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string(3538) "Our main computer won\'t go on the Internet anymore, so between that and having trouble with the USB hub (Steve did order a new one) I\'m stuck on my iPod and can\'t easily share pictures. We will try to figure something out. I haven\'t been online nearly as much as I used to be. I feel like I just don\'t have the time and I am taking/making the time to really enjoy my baby! He\'s growing so fast and I want to cherish every minute of his babyhood. <br /><br />Daniel is back to coming straight to our bed when he wakes up in the morning...but he\'s not coming to snuggle with me, oh no!, he wants to snuggle with Colton! (that pretty much means he wakes him up...which is okay after 7) and I love to watch the two of them together.<br /><br />Daniel\'s top tooth is really wiggly. He\'s fine with the whole loose tooth thing. That was something I worried about. We have another dentist appointment tomorrow. I am really hoping that Daniel allows the dentist to brush his teeth this time!!! (please?!)<br /><br />I\'ve been going through some stuff. Most of it I can\'t write about. I\'ve been thinking of something someone told me one time- that Jesus is closest to us when things are hard. I just need to reach out for his help. I\'ve been seeing how true that is and that when I trust that he\'ll guide me through he always does. It\'s when I barge ahead in my own strength and with my own ideas that I get lost. I can\'t upload any pictures right now, but if I could, I\'d show you the \"fingerprint\" I found while sweeping the other day. The significance of that is that I find most of these things in ugly places. In a dirt pile, dust, mulch, hair I\'ve swept from the floor, etc. Most of them don\'t even make pretty pictures- but I\'ll take those pictures if I can. (If you\'ve never read about these \"fingerprints\" before, click on the His Fingerprints link in my label cloud in the sidebar for past posts.)<br /><br />I\'ve been struggling to take things in the right way- to seek God during the day because it\'s the only place to go for real help and comfort. I feel like I\'m going through something and I need to do it by myself. I\'m not really sure what I\'m supposed to learn from it, but I\'m sure that it\'s right. I feel like I\'m being forced to go it \"alone\" and to find fellowship with Jesus in this rather than with friends. I was thinking about all this while I ate my breakfast. \"I feel so lonely\", I thought as I bit into the strawberry....and there in the center of that strawberry was another perfect heart- one of God\'s \"fingerprints\"- a visual reminder that He is with me always. I read Luke 18:1 tonight about \"...that men always ought to pray and not lose heart...\" I guess it probably means more to me than to you, but I wanted to get it down...<br /><br />goodnight.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch<br /><br /><div class=\"blogger-post-footer\"><img width=\'1\' height=\'1\' src=\'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5343568039584851656?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com\' alt=\'\' /></div><div class=\"feedflare\">
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string(3472) "Our main computer won't go on the Internet anymore, so between that and having trouble with the USB hub (Steve did order a new one) I'm stuck on my iPod and can't easily share pictures. We will try to figure something out. I haven't been online nearly as much as I used to be. I feel like I just don't have the time and I am taking/making the time to really enjoy my baby! He's growing so fast and I want to cherish every minute of his babyhood. <br /><br />Daniel is back to coming straight to our bed when he wakes up in the morning...but he's not coming to snuggle with me, oh no!, he wants to snuggle with Colton! (that pretty much means he wakes him up...which is okay after 7) and I love to watch the two of them together.<br /><br />Daniel's top tooth is really wiggly. He's fine with the whole loose tooth thing. That was something I worried about. We have another dentist appointment tomorrow. I am really hoping that Daniel allows the dentist to brush his teeth this time!!! (please?!)<br /><br />I've been going through some stuff. Most of it I can't write about. I've been thinking of something someone told me one time- that Jesus is closest to us when things are hard. I just need to reach out for his help. I've been seeing how true that is and that when I trust that he'll guide me through he always does. It's when I barge ahead in my own strength and with my own ideas that I get lost. I can't upload any pictures right now, but if I could, I'd show you the "fingerprint" I found while sweeping the other day. The significance of that is that I find most of these things in ugly places. In a dirt pile, dust, mulch, hair I've swept from the floor, etc. Most of them don't even make pretty pictures- but I'll take those pictures if I can. (If you've never read about these "fingerprints" before, click on the His Fingerprints link in my label cloud in the sidebar for past posts.)<br /><br />I've been struggling to take things in the right way- to seek God during the day because it's the only place to go for real help and comfort. I feel like I'm going through something and I need to do it by myself. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to learn from it, but I'm sure that it's right. I feel like I'm being forced to go it "alone" and to find fellowship with Jesus in this rather than with friends. I was thinking about all this while I ate my breakfast. "I feel so lonely", I thought as I bit into the strawberry....and there in the center of that strawberry was another perfect heart- one of God's "fingerprints"- a visual reminder that He is with me always. I read Luke 18:1 tonight about "...that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." I guess it probably means more to me than to you, but I wanted to get it down...<br /><br />goodnight.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5343568039584851656?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "2010-09-03T06:28:00.307-04:00"
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string(6) "Colton"
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string(4) "tags"
["description"]=>
string(1363) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4953035318/" title="9310 colton loves tags by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4953035318_1a79e30b31_o.jpg" alt="9310 colton loves tags" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952443063/" title="9310 chubby hand by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4952443063_d1498ffb0c_o.jpg" alt="9310 chubby hand" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">tags<br />he loves them<br /><br />ahhh, those dimples!<br />sweet baby, i love you!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8089117593267511075?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1363) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4953035318/" title="9310 colton loves tags by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4953035318_1a79e30b31_o.jpg" alt="9310 colton loves tags" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952443063/" title="9310 chubby hand by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4952443063_d1498ffb0c_o.jpg" alt="9310 chubby hand" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">tags<br />he loves them<br /><br />ahhh, those dimples!<br />sweet baby, i love you!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8089117593267511075?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(67) "math challengesdelight directeddyscalculiamathlinksDaniel and Dixie"
["title"]=>
string(10) "doggy math"
["description"]=>
string(3536) "I guess we've started school because we've been doing so much learning and reading together that we might as well count it! We've struggled with math almost all along. By that I mean since Kindergarten. I've been frustrated because it can't get much simpler than the stuff we've been doing and now Daniel is in 2nd grade. <span style="font-style: italic;">We can't move on if he doesn't understand the basics. </span>Sometimes I wonder if he's like me. I'm so bad at math. Really. I found out a couple of years ago that there is a name for it: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.as.wvu.edu/%7Escidis/dyscalcula.html">Dyscalculia</a></span>. I've been wondering if maybe Daniel struggles with the same thing. Maybe he really <span style="font-style: italic;">can't</span> do simple math in his head.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370673/" title="9210 watching doggy math by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4952370673_d8f444d32c_o.jpg" alt="9210 watching doggy math" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><br />Yesterday I spoke with his Occupational Therapist about it because she told me that during the session, they were writing things in shaving cream and when she wrote a math problem Daniel wiped it away and wrote "NO". She suggested getting something he's really into and putting those things on top of the numbers so he can count them. We went to the parent-teacher store after therapy and spent some birthday money on school stuff. Daniel picked out this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safari-695504-Ltd-Dogs-Toob/dp/B000GYZ3QG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283477513&sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dog toob</span></a>.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963050/" title="9210 doggy math1 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4952963050_8cd6f48e39_z.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math1" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370515/" title="9210 doggy math2 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4952370515_30b4d27ce3_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math2" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />No problem! And he just did it, he didn't have to point to each one and count.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370475/" title="9210 doggy math3 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4952370475_8cab327ce9_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math3 " width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963172/" title="9210 doggy math erase by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4952963172_d88cdb8245_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math erase" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2980018583083516014?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3536) "I guess we've started school because we've been doing so much learning and reading together that we might as well count it! We've struggled with math almost all along. By that I mean since Kindergarten. I've been frustrated because it can't get much simpler than the stuff we've been doing and now Daniel is in 2nd grade. <span style="font-style: italic;">We can't move on if he doesn't understand the basics. </span>Sometimes I wonder if he's like me. I'm so bad at math. Really. I found out a couple of years ago that there is a name for it: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.as.wvu.edu/%7Escidis/dyscalcula.html">Dyscalculia</a></span>. I've been wondering if maybe Daniel struggles with the same thing. Maybe he really <span style="font-style: italic;">can't</span> do simple math in his head.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370673/" title="9210 watching doggy math by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4952370673_d8f444d32c_o.jpg" alt="9210 watching doggy math" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><br />Yesterday I spoke with his Occupational Therapist about it because she told me that during the session, they were writing things in shaving cream and when she wrote a math problem Daniel wiped it away and wrote "NO". She suggested getting something he's really into and putting those things on top of the numbers so he can count them. We went to the parent-teacher store after therapy and spent some birthday money on school stuff. Daniel picked out this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safari-695504-Ltd-Dogs-Toob/dp/B000GYZ3QG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283477513&sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dog toob</span></a>.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963050/" title="9210 doggy math1 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4952963050_8cd6f48e39_z.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math1" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370515/" title="9210 doggy math2 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4952370515_30b4d27ce3_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math2" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />No problem! And he just did it, he didn't have to point to each one and count.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370475/" title="9210 doggy math3 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4952370475_8cab327ce9_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math3 " width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963172/" title="9210 doggy math erase by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4952963172_d88cdb8245_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math erase" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2980018583083516014?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:59:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-31T22:47:26.491-04:00"
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string(28) "big brotherDaniel and Colton"
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string(30) "you're supposed to be napping!"
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string(1933) "I was having the hardest time getting Colton down for his nap this morning. Usually I either nurse him, burp him and put him down or rock him to sleep or almost to sleep and then I can put him in the bassinet.<br /><br />Not today!<br /><br />He jumped awake each time I put him down, so I finally lay down on the floor, nursed him a bit again and then left him. I checked on him a few minutes later and Daniel had taken my place and was snuggling with him! <span style="font-style: italic;">Hmmm!</span> Little boy wasn't looking so sleepy after that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4947173974/" title="9110 supposed to be napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947173974_618281ffa8_z.jpg" alt="9110 supposed to be napping" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I think he had to burp and was uncomfortable when I put him down. How do you get a baby to burp after they're already asleep??<br /><br />Here's another question... Daniel is done with a lot of toys and we are really struggling with a lack of storage, no room and clutter in our house. I only want things we need. That said, toys are expensive. How much or what would you save for a younger child?? What would you get rid of?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-3473824513316926506?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1933) "I was having the hardest time getting Colton down for his nap this morning. Usually I either nurse him, burp him and put him down or rock him to sleep or almost to sleep and then I can put him in the bassinet.<br /><br />Not today!<br /><br />He jumped awake each time I put him down, so I finally lay down on the floor, nursed him a bit again and then left him. I checked on him a few minutes later and Daniel had taken my place and was snuggling with him! <span style="font-style: italic;">Hmmm!</span> Little boy wasn't looking so sleepy after that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4947173974/" title="9110 supposed to be napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947173974_618281ffa8_z.jpg" alt="9110 supposed to be napping" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I think he had to burp and was uncomfortable when I put him down. How do you get a baby to burp after they're already asleep??<br /><br />Here's another question... Daniel is done with a lot of toys and we are really struggling with a lack of storage, no room and clutter in our house. I only want things we need. That said, toys are expensive. How much or what would you save for a younger child?? What would you get rid of?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-3473824513316926506?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:30:00 +0000"
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string(9) "Dr. Seuss"
["title"]=>
string(21) ""we sat there we two""
["description"]=>
string(2497) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s1600/conradandsally.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s200/conradandsally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511761878230499058" border="0" /></a>is what Daniel had to say about this! I thought that was funny. I didn't know how to prepare Daniel for the wedding. I did my best and I showed him pictures of the set up that a girl we know posted on Facebook, but it all looked very different when people filled all those chairs and we were one of the last ones there. Daniel almost wouldn't go sit, but we managed it after a moment or two. Reminder for next time: get there EARLY! Daniel sat next to me (or lay on the ground near me) and played Angry Birds on Steve's iPhone. At that point I didn't really care, I just wanted to be able to stay through the ceremony! I drew the line at listening to the sound effects at full volume while wearing his noise canceling headphones, though! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s1600/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s400/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511246679768928642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(quote from The Cat In The Hat, by Dr. Seuss and a special thanks to Christine who emailed me this picture!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6745459280816333264?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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["summary"]=>
string(2497) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s1600/conradandsally.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s200/conradandsally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511761878230499058" border="0" /></a>is what Daniel had to say about this! I thought that was funny. I didn't know how to prepare Daniel for the wedding. I did my best and I showed him pictures of the set up that a girl we know posted on Facebook, but it all looked very different when people filled all those chairs and we were one of the last ones there. Daniel almost wouldn't go sit, but we managed it after a moment or two. Reminder for next time: get there EARLY! Daniel sat next to me (or lay on the ground near me) and played Angry Birds on Steve's iPhone. At that point I didn't really care, I just wanted to be able to stay through the ceremony! I drew the line at listening to the sound effects at full volume while wearing his noise canceling headphones, though! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s1600/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s400/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511246679768928642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(quote from The Cat In The Hat, by Dr. Seuss and a special thanks to Christine who emailed me this picture!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6745459280816333264?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=D1HU4z-2iLE:frMy4FIbXZo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=D1HU4z-2iLE:frMy4FIbXZo:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(31) "Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:35:00 +0000"
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string(34) "ColtonmorningsHis Fingerprintssooc"
["title"]=>
string(13) "good morning!"
