It's been a busy time after the move.  I think I'm finally getting organized and feeling like this is a bit more like home.  Actually, I am liking it more every day.  Even Eric is getting used to it after what I thought was a little bit of a rocky start.  He probably kept thinking "when are we going to your house MeMa?"  It did get easier after he saw all his "stuff", but there was still that little bit of not quite knowing what to do with himself.  And the one night I kept him overnight was not a pleasant time.  Mommy had to come at about 10:30 to pick him up after a horrific meltdown which scared me.  They usually don't, but he was hyperventilating and I hadn't seen that before.  Of course as soon as I called, he settled down and was almost asleep when she arrived.  If only I'd waited a bit longer. 

Eric continues to bound ahead, learning and progressing enough to thrill all of us.  We attended the "Family Fun Day" at his school last Saturday and had a great time.  Again a rocky start, there were balloons everywhere and he would not give them up.  He loves letting them go in the air and usually that's fine with us.  Unfortunately these had little prizes in them and were for sale as a fundraiser.  LOL!  No letting them go in the air.  Someone in Massachusetts just might get lucky if they find that floating balloon and it had a million dollar winner scratch off in it! 

Finally we got him to the playground, the bouncy bounce, and the water balloons.  Need I tell you the water balloons were his favorite part? 

Eric and his friend Mick

Someone would throw the ball and the balloon would break and drench the teacher.

Sharing the spotlight with a teacher.....he LOVED it.

Recognize this teacher?  Still his favorite!

We had a great time and Nikki says Eric slept well that night!

 

Wow -- haven't posted since Christmas.  So many things happening.  While I sit and type this, I am surrounded by a HUGE mess of boxes and empty walls.  Haven't  gotten to the curtains yet, but they are on  this evenings agenda.

To make a long story short, we put our house on the market.  Downsizing is the big word around here.  To our complete amazement, it sold within a month ...yes, I know...even with the terrible housing market.  So to say the least, we are up to our ears in moving.  The big day is tomorrow.  We found a smaller house to rent for awhile and a HUGE dumpster took away 16 years of stuff I didn't even know I had, don't remember where it came from and kids old um...junk.  I've cleared out cabinets, closets, cubbyholes, and the canaverous basement.  Yep, downsizing is the word of the day.  Tomorrow, we take whats left and move it to the smaller (but it has a bigger yard than this house) place of residence.  Do I need to tell you that I will be so glad when it's over?

Now, on to the point of this blog.  Eric has blossomed in his new school.  He absolutely loves it and they love him.  We had a wonderful Bowling fundraiser where I got to meet some of the staff.  His excitement at seeing his favorite teacher was overwhelming.  The difference in his behavior upon seeing her was gratifying.  He was starting to get a bit antsy to get started on the bowling, yet it wasn't time.  Waiting around just isn't his forte..  However upon seeing the familiar "school faces" around, you could actually see him calming himself.   That's how it's been lately.  Nikki has learned so very much from the school as well.

I don't want to brag or gush too much about what a wonderful mom she is, but --- oh what the heck, yes I do.  She is firm, yet gentle with him.  Insistent and so patient.  Loving and playful.  To hear the way he laughs when they play is the most joyful thing that I've ever heard.  And Eric?  Well lets just say he loves his mama so very much. 

It's so amazing to me to watch my daughter grow and mature.  Of course it isn't the direction she expected to grow in.  She pictured her life completely different.  But for some reason I can't help but think that this is the right one.  She is attending college now -- she wants to teach and help others on the Spectrum.  Other families and other children.  Regardless of the frustration she still sometimes feels, I can see a confidence and pride in herself. 

Lets see if I can find a few Bowling Benefit pictures and please, do nag at me when I let this blog go for too long.  There is so much more to share than I can do in just one "catch up post"...and Grandma here does want to share and contine to learn from all of you as well.  So...nag away...

Finally Eric's Turn!

I'll listen to Mom...she's a pro!

Dancing my way back to my chair...oh yeah...

My favorite Teacher!

Lets get a picture of us!

And a good time was had by all....Thanks Crossroads!