have been going through many changed with the dude lately and I have been trying to take some time for myself that is why I haven't been posting or doing much of anything for that matter. Sorry for not updating on here. Mav is having some mood issues and trying to adjust to his new meds its been really hard I feel somedays as if I'm failing as a momma maybe I'm missing something maybe there is something more I can or should be doing to figure this all out for him. Everytime we take a step forward we take 10 steps back. We'll get through it like we always do I just hope its soon.
Thanks for stopping by have a goodnight!!

A Day for Mav

What's a day like for Mav? Sometimes these things very but this is what it is usually like during the school year.

6:45 am wake up go straight to bathroom for shower (always uses the same shower gel)
7 a.m. get out of shower and dressed (always in the same order diaper, shirt, pants, socks)
Eat Breakfast or watch cartoons depending on the mood he's in whether he eats. Takes meds
Brush teeth
7:35 am get shoes and coat on (coat must be zipped otherwise we have problems)
7:40 get into car this sometimes can take forever with sisters
7:45-7:50 drop off to Miss Carissa and Mrs. Crozier
From 7:50-2pm Mav attends school
2pm momma waits for Mav by the same door
Get home takes off coat runs for bedroom.
maybe a snack maybe some play or a nap
watch some toons
6pm Dinner usually one of a very few things he eats
hang out with the family play
8:30 pm get ready for bed
usually he's up and down unless he sleeps in my bedroom on a little bed we have for him in there. some nights he is up and down all night long others he is so tuckered out he could sleep through a tornado.If he sleeps in his room he eventually ends up in my room around 1-2 am

most days are long but if he didn't have his medicine they would be even longer like before when he could go on very little sleep the whole week long.

What happens every 20 minutes?

Scary isn't it? Imagine stopping every 20 minutes for the next 24 hours to think about a child being diagnosed with Autism and all that family is going through. Just thinking about that gets me emotional that is 72 children/families.If you or a family member are not currently affected by Autism at this rate you soon will. It's time to learn the signs, become aware, make a difference this puzzle needs to be solved!

Just hanging out today playing with some trains, watching Thomas ans friends, eatin a little, and just plain chillin. It's raining and it's Sunday which is relaxing day for us. We have had a pretty good weekend. Mav is a little moody still getting use to new meds but he's doing good. Back to school tomorrow.Have a great evening!

What I heard today....

Something I think about....

A December 2008 Easter Seals and MassMutual study, Living with Autism, found of parents having children with autism:

74% fear their children won't have enough financial support after the parents die

52% say caring for their children drains the family's current financial resources

Nearly 80% are extremely or very concerned about their children's independence as adults

14% feel that their children will be able to make life decisions

17% think their children will make friends"

All parents worry about their children's future, but for parents who have children with autism, these worries may never disappear," said John Chandler, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of MassMutual's U. S. Insurance Group, "that's why MassMutual has sponsored a new research study focused on the challenges of families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders
."


This is not ment to be a downer post but this is part of my reality and being a momma to my special little guy. The following are my thought.
I think all parents think about stuff like this but when you have a special needs child you really think about this stuff and often. Louis and I have been talking about this lately what if something were to happen to me or both of us? Who would take care of Mav and the girls?Who would be able to do what we do for Mav? because Right now people think and say they can handle it but seriously once I'm gone you can't just pick up the phone and say hey Mav needs momma, you need to come get him I don't know what to do, how do I handle or take care of him Mandy?I'm scared that if something were to happen to me that things would be very hard for Mav and those that would be caring for him. Mav and I have a bond like no other its hard to put into words I know him better then anyone else.Like Louis has said no one could take care of Mav the way I do they wouldn't know how to.We haven't figured this out yet.I know that the good Lord has a plan for me and its to be Mav's momma and I probably shouldn't worry about this because we have many many many years ahead. Alrighty have a great day!!
Off to spend time with my fam its my Birthday weekend woohoo!I have a special treat for tomorrows post so be sure to check it out.

Came across this today

Autism in Film
For many years, if you wanted to rent a movie about autism, you had only one choice: Rain Man. Although it never hurts to revisit such a classic, in recent years there has been a virtual explosion of movies featuring autistic characters very different from Rain Man’s savant.

The most recent and critically acclaimed of these films, The Black Balloon (NeoClassics Films, 2008), is a story of two teenage brothers, one of whom is severely autistic. Both film critics and autism advocates herald the Australian film’s realistic portrayal of the disorder. Elissa Down, who wrote and directed the movie, grew up with two autistic brothers and no doubt drew on her own experiences when creating the characters and dialogue. (The Black Balloon is available on DVD in Australia and will be released in the U.S. later this year.)

