The Return of the Space Shovel

Space Shovel

We went to see the final night launch of Space Shuttle Endeavor last night in Cape Canaveral. We found a great place and Aethan got to see the whole sky light up as it went in to the air. It's all he's talked about since. He asks me over and over "Can I be an astronaut and ride on the space shovel?" I don't tell him that they are no longer going to have space shuttles, but instead elevators that go up to space. He'll figure out all the realities later. All I know is that he's hooked on space now. We take living in Florida for granted sometimes.

Aethan's Babies

(From Left to Right)
Baby cousin Jayce, Baby Caleb,
(Bottom)Baby Isabella

Aethan loves babies. Pure and simple. When the time is right, I will make sure he gets his own baby brother or sister, but for now we'll just borrow other peoples' so he can smother them with love and kisses!

Giant Water Slide

Jaiden, who is now six, became a Tiger Cub and with Cub Scouts comes camping trips. The first one, we decided not to take the boys over night but let them enjoy the activities during the day. They did fantastic for their first time, participating in all of the activities. Jaiden was especially interested in things that shoot, so archery and the water balloon cannon were fascinating, but Aethan had his eye on one thing only - the Giant water slide. I've never seen anyone so excited to climb up a slippery ladder and pummel down a big inflatable mass in to the filthiest water one could imagine, but for 3 hours our so he was completely and literally immersed! This will not be the last I see of the water slide, I imagine.

He has Pokes

Well, we're all adjusting to our new family member. I must say, he's very vocal and we are all now very tired. Aethan is still getting used to the idea of a little furry thing that can jump in his bed and drink the water out of his bath, but he's at least petting him now and letting him smell his toys. he doesn't want to get too close, though because he "has pokes and wants to hurt you." Translation: I'm afraid his claws will hurt me. Magic doesn't give up, though. He wants Aethan's love pretty bad and will probably continue his efforts.

Magic Happens

After cat-sitting a little orange Tabby for over a month, I became attached to the idea of having a cat and Aethan was fascinated by the whole thing. After the loaner cat went home, I asked Aethan if he would like a cat of his own. I showed him some pictures off of the Humane Society's website and he decided very matter of factly that he was going to have a black cat. I took him to the shelter several days later and we picked out a 3 year old black cat named "Magic." It turns out that this cat is almost more interested in Aethan than Aethan is interested in him. He follows Aethan around and even sits next to the bathtub when Aethan is in it. He's sweet and loving, very vocal, and loves to be around people. I think this will be a benefit to Aethan, as it teaches him how to be ok with things he cannot predict or control. The smiles are amazing too!

New School Year and Tropical Storm Fay

Well, it's that time of year again... back to school and, of course, hurricane season. Aethan went to his second year of pre-k for one day last Monday and then a lovely tropical storm came rolling in, soaking Florida for the remainder of the week and forcing the schools to close. So we'll start again tomorrow and hopefully we can get an actual idea of what the school year will be. He has a lot of classmates this year- 16 other kids instead of 6. After this time at home it is very apparent how much he needs school. I can't wait to see him thrive even more!

Summer fun

I am so embarassed by how long it has been since I've written in this... Aethan has been doing so amazing. Every day he is growing and maturing. He finished his first year of pre-k in June and continued through summer school for 5 weeks. He loved his summer teacher and friends. Now he is at Summer Camp through our local Easter Seals branch. At first I thought the long days would be difficult for him, but I was wrong. Now I make sure I don't pick him up too early because he doesn't want to leave! He is in the 5-10 year old class despite the fact that he is only 4. They were wonderful enough to fit him in this class even though the 3-5 class was full. He will only spend 3 weeks there before going back to school, but I am very pleased with the program. Aethan has learned to work the DVD players, so he spends a lot of time watching his favorite scenes of movies. His movies right now are "The Last Unicorn" and "Lilo and Stitch." We got out the Stitch halloween costume from 2 years ago, (It actually fits him now) and I couldn't get him out of it!

His communication ability has increased so much over the last few months. He now tells me about what he did yesterday or last week in enough detail that I know what he's talking about. I can ask him questions and he answers me which is huge. He is even coming up with abstract thought to explain situations. He exclaimed to me the other day when the power went off and on that "There's magic all around here!"

Every day I spend with him I just get more elated that he is my son!

Crablegs and Webcams

Aethan has this amazingly restrictive diet. It's almost impossible to get him to try new things, but somehow or another his Grandma got him to eat crab legs. I won't even eat the stinking things, but he thinks they are amazing.

He's also starting to accept technology in some ways. He realizes that the DVR will let him watch "Wow, Wow Wubzy" any time he wants and that you can talk to people on the computer. Every time I'm on the computer around him he says "Wanna talk to Daddy"or "Wanna see Grandad."I'm very happy is learning to reach out to people he can't actually see at the moment.

I Have One Button

The teacher's assistant for Aethan's class told me a fantastic story. During class the other day, the kids were doing a math excercise about counting buttons on their shirts. The problem was, nobody had any buttons. After a few moments of puzzled looks, Aethan pulls up his t-shirt, points to his belly, and exclaims "I have one button!" This is such a critical thinking jump! He certainly keeps everyone's spirits up.

School Bus

He also started riding the school bus in the afternoons. I wish simple things made me as happy as they do Aethan. It is amazing how big that smile is when he steps off the big steps and waves bye bye. He even adds an extra "Be careful bus!" as it's pulling away.

Mommy.. I want a baby

This little boy is so sweet. He loved giving Jayce cuddles and kisses and even told me that he wanted a baby. He's going to make such a wonderful big brother some day!

New Routines

As much as I would like to only write positive things in this blog, I feel as though I should write down some concerning things as well. Aethan's Dad went back to his home in Montana last week. I don't think Aethan understands. His last visit a week ago seemed uneventful to him and he just got in the car like normal, oblivious to the fact that he won't be seeing his Dad for quite a while. I know he will adjust like he always does, but I can't help but think there may be some confusion and emotions that he doesn't understand. I have a fantastic support system here, with many loving arms open for the little angel, but I would've liked for it to have worked out differently. I do hope as well that his Dad uses this blog to read about the exciting things that happen to him.

Don't Listen to What They Say

You hear these horror stories all the time among parents of autistic children. Potty training, vacations, they're a nightmare. I was so concerned about Aethan and potty training. But, as usual, he suprised me. It only took 3 weeks for him to completely get rid of his diapers. And before his 4th birthday! He just decided that he was o.k. with the toilet and even washes his hands after every trip.

I was even more concerned taking him on a 24 hour car ride to Wichita only 2 weeks out of diapers, because I can't explain to him that even though you have to go, you have to try so we can drive 3 hours without stopping. Luckily, his fascination with numbers kicked in and he was happy to try at every rest stop, considering he got to count the amount of toilets in each one. The trip was so painless... actually pleasent.

He blended in so well with the large amount of people going in and out of my Grandma and Grandpa's house in Wichita. For someone who's supposed to be so resistant to change, he sure is adaptable!