An APRIL Adventure in Autism: 2008 (8/8) Time to Say Good-Bye....

[wvdislover]

Sorry you're getting headaches from the glasses, Kathy I know that is no fun when you're trying to get ready and deal with everyday life at the same time. If you decide to wear the glasses a lot while you're at the World, go to Wal-Mart and buy some sunglasses that fit over your glasses (not clip-ons ). These are actually pretty cool-looking (black wrap-arounds) and work well, too. Good luck getting ready!

 

[MRYPPNS]

p.s. New Glasses = Not Gud (Giving me a little headache)

that's kinda normal...be very careful going down stairs with your glasses on...I have problems when I switch to glasses from contacts with depth preception (sp?) and stairs are the worst

 

[creativeamanda]

My SIL drives all the time with her 2 sons (17 and 6). Both of them are autistic. Funny thing--neither are verbal. One (the oldest) is blind. When they drive near McDonalds the youngest (I'll call him Mini-me) gets all excited, which makes the older (Jr) get excited. Mini-me and Jr make this a cue that something good is coming. But if sil drives past Mini-me starts screaming. Which makes Jr have a full-blown tantrum. As a conditioned response, sil turned around for a while and went back to McDonalds. No longer does she do it, but it used to be hilarious to ride with them. She spent days looking for routes to the grocery store that did not pass a McDonalds.

 

[Hedy]

Kathy not packed yet?

 

[IluvXU]

Kathy
Certainly joining in.... I feel the same way, I have not had time to really start getting organized for our trip... partly because the girls don't know. You'll have a busy week this week for sure!

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Kathy, every year we go back, we prepare later and later. I guess we're pros now, huh?

 

[KathyRN137]

If you've been following along on my *cough* on my "real report" (Tricia's words, not mine,) you know that we've been having a lot of negative autism-related issues with Billy as of late. He turned ten this week and I had a really bad case of the blues. It's just so heartbreaking to remember him as an infant...normal and healthy...before the autism struck. I carry a lot of guilt about vaccinating him; I just was completely ignorant about the dangers at that time.

Ed was away, which didn't help. I really could have used his shoulder to cry on. I was very down.

And remember when we were getting ready to leave for WDW last November and we had, um, "toilet troubles?" Well, the potty must know we're getting ready to leave again, because it's been backing up all week. The plumber really wants to rip out the entire thing, but it really can't be done now... we're gutting the whole house this summer and I don't want to spend any $$ on that pesky potty if I don't absolutely have to!

Which neatly segues into my next issue: I cannot find a local (pet-friendly) house to rent short-term while our renovations are being done! There are at least five homes right here in town that have "For Rent" signs out front, but no one wants to rent short term...they all want a full year. Yes, most of my family lives at the Jersey Shore and, yes, I could probably find a summer rental "down the shore", but that would mean that Billy would not be able to attend his extended summer program, I would have to take the summer off (without pay) and Ed would have to commute an hour to work...not fun when you're working a 12-hour shift. There's a townhouse-apartment community a couple of towns over that does short-term rentals but, YIKES! Tres expensive!!

Ughh.

So, you can see why I've been stressing.


But wait!!! I just remembered! I'm going to Disney!!

The countdown ticker reads "nine days", but we're really leaving in seven.

Hey! I just realized that I can do a Single Digit Dance now!!

​

......And while I'm a bit apprehensive about the l-o-n-g car ride, I think I'm finally realizing that I really, really, need a Disney fix! I'm hoping that our new commitment to NON-OBSESSIVE trip planning will make this a more stress-free time.

WDW....Take Me Away!!!!


Kathy

 

[jcc0621]

Awww Kathy, just for you.

SIngle Digit Dance................

 

[Hedy]

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Kathy! Just getting caught up! Sorry to hear about the glasses - I've had them since high school. I can't do contacts and I refuse to wear those transitions lenses (though I hear they have gotten better - I just remember high school teachers who would come inside and it would take 20 minutes for their glasses to change back). Anyways... I have to carry around my prescription sunglasses with me everywhere I go - therefore the fanny pack! It's just a vicious cycle! And this trip my feet were a little messed up so on the last day I was wearing crocs and socks! I was quite a sight! Just add the poncho over the backpack (since we had so much rain) and you have a fanny pack wearing, croc/sock hunchback! What a sight I was! Luckily we don't have any evidence because we had to keep our cameras safely tucked away in the rain!

Sorry to hear about your Billy blues. I had a similar thing hit me when Alex lost his front teeth last fall. Not a little baby any more.

And I won't believe you are going to take it slow this trip until I read your TR! I thougth I'd take it slow(er) this time around, but I just couldn't slow myself down! I'd catch myself darting through crowds for no reason.

And finally... a little single digit dance for you! (I know you love those bananas!)



Now get packing!!!