["description"]=>
string(2872) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941626336/" title="83010 yawn by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4941626336_c577fa2eca_z.jpg" alt="83010 yawn" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />We are still recovering from our weekend. Some busy days and late nights make for a tired family, messy house, etc. It's pretty much the same old story every weekend, though!! (Yes, Colton is still wearing his wedding onesie from Saturday in the picture. I've since changed him, though!) Daniel woke up super early today but thankfully fell back to sleep after snuggling in bed next to me. Colton and I are enjoying some quiet time now. So, what happened this weekend? My little brother got married! Here's a peek, but I'm not going to post tons of pictures because it doesn't feel right and they haven't seen them yet. This one is SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera) and I'm pretty happy with how most turned out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941063507/" title="ron and catherine sooc by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4941063507_a4abc41b5c.jpg" alt="ron and catherine sooc" width="335" height="500" /></a></div><br />I was a second photographer, so my friend, Donna, took lots of pictures, too. It's easy to stress about taking pictures for someone, especially for a wedding, but I prayed that whatever photos were taken and finally put together for the bride and groom would be a blessing. I feel that prayer was answered. And look...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941096135/" title="his fingerprints 82810- blogged by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4941096135_68445c82cd_z.jpg" alt="his fingerprints 82810- blogged" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /></div><br />...see the "fingerprint" about an inch off to the left of Ron's shoulder? =) For those of you who don't know the story of His fingerprints, <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/loved-cared-for.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">you can read about it here</span></a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2969400331942285522?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2872) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941626336/" title="83010 yawn by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4941626336_c577fa2eca_z.jpg" alt="83010 yawn" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />We are still recovering from our weekend. Some busy days and late nights make for a tired family, messy house, etc. It's pretty much the same old story every weekend, though!! (Yes, Colton is still wearing his wedding onesie from Saturday in the picture. I've since changed him, though!) Daniel woke up super early today but thankfully fell back to sleep after snuggling in bed next to me. Colton and I are enjoying some quiet time now. So, what happened this weekend? My little brother got married! Here's a peek, but I'm not going to post tons of pictures because it doesn't feel right and they haven't seen them yet. This one is SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera) and I'm pretty happy with how most turned out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941063507/" title="ron and catherine sooc by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4941063507_a4abc41b5c.jpg" alt="ron and catherine sooc" width="335" height="500" /></a></div><br />I was a second photographer, so my friend, Donna, took lots of pictures, too. It's easy to stress about taking pictures for someone, especially for a wedding, but I prayed that whatever photos were taken and finally put together for the bride and groom would be a blessing. I feel that prayer was answered. And look...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941096135/" title="his fingerprints 82810- blogged by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4941096135_68445c82cd_z.jpg" alt="his fingerprints 82810- blogged" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /></div><br />...see the "fingerprint" about an inch off to the left of Ron's shoulder? =) For those of you who don't know the story of His fingerprints, <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/loved-cared-for.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">you can read about it here</span></a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2969400331942285522?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=lyh9hpZbJFw:wgn4cyNYtHI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=lyh9hpZbJFw:wgn4cyNYtHI:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(31) "Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:16:00 +0000"
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string(166) "big brothermy thoughtsparentingone house school rooma peek into our lifestranger dangerDaniel and Coltondisciplineautism awarenesshomemakingautismour housescreen time"
["title"]=>
string(13) "apron strings"
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string(8778) "We are breaking my rules this morning and I set the timer for an hour so I can blog and play with some pictures and Daniel can have the computer time he's been asking for. I can't blog during the day if he's not allowed on the computer and by 3 other things need to be done, like dinner, Colton needs me, Steve gets home and wants his computer time, etc. So, here I am!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932060745/" title="82710 brothers by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4932060745_64556dce65_o.jpg" alt="82710 brothers" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am looking forward to things settling down a bit. Tereza suggested a home tour, so I'm looking forward to doing that as well! It might take me a little while, though! It got me thinking about things, in a good way, I think, because I looked around and pretty much groaned at the idea of taking pictures around the house right now. All I see are the things that need to be done, the projects we haven't gotten to because we either don't have the time, money or skill to do them, the clutter that I am ALWAYS fighting, the laundry that is never ending and the mess that Daniel strews around the house everyday.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Daniel's second loose tooth just fell out! He was eating a frozen chocolate chip cookie!)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Then I was thinking, do I clean a room and take a picture of how I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> it to be? Realistically I'm not going to ever get the whole house just right, so do I take a picture of each room, save the pictures and then post them all at once? Do I just take pictures of how it all looks <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span>? Can I do that and not point out all the faults? Why the heck do I care so much? It's not even about posting pictures on the blog- if someone comes over it's so easy to apologize for the mess. What is most of that mess really, though? It's LIFE. WE LIVE IN OUR HOUSE!!!! We don't work somewhere else and just sleep here. We are here almost all the time and while I am sloooowly improving the organization and managing of everything, WE STILL LIVE HERE! And now more than ever I need to embrace the idea of a one house school room all over again!<br /><br />Okay, so that's one thing I've been mulling over this week. The other is autism. Autism Awareness more specifically. Sometimes Daniel is so "with it" that I can almost forget he has a diagnosis. We can go places, he responds, he interacts, he's attentive and it's fun. Other times I am strongly reminded that he does indeed have "moderate to severe classic Autism". My intention isn't to to talk about that so much as to talk about other people- strangers and random people out in public.<br /><br />Stranger danger is one of the things I really want to work on this year with Daniel. When he's feeling chatty, he'll go up to anyone and tell them things. He'll approach anyone. While I want to teach him that it's okay to be friendly and greet different community figures and use his manners, I don't want him talking to just <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span>. What I'm finding is that no matter where we go (babies are pretty much treated like celebrities, so we get so much attention <span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere</span>), people feel free to chat, assume this or that, give advice and to talk to all three of us. How am I supposed to teach him not to talk to strangers?! He's been passed around to so many different therapists and people passing through the therapy center that it's normal for him to meet strangers and be expected to respond. And from the very beginning <span style="font-style: italic;">these kids are pushed to be compliant</span>. How do I teach the difference?! AND HOW TO I GET STRANGERS TO BACK OFF WITHOUT BEING BITCHY?!<br /><br />Okay, so let me just vent and then (please!!) tell me if I'm just being emotional about it, if this is something all parents and kids go through, if it's different because Daniel has Autism or anything else you can think of.<br /><br />Yesterday we had a bunch of errands to run. We went to the Post Office and I was happy that there were almost no cars in the parking lot. Our Post Office is a nightmare most of the time, so I thought it was a hopeful sign. The guy "helping" us seemed like he was <span style="font-style: italic;">trying</span> to be confused.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Daniel just threw up. ??! Poor kid!)</span> He didn't seem to understand that I knew I needed to pay shipping and that the label I had wasn't a prepaid label. Then he got all distracted and wouldn't continue with sending the thing out because Daniel was standing about 6 feet away from me and playing with the divider rope thing. No one else was around, he wasn't hurting anything, he wasn't being crazy, he was just touching it and swinging it a little. The guy stood there repeating "Excuse me? excuse me...?" <span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, he's so not paying attention to you mister....Hmmm...should I rescue the guy or rescue Daniel? Can we please just get out of here?</span> I told Daniel not to play with the rope and to stand next to me on the black rectangle (the carpet). He did for a minute, I told the guy I wanted to send the box (shoes from The Children's Place that are Daniel's size, but we couldn't even get them on his foot) the cheapest way, he said it might take 10 days, I said I don't care, Daniel wandered to the rope, I told him not to touch it, the guy said it was okay, and I thought, "Well is it or isn't it? Because a minute ago he wasn't allowed to play with it."<br /><br />We got back in the car.<br />Wiped "2. Post Office" off the whiteboard.<br />Drove to JCPenny.<br /><br />I wore Colton in the sling. He was happy. We found khaki pull-on pants that are nice enough for a wedding for Daniel. We found dress socks and then went to find shoes for both of us. The tiny shoe department was crowded. We waited for the only woman there to bring us our sizes.<br /><br />When we're in public, I keep Daniel close to me. If we're in a busy place, he needs to stay by my side. <span style="font-style: italic;">Right</span> next to me, because if we get separated he may not be able to hear me call him. (Filter out my voice from other noises.) If he answers me, it won't be loud enough for me to hear him. I don't think he'd be able to ask anyone for help if he was lost. If he's having a really good day, I'm probably comfortable if he stays within 15 feet or so, as long as it's not crowded where we are and I can see him. And if there isn't anything between us. What I'm saying is that mama has pretty short apron strings. I feel like a controlling, over protective freak most of the time, but I feel like this is what is safe for him at this stage.<br /><br />I know what he's doing when we're out and I'm definitely paying attention. So, if Daniel does something and needs to be corrected, <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm there, I see it, I do it</span>. Why do most adults in the vicinity feel the need to add to what I say?! And <span style="font-weight: bold;">they don't even wait long enough for him not to respond</span>. What I mean by that, is that Daniel sometimes needs more time. Sometimes I might have to say the same thing a few different ways so that he fully understands what I expect from him. But they don't even wait that long. They just tack on their stupid comments, "You might break it, you might get hurt, it's dirty, etc". It's not their business!!! Then they think it's okay to pat his head, ruffle his hair, strike up a conversation with one of the three of us. <span style="font-style: italic;">Then</span>, feeling affronted, I don't want to explain that he has autism and that's why he does this, can't do that, etc. I feel like it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">none of their business</span>.<br /><br />Help! Explain me, my reaction, what to do, say, etc. Please!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2846261230820247511?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=OSA7YiOtrRg:hxLxsKIdWPU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=OSA7YiOtrRg:hxLxsKIdWPU:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(8778) "We are breaking my rules this morning and I set the timer for an hour so I can blog and play with some pictures and Daniel can have the computer time he's been asking for. I can't blog during the day if he's not allowed on the computer and by 3 other things need to be done, like dinner, Colton needs me, Steve gets home and wants his computer time, etc. So, here I am!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932060745/" title="82710 brothers by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4932060745_64556dce65_o.jpg" alt="82710 brothers" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am looking forward to things settling down a bit. Tereza suggested a home tour, so I'm looking forward to doing that as well! It might take me a little while, though! It got me thinking about things, in a good way, I think, because I looked around and pretty much groaned at the idea of taking pictures around the house right now. All I see are the things that need to be done, the projects we haven't gotten to because we either don't have the time, money or skill to do them, the clutter that I am ALWAYS fighting, the laundry that is never ending and the mess that Daniel strews around the house everyday.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Daniel's second loose tooth just fell out! He was eating a frozen chocolate chip cookie!)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Then I was thinking, do I clean a room and take a picture of how I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> it to be? Realistically I'm not going to ever get the whole house just right, so do I take a picture of each room, save the pictures and then post them all at once? Do I just take pictures of how it all looks <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span>? Can I do that and not point out all the faults? Why the heck do I care so much? It's not even about posting pictures on the blog- if someone comes over it's so easy to apologize for the mess. What is most of that mess really, though? It's LIFE. WE LIVE IN OUR HOUSE!!!! We don't work somewhere else and just sleep here. We are here almost all the time and while I am sloooowly improving the organization and managing of everything, WE STILL LIVE HERE! And now more than ever I need to embrace the idea of a one house school room all over again!<br /><br />Okay, so that's one thing I've been mulling over this week. The other is autism. Autism Awareness more specifically. Sometimes Daniel is so "with it" that I can almost forget he has a diagnosis. We can go places, he responds, he interacts, he's attentive and it's fun. Other times I am strongly reminded that he does indeed have "moderate to severe classic Autism". My intention isn't to to talk about that so much as to talk about other people- strangers and random people out in public.<br /><br />Stranger danger is one of the things I really want to work on this year with Daniel. When he's feeling chatty, he'll go up to anyone and tell them things. He'll approach anyone. While I want to teach him that it's okay to be friendly and greet different community figures and use his manners, I don't want him talking to just <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span>. What I'm finding is that no matter where we go (babies are pretty much treated like celebrities, so we get so much attention <span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere</span>), people feel free to chat, assume this or that, give advice and to talk to all three of us. How am I supposed to teach him not to talk to strangers?! He's been passed around to so many different therapists and people passing through the therapy center that it's normal for him to meet strangers and be expected to respond. And from the very beginning <span style="font-style: italic;">these kids are pushed to be compliant</span>. How do I teach the difference?! AND HOW TO I GET STRANGERS TO BACK OFF WITHOUT BEING BITCHY?!<br /><br />Okay, so let me just vent and then (please!!) tell me if I'm just being emotional about it, if this is something all parents and kids go through, if it's different because Daniel has Autism or anything else you can think of.<br /><br />Yesterday we had a bunch of errands to run. We went to the Post Office and I was happy that there were almost no cars in the parking lot. Our Post Office is a nightmare most of the time, so I thought it was a hopeful sign. The guy "helping" us seemed like he was <span style="font-style: italic;">trying</span> to be confused.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Daniel just threw up. ??! Poor kid!)</span> He didn't seem to understand that I knew I needed to pay shipping and that the label I had wasn't a prepaid label. Then he got all distracted and wouldn't continue with sending the thing out because Daniel was standing about 6 feet away from me and playing with the divider rope thing. No one else was around, he wasn't hurting anything, he wasn't being crazy, he was just touching it and swinging it a little. The guy stood there repeating "Excuse me? excuse me...?" <span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, he's so not paying attention to you mister....Hmmm...should I rescue the guy or rescue Daniel? Can we please just get out of here?</span> I told Daniel not to play with the rope and to stand next to me on the black rectangle (the carpet). He did for a minute, I told the guy I wanted to send the box (shoes from The Children's Place that are Daniel's size, but we couldn't even get them on his foot) the cheapest way, he said it might take 10 days, I said I don't care, Daniel wandered to the rope, I told him not to touch it, the guy said it was okay, and I thought, "Well is it or isn't it? Because a minute ago he wasn't allowed to play with it."<br /><br />We got back in the car.<br />Wiped "2. Post Office" off the whiteboard.<br />Drove to JCPenny.<br /><br />I wore Colton in the sling. He was happy. We found khaki pull-on pants that are nice enough for a wedding for Daniel. We found dress socks and then went to find shoes for both of us. The tiny shoe department was crowded. We waited for the only woman there to bring us our sizes.<br /><br />When we're in public, I keep Daniel close to me. If we're in a busy place, he needs to stay by my side. <span style="font-style: italic;">Right</span> next to me, because if we get separated he may not be able to hear me call him. (Filter out my voice from other noises.) If he answers me, it won't be loud enough for me to hear him. I don't think he'd be able to ask anyone for help if he was lost. If he's having a really good day, I'm probably comfortable if he stays within 15 feet or so, as long as it's not crowded where we are and I can see him. And if there isn't anything between us. What I'm saying is that mama has pretty short apron strings. I feel like a controlling, over protective freak most of the time, but I feel like this is what is safe for him at this stage.<br /><br />I know what he's doing when we're out and I'm definitely paying attention. So, if Daniel does something and needs to be corrected, <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm there, I see it, I do it</span>. Why do most adults in the vicinity feel the need to add to what I say?! And <span style="font-weight: bold;">they don't even wait long enough for him not to respond</span>. What I mean by that, is that Daniel sometimes needs more time. Sometimes I might have to say the same thing a few different ways so that he fully understands what I expect from him. But they don't even wait that long. They just tack on their stupid comments, "You might break it, you might get hurt, it's dirty, etc". It's not their business!!! Then they think it's okay to pat his head, ruffle his hair, strike up a conversation with one of the three of us. <span style="font-style: italic;">Then</span>, feeling affronted, I don't want to explain that he has autism and that's why he does this, can't do that, etc. I feel like it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">none of their business</span>.<br /><br />Help! Explain me, my reaction, what to do, say, etc. Please!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2846261230820247511?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1396) "It's Steve's birthday today! If I were the perfect wife I'd have something witty and fun put together...but I'm not and I don't. I'm saving my efforts for dinner! ;)<br /><br />I can tell you there is a pretty good guy behind that beard and I bet it would make his day of you left him a birthday message! :)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll post a picture of the card Daniel made for Steve when I get to the computer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932652094/" title="82710 not like birthday by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4932652094_9f553c64d7_o.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="82710 not like birthday" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4854081341094342386?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1396) "It's Steve's birthday today! If I were the perfect wife I'd have something witty and fun put together...but I'm not and I don't. I'm saving my efforts for dinner! ;)<br /><br />I can tell you there is a pretty good guy behind that beard and I bet it would make his day of you left him a birthday message! :)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll post a picture of the card Daniel made for Steve when I get to the computer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932652094/" title="82710 not like birthday by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4932652094_9f553c64d7_o.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="82710 not like birthday" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4854081341094342386?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(4471) "I took Daniel to the dentist today. I had to bring Colton to a friend's house because I couldn't bring him in with us. Cheryl said he cried 75% of the time and wouldn't take a bottle. <br /><br />Daniel, on the other hand, had a great time! We've been reading the Going To The Dentist picture guide that the dentist's office printed for us last time. Daniel seems a little more comfortable, used his words very well (last time ALL he said was that phrase, "just a pacifier we're gonna buy."). He smiled and greeted the lady at the front desk, he told her his name (w/prompt) he waited in the waiting room, he smiled and said hi (w/prompt) when the dentist came to get us, he seemed eager to get to the room! The dentist had the same picture guide in a flip book so she got that out and Daniel read some of it. They looked at the "fun chair" and watched it go up and down. (He wouldn't sit in it) He saw the big light, the dentist wore gloves, Daniel gave her a high five (and played with the curtains and wiggled in his chair), he opened his mouth and showed her his wiggly tooth, she showed him her tools, he played with the little mirror, she gave him a toothbrush, he brushed his teeth, he said ahhhhhh and opened wide, she brushed (mostly going through the motions and looking at his teeth while he gave her the chance), he finally let her look and count them. The dentist was ready to wrap things up then and talked to me about some things. While we talked Daniel climbed around the room, climbed on the chair, intentionally bumped his head on the light, played with the sink, etc. He interacted very well with the dentist, but wouldn't sit in the chair for her. We thought he did great though and it was so much better than last time. oh, when she got out the bib he told her to stop. I thought that was great. His OT has been working on that with<br />him... telling someone to stop instead of hitting head or something and if they don't then learn to cope (like cover ears against whistling). He seems to get great satisfaction when his quiet "stop" brings results and I love that the Dentist actually listens and communicates so well with him. So we ended without pushing him to tears or major stress. The hospital looks more like a children's museum and Daniel wanted to go see fish tanks and other things in the different waiting rooms. He was thrilled to get to see the ring of fire like in Finding Nemo. I think he was disappointed that there was no spit sink at the dentist. ;) haha!<br /><br />We went down to the Cafeteria for lunch. They had a giant waiter made out of Legos and Daniel liked that. There was also a SuperMan statue and Daniel had to check out his cape! After lunch we went up to the parking garage. We were on the 7th level and Daniel liked looking out the window at the people and cars below us on the street. Then we drove to Cheryl's to visit for a little while and get Colton. Daniel played with toys (didn't even go for the computer!!) and watched "the domestic short hair" (cat named Louis). <br /><br />It was nice to spend some time with Daniel like that even if we were just going to the dentist. When Colton is older and better for a babysitter I would like to do some little trips that are special just for him. It was nice to have some little conversations with him in a way that we've never had before. I guess they don't happen as easily or naturally when we're trying to get somewhere and I have to keep Daniel close and carry Colton and whatever bags or stuff either one of them needs. I loved the time with him.<br /><br />...and I soaked up lots of baby snuggles when we got home!!<br /><br />- Posted in bed using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...the only way this was going to get posted! So no editing, proof reading, pictures, etc. I'm just blogging for me tonight!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8651152342217539459?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(32) "dentistDixiea peek into our life"
