Advancements in Higher Mind

When we look at our children, we see the same kid we've seen every day since they were born. We have nothing to compare it to- we really just think most everything they do is amazing. It's usually when other people notice what are kids are doing that we find ourselves recognizing that they might be doing something remarkable. I suppose not many five year olds are loading software on the computer and installing it - correctly. And it's proabably unusual that Aethan can use the internet, finding his websites through google searches. It just adds to the list of all the things he can do that make my life so simple in raising him. He doesn't get frustrated- he just figures things out. If something is too hard he practices. He observes how things work and then tries all avenues to achieve his goal. If he doesn't have the "proper" materials, he uses what's available. Many things in our house are made from pieces of paper taped together and pipe cleaners. His need for structure is contradicted by his amazing talent of adaptability on a regular basis. If we pick him up from school before the time he knows school ends, we are told we are too early through fits of tears, but if he wants a bug house and we don't have one, he makes one out of a shoe box. He has created the system rather than living by someone else's.

His incredible hand-eye cordination has also allowed me to let him play with my iphone. He loves the ability to control the games in such a hands on way. And amazingly enough- I can completely trust him with it. I've dropped the thing 20 times, but he's never let it fall! I even got a comment from an old man in Walmart. "I can't believe you are letting a child that age use a $200 phone for a toy!" He doesn't know my child :)

New Baby Brother!

Although he was hoping for a girl, Aethan is so excited to finally be able to see picture of his new little brother, who's due date is January 19.

Summer's Over- Time for Kindergarten!

Here he is! My big kindergartener. There was even a rainbow in the sky as we walked to the Basketball Courts of his new Elementary school. He will start a brand new school with a brand new teacher and new friends. They even have a class Hamster. Aethan was definately ready to start, as he is now really in to this growing up thing. He was also very excited about having his own school supplies, which is also a new experience for him. (We had fun sharpening all the recycled paper pencils I bought) I'm so excited to see how his first day went. He's going to extended day as well, so it'll be a long day. He does change well, so I'm sure it will be wonderful!

No more ESE!

I can't deny how far Aethan has come since starting school. He has developed amazing communication skills, academics and adaptability. We had his "exit staffing" meeting last week at school, where they determine if he still needs services in Kindergarten. It turns out, that he tested so well he no longer needs ESE. He will enter Kindergarten just like any other child and be in the same classroom as any 5 year old. I have my fears and doubts, of course, but Aethan has never failed to suprise me with his adaptablity. His IQ is above average, according to the tests and it has now been concluded that he has moved from Autism to Asperger's. I'm extatic about this, because I think Aethan can do anything. I am so thankful for his excitement in doing new things and his sweet, loving disposition. I'm also so greatful for the teachers that have made this past two years an unmistakable adventure.

Snake Dragon

Aethan has begun this activity of writing books. He folds paper in half, staples it with a piece of construction paper for the cover and then draws a picture in sequence on each page. He even numbers the pages! He tells me what he wants me to write for the words, then has me write it in his book. I love this! I have so many Aethan books I don't even know what to do with them all! Best of all, he has started wrapping them up and giving them away as gifts. I don't know how I got such a talented, generous kid.

Kindergarten....Here I Come!

We went to Aethan's Kindergarten orientation this morning. It's at a different elementary school then where he began, so I'm a little bit scared. These teachers don't know him..his quarks..his beautiful innocence. What if they don't accept him for the fantastic little kid that he is? What if they don't know how to access his creativity? What if they loose his individuality in that crowd of other faces? He didn't seem to be fazed by the newness. He was very excited to tell his current teacher that he would soon be in kindergarten. I don't think I give him enough with credit for his bravery, for his adaptability, for his adventurousness. I can't wait to see him in this element.

Fantasy of Flight

Aethan really loved this...We went to Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. Aethan loved jumping in to old airplane cockpits and pretending to fly. He's always flying..and I love that.

First Broken Heart

Aethan rarely gets attached to things.. but when we went to Universal Studios he got this stuffed purple Unicorn. He loved this unicorn, so much that he brought it to school every day. The other day, Keira chewed it up. I've never seen him cry so much, he was so heartbroken. Of course, supermom instinct kicked in and I let him pick out another purple unicorn off of amazon.com. Two unfortunate lessons he has to learn from this - letting go and waiting for not so instant gratification. I have to admit, though, I look for the box at the front door just as much as he does. The poor little boy forgave the dog when I said "She thought it was her toy" but it didn't sooth my worries he'll feel afraid the things he loves will go away.

New Year, Here we are!

Aethan loves the holidays. This year he's been able to express just how much he loves them, unlike the years previous. This year, he expressed profound interest in Christmas songs and we had the pleasure of hearing a constant hum of jingle bells throughout every day in December. It's so neat, because I remember last year having to help him open presents and convince him that Christmas lights weren't on fire. This year he can tell me even who gave him each gift! Things have changed with him this year. I have been able to have these amazing conversations I thought were only a hope. He's even starting to read and do math. We've added some family members to our household this past year- Magic a few months ago and now our new German Shepherd puppy, Keira. Aethan doesn't know quite what to think about her yet, considering they are about the same size, but my plan is for Keira to be his companion dog and therefor I have worked very hard so far to train her well. She is rather attached to me at this point, but I think that will shift as Aethan grows. Going back to school after 2 weeks off led to some interesting emotional changes in Aethan, but things have evened out. For his birthday on the 7th, I allowed him to stay out of school and took him back to the Space Center. He would go there every day if he could. This time we went to the IMAX theatre, which required 3-D glasses. He giggled the whole time and it was a joyous experience! So here we are 2009. Aethan's 5 years old now and , as usual, ready to go!