Tax return came in last night and so II was able to start setting up our crash room. We don't have much (thanks to the money pit that is our "new" van) but we got a 6x6 bouncy house. We also got a ball pit. We already had a trampoline and a tunnel. This will hopefully help Emmett to decompress.  It gives him a safe place to do the things that he needs to do in order to "ground" himself. I will also help to build the under-developed muscles in his legs. I'll get pictures up later...... Has anyone set up a crash room in their home before? Do you have any suggestions? I would love to hear them..

What can I do to help foster more discussion and/or interaction on this blog?

Elliott and Emmett are both sick and both VERY unhappy..... Both spiked fevers a little while ago.... I's going to be another long night....

My Dad and brother own a painting company called "Gorski Painting" here in Canton. I am trying to help move them into the 21st century and get them online. Could you please click the "Like" button on their facebook page. I just got it set up. They help Lizze and I out considerably and as you know we can use all the help we can get.  This is a way I can help them in return. I'm trying to help them network online. All I need you to do is click "Like" on the page. I really appreciate this....

We have been working very hard on communication skills with Emmett. He is starting to pick ASL up pretty quick and he enjoys it. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UREbjItVio[/youtube]

For children in general but especially children like Emmett reading is extremely important. Emmett needs as much exposure to spoken language as possible. What better way to do that then by reading stories. Now if only I can get him to wear clothes.. ;-)

Well I made huge progress in the battle to get Lizze the surgery she needs but insurance won't cover. I spoke with a friend at Aultman Hospital in order to gain some insightinto how the system works there and what I need to do in order to get this surgery done. I have made progres today and received confirmation on the cost.  The price of the surgery at Aultman Hospital is around $10,000. That doesn't include the anesthesiologist or Dr. D (I know Dr. D is $1,400 but he cut that in half for us).  It includes the physical procedure done via "robot" and 1.5 days in recovery. They are then giving us 30% off of that and spreading it out over 5 years.... It will cost us $120/month plus…

Raising a family with special needs is never easy. In fact it can feel like and often be an impossible task. I find myself in that very position every single day. I know some of you out there are in a similar boat. Here is some insight into how I attempt to deal with this. One of the biggest worries I have is funding to cover everything we have going on (including Lizze's pending surgery). So I have been kicking around some ideas. Basically we survive (and I use that term loosely) right now on residual income form our contracting business I can no longer work and the computer repairs that come in from time to time. We always seem to manager but the stress surrounding this aspect of our lives is enormous for…