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string(3863) "Breathe in, breathe out...breathe in, breathe out. Repeat slowly until at least next Sunday. It's official. I have have too many things to do. All I can hope to do is what I can. How's that for a thought?! One day at a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541846/" title="82210 colton bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4918541846_4c0d8cce43_z.jpg" alt="82210 colton bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to babysitter<br />hope all goes well because he sure won't take a bottle for me<br />bring Daniel to the Dentist<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4917941955/" title="82210 daniel bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4917941955_76dd1c64c1_z.jpg" alt="82210 daniel bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to the doctor for a shot (we're separating some vaccinations, so we have to go often)<br />hope Daniel doesn't get upset with the whole thing since it's his turn in a few weeks<br /><br />pick up the bed and prepare Colton's room for a guest<br />get the house in good enough shape for company<br />(I'm sure it will be fine, but we're recovering from a weekend...so right now it's awful)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918565154/" title="82210 dixie by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4918565154_dc0c814ab6_z.jpg" alt="82210 dixie" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />call kennel and see if they have room for Dixie next weekend<br />call Allstate and make some adjustments<br /><br />make chicken and dumplings sometime this week<br /><br />bring Daniel to OT on Wednesday<br /><br />Visit with Jen on Thursday<br />get all wedding clothes together, iron, wash, etc.<br />make social story for Daniel so he knows what to expect<br />clean camera gear<br />scan internet for last minute inspiration<br /><br />bake pies for dessert bar<br />pack bag of tricks for Saturday: headphones, ipod, change of clothes, toys, books, snacks, etc.<br /><br />maybe all that isn't so bad. I just have to <span style="font-style: italic;">relax</span>!<br /><br />Oh! Here's the toad I almost stepped on last week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541962/" title="82210 toad by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4918541962_63ee363d46_z.jpg" alt="82210 toad" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />I've been meaning to ask- is there anything I've said I'm going to write about and then didn't get around to it? Anything you want to ask? I know I've been more spacey than usual and don't want to leave any loose ends. Also, once I get the chance to sit down, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'd like something to blog about besides feeling behind, frazzled, etc!!</span> </span>In the meantime you can see what we're up to in my "mini blog" (right hand sidebar). Thanks for sticking with me!<br /><br />Love,<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/monstiesmom/SNr1iBfd01I/AAAAAAAAGHo/kW7Kvq50OlI/s128/signature%20copy.png" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1677678420378084850?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3863) "Breathe in, breathe out...breathe in, breathe out. Repeat slowly until at least next Sunday. It's official. I have have too many things to do. All I can hope to do is what I can. How's that for a thought?! One day at a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541846/" title="82210 colton bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4918541846_4c0d8cce43_z.jpg" alt="82210 colton bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to babysitter<br />hope all goes well because he sure won't take a bottle for me<br />bring Daniel to the Dentist<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4917941955/" title="82210 daniel bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4917941955_76dd1c64c1_z.jpg" alt="82210 daniel bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to the doctor for a shot (we're separating some vaccinations, so we have to go often)<br />hope Daniel doesn't get upset with the whole thing since it's his turn in a few weeks<br /><br />pick up the bed and prepare Colton's room for a guest<br />get the house in good enough shape for company<br />(I'm sure it will be fine, but we're recovering from a weekend...so right now it's awful)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918565154/" title="82210 dixie by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4918565154_dc0c814ab6_z.jpg" alt="82210 dixie" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />call kennel and see if they have room for Dixie next weekend<br />call Allstate and make some adjustments<br /><br />make chicken and dumplings sometime this week<br /><br />bring Daniel to OT on Wednesday<br /><br />Visit with Jen on Thursday<br />get all wedding clothes together, iron, wash, etc.<br />make social story for Daniel so he knows what to expect<br />clean camera gear<br />scan internet for last minute inspiration<br /><br />bake pies for dessert bar<br />pack bag of tricks for Saturday: headphones, ipod, change of clothes, toys, books, snacks, etc.<br /><br />maybe all that isn't so bad. I just have to <span style="font-style: italic;">relax</span>!<br /><br />Oh! Here's the toad I almost stepped on last week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541962/" title="82210 toad by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4918541962_63ee363d46_z.jpg" alt="82210 toad" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />I've been meaning to ask- is there anything I've said I'm going to write about and then didn't get around to it? Anything you want to ask? I know I've been more spacey than usual and don't want to leave any loose ends. Also, once I get the chance to sit down, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'd like something to blog about besides feeling behind, frazzled, etc!!</span> </span>In the meantime you can see what we're up to in my "mini blog" (right hand sidebar). Thanks for sticking with me!<br /><br />Love,<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/monstiesmom/SNr1iBfd01I/AAAAAAAAGHo/kW7Kvq50OlI/s128/signature%20copy.png" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1677678420378084850?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(6) "Colton"
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string(15) "my big littlest"
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string(3142) "I hate it when people compare their kids...but i sometimes can't help doing the same. I pulled out Daniel's baby book yesterday and saw that he weighed at nine month what Colton weighs at not yet five! Oh my! These two continue to be mostly opposites. Daniel was small and Colton is big. Daniel loved his pacifier and I'm trying to get Colton to take one. I realized the other day that he stopped sleeping through the night, which he did from almost the beginning when he stopped taking the pacifier. Daniel hated (almost always) the swing. Colton wouldn't sleep without it unless he was with me. Colton just started to sleep in his bassinet. Daniel was happy in his from day one and hardly ever slept with us.<br /><br />Anyway, some stuff about Colton because I haven't taken the time to take ridiculous notes like I did with Daniel.<br /><br />He's super happy if I hold him<br /><br />He likes to play in his saucer<br /><br />he loves to blow raspberries<br /><br />he's often smiling and happy...if I'm close by and we are NOT in the car<br /><br />he hates being in the car<br /><br />he loves the dog<br /><br />he keeps trying to grab things I'm holding or eating<br /><br />he likes his bath now. I let him sit up and play for a little while. he splashes and reaches for his toys or toes<br /><br />he smiles or laughs at just about anything I say to him<br /><br />he likes to watch Daniel<br /><br />he likes to be rocked<br /><br />he sings himself to sleep as I rock him<br /><br />he's got big feet and likes to climb up bodies who are trying to hold him<br /><br />he's got stranger anxiety<br /><br />he drools, blows bubbles and spits all day long<br /><br />he likes to be out and about especially if I wear him in the sling. we like the kangaroo carry these days. (it's just a matter of getting to wherever we're going)<br /><br />he seems to be too heavy for both baby swings<br /><br />he likes to play pat a cake, peek a boo and "drive the car"<br /><br />he likes when I talk back to him and loves raspberry noises <br /><br />he smiles when I kiss his cheeks and laughs if he hears me laughing or humming when I'm holding him<br /><br />he's starting to scoot backwards<br /><br />he's the cutest little baby even when he's crying (at least I think so!) ...and not that I like to see him cry, but those tears are precious too!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll try to get to the computer to add a picture later. (or I'll just post more soon!)<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2113721948264329889?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(3142) "I hate it when people compare their kids...but i sometimes can't help doing the same. I pulled out Daniel's baby book yesterday and saw that he weighed at nine month what Colton weighs at not yet five! Oh my! These two continue to be mostly opposites. Daniel was small and Colton is big. Daniel loved his pacifier and I'm trying to get Colton to take one. I realized the other day that he stopped sleeping through the night, which he did from almost the beginning when he stopped taking the pacifier. Daniel hated (almost always) the swing. Colton wouldn't sleep without it unless he was with me. Colton just started to sleep in his bassinet. Daniel was happy in his from day one and hardly ever slept with us.<br /><br />Anyway, some stuff about Colton because I haven't taken the time to take ridiculous notes like I did with Daniel.<br /><br />He's super happy if I hold him<br /><br />He likes to play in his saucer<br /><br />he loves to blow raspberries<br /><br />he's often smiling and happy...if I'm close by and we are NOT in the car<br /><br />he hates being in the car<br /><br />he loves the dog<br /><br />he keeps trying to grab things I'm holding or eating<br /><br />he likes his bath now. I let him sit up and play for a little while. he splashes and reaches for his toys or toes<br /><br />he smiles or laughs at just about anything I say to him<br /><br />he likes to watch Daniel<br /><br />he likes to be rocked<br /><br />he sings himself to sleep as I rock him<br /><br />he's got big feet and likes to climb up bodies who are trying to hold him<br /><br />he's got stranger anxiety<br /><br />he drools, blows bubbles and spits all day long<br /><br />he likes to be out and about especially if I wear him in the sling. we like the kangaroo carry these days. (it's just a matter of getting to wherever we're going)<br /><br />he seems to be too heavy for both baby swings<br /><br />he likes to play pat a cake, peek a boo and "drive the car"<br /><br />he likes when I talk back to him and loves raspberry noises <br /><br />he smiles when I kiss his cheeks and laughs if he hears me laughing or humming when I'm holding him<br /><br />he's starting to scoot backwards<br /><br />he's the cutest little baby even when he's crying (at least I think so!) ...and not that I like to see him cry, but those tears are precious too!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll try to get to the computer to add a picture later. (or I'll just post more soon!)<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2113721948264329889?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:51:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-17T10:54:31.439-04:00"
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string(16) "photographyDixie"
["title"]=>
string(5) "flash"
["description"]=>
string(1321) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4901548796/" title="81710 dixie bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4901548796_eaea2ea4e3_z.jpg" alt="81710 dixie bw" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4900960807/" title="81710 daniel flash by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4900960807_c59fd5156a_z.jpg" alt="81710 daniel flash" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to learn to use my flash. There. I said it.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1604982329901601654?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div>"
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(1321) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4901548796/" title="81710 dixie bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4901548796_eaea2ea4e3_z.jpg" alt="81710 dixie bw" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4900960807/" title="81710 daniel flash by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4900960807_c59fd5156a_z.jpg" alt="81710 daniel flash" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to learn to use my flash. There. I said it.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1604982329901601654?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div>"
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string(31) "Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:53:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-16T15:36:48.255-04:00"
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string(63) "Coltoncloth diaperskeeping it reala peek into our lifegardening"
["title"]=>
string(10) "this is..."
["description"]=>
string(3181) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225519/" title="81610 veggie garden by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4898225519_60e57369ac_z.jpg" alt="81610 veggie garden" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />my vegetable garden<br />full of weeds<br />completely overgrown<br />there might be squash...if I can find it.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225633/" title="81610 daniel books by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4898225633_40fbd95dbf.jpg" alt="81610 daniel books" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><br />no screens until 3pm<br />piles of books<br />scattered toys<br />giant mess in his wake<br />i love to see him read<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Just to prove we don't have everything all together and figured out, I should let you know that he slept in that shirt and still isn't wearing any pants. It's hot out and no one is visiting, so I don't really care.</span></span>)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225413/" title="81610 colton sitting bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4898225413_d059077217_z.jpg" alt="81610 colton sitting bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />This little stinker weighs more than 18 pounds! I bought him a couple of outfits at Target a few weeks ago. I'm glad I just got a couple (2) of them because they almost don't fit already!!! He's probably in 9m clothes now, but most of what he has is 6m. Good thing it's summer and I don't believe in buying a ton of baby clothes! He has just a few outfits (maybe 6?) and that's fine with me. Who wants to be all dressed in the summer anyway?? I had so much stuff with Daniel and he had a drawer full of pajamas. It takes a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot </span>of infant pajamas to fill a drawer!!! He didn't even get to wear them all once before growing out of them. That's why I think it's silly to have so many things.<br /><br />Colton is back in cloth diapers unsnapped to the largest setting. I use the regular insert and add an infant "diaper doubler" at night. We're having pretty good luck with no leaks doing it that way. <span style="font-style: italic;">Finally!</span> For awhile there I couldn't figure out how to adjust them so they wouldn't leak.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8929431388482854197?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=S8j8XZVxZgY:ZF-1LXsTy34:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=S8j8XZVxZgY:ZF-1LXsTy34:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(83) "http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ACelebrationOfOurJourney/~3/S8j8XZVxZgY/this-is.html"
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(3181) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225519/" title="81610 veggie garden by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4898225519_60e57369ac_z.jpg" alt="81610 veggie garden" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />my vegetable garden<br />full of weeds<br />completely overgrown<br />there might be squash...if I can find it.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225633/" title="81610 daniel books by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4898225633_40fbd95dbf.jpg" alt="81610 daniel books" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><br />no screens until 3pm<br />piles of books<br />scattered toys<br />giant mess in his wake<br />i love to see him read<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Just to prove we don't have everything all together and figured out, I should let you know that he slept in that shirt and still isn't wearing any pants. It's hot out and no one is visiting, so I don't really care.</span></span>)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225413/" title="81610 colton sitting bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4898225413_d059077217_z.jpg" alt="81610 colton sitting bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />This little stinker weighs more than 18 pounds! I bought him a couple of outfits at Target a few weeks ago. I'm glad I just got a couple (2) of them because they almost don't fit already!!! He's probably in 9m clothes now, but most of what he has is 6m. Good thing it's summer and I don't believe in buying a ton of baby clothes! He has just a few outfits (maybe 6?) and that's fine with me. Who wants to be all dressed in the summer anyway?? I had so much stuff with Daniel and he had a drawer full of pajamas. It takes a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot </span>of infant pajamas to fill a drawer!!! He didn't even get to wear them all once before growing out of them. That's why I think it's silly to have so many things.<br /><br />Colton is back in cloth diapers unsnapped to the largest setting. I use the regular insert and add an infant "diaper doubler" at night. We're having pretty good luck with no leaks doing it that way. <span style="font-style: italic;">Finally!</span> For awhile there I couldn't figure out how to adjust them so they wouldn't leak.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8929431388482854197?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div>"
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string(31) "Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:20:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-13T13:18:09.440-04:00"
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string(89) "something to doColtondinosaursa peek into our lifebutterfliesscreen timebackyard learning"
["title"]=>
string(6) "a peek"
["description"]=>
