Read more about the article Here’s what happened at the boys immunologist appointment yesterday
Doctor's Appointment / Elliott / Gavin

Here’s what happened at the boys immunologist appointment yesterday

I was so distracted by the events of yesterday that I failed to share how the actual appointment went for both Elliott and Gavin.  The good news is that both boys are doing really well.  Elliott was there for a food allergy and asthma follow up. His asthma is very much under control and he did quite well in his peak flow testing. There's not really much to be done with his food allergy because we avoid almonds all together and so there really isn't any point in blood work.     Elliott was so anxious that our Doctor simply said that when he's ready to find out if he's still allergic to almonds, we can do blood work. Until that time, we just stay the course.  She's very good with the…

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September 17, 2015
Read more about the article Why can’t I just call it an obsession because that’s what it is for my kids with #Autism?
My thoughts

Why can’t I just call it an obsession because that’s what it is for my kids with #Autism?

This past week, Elliott decided that it's a really good idea for him to practice taking care of a child. I have no idea where this came from but Dr. Pattie suggests it might be about gaining some control. He wants to practice taking care of a doll but is really embarrassed by that idea.  I have spent the last few days trying to instill in him that it's perfectly okay for him to want to practice caring for a child by using a surrogate like a doll. There's nothing wrong with boys playing with dolls or girls playing with trucks.     Now this isn't as cut and dry as it sounds because he's become extremely obsessed with this idea and it's interfering with his daily life. This isn't really any…

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September 17, 2015
Read more about the article My day began with a massive meltdown and ended with another flat tire
My thoughts

My day began with a massive meltdown and ended with another flat tire

There's really no sugar coating things because today just plain sucked. I've had worse days by far but today just wouldn't quit. I was on a very tight schedule this morning and of course, Emmett picked today to refuse to go to school. He said he wasn't feeling well and long story short, I ended up taking Emmett with us.  Perhaps it wasn't the right decision but in the moment, there wasn't much else I could do because I was already running late and it's close to a 3 hour round trip (depending on traffic).    Elliott was nervous cause he feared the possibility of blood work and Gavin kept bouncing around the front seat cause he needed the use the bathroom. Emmett was fine until the drive home when…

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September 16, 2015
Read more about the article Do you know what it’s like to be trapped in a car for 3 hours with a kid having a massive meltdown?
My thoughts

Do you know what it’s like to be trapped in a car for 3 hours with a kid having a massive meltdown?

Emmett ended up having to go with us to Elliott and Gavin's doctors appointment.  The appointment itself went well and the boys checked out fine. Although, one thing to note is that Elliott's heart rate is very elevated and we aren't sure why. It's most likely tied to how anxious he was about the appointment but I have to keep an eye on him. Like I said, the appointment was a breeze but the car ride up and back was a total bitch.     Emmett melted down for about 75% of the trip home. Elliott freaked out and Gavin did his potty dance for most of the way up.m It was like someone flipped a switch with Emmett and set him off because their was no consoling him. Maybe he…

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September 16, 2015
Read more about the article I just want the screaming to stop :(
Anxiety / Emmett John / My Crazy Life

I just want the screaming to stop :(

Nothing is going as planned this morning.. Elliott and Gavin are doing pretty well and they are ready to make the trip to the immunologist in Cleveland. Emmett on the other hand, is another story completely.. Anxiety is definitely getting the better of Emmett today. He's refusing to go to school because he doesn't feel well. He says that he feels like he's going to throw up. Maybe he doesn't feel well. Maybe he's actually getting sick. Then again, maybe he's not.    What I suspect is that his stomach ache is the result of him being anxious about going to school by himself, without his big brother Elliott.  I think he's experiencing anxiety, which we all know can upset ones tummy. Emmett has been hysterical this morning and frankly,…

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September 16, 2015
Read more about the article I could use some thoughts and prayers please 
Thoughts and Prayers

I could use some thoughts and prayers please 

It's going to be a really challenging day. I've got about 3 hours of driving to do, in order to get both Elliott and Gavin to the immunologist in the morning.   Between Elliott's anxiety and Gavin's having to stop every few minutes to use the bathroom, my patience will be tested.     I'm actually going to bed really early because both Elliott and Gavin are going to be struggling and I need to help them through the appointment.  Good night everyone.  

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September 15, 2015
Read more about the article We just survived a massive, massive meltdown
Elliott / Meltdowns

We just survived a massive, massive meltdown

From the moment I picked Elliott up from school, his anxiety level was building and building.  He may tell me what he thinks is wrong but I just don't think that it's very accurate. Based on his enormously raging meltdown, I feel like what he's telling me is missing key pieces of information, needed to figure out how to help him.  There is no consoling him. There is no reasoning with him because that trains already left the station.  I now have a headache and my stress level has been taken through the roof. 😱   

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September 15, 2015