 

[mrsksomeday]

First off: ​

Billy!!​

I am so sorry about you feeling down. I wish I could just hug you . I know you carry that guilt, you didn't know. I know that doesn't ease things, but we know you are a wonderful mommy to him Kathy. He was given to you and Ed because you were meant to be there for him. ​

OMG, not the plumbing issues again . I wouldn't want to spend money on it right now if you are going to be doing all that to the house this summer, how stressful.​

I hope you find a rental soon, that has to be weighing on your mind heavily. I couldn't imagine Billy not being in his program, you having to take off work with no pay, and Ed having to commute an hour to work, that sounds like a nightmare. ​

As for getting to go to Disney . Just in time to take some of that stress away. I want to do the single digit dance with you!!​

I hope you and your family have a fantastic, stress free time. ​

 

[jordanyosh]

As much as I hate to say this, I'm sure going without AR will be a much needed change especially given your circumstances these last few months.

I actually think not having the time to properly plan will help you relax and enjoy...........I think.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Kathy...I'm sure that you and Ed did your best with what information you had at the time...that's all we can ever do. That being said I can understand why you would feel a little blue...my DS turns 1 next month and I have some fears about the decision to vaccinate.

But all signs point to a great Dinsey vacation because Yellow (toilet troubles) and Blue sad1: ) do make (lime) Green!

 

[jordanyosh]

But all signs point to a great Dinsey vacation because Yellow (toilet troubles) and Blue sad1: ) do make (lime) Green!

Peepns, you just made me crack up.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

As much as I hate to say this, I'm sure going without AR will be a much needed change especially given your circumstances these last few months.

I actually think not having the time to properly plan will help you relax and enjoy...........I think.

I agree. Great minds think alike.

 

[wvdislover]

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about all of life's troubles lately. I know how hard that can be Please don't feel guilty about Billy getting those vaccinations--you were doing what you thought was best for him. Those diseases we vaccinated against can be dangerous, too. It's one of those things we can never be sure about, unfortunately. There are times when I feel guilty and wonder if I did something when I was pregnant with Sarah (my 10 year old) or did when she was a child that could have caused her issues. Hopefully the sun will shine brighter on you today and you'll have a great day Just think, you go to your most magical place in the world in a few days!!! Wonder what new accomplishment or miracle God has in store for Billy on this trip?!? Think of your trip as a time of renewal and a beginning of a new stage of life for your family Have a great weekend!

 

[KathyRN137]

Thanks, everyone!

Buzz, Jordan, I hate to say it, but I think you're right. I am relieved that we will not have to contend with the ARF (ARFactor) this time around. Boy, I feel like a stinker just typing that! We'll probably have our hands full with Billy.

I took him to the doctor yesterday and asked to have his medication dosage reduced. He's been on the new medication for 2 weeks and, while there's been a big improvement in his behavior, he's been kind of lethargic and glassy-eyed. I don't want my little boy walking through life all doped up just because it makes it easier for us to handle him. Hopefully, we will reach the proper balace with this new dosage.

As far as the trip preparations are concerned:

*I made reservations for one-night hotel stays along I95: one in South Carolina for the ride down, and one in Virginia for the ride back. I made sure both hotels had liberal cancellation policies in case our plans need to be changed unexpectedly. Maps are printed out.

*Tricia has gathered some books, word-find puzzles, hand-held games, and beading projects for the long car ride. She has opted not to bring any of her AG dolls with her this time...

*We've got plenty of DVDs for Billy and fresh batteries in his headphones. Ed and I have some books on CD from the library (and earplugs in case one wants to snooze while the other drives.) I'll probably bring a couple of magazines to flip through; I can't read books in a moving car...gives me a headache.

*I've bought plenty of snacks and water for the trip and the cooler is all cleaned out and ready. Also have the suscreen, bug spray, wet wipes, ziplock bags, etc. that we invariably will need. Dry cereal and granola bars for quick breakfasts in the room; we have the van so we'll stop at a local grocery store for milk and fruit on our way in to Old Key West.

*Ponchos are ready; this weekend I'll start laying out all of our clothes in piles on the dining room table. I'm pretty sure I don't need to buy anything, but, you never know. I like to spread it all out in front of me first. The crocs are dusted off!

Well, that's what's been happening. Hopefully I can get some posts in on my November trip report before we leave. I can't wait to see that wonderful welcoming gate!!

Kathy

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

We went thru the exact same medication ordeal with MB. I wanted my little boy back. I found him the back yard one time sunning himself on a rock. I told Lin, "he's not a python!". He's off meds now and we're starting to see some improvements. The major improvement is a new school with a teacher who loves him.

 

[jordanyosh]

Hopefully you'll find the right dosage...

Seems like you're pretty organized for your drive down and back..can't expect an OTPer to be anything less.

 

[jcc0621]

Kathy