string(4833) "Typical Colton unless I'm holding him- which is pretty much all he's ever wanted!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721059/" title="81210 pick me up by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4885721059_323cdce92b_o.jpg" alt="81210 pick me up" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I need to remember to hold him in my left arm sometimes because my right shoulder and arm are getting noticeably toned and the other side...<span style="font-style: italic;">isn't!</span><br /><br />We've been having a great week. Screen time is limited between 3:00 and 5:00pm (except for some wake up/snuggle time with my ipod first thing). It's taken a month to cut back and the poor child might have actually had some sort of withdrawal. I think it's will be much better for him long term and especially starting lessons again soon. I want the day to be ours to do things and not compete with a screen for Daniel's attention. This screen time stuff is something we struggle with very often. Without it I've seen so much more sensory and independent play and definitely more reading and creativity. Before I move on to another topic, though, I just want to say that I know how hard this issue can be especially if you have a kid with Autism. They are often <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">visual learners</span>, so screen time can be wonderful and the computer a very useful tool. They need their fun time and "down time" as well! Daniel has learned many great things from both the computer and watching things (DVDs, TV, etc), but sometimes a mommy just knows when enough is enough. We are just struggling to find the right balance <span style="font-style: italic;">for us</span>.<br /><br />I've been working on the homeschooling idea I read about the other day about how a child should have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about</span> each day. It's been fun seeing Daniel actually find<span style="font-style: italic;"> things to do</span> (although sometimes I set things out for him when he's in another room).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721113/" title="81210 dinosaur dig by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4885721113_15ffd9f958_o.jpg" alt="81210 dinosaur dig" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinosaur Excavation Kit</span></div><br />We've been playing outside, jumping, relaxing and eating chocolate chip cookie dough in our bouncy house, digging in the dirt, splashing in "the mud hole", and observing slugs, caterpillars, spiders and webs in our backyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721005/" title="81210 parsley caterpillar by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4885721005_03b24c4369_o.jpg" alt="81210 parsley caterpillar" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section1/caterpillars/black_swallowtail.htm">parsley caterpillar</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"> and will turn into a black swallowtail butterfly.</span><br /></div><br />We've been playing inside, drawing, coloring, making cookies, acting out stories, illustrating a book, digging for dinosaurs, playing with puppets, playing with water and bubbles in the kitchen sink, drawing on the chalkboard wall, bouncing on the mini trampoline, swinging, rediscovering toys and reading together. We've started to read book 1 from The Magic Tree House series. It's about dinosaurs and Daniel seems really into it. I'm just so happy that he's letting me read to him!!!<br /><br />It's been so nice to reconnect with each other. I haven't felt this close to Daniel since before Colton was born. Now it's the three of us doing these things together and it's awesome!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5081138011749156745?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(4833) "Typical Colton unless I'm holding him- which is pretty much all he's ever wanted!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721059/" title="81210 pick me up by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4885721059_323cdce92b_o.jpg" alt="81210 pick me up" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I need to remember to hold him in my left arm sometimes because my right shoulder and arm are getting noticeably toned and the other side...<span style="font-style: italic;">isn't!</span><br /><br />We've been having a great week. Screen time is limited between 3:00 and 5:00pm (except for some wake up/snuggle time with my ipod first thing). It's taken a month to cut back and the poor child might have actually had some sort of withdrawal. I think it's will be much better for him long term and especially starting lessons again soon. I want the day to be ours to do things and not compete with a screen for Daniel's attention. This screen time stuff is something we struggle with very often. Without it I've seen so much more sensory and independent play and definitely more reading and creativity. Before I move on to another topic, though, I just want to say that I know how hard this issue can be especially if you have a kid with Autism. They are often <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">visual learners</span>, so screen time can be wonderful and the computer a very useful tool. They need their fun time and "down time" as well! Daniel has learned many great things from both the computer and watching things (DVDs, TV, etc), but sometimes a mommy just knows when enough is enough. We are just struggling to find the right balance <span style="font-style: italic;">for us</span>.<br /><br />I've been working on the homeschooling idea I read about the other day about how a child should have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about</span> each day. It's been fun seeing Daniel actually find<span style="font-style: italic;"> things to do</span> (although sometimes I set things out for him when he's in another room).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721113/" title="81210 dinosaur dig by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4885721113_15ffd9f958_o.jpg" alt="81210 dinosaur dig" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinosaur Excavation Kit</span></div><br />We've been playing outside, jumping, relaxing and eating chocolate chip cookie dough in our bouncy house, digging in the dirt, splashing in "the mud hole", and observing slugs, caterpillars, spiders and webs in our backyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721005/" title="81210 parsley caterpillar by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4885721005_03b24c4369_o.jpg" alt="81210 parsley caterpillar" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section1/caterpillars/black_swallowtail.htm">parsley caterpillar</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"> and will turn into a black swallowtail butterfly.</span><br /></div><br />We've been playing inside, drawing, coloring, making cookies, acting out stories, illustrating a book, digging for dinosaurs, playing with puppets, playing with water and bubbles in the kitchen sink, drawing on the chalkboard wall, bouncing on the mini trampoline, swinging, rediscovering toys and reading together. We've started to read book 1 from The Magic Tree House series. It's about dinosaurs and Daniel seems really into it. I'm just so happy that he's letting me read to him!!!<br /><br />It's been so nice to reconnect with each other. I haven't felt this close to Daniel since before Colton was born. Now it's the three of us doing these things together and it's awesome!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5081138011749156745?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:24:00 +0000"
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string(43) "pretend playawardspeecha peek into our life"
["title"]=>
string(11) "scuba diver"
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string(5617) "We're having another good day today. It feel so good to get some things done...and guess what? I made cookies and 2 loaves of bread today! It's probably been over a year since I've been able to manage that!! We're maintaining the order around the house, we started making a story book (Daniel lost <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clumsy-Crab-Tiger-Tales-Galloway/dp/1589254023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281472113&sr=1-1">Clumsy Crab</a></span> -maybe it was in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/sets/72157620835413774/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">my car when it flooded</span></a>??, but we know it by heart and have the CD, so we're making our own). Daniel enjoyed what we did so far. He drew pictures and wrote the text and I colored. =) We just barely avoided a meltdown when Daniel messed up a letter and had already written a lot. so it would have been heartbreaking to start over. Some white paint saved the day. That made me decide to go to Staples after Colton's nap.<br /><br />We went to Staples, got some white-out and some other supplies we needed, visited the pet store so Daniel could see the little puppies in the window (poor things =/) and got to see a Pomeranian at the shopping center and then we went to TJMaxx for sheets. I hate it when we don't have decent sheets when we have a guest over. Colton needs some clothes to sleep in, so I got him a pair of pj's for $6.00 that are the same ones (just a size bigger) as the ones I ordered from BabiesRUs awhile back for more than twice that. So...next time the kids need clothes, I'll stop there and see if they have anything! I hate shopping, but it's fun when it's easy and you get a good deal! =) Daniel wanted to look at the toys and loved an ocean animal playset they had. Usually he's happy to just look at stuff, but he asked "to put it in the basket". That meant he wanted to bring it home. I just saw the animals, but he saw the scuba diver! If he's really going to play with it, I couldn't say no. So, now he has some new animals and a scuba diver so he can act out more scenes from Finding Nemo. He's been doing that today and he wasn't allowed screen time until 3:00. He did surprisingly well finding things to do until then. Leaving the house for a little while helped.<br /><br />Daniel likes to watch the movie, pause it and either act out the scene, or manipulate toys in front of the frozen screen using it as a backdrop. He likes to look at toys the wrong way through binoculars, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879725271/" title="81010 scuba diver by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4879725271_9f376d4372_o.jpg" alt="81010 scuba diver" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br />Daniel fed Dixie and gave her water today. We've read books and he let me read him the 101 Dalmatians from a Disney story book. I was impressed that he let me read a story that long. I'm not sure how much he understood it (there were hardly any pictures) and some of the words and terms were "odd", but he sat on the couch and listened. I know he was very interested in some parts of the story. I hope he'll let me continue reading to him.<br /><br />We're continuing to get more organized and structured. I think it's paying off because Daniel seems to be doing very well with it all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879784661/" title="81010 prompts by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4879784661_6201ac7733_z.jpg" alt="81010 prompts" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />Another thing we're doing is posting speech prompts in different rooms with the idea that a visual prompt is better than a verbal one and hoping that Daniel can figure out/choose what he wants to say and that I don't have to try to guess what he wants to say and then have him repeat it. Pretty dumb, huh? =) I know I hate it when people try to put words into my mouth!<br /><br />Before I forget or put it off any longer, I have an award to pass on. =)<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TDtb5iQqotI/AAAAAAAAL2s/6jfaAuV9_C0/s800/Sunshine%20Award.jpg" /><br /><br />Rebecca gave this to me weeks ago and I had a really nice post up, but I accidentally deleted it trying to do it from my ipod. = / I want to give it to <a href="http://www.drycappucino.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kajoli</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, K, for being positive and reminding me to focus on the positive and the good. Your posts always make me smile and give me something to think about. Thank you for your support and for often reminding me to be kind to myself. It all means so much. I'm so thankful for the support I've found with friends like you. ((HUGS)) </span><br /><br />love,<br />Julie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-401445828597606416?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(5617) "We're having another good day today. It feel so good to get some things done...and guess what? I made cookies and 2 loaves of bread today! It's probably been over a year since I've been able to manage that!! We're maintaining the order around the house, we started making a story book (Daniel lost <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clumsy-Crab-Tiger-Tales-Galloway/dp/1589254023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281472113&sr=1-1">Clumsy Crab</a></span> -maybe it was in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/sets/72157620835413774/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">my car when it flooded</span></a>??, but we know it by heart and have the CD, so we're making our own). Daniel enjoyed what we did so far. He drew pictures and wrote the text and I colored. =) We just barely avoided a meltdown when Daniel messed up a letter and had already written a lot. so it would have been heartbreaking to start over. Some white paint saved the day. That made me decide to go to Staples after Colton's nap.<br /><br />We went to Staples, got some white-out and some other supplies we needed, visited the pet store so Daniel could see the little puppies in the window (poor things =/) and got to see a Pomeranian at the shopping center and then we went to TJMaxx for sheets. I hate it when we don't have decent sheets when we have a guest over. Colton needs some clothes to sleep in, so I got him a pair of pj's for $6.00 that are the same ones (just a size bigger) as the ones I ordered from BabiesRUs awhile back for more than twice that. So...next time the kids need clothes, I'll stop there and see if they have anything! I hate shopping, but it's fun when it's easy and you get a good deal! =) Daniel wanted to look at the toys and loved an ocean animal playset they had. Usually he's happy to just look at stuff, but he asked "to put it in the basket". That meant he wanted to bring it home. I just saw the animals, but he saw the scuba diver! If he's really going to play with it, I couldn't say no. So, now he has some new animals and a scuba diver so he can act out more scenes from Finding Nemo. He's been doing that today and he wasn't allowed screen time until 3:00. He did surprisingly well finding things to do until then. Leaving the house for a little while helped.<br /><br />Daniel likes to watch the movie, pause it and either act out the scene, or manipulate toys in front of the frozen screen using it as a backdrop. He likes to look at toys the wrong way through binoculars, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879725271/" title="81010 scuba diver by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4879725271_9f376d4372_o.jpg" alt="81010 scuba diver" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br />Daniel fed Dixie and gave her water today. We've read books and he let me read him the 101 Dalmatians from a Disney story book. I was impressed that he let me read a story that long. I'm not sure how much he understood it (there were hardly any pictures) and some of the words and terms were "odd", but he sat on the couch and listened. I know he was very interested in some parts of the story. I hope he'll let me continue reading to him.<br /><br />We're continuing to get more organized and structured. I think it's paying off because Daniel seems to be doing very well with it all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879784661/" title="81010 prompts by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4879784661_6201ac7733_z.jpg" alt="81010 prompts" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />Another thing we're doing is posting speech prompts in different rooms with the idea that a visual prompt is better than a verbal one and hoping that Daniel can figure out/choose what he wants to say and that I don't have to try to guess what he wants to say and then have him repeat it. Pretty dumb, huh? =) I know I hate it when people try to put words into my mouth!<br /><br />Before I forget or put it off any longer, I have an award to pass on. =)<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TDtb5iQqotI/AAAAAAAAL2s/6jfaAuV9_C0/s800/Sunshine%20Award.jpg" /><br /><br />Rebecca gave this to me weeks ago and I had a really nice post up, but I accidentally deleted it trying to do it from my ipod. = / I want to give it to <a href="http://www.drycappucino.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kajoli</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, K, for being positive and reminding me to focus on the positive and the good. Your posts always make me smile and give me something to think about. Thank you for your support and for often reminding me to be kind to myself. It all means so much. I'm so thankful for the support I've found with friends like you. ((HUGS)) </span><br /><br />love,<br />Julie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-401445828597606416?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(116) "homeschoolbig brotherhomeschool planningColtonDaniel and ColtonCharlotte Masonwords to live bydentistjournalinglinks"
["title"]=>
string(33) ""Just a pacifier we're gonna buy""
["description"]=>
string(11326) "Today was a <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span> day. Colton and I woke up when Daniel came into our bed to snuggle. I had my ipod next to me, so I let Daniel look at the dogs application I downloaded yesterday. He snuggled up and we were able to wake up slowly that way. I let him play with it through breakfast and then told him it was time to recharge it (it really was, but it was a good excuse to put it away!). Today he had a Dentist appointment, so I explained what our day was going to be like and then wrote:<br /><br />1. Dentist<br />2. Cabela's<br />3. Computer <br /><br />on the chalkboard wall<br /><br />so he'd know what to expect. I got out Daniel's journal. We discussed our day and ended up with this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313367/" title="8910 journal by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4877313367_e458aef68f_z.jpg" alt="8910 journal" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />I had Daniel copy the journal part from the chalkboard wall. He agreed with the words but wouldn't have written all that on his own. I wanted him to journal, talk about our day, copy what I wrote and practice his handwriting. (I got him started with the first few words.) I love to see him journal- it's like a glimpse into his mind...but you have to be there to do it justice.<br /><br />Our computer room is finally looking good (except for my desk) so Daniel can find things that he wants to look at or play with. I'm trying really hard to have him put things back where they belong. He's doing a good job so far.<br /><br />I've been starting some homeschool planning. I know most people are probably all ready to go by now, but we're not most people and we just ended in late July. Anyway, I was so excited to be looking through materials and making a list of goals I'd like to accomplish in each subject. It's really motivating to look at everything and see how so many things are interconnected and to remind myself that "school at home" doesn't work for us...our kind of homeschooling is sort of just something we live. That doesn't mean that I'm not looking for new ideas, though! I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Mason-Companion-Personal-Reflections/dp/1889209023"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a book about the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling</span></a>. Something that jumped out at me was that a child should have<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> something to love, something to do and something to think</span> about every day. I love how simple that is. (I'm sure there is a lot more to the book, but that's just what I took from it yesterday). On our really hard days, if I can help Daniel do those three things, I think we'll at least be on the right track.<br /><br />I thought that I would start practicing that: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about </span> now. Just in life to see what happens and maybe we'll count it towards school, but we'll ease into lessons and officially start in a couple of weeks. The start of school begs for lots of planning, ideas, lists, chore charts, etc. I gave Daniel the "chore" of making sure Dixie's water dish is always full. I took down a special pitcher just for the purpose of getting water from the sink and filling her dish and told him that it's his job. He also fed her today, too. I think he's ready to do this on a regular basis- with supervision, of course. So, that covered the something to love...at least for a start!<br /><br />For something to do, Daniel played with his The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything book and felt, foam and paper pieces to act out the story with. He made the scary pumpkin head this morning and a pair of shoes. We had the other pieces from before. I loved seeing him be creative and jumping right in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313357/" title="8910 2white gloves by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4877313357_5c780857ea_z.jpg" alt="8910 2white gloves" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I put Colton down for a few minutes on the floor in his room with some toys and then went to do something. (I don't remember what.) When I went back to check on him just a few minutes later, he was sleeping!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313365/" title="8910 colton napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4877313365_d2972da7ba_z.jpg" alt="8910 colton napping" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I wanted to go outside and stack wood and thought that would be the perfect time to get Daniel outside, too. It was a beautiful day and we all (Dixie too) enjoyed it. When I heard Colton wake up (on the baby monitor) I went inside to get him and brought him out with a little blanket. I laid him on the blanket in the shade and kept and eye on my three "babies" in between trips to the wood pile. Colton didn't have any toys to play with, so he rolled onto his side and started grabbing handfuls of grass. I took the grass out of his hands, moved him to the center of the blanket and went back to stacking. A little while later, I saw Daniel go over to him. Colton must have gotten a good handful of grass again, brought his hand to his face and let go because he had a face full of it...and Daniel very sweetly and carefully picked it all off. =) Seeing how kind and gentle he was towards his brother made my day. Colton got a little fussy after that, so I asked Daniel to go in the house and get the farm toy from the living room and bring it out for Colton. I wasn't sure he could follow through with it, but he did and he seemed happy that he was bringing his brother a toy.<br /><br />I got to vacuum and do some more straightening up when Colton went down for another nap later on. Then we got ready to leave for the Dentist appointment and I had to wake Colton up. He screamed the entire way to Hartford. It took about 50 minutes to get there. We got there just in time, but had a wait for a few minutes in the waiting area. I let Daniel play with the dog app on my ipod again. I found out they have a 1 child, 1 parent policy. Thankfully they said it was no problem to bring Colton back too. He's 4 months...<span style="font-style: italic;">what was I supposed to do with him?!?! </span><br /><br />The Dentist was super nice and <span style="font-style: italic;">really great</span> with Daniel. He wouldn't sit in the regular chair, so he sat in another, and the dentist chatted with him. He kept repeating, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" over and over and over. I think that's the only thing he said to her although he did respond to her in other ways. He got to pick out a toothbrush, but he wouldn't let her use it. He let me use it just a tiny bit so she could see into his mouth for about 5 seconds. Then the Dentist got out a social story type book that had real photographs and simple sentences about a visit to the dentist. She tried to get him to copy what the kids in the pictures were doing. (Open his mouth.) He got upset with her when she said, "Aaaaaah!" She worked with him and just patiently tried to get to know him a little. We left without getting much done and she wants to see him again in 2 weeks. We'll keep doing that until he's more comfortable and then go every 3 months just so he's more used to it because 6 months is probably too long. They printed out the Trip to the Dentist story for me so now I just have to get some of those plastic sleeves to put it all in. We'll keep talking about going to the Dentist. I'm really happy that the visit went okay and didn't end badly.