I attended an OSU focus group about kids with autism as it relates to social and communication skills

I don't want to forget this day because it was an absolutely powerful day.  I was asked along with other moms/care givers to attend a focus group about social and communication skills with our children on the autism spectrum.  I agreed not only because I figured I would have some insight and suggestions but also because I feel alone a lot of time in a world where everyone's kids are on target with their development and speech.  It seems like I've lost a lot of friends and family members too who maybe don't understand or don't care to.  Maybe it's just that they're too busy or we've just simply grown apart.  For whatever reason I wanted to jump at the chance to be in a room with other moms who totally understand where I'm at with Tommy.  It turned out there were 4 of us in the focus group today.  Two moms were parents to 4 year olds, one was a parent to a 5 year old, and I was there who have Tommy an almost 4 year old.  It was such an amazing and outspoken group.  I felt like we all connected right away and we agreed we would keep in touch, do play dates, etc.  I hope that these things come to pass and I have some new awesome moms to talk to even if it's just in texts here and there.  I'm so thankful.

My aunt Nancy Rice

My husband Tom

Tommy updates

So in 5 days Tommy will be 26 months old.  Yeah I know you're not supposed to refer to his age in months after he's 2 but oh well.  Tommy is a great little 2 year old.  He's so loving and has a great sense of humor.  He is currently working with Help Me Grow to help with his speech because other than blabbering and saying mama he's not talking yet.  His therapist's name is Stacey and he loves her which is a huge relief.  She will be meeting with us every 2 weeks for a few months.  He goes to my mamaw Kathie and aunt Stephanie's house 3 days a week and really loves them to which makes me so happy since my dad has passed away.  They have watched him since he was 10 weeks old.  I'm so thankful that all of that worked out that way.  Tom and I can't believe how greatly God has blessed us sometimes and even after 2 years we sometimes can't believe that we're parents.  I'm writing this on one of my 11 hour work days and really just can't wait to go home to Tommy and my awesome husband.  I'll write more later about Tom and his past couple of crazy months.

Farida

So in March I took Shawn to the Newsboys concert here in Columbus for his 21st birthday.  It was an amazing concert with so much worship and great entertainment.  It was also this night that I decided that I would sponsor a child from https://www.childfund.org/.  I had sponsored a girl before from another organization but it didn't work out.  I just randomly picked a packet and I feel like it was meant to be.  Her name is Farida and she is 8 years old.  She lives in Kampala, Uganda with her mom and two younger siblings.  Her birthday is June 28th which is great because we share June birthdays.  She also speaks and writes English which means her letters to me will not need translated but come straight from her.  I'm excited to try and help this family and you never know one day I might go to Uganda to visit.  I am attaching her letters to me so far.  It was great to get that first letter and picture of her family.

Ok, I'm really going to try to be better about posting things

Tommy is 19 months old now is is such a blessing.  Tom and I thank God every second for him.  He lights up the world.

Here he is at Blendon Woods Metro Park.  We have recently rediscovered our love for this place.  Every time we go we drive until we find a place to ourselves which never seems to be difficult.  I kind of wish we lived closer.  It also wouldn't hurt to be closer to my best friend Erica as well.  My brain is totally tired at the moment because it's Wednesday and every Wednesday I work open to close which is 9 am to 8 pm.  I only hope that I get to make it home before Tommy goes to bed so I can get my hugs and kisses.  I promise to write again soon.  That's all I can think of at the moment except that our house is up for sale and we hope to sell it soon.

Tommy Update

Tommy now has 5 teeth and is 29 inches long and 22 pounds.  He is such a happy boy and says "mama", "dada", and "nana".  He makes lots of sounds and is learning new things everyday.  He tries his hardest to lay on the cat much to Teddy's dismay.  I will try to post again soon.  Oh, he is crawling like crazy and pulling himself up on everything he can.  His favorite baby foods are sweet potatoes and butternut squash.  He loves his mamaw and Steph who watch him Monday-Wednesday.  We went to JcPenny for Christmas photos which would've been great except he like us didn't care for the photographer.