I took Emmett with me today to refill our 5 gallon water jugs.  While we were there, Emmett got a drink from the water cooler. They had paper cups and Emmett thought that was really cool. However, things went downhill rapidly when he realized that his paper cup became crinkly when it got wet. It was no longer perfect and he melted down as a result.  He was so upset and it went on for over an hour.  I feel so bad for him because he just can't cope with things being imperfect.  We try so hard to work with him on these issues but only on the rarest of occasions does it actually help and today was not one of those occasions. This is one of the toughest part…

I just got off the phone with the social worker in charge of our investigation.  She received very detailed information from Dr. Patti.  This information was very, very helpful in verifying our story that we do in fact take our kids to the doctors.  Dr. Patti said that she has no concerns about out Lizze, myself or the boys, relative to this investigation. The social worker went on to state that once the records are received from the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Children's Hospital, this case will be closed.  OMG..... This is such good news.  I asked how we could protect ourselves from future spite calls and she suggested speaking with an attorney. We've actually been contacted by some advocacy groups that have offered to help but at this point,…

This week is pretty low key as far as appointments go.  In fact, all we have going on this week is therapy for the boys with Dr.  Patti and OT for Gavin and Elliott. Lizze has a couple appointments in between but nothing major.  On Friday, we will be taking the boys to The Cleveland Zoo as part of an event sponsored by Akron Children's Hospital.  Basically, the Zoo will close early but remain open to children with special needs and their families.  Everyone is really excited and we can't wait to go.  Next week is going to be really crazy, with multiple trips to the Cleveland Clinic. For now, I'm going to take advantage of the slower week and try and get some things done.  This site is managed…

While I make it a point to always reserve judgement, this happens to be one of those situations where I show that I'm human and react in a way that I really try not to.  If you haven't already heard, Dorothy Spourdalakis has been charged in the stabbing death of Alex, her 14 year old son with severe Autism. Basically, Dorothy had been struggling with her very, very challenging son.  It got to the point that she felt her only option was to stab him to death and attempt to take her own life, which of course, she failed to do. She's now charged with the stabbing death of Alex. I've been reading about this situation and while I feel for the mothers struggles, I just can't bring myself to…

Gavin had a pretty good day today, especially considering he's manic and psychotic. Aside from his incessant talking about totally random and often incoherent thoughts, he's doing really well. We've not had any major issues this weekend. There are things going on that seem to be directed at Lizze.  Gavin seems to be testing the boundaries and pushing the envelope a bit, at least as far as Lizze is concerned. I have been noticing that Gavin seems to be struggling with more and more areas of his life.  He's having a harder time putting his thoughts together and answering even the most basic of questions. It breaks my heart and I wish we could figure out what is going on.  For right now, I want to just celebrate the fact…

I wanted to share something that happened yesterday that I consider a pretty big victory. While we were getting ready to go to my parents for Father's Day, Emmett put on this green polo shirt. What was really special about this was the fact that his little fingers buttoned the 2 buttons, all by himself. This has been a struggle for him and yesterday was no exception.  He wouldn't give up or let anyone help him.  In the end it was worth it because he succeeded.  I'm sooooo proud of him and I wanted to share this with all of my readers.  This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out…

Today has been particularly rough for me. Gavin's had a mixed day and that always takes a lot out of me.  However, more than that it's the fact that I truly don't feel worthy of Father's Day. I look at the life I'm providing for my family and I know that it's less than they deserve.  Trying to celebrate Father's Day while in the middle of a Child Protective Services investigation just doesn't sit well.  This past week alone, the car has broken down, we lost a utility that's, you know, pretty important and we haven't heard back from CPS like we were supposed to.  That makes me really nervous. We have nothing to hide but still........... Then of course the trolls come out to play and decide that they…