<br /><br />After the appointment we found a place to nurse Colton, then found our way back to the car and drove all over the city trying to get on 84 <span style="font-weight: bold;">EAST</span>. There was a detour and I'm so bad with directions and stuff and I don't know my way around the city. Finally we made it to Cabela's. I wore Colton and followed Daniel around to all the stuff he wanted to see. He was a happy boy and MUCH more verbal and "with it".<br /><br />Tonight we had dinner, 2 baths and story time before bed. (Steve also read to Daniel while I gave Colton a bath). I'm going to try to do story time downstairs on the couch because I can probably do what with Colton (I did tonight), but I have a hard time doing it in Daniel's room for bedtime and having Colton in Daniel's room at bedtime is NOT calming. So, I read the story and then Steve brought Daniel up to bed. I guess we're making a new bedtime routine.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that Colton screamed the whole way home from Cabela's. Okay, he stopped about 5 minutes away from home...but that's pretty much the whole way. All through late afternoon traffic, construction, everything. Daniel kept smacking his book and saying, "It makes me want to slam on the brakes!!" I'd jump out of my skin just about every time he did that, so when I told him, "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">No!!! Do not smack your book!</span>" he told me, "Stop shouting, Mom". (So calmly and quietly it was almost funny- well, <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> it is. haha!) I told him to stop smacking and I'd stop shouting, which I only did once...the rest of the conversation wasn't shouting. ;) I don't usually yell at him, but Colton was screaming and after telling Daniel probably 10 times to stop smacking, yeah, I yelled it.<br /><br />When we talked this evening about going to the dentist Daniel repeated, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" again. I asked him if going to the Dentist made him want a pacifier and he said yes. I'm not sure if he really meant that, if he meant he wanted comfort or what??! I think he says that phrase -it's a new one- when he's anxious, but I don't know the context of where he got it from. That would give me a clue...which reminds me that lately when I finally understand something Daniel tells me he just looks at me with a tiny smile and says, "the clue button". Um, that's when you know your kid might play too much computer!!<br /><br />Sorry this is so scattered. =) Okay...now to upload those photos and then wind down for bed!! Speaking of beds...Dixie started shredding the dog bed I just bought her. Ugh!! Does she <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to sleep on the floor of her crate?!<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5754588377224281002?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(11326) "Today was a <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span> day. Colton and I woke up when Daniel came into our bed to snuggle. I had my ipod next to me, so I let Daniel look at the dogs application I downloaded yesterday. He snuggled up and we were able to wake up slowly that way. I let him play with it through breakfast and then told him it was time to recharge it (it really was, but it was a good excuse to put it away!). Today he had a Dentist appointment, so I explained what our day was going to be like and then wrote:<br /><br />1. Dentist<br />2. Cabela's<br />3. Computer <br /><br />on the chalkboard wall<br /><br />so he'd know what to expect. I got out Daniel's journal. We discussed our day and ended up with this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313367/" title="8910 journal by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4877313367_e458aef68f_z.jpg" alt="8910 journal" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />I had Daniel copy the journal part from the chalkboard wall. He agreed with the words but wouldn't have written all that on his own. I wanted him to journal, talk about our day, copy what I wrote and practice his handwriting. (I got him started with the first few words.) I love to see him journal- it's like a glimpse into his mind...but you have to be there to do it justice.<br /><br />Our computer room is finally looking good (except for my desk) so Daniel can find things that he wants to look at or play with. I'm trying really hard to have him put things back where they belong. He's doing a good job so far.<br /><br />I've been starting some homeschool planning. I know most people are probably all ready to go by now, but we're not most people and we just ended in late July. Anyway, I was so excited to be looking through materials and making a list of goals I'd like to accomplish in each subject. It's really motivating to look at everything and see how so many things are interconnected and to remind myself that "school at home" doesn't work for us...our kind of homeschooling is sort of just something we live. That doesn't mean that I'm not looking for new ideas, though! I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Mason-Companion-Personal-Reflections/dp/1889209023"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a book about the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling</span></a>. Something that jumped out at me was that a child should have<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> something to love, something to do and something to think</span> about every day. I love how simple that is. (I'm sure there is a lot more to the book, but that's just what I took from it yesterday). On our really hard days, if I can help Daniel do those three things, I think we'll at least be on the right track.<br /><br />I thought that I would start practicing that: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about </span> now. Just in life to see what happens and maybe we'll count it towards school, but we'll ease into lessons and officially start in a couple of weeks. The start of school begs for lots of planning, ideas, lists, chore charts, etc. I gave Daniel the "chore" of making sure Dixie's water dish is always full. I took down a special pitcher just for the purpose of getting water from the sink and filling her dish and told him that it's his job. He also fed her today, too. I think he's ready to do this on a regular basis- with supervision, of course. So, that covered the something to love...at least for a start!<br /><br />For something to do, Daniel played with his The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything book and felt, foam and paper pieces to act out the story with. He made the scary pumpkin head this morning and a pair of shoes. We had the other pieces from before. I loved seeing him be creative and jumping right in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313357/" title="8910 2white gloves by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4877313357_5c780857ea_z.jpg" alt="8910 2white gloves" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I put Colton down for a few minutes on the floor in his room with some toys and then went to do something. (I don't remember what.) When I went back to check on him just a few minutes later, he was sleeping!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313365/" title="8910 colton napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4877313365_d2972da7ba_z.jpg" alt="8910 colton napping" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I wanted to go outside and stack wood and thought that would be the perfect time to get Daniel outside, too. It was a beautiful day and we all (Dixie too) enjoyed it. When I heard Colton wake up (on the baby monitor) I went inside to get him and brought him out with a little blanket. I laid him on the blanket in the shade and kept and eye on my three "babies" in between trips to the wood pile. Colton didn't have any toys to play with, so he rolled onto his side and started grabbing handfuls of grass. I took the grass out of his hands, moved him to the center of the blanket and went back to stacking. A little while later, I saw Daniel go over to him. Colton must have gotten a good handful of grass again, brought his hand to his face and let go because he had a face full of it...and Daniel very sweetly and carefully picked it all off. =) Seeing how kind and gentle he was towards his brother made my day. Colton got a little fussy after that, so I asked Daniel to go in the house and get the farm toy from the living room and bring it out for Colton. I wasn't sure he could follow through with it, but he did and he seemed happy that he was bringing his brother a toy.<br /><br />I got to vacuum and do some more straightening up when Colton went down for another nap later on. Then we got ready to leave for the Dentist appointment and I had to wake Colton up. He screamed the entire way to Hartford. It took about 50 minutes to get there. We got there just in time, but had a wait for a few minutes in the waiting area. I let Daniel play with the dog app on my ipod again. I found out they have a 1 child, 1 parent policy. Thankfully they said it was no problem to bring Colton back too. He's 4 months...<span style="font-style: italic;">what was I supposed to do with him?!?! </span><br /><br />The Dentist was super nice and <span style="font-style: italic;">really great</span> with Daniel. He wouldn't sit in the regular chair, so he sat in another, and the dentist chatted with him. He kept repeating, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" over and over and over. I think that's the only thing he said to her although he did respond to her in other ways. He got to pick out a toothbrush, but he wouldn't let her use it. He let me use it just a tiny bit so she could see into his mouth for about 5 seconds. Then the Dentist got out a social story type book that had real photographs and simple sentences about a visit to the dentist. She tried to get him to copy what the kids in the pictures were doing. (Open his mouth.) He got upset with her when she said, "Aaaaaah!" She worked with him and just patiently tried to get to know him a little. We left without getting much done and she wants to see him again in 2 weeks. We'll keep doing that until he's more comfortable and then go every 3 months just so he's more used to it because 6 months is probably too long. They printed out the Trip to the Dentist story for me so now I just have to get some of those plastic sleeves to put it all in. We'll keep talking about going to the Dentist. I'm really happy that the visit went okay and didn't end badly.<br /><br />After the appointment we found a place to nurse Colton, then found our way back to the car and drove all over the city trying to get on 84 <span style="font-weight: bold;">EAST</span>. There was a detour and I'm so bad with directions and stuff and I don't know my way around the city. Finally we made it to Cabela's. I wore Colton and followed Daniel around to all the stuff he wanted to see. He was a happy boy and MUCH more verbal and "with it".<br /><br />Tonight we had dinner, 2 baths and story time before bed. (Steve also read to Daniel while I gave Colton a bath). I'm going to try to do story time downstairs on the couch because I can probably do what with Colton (I did tonight), but I have a hard time doing it in Daniel's room for bedtime and having Colton in Daniel's room at bedtime is NOT calming. So, I read the story and then Steve brought Daniel up to bed. I guess we're making a new bedtime routine.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that Colton screamed the whole way home from Cabela's. Okay, he stopped about 5 minutes away from home...but that's pretty much the whole way. All through late afternoon traffic, construction, everything. Daniel kept smacking his book and saying, "It makes me want to slam on the brakes!!" I'd jump out of my skin just about every time he did that, so when I told him, "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">No!!! Do not smack your book!</span>" he told me, "Stop shouting, Mom". (So calmly and quietly it was almost funny- well, <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> it is. haha!) I told him to stop smacking and I'd stop shouting, which I only did once...the rest of the conversation wasn't shouting. ;) I don't usually yell at him, but Colton was screaming and after telling Daniel probably 10 times to stop smacking, yeah, I yelled it.<br /><br />When we talked this evening about going to the dentist Daniel repeated, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" again. I asked him if going to the Dentist made him want a pacifier and he said yes. I'm not sure if he really meant that, if he meant he wanted comfort or what??! I think he says that phrase -it's a new one- when he's anxious, but I don't know the context of where he got it from. That would give me a clue...which reminds me that lately when I finally understand something Daniel tells me he just looks at me with a tiny smile and says, "the clue button". Um, that's when you know your kid might play too much computer!!<br /><br />Sorry this is so scattered. =) Okay...now to upload those photos and then wind down for bed!! Speaking of beds...Dixie started shredding the dog bed I just bought her. Ugh!! Does she <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to sleep on the floor of her crate?!<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5754588377224281002?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "morningsHis Fingerprintsfaith"
["title"]=>
string(19) "His fingerprints..."
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string(1132) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4872535334/" title="8910 his fingerprint by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4872535334_87e8678616_z.jpg" alt="8910 his fingerprint" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints">previous fingerprints</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6243310069765177269?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1132) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4872535334/" title="8910 his fingerprint by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4872535334_87e8678616_z.jpg" alt="8910 his fingerprint" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints">previous fingerprints</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6243310069765177269?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(8) "daytrips"
["title"]=>
string(7) "4H Fair"
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string(2506) "We went to the local 4H Fair yesterday. It was the perfect day- sunny, 65 degrees, light breeze. Perfect! I didn't bring my camera, so I just have this picture Ellie took of us. It was nice that Colton napped for awhile in his stroller and then I wore him in the sling after that. Poor little guy hated that sun hat! He also got really scared when a horse whinnied about 2 feet away from his face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4871809069/" title="8810 4hfair by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4871809069_8f40263f53_z.jpg" alt="8810 4hfair" width="600" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />It was nice seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">kids</span> present their animals and projects and things. I went to a Vo-Ag high school. <span style="font-style: italic;">Why</span> didn't I know there were things like this out there back then??! I guess everything was all about the FFA and I didn't care about that... Anyway, Daniel really enjoyed himself. He liked the dogs the best. He's been into dog breeds lately. I got him some dog 4D puzzles for his birthday. (I think that's what they're called?!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s1600/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s400/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503084526169622626" border="0" /></a>The puzzles were kind of hard, but he liked watching me do them and them playing with them. I got them from Mindware.com if anybody cares. They have a lot of educational games and toys.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4683949196353962344?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2506) "We went to the local 4H Fair yesterday. It was the perfect day- sunny, 65 degrees, light breeze. Perfect! I didn't bring my camera, so I just have this picture Ellie took of us. It was nice that Colton napped for awhile in his stroller and then I wore him in the sling after that. Poor little guy hated that sun hat! He also got really scared when a horse whinnied about 2 feet away from his face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4871809069/" title="8810 4hfair by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4871809069_8f40263f53_z.jpg" alt="8810 4hfair" width="600" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />It was nice seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">kids</span> present their animals and projects and things. I went to a Vo-Ag high school. <span style="font-style: italic;">Why</span> didn't I know there were things like this out there back then??! I guess everything was all about the FFA and I didn't care about that... Anyway, Daniel really enjoyed himself. He liked the dogs the best. He's been into dog breeds lately. I got him some dog 4D puzzles for his birthday. (I think that's what they're called?!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s1600/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s400/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503084526169622626" border="0" /></a>The puzzles were kind of hard, but he liked watching me do them and them playing with them. I got them from Mindware.com if anybody cares. They have a lot of educational games and toys.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4683949196353962344?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:44:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-06T15:05:02.819-04:00"
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string(21) "His Fingerprintsfaith"
["title"]=>
string(16) "His fingerprints"
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string(2029) "I've been seeing <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints"><span style="font-weight: bold;">His fingerprints</span></a> all over the place lately. Drops in the bottom of a glass, condensation, a shadow on the playground, wet spot on Colton's blanket, squirt of lotion, etc.<br /><br />Most of the time I don't have my camera around and I carry around the memory like a precious little secret...but sometimes I still manage to capture the "fingerprints" before they disappear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804233/" title="61010 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4865804233_81076f4615_z.jpg" alt="61010 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804271/" title="8510 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4865804271_cdc9701100_z.jpg" alt="8510 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I thought of this verse while I looked at these images this morning:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."<br /></span> Joshua 1:9<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6281103839656500570?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2029) "I've been seeing <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints"><span style="font-weight: bold;">His fingerprints</span></a> all over the place lately. Drops in the bottom of a glass, condensation, a shadow on the playground, wet spot on Colton's blanket, squirt of lotion, etc.<br /><br />Most of the time I don't have my camera around and I carry around the memory like a precious little secret...but sometimes I still manage to capture the "fingerprints" before they disappear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804233/" title="61010 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4865804233_81076f4615_z.jpg" alt="61010 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804271/" title="8510 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4865804271_cdc9701100_z.jpg" alt="8510 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I thought of this verse while I looked at these images this morning:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."<br /></span> Joshua 1:9<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6281103839656500570?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(17) "pretend playDixie"
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string(7) "pretend"
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string(871) "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4866417464/" title="8610 clifford by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4866417464_787c5beaa6_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="8610 clifford" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2399533623935031935?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(871) "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4866417464/" title="8610 clifford by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4866417464_787c5beaa6_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="8610 clifford" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2399533623935031935?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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array(11) {
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29278482.post-6708474188843886719"
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string(31) "Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:02:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-05T12:09:26.177-04:00"
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string(35) "big brotherTo Danielbirthdayholiday"
["title"]=>
string(15) "happy birthday!"
["description"]=>
string(1243) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4862963589/" title="8510 birthday boy by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4862963589_f5e7140138_z.jpg" alt="8510 birthday boy" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2008/03/early-memories-video.html">Seven years</a></span>, Daniel! I can't believe my boy is 7!! I love you so much! I hope you have a happy happy day. You can open the rest of your presents when Daddy gets home. =)<br /><br />Love,<br />Mom<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6708474188843886719?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(1243) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4862963589/" title="8510 birthday boy by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4862963589_f5e7140138_z.jpg" alt="8510 birthday boy" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2008/03/early-memories-video.html">Seven years</a></span>, Daniel! I can't believe my boy is 7!! I love you so much! I hope you have a happy happy day. You can open the rest of your presents when Daddy gets home. =)<br /><br />Love,<br />Mom<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6708474188843886719?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29278482.post-1969593477738538259"
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string(31) "Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:02:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-04T11:09:07.888-04:00"
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["title"]=>
string(11) "we're back!"
