Yep, April is almost here and that means…AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

This month is going to be extremely busy for us!

As everyone knows 😉 April 1st is when Chris and I launched “Life’s Little Puzzle” a year ago! It has been one heck of a year and I am so thankful to have this blog. I never considered myself a writer but writing has helped me so much with this journey with the girls. I believe it is the best therapy for myself in being able to write down my thoughts on what it is like to raise children with autism. I want to say, THANK YOU so much for allowing Chris and I to write down our triumphs and fears. While you are able to read to understand and accept what it is like to have children with autism! (more…)

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Yes, it has taken me a while to openly admit my anxiety and to deal with this daily fear I have. I feel being open while sharing this with everyone, it could possibly help other parents going through a similar situation and myself to get through this spring and summer.

Getting ready for Michaela's 3rd Birthday party

The back story on why I have this anxiety:

It was Michaela’s 3rd birthday party. We invited Michaela’s preschool class to the local park which turned out to be a very HOT day. Michaela was into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at the time so we got a bunch of Mickey Mouse party decorations; cups, plates, napkins, table cloths, balloons you get the idea. The plan was to give the children the homemade ice cream cone cupcakes and drinks first, then let the children go to the playground to run off the sugar high before they go home. Brilliant right? (more…)

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As you all know children with autism thrive on routine, Michaela and Melanie are no exceptions. Before Michaela was even diagnosed  with autism we already had a routine established. This daily routine came in very handy when Melanie was born because Michaela was having some adjustment issues with a newborn in the house. Our saving grace was the routine! (more…)

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Wow…yesterday afternoon was interesting. I get Michaela off the bus and then my phone rings. It’s the receptionist from our pediatrician office. She told me we needed to schedule a blood draw for Melanie based on the results, because our pediatrician wanted one done.

I asked, “was this the blood draw from Riley that was done in December?” (more…)

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🙂  With all the excitement building up to Christmas we found our way through it! We really did have a wonderful “low key” Christmas this year which was really nice. Last week before Christmas, Michaela was on complete overdrive for most of the week. As you all know, she was the keeper of the Advent calendar and she was counting down the days until Christmas Eve.

When it was finally Christmas Eve Michaela put the last candy cane on the Advent calendar. I seriously thought Michaela was going to explode with excitement! Michaela knew Santa was on his way so she was a very good listener all day! (Why can’t Santa come everyday, so all the children will be on their best behavior?) Chris showed Michaela the NORAD Santa tracker. Michaela was fascinated watching Santa flying around the world. (more…)

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