Sensory Story

Milo has a lot of sensory problems. It's something that is so difficult to explain, I had to eventually read a book on it. We all have those little things sensorally that bother us. Maybe we hate when our dry foot snags against a blanket, or maybe we don't like the feel on wool on our bodies, maybe we can't stand the sound of a high pitched noise coming from a vent, or maybe we hate when a flashlight is pointing in our eyes. Most of the time we drown things out, if there's a tag on the back of our shirt we get used to it after a while, or if there's a loud air conditioner, it eventually turns into white noise for us. For kids like Milo, it never goes away, and it becomes literally painful. Going out somewhere like the grocery store can be a nightmare for Milo. There's usually two different types of sensory kids, Sensory seekers and sensory avoiders. Milo for the most part is a sensory seeker. He put things in his mouth until around 20 months, he loves being naked so he can feel everything on his body, he constantly will crash into things, like the couch or a ball to feel that sensation. Sometimes when he's in an uncomfortable situation he'll bang his head on my chest over and over to feel better, or he'll spin in circles over and over, or he'll flap his hands like crazy, or roll around on the floor, etc.

and now... my story:

when Milo was younger he was able to get away with these things, but now that he's getting close to three, people are starting to really notice. I was out at the grocery store the other day and Milo was feeling VERY uncomfortable. There was a really loud screaming toddler and that's something that always sets him off. So I took him to a little corner and let him out of the cart to spin. He started off spinning without people really batting an eye, and then he wanted to bang his head on my chest, so naturally I let him. That's what really got one mothers attention. She was looking at me like my kid was being ridiculous, and it was the most insane thing she'd ever seen. I tried really hard to ignore her, but she just kept staring at me. Finally I lost it a little and said "Can I help you? I'm trying to calm my son down. He has major sensory issues, so do you mind not staring?". Something to also be said about me is when I say something while I'm upset it's really hard for me to not burst into tears, so I was a little shakey. She was a little taken back, said "oh sorry" and walked away.

I HATE stuff like this. I've been told that it's perfectly fine to act the way I did, and that people should learn to not be so ignorant. I agree, but I had such a hard time, as soon as I got everything packed in my car I put my seat belt on and started to cry. I was proud of myself for standing up for my son, but I'm scared that this is going to be happening all the time. I only hope I can get used to it, and know how to react so that I'm not in tears everytime.

Oh to be an Ord... we're WAY too emotional.

PECS

Milo still isn't talking or doing much communication. He resists signing and he gets pretty frustrating at times trying to tell me something. I finally discovered PECS recently. PECS stands for Picture Exchange Communication System. Basically he would grab a picture of what he wanted and hand it to me to let me know what he wants. OR I would hand him a picture to show him what we're about to do. It's also very good for setting a schedule of the day up to show what's going to go on.

One of the biggest frustrations in Milo's life is watching a show. It's basically a guessing game, and I almost never get it right. So I printed out pictures of all his favorite shows, and ordered my own laminator. I just laminated the pictures today and I wasn't exactly sure how he'd respond to them. Afterall... Milo doesn't really care about books, so I wasn't sure he make the picture connection to the show.

...he did.

First I showed him all the pictures, and watching his face light up was such a huge moment for me... I thought he'd instantly throw them on the floor and walk away, but he looked at them for so long, smiling as he sorted through them. Then he laid them on his precious trampoline (it's where all the cool things go). Lastly I tested to see if he made the connection to the T.V. So I picked his current favorite show, The Backyardigans, and handed him the picture... then I turned the show on, and kept pointing back and forth. To say I started to cry is an understatement... I wept. He kept looking back and forth from picture to show, totally making the connection. You have to understand... I've waited years to find a way to communicate with my child... years. I'm so excited to use this system to communicate with my little man.

17 Degrees...

Out of no where... NO WHERE... the weather was amazing today. It was 17 degrees outside. I couldn't believe it! naturally I went outside. We walked to the grocery store, I even started to sweat a little with the humidity, I was so happy. While I was bringing groceries inside I let Milo play in the backyard, and of course he instantly walks into all the puddles, and I don't even care, because it's SO beautiful!! He was having the time of his life... especially after being cooped up for a week being sick.

It was a blast... and I hope there's more to come!

Binge

Since Milo's been sick with this ear infection he's become quite needy. I allowed it at first when he had a fever and looked like death, but now that the meds are working their magic and he's starting to run around and play I'm trying to cut down on being there for him for everything. Holy cow... it's been... not fun. He's basically crying constantly because I won't go with him everywhere he goes. So what do I do to drown out the tears? clean. I went on a cleaning binge today, and it felt awesome. deep cleaned my kitchen, used this special spray on my floor, laundry, vacuumed, dusted, cleaned bathroom, bedroom... and so much more. Milo's finally in bed, and I feel wonderful looking around at my house. The only thing I wish I had was a servant to hand me a bag of chip and chocolate as I get ready to watch the wonderful silly and amazing drama of the bachelor. but sadly... no chips... no chocolate. I guess cheese and apples will have to do.

Spring Spring Spring

Did anyone else see my title and sing the spring song from the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? I sure did!

I know it's not spring, but I want it to be VERY badly. There's no snow on the ground, and yesterday was so beautiful. We went outside and played for a bit, we even went for a walk. Today was VERY cold, and Milo dragged me to the door begging to go outside (his way of begging is sitting by the door with his jacket, socks, and shoes waiting paitently for me to help him)... it sort of broke my heart because he was being so good. I never used to be a huge outside person, but Milo has made me one and now I'm dying for the nice weather to hit my skin.

Look how happy he is to be outside!

Galentines VS Valentines

If any of you watch Parks and Recreation then you already know what "Galentines Day" is, for the rest of you I'll explain that it's a made up holiday on Feb 13th where girlfriends get together and pamper each other in the best ways. I think this holiday should be for real! In fact I think I'm going to do it every year from now on so all the single ladies/women who have husbands who don't care about Valentines day can have a nice, fun, relaxing night. I can see it now, manicures, pedicures, food food food, facials, more food, and a chick flick AND of course chocolate. Mmmmm... yes. YES! I WILL make this month un-crappy!... starting next year.

in other news... nope. no other news.

Happy Galintines Day everyone!!

18 Weeks Prego... With Lame Picture

so people keep badgering me about posting a picture of what I look like. Well... I know it's a ghetto photo, and please ignore my messy bedroom and the fact that I haven't showered and that I'm wearing my stretchy pants that Brett says don't flatter me remotely, but I wear them cause they feel so comfy... and here I am! 18 weeks and already popped like crazy. I'm starting to finally feel a little better, still throwing up, but not as much! So I think the time of my weight loss is over, I completely expect to gain all my 20 pounds back and then some starting now... hooray! Did I mention that I'm not even halfway done and this is how big I am already? and I've LOST 20 pounds since I became pregnant! Can you imagine what I'll look like once I start gaining weight back??!?! yeah... fun times... I'm excited to add to that wonderful stretch mark circle that already exists on my belly...