["description"]=>
string(1561) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4859822353/" title="8410 pony rides by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4859822353_ec7fa9da0f_z.jpg" alt="8410 pony rides" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We're home!<br />It was nice to be away...<br />but it's great to be home.<br />We're settling in to<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> normal.<br /><br />I have<br />bills to pay<br />laundry to do<br />food to buy<br />errands to run<br />clutter to get rid of<br />a bed to move downstairs...<br />and a dog who <span style="font-style: italic;">ate</span> 2 diapers today.<br /><br />I'm trying not to be burned out.<br />home sweet home.<br /><br />Oh, and I hope to be back online soon. I've missed you!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(The pony rides are always a highlight of Daniel's year!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1969593477738538259?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1561) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4859822353/" title="8410 pony rides by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4859822353_ec7fa9da0f_z.jpg" alt="8410 pony rides" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We're home!<br />It was nice to be away...<br />but it's great to be home.<br />We're settling in to<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> normal.<br /><br />I have<br />bills to pay<br />laundry to do<br />food to buy<br />errands to run<br />clutter to get rid of<br />a bed to move downstairs...<br />and a dog who <span style="font-style: italic;">ate</span> 2 diapers today.<br /><br />I'm trying not to be burned out.<br />home sweet home.<br /><br />Oh, and I hope to be back online soon. I've missed you!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(The pony rides are always a highlight of Daniel's year!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1969593477738538259?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29278482.post-9021085180233273224"
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string(31) "Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:43:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-07-27T20:45:36.454-04:00"
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string(14) "Coltonmornings"
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string(21) "morning and afternoon"
["description"]=>
string(1210) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4835690047/" title="72710 morning by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4835690047_ea42a47331_z.jpg" alt="72710 morning" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836300684/" title="72710 colton saucer by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4836300684_a5e6495818_z.jpg" alt="72710 colton saucer" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-9021085180233273224?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1210) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4835690047/" title="72710 morning by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4835690047_ea42a47331_z.jpg" alt="72710 morning" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836300684/" title="72710 colton saucer by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4836300684_a5e6495818_z.jpg" alt="72710 colton saucer" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-9021085180233273224?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:34:00 +0000"
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["category"]=>
string(79) "big brothertaking turnssharingEngaging Autismregression365screen timeproject365"
["title"]=>
string(10) "must write"
["description"]=>
string(6134) "I feel very detached! I haven't been on my computer much, by I check my email and stuff in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span>. Some of you have left some really helpful comments recently and I haven't had the chance to respond.<br /><br />I decided to officially end my 365project for this year. I was going to try to catch up and do a post titled something like A Month In Pictures, but just sounded like too much work and this is supposed to be fun, right?! I'm disappointed to end it again, right around the time I did last year, but it's becoming one more thing to have to do. I guess I just want no obligation to do it. :)<br /><br />Things have been hard lately and I don't feel at liberty to let it all out there, so I won't be saying too much. It's nothing to get all scared about or anything, but we've definitely hit a rough patch in the road. It's also a Full Moon week.<br /><br />Daniel is about to lose his first tooth. I was worried when the new one came in like a shark tooth, but the little tooth is being pushed forward and getting really wiggly. It's not as obvious in the picture, but it really sticks out in front.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836253312/" title="72610 shark tooth by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4836253312_4466c0a209_o.jpg" alt="72610 shark tooth" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am continuing to clear out clutter and things are starting to feel better. Steve just reminded me not to fill the trash can at the beginning of the week! (So I won't go too crazy throwing more out just yet!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colton</span> is starting to take an interest in toys. He really watches when Daniel is playing with something. Today Daniel nicely demonstrated using a shape sorter. Yesterday he didn't want me to play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Colton</span> and his (Daniel's) Winnie-the-Pooh. And when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colton</span> was mouthing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MegaBlocks</span> cow, Daniel was mildly upset that "it's getting all wet!!" We're working on sharing and manners and if Daniel doesn't like how someone is doing something he can go do something else (rather than try to make them stop).<br /><br />Daniel has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">extraordinarily</span> rigid in trying to control his environment lately. I know this is part of Autism, but he has taken it to a level I haven't seen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">him</span> before. Things aren't all down, though. Daniel played nicely all morning and part of the afternoon without the computer!!!! I have been trying very hard to limit his screen time...which may be part of the problem?? (Although he gets lost in his own world on the computer for too long so I hope this withdrawal period pays off). The house gets trashed every day and it's driving us all crazy, but he's PLAYING and READING.<br /><br />Speech seems to come and go these days. Over the weekend I felt like Daniel responded to me about 20% of the time. To me, that is scary. I hate it when he regresses to the point of not being able to even answer yes or no most if the time. He's been very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">up and</span> down.<br /><br />Last night Daniel was playing with his box of animals in the basement. He had them all dumped on the floor and he was taking them one by one and doing a little visual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stim</span> with them. I told him that it was time to clean up and get ready for bed. He started to throw the animals in the box...one at a time, doing his little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stimmy</span> thing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">with</span> each one. It would have taken so long for him to do it that way, so I grabbed a handful and told him I would help. He held my wrist and wouldn't let me put the toys away...but he wouldn't talk to me. After several attempts to prompt him or get him to say something to me, I remembered something I read in Engaging Autism. (I'd find the page number and post a link if I wasn't in bed, poking at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ipod</span> to type this all out!!) Anyway, I let Daniel go back to doing his thing and then did some different things like playfully blocking his hand so he couldn't put the toys away, tossing an easily spotted animal back out onto the floor when he wasn't looking, holding my hand over an animal until he asked for it or telling him it was my turn, his turn, my turn, his turn, etc. He was okay with all of it and by the end of our exchange, the toys were put away, we were both laughing and giggling together and the connection I had been craving all day was back.<br /><br />I am trying to stay positive and remember that he always takes some steps back before overcoming the next big hurdle. It's just difficult and scary when the downward slide lasts for weeks.<br /><br />Goodnight!<br /><br />- Posted using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BlogPress</span> from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">iPod</span> Touch<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5416597771977658544?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(6134) "I feel very detached! I haven't been on my computer much, by I check my email and stuff in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span>. Some of you have left some really helpful comments recently and I haven't had the chance to respond.<br /><br />I decided to officially end my 365project for this year. I was going to try to catch up and do a post titled something like A Month In Pictures, but just sounded like too much work and this is supposed to be fun, right?! I'm disappointed to end it again, right around the time I did last year, but it's becoming one more thing to have to do. I guess I just want no obligation to do it. :)<br /><br />Things have been hard lately and I don't feel at liberty to let it all out there, so I won't be saying too much. It's nothing to get all scared about or anything, but we've definitely hit a rough patch in the road. It's also a Full Moon week.<br /><br />Daniel is about to lose his first tooth. I was worried when the new one came in like a shark tooth, but the little tooth is being pushed forward and getting really wiggly. It's not as obvious in the picture, but it really sticks out in front.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836253312/" title="72610 shark tooth by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4836253312_4466c0a209_o.jpg" alt="72610 shark tooth" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am continuing to clear out clutter and things are starting to feel better. Steve just reminded me not to fill the trash can at the beginning of the week! (So I won't go too crazy throwing more out just yet!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colton</span> is starting to take an interest in toys. He really watches when Daniel is playing with something. Today Daniel nicely demonstrated using a shape sorter. Yesterday he didn't want me to play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Colton</span> and his (Daniel's) Winnie-the-Pooh. And when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colton</span> was mouthing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MegaBlocks</span> cow, Daniel was mildly upset that "it's getting all wet!!" We're working on sharing and manners and if Daniel doesn't like how someone is doing something he can go do something else (rather than try to make them stop).<br /><br />Daniel has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">extraordinarily</span> rigid in trying to control his environment lately. I know this is part of Autism, but he has taken it to a level I haven't seen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">him</span> before. Things aren't all down, though. Daniel played nicely all morning and part of the afternoon without the computer!!!! I have been trying very hard to limit his screen time...which may be part of the problem?? (Although he gets lost in his own world on the computer for too long so I hope this withdrawal period pays off). The house gets trashed every day and it's driving us all crazy, but he's PLAYING and READING.<br /><br />Speech seems to come and go these days. Over the weekend I felt like Daniel responded to me about 20% of the time. To me, that is scary. I hate it when he regresses to the point of not being able to even answer yes or no most if the time. He's been very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">up and</span> down.<br /><br />Last night Daniel was playing with his box of animals in the basement. He had them all dumped on the floor and he was taking them one by one and doing a little visual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stim</span> with them. I told him that it was time to clean up and get ready for bed. He started to throw the animals in the box...one at a time, doing his little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stimmy</span> thing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">with</span> each one. It would have taken so long for him to do it that way, so I grabbed a handful and told him I would help. He held my wrist and wouldn't let me put the toys away...but he wouldn't talk to me. After several attempts to prompt him or get him to say something to me, I remembered something I read in Engaging Autism. (I'd find the page number and post a link if I wasn't in bed, poking at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ipod</span> to type this all out!!) Anyway, I let Daniel go back to doing his thing and then did some different things like playfully blocking his hand so he couldn't put the toys away, tossing an easily spotted animal back out onto the floor when he wasn't looking, holding my hand over an animal until he asked for it or telling him it was my turn, his turn, my turn, his turn, etc. He was okay with all of it and by the end of our exchange, the toys were put away, we were both laughing and giggling together and the connection I had been craving all day was back.<br /><br />I am trying to stay positive and remember that he always takes some steps back before overcoming the next big hurdle. It's just difficult and scary when the downward slide lasts for weeks.<br /><br />Goodnight!<br /><br />- Posted using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BlogPress</span> from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">iPod</span> Touch<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5416597771977658544?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3140) "Daniel's grammy gave us some packages of Model Magic recently. While I was trying to figure out where to put them I thought <span style="font-style: italic;">hello?! Why not open it and use it??! </span><br /><br />Daniel's OT has been working on different fine motor and hand strength activities. She wants to help Daniel improve his dexterity, so doing things like playing with Model Magic will actually help him be able to do buttons and snaps and things. He knows how to do it, but he usually can't quite get it.<br /><br />Daniel struggles with tactile defensiveness and pretty much hates playdoh. Usually. But Model Magic feels dry. It's not wet, cold, sticky, slimy, etc. We started out squeezing the stuff and then rolling it into balls. I knew I'd lose him if I left the activity up to him. Daniel has been into dolphins and whales and I remember making a little clay dolphin when I was about his age, so I made one for him with the Model Magic.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815612842/" title="72110 model magic dolphin by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4815612842_47b0072616_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic dolphin" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />He loved it and then decided to change the dolphin into a humpback whale, a blue whale, a sperm whale, a right whale, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815025659/" title="72110 playing with model magic by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4815025659_6bdf742bf9_z.jpg" alt="72110 playing with model magic" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648332/" title="72110 whale pieces by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4815648332_8a080d0600_z.jpg" alt="72110 whale pieces" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I think this was the blue whale...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648216/" title="72110 model magic whale by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4815648216_01da4042be_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic whale" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I am reminded once again that if I can tie in his interests with the activities I'd like him to do, he's so much more into it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4741772033394963043?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3140) "Daniel's grammy gave us some packages of Model Magic recently. While I was trying to figure out where to put them I thought <span style="font-style: italic;">hello?! Why not open it and use it??! </span><br /><br />Daniel's OT has been working on different fine motor and hand strength activities. She wants to help Daniel improve his dexterity, so doing things like playing with Model Magic will actually help him be able to do buttons and snaps and things. He knows how to do it, but he usually can't quite get it.<br /><br />Daniel struggles with tactile defensiveness and pretty much hates playdoh. Usually. But Model Magic feels dry. It's not wet, cold, sticky, slimy, etc. We started out squeezing the stuff and then rolling it into balls. I knew I'd lose him if I left the activity up to him. Daniel has been into dolphins and whales and I remember making a little clay dolphin when I was about his age, so I made one for him with the Model Magic.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815612842/" title="72110 model magic dolphin by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4815612842_47b0072616_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic dolphin" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />He loved it and then decided to change the dolphin into a humpback whale, a blue whale, a sperm whale, a right whale, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815025659/" title="72110 playing with model magic by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4815025659_6bdf742bf9_z.jpg" alt="72110 playing with model magic" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648332/" title="72110 whale pieces by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4815648332_8a080d0600_z.jpg" alt="72110 whale pieces" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I think this was the blue whale...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648216/" title="72110 model magic whale by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4815648216_01da4042be_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic whale" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I am reminded once again that if I can tie in his interests with the activities I'd like him to do, he's so much more into it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4741772033394963043?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3472) "Our main computer won't go on the Internet anymore, so between that and having trouble with the USB hub (Steve did order a new one) I'm stuck on my iPod and can't easily share pictures. We will try to figure something out. I haven't been online nearly as much as I used to be. I feel like I just don't have the time and I am taking/making the time to really enjoy my baby! He's growing so fast and I want to cherish every minute of his babyhood. <br /><br />Daniel is back to coming straight to our bed when he wakes up in the morning...but he's not coming to snuggle with me, oh no!, he wants to snuggle with Colton! (that pretty much means he wakes him up...which is okay after 7) and I love to watch the two of them together.<br /><br />Daniel's top tooth is really wiggly. He's fine with the whole loose tooth thing. That was something I worried about. We have another dentist appointment tomorrow. I am really hoping that Daniel allows the dentist to brush his teeth this time!!! (please?!)<br /><br />I've been going through some stuff. Most of it I can't write about. I've been thinking of something someone told me one time- that Jesus is closest to us when things are hard. I just need to reach out for his help. I've been seeing how true that is and that when I trust that he'll guide me through he always does. It's when I barge ahead in my own strength and with my own ideas that I get lost. I can't upload any pictures right now, but if I could, I'd show you the "fingerprint" I found while sweeping the other day. The significance of that is that I find most of these things in ugly places. In a dirt pile, dust, mulch, hair I've swept from the floor, etc. Most of them don't even make pretty pictures- but I'll take those pictures if I can. (If you've never read about these "fingerprints" before, click on the His Fingerprints link in my label cloud in the sidebar for past posts.)<br /><br />I've been struggling to take things in the right way- to seek God during the day because it's the only place to go for real help and comfort. I feel like I'm going through something and I need to do it by myself. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to learn from it, but I'm sure that it's right. I feel like I'm being forced to go it "alone" and to find fellowship with Jesus in this rather than with friends. I was thinking about all this while I ate my breakfast. "I feel so lonely", I thought as I bit into the strawberry....and there in the center of that strawberry was another perfect heart- one of God's "fingerprints"- a visual reminder that He is with me always. I read Luke 18:1 tonight about "...that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." I guess it probably means more to me than to you, but I wanted to get it down...<br /><br />goodnight.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5343568039584851656?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1363) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4953035318/" title="9310 colton loves tags by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4953035318_1a79e30b31_o.jpg" alt="9310 colton loves tags" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952443063/" title="9310 chubby hand by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4952443063_d1498ffb0c_o.jpg" alt="9310 chubby hand" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">tags<br />he loves them<br /><br />ahhh, those dimples!<br />sweet baby, i love you!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8089117593267511075?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:44:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-09-02T21:32:32.781-04:00"
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string(67) "math challengesdelight directeddyscalculiamathlinksDaniel and Dixie"
["title"]=>
string(10) "doggy math"
["description"]=>
string(3536) "I guess we've started school because we've been doing so much learning and reading together that we might as well count it! We've struggled with math almost all along. By that I mean since Kindergarten. I've been frustrated because it can't get much simpler than the stuff we've been doing and now Daniel is in 2nd grade. <span style="font-style: italic;">We can't move on if he doesn't understand the basics. </span>Sometimes I wonder if he's like me. I'm so bad at math. Really. I found out a couple of years ago that there is a name for it: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.as.wvu.edu/%7Escidis/dyscalcula.html">Dyscalculia</a></span>. I've been wondering if maybe Daniel struggles with the same thing. Maybe he really <span style="font-style: italic;">can't</span> do simple math in his head.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370673/" title="9210 watching doggy math by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4952370673_d8f444d32c_o.jpg" alt="9210 watching doggy math" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><br />Yesterday I spoke with his Occupational Therapist about it because she told me that during the session, they were writing things in shaving cream and when she wrote a math problem Daniel wiped it away and wrote "NO". She suggested getting something he's really into and putting those things on top of the numbers so he can count them. We went to the parent-teacher store after therapy and spent some birthday money on school stuff. Daniel picked out this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safari-695504-Ltd-Dogs-Toob/dp/B000GYZ3QG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283477513&sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dog toob</span></a>.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963050/" title="9210 doggy math1 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4952963050_8cd6f48e39_z.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math1" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370515/" title="9210 doggy math2 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4952370515_30b4d27ce3_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math2" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />No problem! And he just did it, he didn't have to point to each one and count.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370475/" title="9210 doggy math3 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4952370475_8cab327ce9_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math3 " width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963172/" title="9210 doggy math erase by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4952963172_d88cdb8245_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math erase" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2980018583083516014?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=jUcQ66rTu4M:5Orq_6vfio8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=jUcQ66rTu4M:5Orq_6vfio8:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(3536) "I guess we've started school because we've been doing so much learning and reading together that we might as well count it! We've struggled with math almost all along. By that I mean since Kindergarten. I've been frustrated because it can't get much simpler than the stuff we've been doing and now Daniel is in 2nd grade. <span style="font-style: italic;">We can't move on if he doesn't understand the basics. </span>Sometimes I wonder if he's like me. I'm so bad at math. Really. I found out a couple of years ago that there is a name for it: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.as.wvu.edu/%7Escidis/dyscalcula.html">Dyscalculia</a></span>. I've been wondering if maybe Daniel struggles with the same thing. Maybe he really <span style="font-style: italic;">can't</span> do simple math in his head.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370673/" title="9210 watching doggy math by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4952370673_d8f444d32c_o.jpg" alt="9210 watching doggy math" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><br />Yesterday I spoke with his Occupational Therapist about it because she told me that during the session, they were writing things in shaving cream and when she wrote a math problem Daniel wiped it away and wrote "NO". She suggested getting something he's really into and putting those things on top of the numbers so he can count them. We went to the parent-teacher store after therapy and spent some birthday money on school stuff. Daniel picked out this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safari-695504-Ltd-Dogs-Toob/dp/B000GYZ3QG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283477513&sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dog toob</span></a>.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963050/" title="9210 doggy math1 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4952963050_8cd6f48e39_z.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math1" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370515/" title="9210 doggy math2 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4952370515_30b4d27ce3_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math2" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />No problem! And he just did it, he didn't have to point to each one and count.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952370475/" title="9210 doggy math3 by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4952370475_8cab327ce9_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math3 " width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4952963172/" title="9210 doggy math erase by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4952963172_d88cdb8245_o.jpg" alt="9210 doggy math erase" width="600" height="402" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2980018583083516014?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=jUcQ66rTu4M:5Orq_6vfio8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=jUcQ66rTu4M:5Orq_6vfio8:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(31) "Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:59:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-31T22:47:26.491-04:00"
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string(28) "big brotherDaniel and Colton"
["title"]=>
string(30) "you're supposed to be napping!"
["description"]=>
string(1933) "I was having the hardest time getting Colton down for his nap this morning. Usually I either nurse him, burp him and put him down or rock him to sleep or almost to sleep and then I can put him in the bassinet.<br /><br />Not today!<br /><br />He jumped awake each time I put him down, so I finally lay down on the floor, nursed him a bit again and then left him. I checked on him a few minutes later and Daniel had taken my place and was snuggling with him! <span style="font-style: italic;">Hmmm!</span> Little boy wasn't looking so sleepy after that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4947173974/" title="9110 supposed to be napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947173974_618281ffa8_z.jpg" alt="9110 supposed to be napping" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I think he had to burp and was uncomfortable when I put him down. How do you get a baby to burp after they're already asleep??<br /><br />Here's another question... Daniel is done with a lot of toys and we are really struggling with a lack of storage, no room and clutter in our house. I only want things we need. That said, toys are expensive. How much or what would you save for a younger child?? What would you get rid of?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-3473824513316926506?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div>"
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(1933) "I was having the hardest time getting Colton down for his nap this morning. Usually I either nurse him, burp him and put him down or rock him to sleep or almost to sleep and then I can put him in the bassinet.<br /><br />Not today!<br /><br />He jumped awake each time I put him down, so I finally lay down on the floor, nursed him a bit again and then left him. I checked on him a few minutes later and Daniel had taken my place and was snuggling with him! <span style="font-style: italic;">Hmmm!</span> Little boy wasn't looking so sleepy after that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4947173974/" title="9110 supposed to be napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947173974_618281ffa8_z.jpg" alt="9110 supposed to be napping" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I think he had to burp and was uncomfortable when I put him down. How do you get a baby to burp after they're already asleep??<br /><br />Here's another question... Daniel is done with a lot of toys and we are really struggling with a lack of storage, no room and clutter in our house. I only want things we need. That said, toys are expensive. How much or what would you save for a younger child?? What would you get rid of?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-3473824513316926506?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29278482.post-6745459280816333264"
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string(31) "Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:30:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-31T22:11:18.952-04:00"
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["category"]=>
string(9) "Dr. Seuss"
["title"]=>
string(21) ""we sat there we two""
["description"]=>
string(2497) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s1600/conradandsally.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s200/conradandsally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511761878230499058" border="0" /></a>is what Daniel had to say about this! I thought that was funny. I didn't know how to prepare Daniel for the wedding. I did my best and I showed him pictures of the set up that a girl we know posted on Facebook, but it all looked very different when people filled all those chairs and we were one of the last ones there. Daniel almost wouldn't go sit, but we managed it after a moment or two. Reminder for next time: get there EARLY! Daniel sat next to me (or lay on the ground near me) and played Angry Birds on Steve's iPhone. At that point I didn't really care, I just wanted to be able to stay through the ceremony! I drew the line at listening to the sound effects at full volume while wearing his noise canceling headphones, though! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s1600/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s400/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511246679768928642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(quote from The Cat In The Hat, by Dr. Seuss and a special thanks to Christine who emailed me this picture!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6745459280816333264?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=D1HU4z-2iLE:frMy4FIbXZo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=D1HU4z-2iLE:frMy4FIbXZo:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(2497) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s1600/conradandsally.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TH22OcZ3_vI/AAAAAAAAL8g/pP7hlc3isIs/s200/conradandsally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511761878230499058" border="0" /></a>is what Daniel had to say about this! I thought that was funny. I didn't know how to prepare Daniel for the wedding. I did my best and I showed him pictures of the set up that a girl we know posted on Facebook, but it all looked very different when people filled all those chairs and we were one of the last ones there. Daniel almost wouldn't go sit, but we managed it after a moment or two. Reminder for next time: get there EARLY! Daniel sat next to me (or lay on the ground near me) and played Angry Birds on Steve's iPhone. At that point I didn't really care, I just wanted to be able to stay through the ceremony! I drew the line at listening to the sound effects at full volume while wearing his noise canceling headphones, though! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s1600/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/THvhp8ktkYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/cMKuxZ88xJk/s400/we+sat+there+we+two.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511246679768928642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(quote from The Cat In The Hat, by Dr. Seuss and a special thanks to Christine who emailed me this picture!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6745459280816333264?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29278482.post-2969400331942285522"
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string(31) "Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:35:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-30T09:02:58.494-04:00"
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string(34) "ColtonmorningsHis Fingerprintssooc"
["title"]=>
string(13) "good morning!"