In 2006’s Snow Cake (IFC), Sigourney Weaver plays an independent autistic woman who helps a guilt-ridden stranger, played by Alan Rickman, come to terms with his issues about love and death. The film received mixed reviews, but Weaver’s performance was praised by many in the autistic community.

Mozart and the Whale (Sony Pictures, 2005) is a more light-hearted film about a romance between two young adults who have Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism marked by high IQ and social difficulties. The film, starring Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell, is based on the book of the same title, which chronicles the relationship highs and lows of real-life couple Jerry and Mary Newport.

The next few years promise more autism-related movies, including both documentaries and feature films. There are even reports of a biopic of Temple Grandin, the autistic veterinary researcher made famous by Oliver Sacks in his book An Anthropologist on Mars (Knopf, 1995), with Claire Danes in the title role—so stay tuned. *info from Scientific American April 2009 issue*

Thought this was interesting and I'm going to rent those movies that are out so we can watch them.I'm looking forward to seeing the ones that are coming out too. Thanks for stopping by have a great day!

WINNERS!!!! and another giveaway

Heather and Kristen you are the 2 lucky ladies that will each be getting one of the kits from last weeks giveaway please email me your addy at mad4mav@hotmail.com THANKS!!!



Ok this week I have something that anyone with a sweet tooth is going to love. Miss Teagan aka Mav's big sis is a Brownie Scout and this week we got our Girl Scout cookie order in so she has decided she would like to give 2 boxes of those yummies away to one lucky blog reader. So please leave a comment here or email me between now and next Tuesday April 21st at 11:59 pm I will post the winner on Wednesday.You will get to pick from Thin mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, DulceDeLeche, DoSiDos, Trefoils, and Sugar Free Chocolate Chip (i think that is all of them off the top of my head).And you'll get something special from the Dude too.
Mav's Orthopaedic appointment went good today. We are going to wait 3 more months have another xray see what the change looks like if any then go from there. I was happy no surgery for now so the Dude won't be miserable in casts this summer. Thank you for all your support , thoughts,and prayers for Mav I so appreciate it! Have a good evening!

Mav's momma

One of my Favorite everyday things

Is picking Mav up at school. I pull up he waits at the door with the class aide while I walk up to the door as soon as it opens he looks at me and grabs my hand. I get the lowdown on his day whether good or bad or whatever then as we walk to the car we chat I ask him how his day was he grumbles or just listen. I love that short walk to the car. I open his door put him in then get in we head home I chat he mostly listens or stares out the window. Then my favorite part comes I get to go through his backpack he always has things in there what he did at school his work,notes,drawings/coloring etc. Today while going through his bag and getting excited to read about his day I find the masterpiece of all school work he traced his name by himself again it looks awesome and I'm so proud but one thing that catches my eye is the note on the side from his aide she wrote about him doing this himself but its not just what she wrote it was how she wrote it it looks like she was so happy and excited about it too. She was proud of him.I love it!! Yes you can call me crazy for thinking I see this in the note but seriously when you look at handwriting you can really see someones expression if you really look at it at least I think I can. I need to scan or take a picture so ya'll can see it. I'm so happy and proud. The Dude is Awesome!!! I have to give a big huge thanks to those wonderful ladies that get him from 8-2pm everyday its amazing!
There is still time to get in on the giveaway you have till 11:59pm the winner will be announced tomorrow after we get back from Mav's Orthopedic appointment.
Thanks all!! Have a great night!!

Mav's Momma

Good News and some pictures

Today the Dr.'s nurse Miss Barb called to let me know that Mav's electrocardiogram came back good such a relief I was happy to hear that. Today was his first day back to school after spring break I figured it would probably be a little rough and it was but it's Monday and Monday's usually are. We added another hour to his day at school so he is now there almost a whole school day. He came home wore out so he took a nice nap.

ok here are some pictures from the last week of Mavness.

Playing SpongeBob computer game with dad.

playing with domino train and Thomas & Friends trainsPointing and naming animals on the TV at the end of a movie Helping Momma with laundry Hanging out

Waiting room @ the Dr.'s office

Long ride home

Easter Egg hunt with the cousins

Trying to get a picture of all the kids together was so not happening today but here is the best one i got i think.