["description"]=>
string(2872) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941626336/" title="83010 yawn by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4941626336_c577fa2eca_z.jpg" alt="83010 yawn" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />We are still recovering from our weekend. Some busy days and late nights make for a tired family, messy house, etc. It's pretty much the same old story every weekend, though!! (Yes, Colton is still wearing his wedding onesie from Saturday in the picture. I've since changed him, though!) Daniel woke up super early today but thankfully fell back to sleep after snuggling in bed next to me. Colton and I are enjoying some quiet time now. So, what happened this weekend? My little brother got married! Here's a peek, but I'm not going to post tons of pictures because it doesn't feel right and they haven't seen them yet. This one is SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera) and I'm pretty happy with how most turned out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941063507/" title="ron and catherine sooc by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4941063507_a4abc41b5c.jpg" alt="ron and catherine sooc" width="335" height="500" /></a></div><br />I was a second photographer, so my friend, Donna, took lots of pictures, too. It's easy to stress about taking pictures for someone, especially for a wedding, but I prayed that whatever photos were taken and finally put together for the bride and groom would be a blessing. I feel that prayer was answered. And look...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941096135/" title="his fingerprints 82810- blogged by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4941096135_68445c82cd_z.jpg" alt="his fingerprints 82810- blogged" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /></div><br />...see the "fingerprint" about an inch off to the left of Ron's shoulder? =) For those of you who don't know the story of His fingerprints, <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/loved-cared-for.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">you can read about it here</span></a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2969400331942285522?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "monstiesmom@yahoo.com (Julie)"
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string(2872) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941626336/" title="83010 yawn by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4941626336_c577fa2eca_z.jpg" alt="83010 yawn" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />We are still recovering from our weekend. Some busy days and late nights make for a tired family, messy house, etc. It's pretty much the same old story every weekend, though!! (Yes, Colton is still wearing his wedding onesie from Saturday in the picture. I've since changed him, though!) Daniel woke up super early today but thankfully fell back to sleep after snuggling in bed next to me. Colton and I are enjoying some quiet time now. So, what happened this weekend? My little brother got married! Here's a peek, but I'm not going to post tons of pictures because it doesn't feel right and they haven't seen them yet. This one is SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera) and I'm pretty happy with how most turned out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941063507/" title="ron and catherine sooc by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4941063507_a4abc41b5c.jpg" alt="ron and catherine sooc" width="335" height="500" /></a></div><br />I was a second photographer, so my friend, Donna, took lots of pictures, too. It's easy to stress about taking pictures for someone, especially for a wedding, but I prayed that whatever photos were taken and finally put together for the bride and groom would be a blessing. I feel that prayer was answered. And look...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4941096135/" title="his fingerprints 82810- blogged by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4941096135_68445c82cd_z.jpg" alt="his fingerprints 82810- blogged" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /></div><br />...see the "fingerprint" about an inch off to the left of Ron's shoulder? =) For those of you who don't know the story of His fingerprints, <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/loved-cared-for.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">you can read about it here</span></a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2969400331942285522?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=lyh9hpZbJFw:wgn4cyNYtHI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=lyh9hpZbJFw:wgn4cyNYtHI:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(166) "big brothermy thoughtsparentingone house school rooma peek into our lifestranger dangerDaniel and Coltondisciplineautism awarenesshomemakingautismour housescreen time"
["title"]=>
string(13) "apron strings"
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string(8778) "We are breaking my rules this morning and I set the timer for an hour so I can blog and play with some pictures and Daniel can have the computer time he's been asking for. I can't blog during the day if he's not allowed on the computer and by 3 other things need to be done, like dinner, Colton needs me, Steve gets home and wants his computer time, etc. So, here I am!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932060745/" title="82710 brothers by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4932060745_64556dce65_o.jpg" alt="82710 brothers" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am looking forward to things settling down a bit. Tereza suggested a home tour, so I'm looking forward to doing that as well! It might take me a little while, though! It got me thinking about things, in a good way, I think, because I looked around and pretty much groaned at the idea of taking pictures around the house right now. All I see are the things that need to be done, the projects we haven't gotten to because we either don't have the time, money or skill to do them, the clutter that I am ALWAYS fighting, the laundry that is never ending and the mess that Daniel strews around the house everyday.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Daniel's second loose tooth just fell out! He was eating a frozen chocolate chip cookie!)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Then I was thinking, do I clean a room and take a picture of how I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> it to be? Realistically I'm not going to ever get the whole house just right, so do I take a picture of each room, save the pictures and then post them all at once? Do I just take pictures of how it all looks <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span>? Can I do that and not point out all the faults? Why the heck do I care so much? It's not even about posting pictures on the blog- if someone comes over it's so easy to apologize for the mess. What is most of that mess really, though? It's LIFE. WE LIVE IN OUR HOUSE!!!! We don't work somewhere else and just sleep here. We are here almost all the time and while I am sloooowly improving the organization and managing of everything, WE STILL LIVE HERE! And now more than ever I need to embrace the idea of a one house school room all over again!<br /><br />Okay, so that's one thing I've been mulling over this week. The other is autism. Autism Awareness more specifically. Sometimes Daniel is so "with it" that I can almost forget he has a diagnosis. We can go places, he responds, he interacts, he's attentive and it's fun. Other times I am strongly reminded that he does indeed have "moderate to severe classic Autism". My intention isn't to to talk about that so much as to talk about other people- strangers and random people out in public.<br /><br />Stranger danger is one of the things I really want to work on this year with Daniel. When he's feeling chatty, he'll go up to anyone and tell them things. He'll approach anyone. While I want to teach him that it's okay to be friendly and greet different community figures and use his manners, I don't want him talking to just <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span>. What I'm finding is that no matter where we go (babies are pretty much treated like celebrities, so we get so much attention <span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere</span>), people feel free to chat, assume this or that, give advice and to talk to all three of us. How am I supposed to teach him not to talk to strangers?! He's been passed around to so many different therapists and people passing through the therapy center that it's normal for him to meet strangers and be expected to respond. And from the very beginning <span style="font-style: italic;">these kids are pushed to be compliant</span>. How do I teach the difference?! AND HOW TO I GET STRANGERS TO BACK OFF WITHOUT BEING BITCHY?!<br /><br />Okay, so let me just vent and then (please!!) tell me if I'm just being emotional about it, if this is something all parents and kids go through, if it's different because Daniel has Autism or anything else you can think of.<br /><br />Yesterday we had a bunch of errands to run. We went to the Post Office and I was happy that there were almost no cars in the parking lot. Our Post Office is a nightmare most of the time, so I thought it was a hopeful sign. The guy "helping" us seemed like he was <span style="font-style: italic;">trying</span> to be confused.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Daniel just threw up. ??! Poor kid!)</span> He didn't seem to understand that I knew I needed to pay shipping and that the label I had wasn't a prepaid label. Then he got all distracted and wouldn't continue with sending the thing out because Daniel was standing about 6 feet away from me and playing with the divider rope thing. No one else was around, he wasn't hurting anything, he wasn't being crazy, he was just touching it and swinging it a little. The guy stood there repeating "Excuse me? excuse me...?" <span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, he's so not paying attention to you mister....Hmmm...should I rescue the guy or rescue Daniel? Can we please just get out of here?</span> I told Daniel not to play with the rope and to stand next to me on the black rectangle (the carpet). He did for a minute, I told the guy I wanted to send the box (shoes from The Children's Place that are Daniel's size, but we couldn't even get them on his foot) the cheapest way, he said it might take 10 days, I said I don't care, Daniel wandered to the rope, I told him not to touch it, the guy said it was okay, and I thought, "Well is it or isn't it? Because a minute ago he wasn't allowed to play with it."<br /><br />We got back in the car.<br />Wiped "2. Post Office" off the whiteboard.<br />Drove to JCPenny.<br /><br />I wore Colton in the sling. He was happy. We found khaki pull-on pants that are nice enough for a wedding for Daniel. We found dress socks and then went to find shoes for both of us. The tiny shoe department was crowded. We waited for the only woman there to bring us our sizes.<br /><br />When we're in public, I keep Daniel close to me. If we're in a busy place, he needs to stay by my side. <span style="font-style: italic;">Right</span> next to me, because if we get separated he may not be able to hear me call him. (Filter out my voice from other noises.) If he answers me, it won't be loud enough for me to hear him. I don't think he'd be able to ask anyone for help if he was lost. If he's having a really good day, I'm probably comfortable if he stays within 15 feet or so, as long as it's not crowded where we are and I can see him. And if there isn't anything between us. What I'm saying is that mama has pretty short apron strings. I feel like a controlling, over protective freak most of the time, but I feel like this is what is safe for him at this stage.<br /><br />I know what he's doing when we're out and I'm definitely paying attention. So, if Daniel does something and needs to be corrected, <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm there, I see it, I do it</span>. Why do most adults in the vicinity feel the need to add to what I say?! And <span style="font-weight: bold;">they don't even wait long enough for him not to respond</span>. What I mean by that, is that Daniel sometimes needs more time. Sometimes I might have to say the same thing a few different ways so that he fully understands what I expect from him. But they don't even wait that long. They just tack on their stupid comments, "You might break it, you might get hurt, it's dirty, etc". It's not their business!!! Then they think it's okay to pat his head, ruffle his hair, strike up a conversation with one of the three of us. <span style="font-style: italic;">Then</span>, feeling affronted, I don't want to explain that he has autism and that's why he does this, can't do that, etc. I feel like it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">none of their business</span>.<br /><br />Help! Explain me, my reaction, what to do, say, etc. Please!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2846261230820247511?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(8778) "We are breaking my rules this morning and I set the timer for an hour so I can blog and play with some pictures and Daniel can have the computer time he's been asking for. I can't blog during the day if he's not allowed on the computer and by 3 other things need to be done, like dinner, Colton needs me, Steve gets home and wants his computer time, etc. So, here I am!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932060745/" title="82710 brothers by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4932060745_64556dce65_o.jpg" alt="82710 brothers" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am looking forward to things settling down a bit. Tereza suggested a home tour, so I'm looking forward to doing that as well! It might take me a little while, though! It got me thinking about things, in a good way, I think, because I looked around and pretty much groaned at the idea of taking pictures around the house right now. All I see are the things that need to be done, the projects we haven't gotten to because we either don't have the time, money or skill to do them, the clutter that I am ALWAYS fighting, the laundry that is never ending and the mess that Daniel strews around the house everyday.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Daniel's second loose tooth just fell out! He was eating a frozen chocolate chip cookie!)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Then I was thinking, do I clean a room and take a picture of how I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> it to be? Realistically I'm not going to ever get the whole house just right, so do I take a picture of each room, save the pictures and then post them all at once? Do I just take pictures of how it all looks <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span>? Can I do that and not point out all the faults? Why the heck do I care so much? It's not even about posting pictures on the blog- if someone comes over it's so easy to apologize for the mess. What is most of that mess really, though? It's LIFE. WE LIVE IN OUR HOUSE!!!! We don't work somewhere else and just sleep here. We are here almost all the time and while I am sloooowly improving the organization and managing of everything, WE STILL LIVE HERE! And now more than ever I need to embrace the idea of a one house school room all over again!<br /><br />Okay, so that's one thing I've been mulling over this week. The other is autism. Autism Awareness more specifically. Sometimes Daniel is so "with it" that I can almost forget he has a diagnosis. We can go places, he responds, he interacts, he's attentive and it's fun. Other times I am strongly reminded that he does indeed have "moderate to severe classic Autism". My intention isn't to to talk about that so much as to talk about other people- strangers and random people out in public.<br /><br />Stranger danger is one of the things I really want to work on this year with Daniel. When he's feeling chatty, he'll go up to anyone and tell them things. He'll approach anyone. While I want to teach him that it's okay to be friendly and greet different community figures and use his manners, I don't want him talking to just <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span>. What I'm finding is that no matter where we go (babies are pretty much treated like celebrities, so we get so much attention <span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere</span>), people feel free to chat, assume this or that, give advice and to talk to all three of us. How am I supposed to teach him not to talk to strangers?! He's been passed around to so many different therapists and people passing through the therapy center that it's normal for him to meet strangers and be expected to respond. And from the very beginning <span style="font-style: italic;">these kids are pushed to be compliant</span>. How do I teach the difference?! AND HOW TO I GET STRANGERS TO BACK OFF WITHOUT BEING BITCHY?!<br /><br />Okay, so let me just vent and then (please!!) tell me if I'm just being emotional about it, if this is something all parents and kids go through, if it's different because Daniel has Autism or anything else you can think of.<br /><br />Yesterday we had a bunch of errands to run. We went to the Post Office and I was happy that there were almost no cars in the parking lot. Our Post Office is a nightmare most of the time, so I thought it was a hopeful sign. The guy "helping" us seemed like he was <span style="font-style: italic;">trying</span> to be confused.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Daniel just threw up. ??! Poor kid!)</span> He didn't seem to understand that I knew I needed to pay shipping and that the label I had wasn't a prepaid label. Then he got all distracted and wouldn't continue with sending the thing out because Daniel was standing about 6 feet away from me and playing with the divider rope thing. No one else was around, he wasn't hurting anything, he wasn't being crazy, he was just touching it and swinging it a little. The guy stood there repeating "Excuse me? excuse me...?" <span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, he's so not paying attention to you mister....Hmmm...should I rescue the guy or rescue Daniel? Can we please just get out of here?</span> I told Daniel not to play with the rope and to stand next to me on the black rectangle (the carpet). He did for a minute, I told the guy I wanted to send the box (shoes from The Children's Place that are Daniel's size, but we couldn't even get them on his foot) the cheapest way, he said it might take 10 days, I said I don't care, Daniel wandered to the rope, I told him not to touch it, the guy said it was okay, and I thought, "Well is it or isn't it? Because a minute ago he wasn't allowed to play with it."<br /><br />We got back in the car.<br />Wiped "2. Post Office" off the whiteboard.<br />Drove to JCPenny.<br /><br />I wore Colton in the sling. He was happy. We found khaki pull-on pants that are nice enough for a wedding for Daniel. We found dress socks and then went to find shoes for both of us. The tiny shoe department was crowded. We waited for the only woman there to bring us our sizes.<br /><br />When we're in public, I keep Daniel close to me. If we're in a busy place, he needs to stay by my side. <span style="font-style: italic;">Right</span> next to me, because if we get separated he may not be able to hear me call him. (Filter out my voice from other noises.) If he answers me, it won't be loud enough for me to hear him. I don't think he'd be able to ask anyone for help if he was lost. If he's having a really good day, I'm probably comfortable if he stays within 15 feet or so, as long as it's not crowded where we are and I can see him. And if there isn't anything between us. What I'm saying is that mama has pretty short apron strings. I feel like a controlling, over protective freak most of the time, but I feel like this is what is safe for him at this stage.<br /><br />I know what he's doing when we're out and I'm definitely paying attention. So, if Daniel does something and needs to be corrected, <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm there, I see it, I do it</span>. Why do most adults in the vicinity feel the need to add to what I say?! And <span style="font-weight: bold;">they don't even wait long enough for him not to respond</span>. What I mean by that, is that Daniel sometimes needs more time. Sometimes I might have to say the same thing a few different ways so that he fully understands what I expect from him. But they don't even wait that long. They just tack on their stupid comments, "You might break it, you might get hurt, it's dirty, etc". It's not their business!!! Then they think it's okay to pat his head, ruffle his hair, strike up a conversation with one of the three of us. <span style="font-style: italic;">Then</span>, feeling affronted, I don't want to explain that he has autism and that's why he does this, can't do that, etc. I feel like it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">none of their business</span>.<br /><br />Help! Explain me, my reaction, what to do, say, etc. Please!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2846261230820247511?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1396) "It's Steve's birthday today! If I were the perfect wife I'd have something witty and fun put together...but I'm not and I don't. I'm saving my efforts for dinner! ;)<br /><br />I can tell you there is a pretty good guy behind that beard and I bet it would make his day of you left him a birthday message! :)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll post a picture of the card Daniel made for Steve when I get to the computer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932652094/" title="82710 not like birthday by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4932652094_9f553c64d7_o.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="82710 not like birthday" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4854081341094342386?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1396) "It's Steve's birthday today! If I were the perfect wife I'd have something witty and fun put together...but I'm not and I don't. I'm saving my efforts for dinner! ;)<br /><br />I can tell you there is a pretty good guy behind that beard and I bet it would make his day of you left him a birthday message! :)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll post a picture of the card Daniel made for Steve when I get to the computer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4932652094/" title="82710 not like birthday by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4932652094_9f553c64d7_o.