Diggin in the Easter Bag (no baskets this year momma made all 3 kiddies their own felt bags that the bunny filled for them)

I have tons more Easter Pictures but I thought this was a bit picture heavy so maybe you'll see them on a scrapbook page soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Mav's Momma

PS don't forget you still have time to get in on the Giveaway just look over o the right the pic and link to the 2 kits is there or you can scroll down too.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to you all!We had a fun day yesterday my cousin Kortney and her 3 kids + our teen cousin that lives with Kort came over to spend the day with us the kids had so much fun together! We had an Easter egg hunt Mav was sleeping while we were getting everything ready I wasn't sure if he did get up that he'd be interested but I was proven wrong by the Dude he loved hunting for the eggs that were full of goodies. It was funny because all the bigger kids have the thing where they take Mav under their wing we kept hearing Mav,Mav over here buddy look. He was all smiles and had fun. Louis took all 6 kids outside to play gave Kort and I some time to chat it was nice. We had Mav's fav pizza for dinner and played the night away.
Today we got the bunny bags here at home,made a stop at Mamaws,then we had dinner at Kortney's tonight. It was a good day and I hope you all had a wonderful day too!!! Will post Easter pictures tomorrow.

Xoxo
Mav's Momma

Sorry long post

I'm sorry for not posting yesterday it was an eventful day for me and so long and so tiring. Mav and I started the day out by sleeping in then heading out to run errands before going to Grand Rapids for the Dr. We made a stop at Miss Carolyn's house to pick up diapers and woolies(wool pants) Mav loves going to her house she's got some cool toys and he loves his pants. Thank you Carolyn for the wonderful diapers and woolies we love them!!!Then we were off to the DR things went ok at the DR he added a medicine then checked Mav over ordered a Electrocardiogram, then told me to make an appointment with the pediatrician because Mav's breathing he thinks is due to Mav's nostrils they aren't open very much he couldn't take a full look with that light thingy they shove in your nose and look at your throat with. Then he tells me to make sure the Pediatrician checks Mav's adenoids and tonsils because they are large and probably need to be taken out. At this time my mind is whirls and I'm thinking are you serious?come one. He says I know that you have so much your dealing with but be persistent about this and I'm sorry to give you one more thing to worry about. at that time I'm kinda numb so I tell him ya know what don't be sorry I'm getting use to the fact that every time we see a DR there is something more wrong, there's another test to be done, more this or that I mean heck the last DR told us we'd never get to the bottom of everything medically wrong with Mav because he is such a complicated case. Don't feel sorry for me. Then he says do you have any questions well after going over this and that listening to this and that seriously I don't even know what I'm thinking there's so much swirling around how am I going to ask a question I'll call next week with my 50 questions. On to the cardiogram we go this was ok not fun to put it mildly we did have a very nice and patient nurse for this thank goodness. Mav flips out at the sound, sight, feel of that white paper they put on exam tables at the Dr offices and she wants him laying on his back with the wires and machine at his head um not happening he flips to his tummy screams and crys grabs her sticky monitor things and sticks one to his back yep that's what your getting from the dude. She tried to flip him over to do it and he was having no part of that so she let me put him on my lap hold and chat with him while she tried to do the test we did it a few times and she was ok with what she got i guess cause Mav was done and so was I. We drove the almost hour back to town to get the dudes meds only to find out you need prior approval to get the meds so they weren't going to fill it till they talked to the DR and that might be Monday come on what else could go wrong is what I'm thinking at this point so I called the DR office talked to our wonderful nurse Barb she called within 5 minutes had approval and the pharmacy fillin the meds. Got his meds headed to Gpa and Gma by this time he passed out and it was 5pm we started in the car at 10:45am. We get to Gpa and Gmas and remember i asked what more could go wrong I should have kept my mouth shut because they tell me Avery took a spill from the pony (she fell off) and her arm is hurt so I look (she was sleeping) she has it wrapped up and when she wakes all she does is cry. I headed home with all the kids meet Louis and head back to the walk in clinic Urgent care place. I am at the point I don't want to step foot into another medical facility again anytime soon at least till Wednesday when Mav has his orthopedic appointment. Ok back to Miss A we waited for over an hour went back had Xrays then the Dr came in as far as she can tell Avery's wrist is sprang but she is going to have a radiologist look at the Xrays today to make sure. Finally headed home at 8 something pm after having one wrist wrapped and getting A's McDonald's. It was so good to be home ahh the couch felt so nice seeing Louis was nice. SO this my friends was why I did not post yesterday I felt bad but was so tired and ready to just relax and not have to think or do anything. Will try to post some pictures later my cousin and her 3 kids are coming over to spend the day with us.Have a great day all thanks for stopping by and reading.

xoxo
~Mav's Momma