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="82710 not like birthday" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4854081341094342386?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(4471) "I took Daniel to the dentist today. I had to bring Colton to a friend's house because I couldn't bring him in with us. Cheryl said he cried 75% of the time and wouldn't take a bottle. <br /><br />Daniel, on the other hand, had a great time! We've been reading the Going To The Dentist picture guide that the dentist's office printed for us last time. Daniel seems a little more comfortable, used his words very well (last time ALL he said was that phrase, "just a pacifier we're gonna buy."). He smiled and greeted the lady at the front desk, he told her his name (w/prompt) he waited in the waiting room, he smiled and said hi (w/prompt) when the dentist came to get us, he seemed eager to get to the room! The dentist had the same picture guide in a flip book so she got that out and Daniel read some of it. They looked at the "fun chair" and watched it go up and down. (He wouldn't sit in it) He saw the big light, the dentist wore gloves, Daniel gave her a high five (and played with the curtains and wiggled in his chair), he opened his mouth and showed her his wiggly tooth, she showed him her tools, he played with the little mirror, she gave him a toothbrush, he brushed his teeth, he said ahhhhhh and opened wide, she brushed (mostly going through the motions and looking at his teeth while he gave her the chance), he finally let her look and count them. The dentist was ready to wrap things up then and talked to me about some things. While we talked Daniel climbed around the room, climbed on the chair, intentionally bumped his head on the light, played with the sink, etc. He interacted very well with the dentist, but wouldn't sit in the chair for her. We thought he did great though and it was so much better than last time. oh, when she got out the bib he told her to stop. I thought that was great. His OT has been working on that with<br />him... telling someone to stop instead of hitting head or something and if they don't then learn to cope (like cover ears against whistling). He seems to get great satisfaction when his quiet "stop" brings results and I love that the Dentist actually listens and communicates so well with him. So we ended without pushing him to tears or major stress. The hospital looks more like a children's museum and Daniel wanted to go see fish tanks and other things in the different waiting rooms. He was thrilled to get to see the ring of fire like in Finding Nemo. I think he was disappointed that there was no spit sink at the dentist. ;) haha!<br /><br />We went down to the Cafeteria for lunch. They had a giant waiter made out of Legos and Daniel liked that. There was also a SuperMan statue and Daniel had to check out his cape! After lunch we went up to the parking garage. We were on the 7th level and Daniel liked looking out the window at the people and cars below us on the street. Then we drove to Cheryl's to visit for a little while and get Colton. Daniel played with toys (didn't even go for the computer!!) and watched "the domestic short hair" (cat named Louis). <br /><br />It was nice to spend some time with Daniel like that even if we were just going to the dentist. When Colton is older and better for a babysitter I would like to do some little trips that are special just for him. It was nice to have some little conversations with him in a way that we've never had before. I guess they don't happen as easily or naturally when we're trying to get somewhere and I have to keep Daniel close and carry Colton and whatever bags or stuff either one of them needs. I loved the time with him.<br /><br />...and I soaked up lots of baby snuggles when we got home!!<br /><br />- Posted in bed using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...the only way this was going to get posted! So no editing, proof reading, pictures, etc. I'm just blogging for me tonight!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8651152342217539459?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(4471) "I took Daniel to the dentist today. I had to bring Colton to a friend's house because I couldn't bring him in with us. Cheryl said he cried 75% of the time and wouldn't take a bottle. <br /><br />Daniel, on the other hand, had a great time! We've been reading the Going To The Dentist picture guide that the dentist's office printed for us last time. Daniel seems a little more comfortable, used his words very well (last time ALL he said was that phrase, "just a pacifier we're gonna buy."). He smiled and greeted the lady at the front desk, he told her his name (w/prompt) he waited in the waiting room, he smiled and said hi (w/prompt) when the dentist came to get us, he seemed eager to get to the room! The dentist had the same picture guide in a flip book so she got that out and Daniel read some of it. They looked at the "fun chair" and watched it go up and down. (He wouldn't sit in it) He saw the big light, the dentist wore gloves, Daniel gave her a high five (and played with the curtains and wiggled in his chair), he opened his mouth and showed her his wiggly tooth, she showed him her tools, he played with the little mirror, she gave him a toothbrush, he brushed his teeth, he said ahhhhhh and opened wide, she brushed (mostly going through the motions and looking at his teeth while he gave her the chance), he finally let her look and count them. The dentist was ready to wrap things up then and talked to me about some things. While we talked Daniel climbed around the room, climbed on the chair, intentionally bumped his head on the light, played with the sink, etc. He interacted very well with the dentist, but wouldn't sit in the chair for her. We thought he did great though and it was so much better than last time. oh, when she got out the bib he told her to stop. I thought that was great. His OT has been working on that with<br />him... telling someone to stop instead of hitting head or something and if they don't then learn to cope (like cover ears against whistling). He seems to get great satisfaction when his quiet "stop" brings results and I love that the Dentist actually listens and communicates so well with him. So we ended without pushing him to tears or major stress. The hospital looks more like a children's museum and Daniel wanted to go see fish tanks and other things in the different waiting rooms. He was thrilled to get to see the ring of fire like in Finding Nemo. I think he was disappointed that there was no spit sink at the dentist. ;) haha!<br /><br />We went down to the Cafeteria for lunch. They had a giant waiter made out of Legos and Daniel liked that. There was also a SuperMan statue and Daniel had to check out his cape! After lunch we went up to the parking garage. We were on the 7th level and Daniel liked looking out the window at the people and cars below us on the street. Then we drove to Cheryl's to visit for a little while and get Colton. Daniel played with toys (didn't even go for the computer!!) and watched "the domestic short hair" (cat named Louis). <br /><br />It was nice to spend some time with Daniel like that even if we were just going to the dentist. When Colton is older and better for a babysitter I would like to do some little trips that are special just for him. It was nice to have some little conversations with him in a way that we've never had before. I guess they don't happen as easily or naturally when we're trying to get somewhere and I have to keep Daniel close and carry Colton and whatever bags or stuff either one of them needs. I loved the time with him.<br /><br />...and I soaked up lots of baby snuggles when we got home!!<br /><br />- Posted in bed using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...the only way this was going to get posted! So no editing, proof reading, pictures, etc. I'm just blogging for me tonight!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8651152342217539459?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(32) "dentistDixiea peek into our life"
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string(3863) "Breathe in, breathe out...breathe in, breathe out. Repeat slowly until at least next Sunday. It's official. I have have too many things to do. All I can hope to do is what I can. How's that for a thought?! One day at a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541846/" title="82210 colton bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4918541846_4c0d8cce43_z.jpg" alt="82210 colton bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to babysitter<br />hope all goes well because he sure won't take a bottle for me<br />bring Daniel to the Dentist<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4917941955/" title="82210 daniel bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4917941955_76dd1c64c1_z.jpg" alt="82210 daniel bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to the doctor for a shot (we're separating some vaccinations, so we have to go often)<br />hope Daniel doesn't get upset with the whole thing since it's his turn in a few weeks<br /><br />pick up the bed and prepare Colton's room for a guest<br />get the house in good enough shape for company<br />(I'm sure it will be fine, but we're recovering from a weekend...so right now it's awful)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918565154/" title="82210 dixie by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4918565154_dc0c814ab6_z.jpg" alt="82210 dixie" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />call kennel and see if they have room for Dixie next weekend<br />call Allstate and make some adjustments<br /><br />make chicken and dumplings sometime this week<br /><br />bring Daniel to OT on Wednesday<br /><br />Visit with Jen on Thursday<br />get all wedding clothes together, iron, wash, etc.<br />make social story for Daniel so he knows what to expect<br />clean camera gear<br />scan internet for last minute inspiration<br /><br />bake pies for dessert bar<br />pack bag of tricks for Saturday: headphones, ipod, change of clothes, toys, books, snacks, etc.<br /><br />maybe all that isn't so bad. I just have to <span style="font-style: italic;">relax</span>!<br /><br />Oh! Here's the toad I almost stepped on last week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541962/" title="82210 toad by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4918541962_63ee363d46_z.jpg" alt="82210 toad" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />I've been meaning to ask- is there anything I've said I'm going to write about and then didn't get around to it? Anything you want to ask? I know I've been more spacey than usual and don't want to leave any loose ends. Also, once I get the chance to sit down, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'd like something to blog about besides feeling behind, frazzled, etc!!</span> </span>In the meantime you can see what we're up to in my "mini blog" (right hand sidebar). Thanks for sticking with me!<br /><br />Love,<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/monstiesmom/SNr1iBfd01I/AAAAAAAAGHo/kW7Kvq50OlI/s128/signature%20copy.png" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1677678420378084850?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3863) "Breathe in, breathe out...breathe in, breathe out. Repeat slowly until at least next Sunday. It's official. I have have too many things to do. All I can hope to do is what I can. How's that for a thought?! One day at a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541846/" title="82210 colton bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4918541846_4c0d8cce43_z.jpg" alt="82210 colton bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to babysitter<br />hope all goes well because he sure won't take a bottle for me<br />bring Daniel to the Dentist<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4917941955/" title="82210 daniel bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4917941955_76dd1c64c1_z.jpg" alt="82210 daniel bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />bring Colton to the doctor for a shot (we're separating some vaccinations, so we have to go often)<br />hope Daniel doesn't get upset with the whole thing since it's his turn in a few weeks<br /><br />pick up the bed and prepare Colton's room for a guest<br />get the house in good enough shape for company<br />(I'm sure it will be fine, but we're recovering from a weekend...so right now it's awful)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918565154/" title="82210 dixie by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4918565154_dc0c814ab6_z.jpg" alt="82210 dixie" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />call kennel and see if they have room for Dixie next weekend<br />call Allstate and make some adjustments<br /><br />make chicken and dumplings sometime this week<br /><br />bring Daniel to OT on Wednesday<br /><br />Visit with Jen on Thursday<br />get all wedding clothes together, iron, wash, etc.<br />make social story for Daniel so he knows what to expect<br />clean camera gear<br />scan internet for last minute inspiration<br /><br />bake pies for dessert bar<br />pack bag of tricks for Saturday: headphones, ipod, change of clothes, toys, books, snacks, etc.<br /><br />maybe all that isn't so bad. I just have to <span style="font-style: italic;">relax</span>!<br /><br />Oh! Here's the toad I almost stepped on last week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4918541962/" title="82210 toad by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4918541962_63ee363d46_z.jpg" alt="82210 toad" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /><br />I've been meaning to ask- is there anything I've said I'm going to write about and then didn't get around to it? Anything you want to ask? I know I've been more spacey than usual and don't want to leave any loose ends. Also, once I get the chance to sit down, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'd like something to blog about besides feeling behind, frazzled, etc!!</span> </span>In the meantime you can see what we're up to in my "mini blog" (right hand sidebar). Thanks for sticking with me!<br /><br />Love,<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/monstiesmom/SNr1iBfd01I/AAAAAAAAGHo/kW7Kvq50OlI/s128/signature%20copy.png" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1677678420378084850?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(6) "Colton"
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string(15) "my big littlest"
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string(3142) "I hate it when people compare their kids...but i sometimes can't help doing the same. I pulled out Daniel's baby book yesterday and saw that he weighed at nine month what Colton weighs at not yet five! Oh my! These two continue to be mostly opposites. Daniel was small and Colton is big. Daniel loved his pacifier and I'm trying to get Colton to take one. I realized the other day that he stopped sleeping through the night, which he did from almost the beginning when he stopped taking the pacifier. Daniel hated (almost always) the swing. Colton wouldn't sleep without it unless he was with me. Colton just started to sleep in his bassinet. Daniel was happy in his from day one and hardly ever slept with us.<br /><br />Anyway, some stuff about Colton because I haven't taken the time to take ridiculous notes like I did with Daniel.<br /><br />He's super happy if I hold him<br /><br />He likes to play in his saucer<br /><br />he loves to blow raspberries<br /><br />he's often smiling and happy...if I'm close by and we are NOT in the car<br /><br />he hates being in the car<br /><br />he loves the dog<br /><br />he keeps trying to grab things I'm holding or eating<br /><br />he likes his bath now. I let him sit up and play for a little while. he splashes and reaches for his toys or toes<br /><br />he smiles or laughs at just about anything I say to him<br /><br />he likes to watch Daniel<br /><br />he likes to be rocked<br /><br />he sings himself to sleep as I rock him<br /><br />he's got big feet and likes to climb up bodies who are trying to hold him<br /><br />he's got stranger anxiety<br /><br />he drools, blows bubbles and spits all day long<br /><br />he likes to be out and about especially if I wear him in the sling. we like the kangaroo carry these days. (it's just a matter of getting to wherever we're going)<br /><br />he seems to be too heavy for both baby swings<br /><br />he likes to play pat a cake, peek a boo and "drive the car"<br /><br />he likes when I talk back to him and loves raspberry noises <br /><br />he smiles when I kiss his cheeks and laughs if he hears me laughing or humming when I'm holding him<br /><br />he's starting to scoot backwards<br /><br />he's the cutest little baby even when he's crying (at least I think so!) ...and not that I like to see him cry, but those tears are precious too!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll try to get to the computer to add a picture later. (or I'll just post more soon!)<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2113721948264329889?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3142) "I hate it when people compare their kids...but i sometimes can't help doing the same. I pulled out Daniel's baby book yesterday and saw that he weighed at nine month what Colton weighs at not yet five! Oh my! These two continue to be mostly opposites. Daniel was small and Colton is big. Daniel loved his pacifier and I'm trying to get Colton to take one. I realized the other day that he stopped sleeping through the night, which he did from almost the beginning when he stopped taking the pacifier. Daniel hated (almost always) the swing. Colton wouldn't sleep without it unless he was with me. Colton just started to sleep in his bassinet. Daniel was happy in his from day one and hardly ever slept with us.<br /><br />Anyway, some stuff about Colton because I haven't taken the time to take ridiculous notes like I did with Daniel.<br /><br />He's super happy if I hold him<br /><br />He likes to play in his saucer<br /><br />he loves to blow raspberries<br /><br />he's often smiling and happy...if I'm close by and we are NOT in the car<br /><br />he hates being in the car<br /><br />he loves the dog<br /><br />he keeps trying to grab things I'm holding or eating<br /><br />he likes his bath now. I let him sit up and play for a little while. he splashes and reaches for his toys or toes<br /><br />he smiles or laughs at just about anything I say to him<br /><br />he likes to watch Daniel<br /><br />he likes to be rocked<br /><br />he sings himself to sleep as I rock him<br /><br />he's got big feet and likes to climb up bodies who are trying to hold him<br /><br />he's got stranger anxiety<br /><br />he drools, blows bubbles and spits all day long<br /><br />he likes to be out and about especially if I wear him in the sling. we like the kangaroo carry these days. (it's just a matter of getting to wherever we're going)<br /><br />he seems to be too heavy for both baby swings<br /><br />he likes to play pat a cake, peek a boo and "drive the car"<br /><br />he likes when I talk back to him and loves raspberry noises <br /><br />he smiles when I kiss his cheeks and laughs if he hears me laughing or humming when I'm holding him<br /><br />he's starting to scoot backwards<br /><br />he's the cutest little baby even when he's crying (at least I think so!) ...and not that I like to see him cry, but those tears are precious too!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch...I'll try to get to the computer to add a picture later. (or I'll just post more soon!)<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2113721948264329889?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=GTg0e4d4xJ0:aZU90yktONw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=GTg0e4d4xJ0:aZU90yktONw:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(31) "Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:51:00 +0000"
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string(16) "photographyDixie"
["title"]=>
string(5) "flash"
["description"]=>
string(1321) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4901548796/" title="81710 dixie bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4901548796_eaea2ea4e3_z.jpg" alt="81710 dixie bw" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4900960807/" title="81710 daniel flash by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4900960807_c59fd5156a_z.jpg" alt="81710 daniel flash" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to learn to use my flash. There. I said it.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1604982329901601654?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1321) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4901548796/" title="81710 dixie bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4901548796_eaea2ea4e3_z.jpg" alt="81710 dixie bw" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4900960807/" title="81710 daniel flash by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4900960807_c59fd5156a_z.jpg" alt="81710 daniel flash" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to learn to use my flash. There. I said it.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1604982329901601654?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(63) "Coltoncloth diaperskeeping it reala peek into our lifegardening"
["title"]=>
string(10) "this is..."
["description"]=>
string(3181) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225519/" title="81610 veggie garden by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4898225519_60e57369ac_z.jpg" alt="81610 veggie garden" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />my vegetable garden<br />full of weeds<br />completely overgrown<br />there might be squash...if I can find it.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225633/" title="81610 daniel books by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4898225633_40fbd95dbf.jpg" alt="81610 daniel books" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><br />no screens until 3pm<br />piles of books<br />scattered toys<br />giant mess in his wake<br />i love to see him read<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Just to prove we don't have everything all together and figured out, I should let you know that he slept in that shirt and still isn't wearing any pants. It's hot out and no one is visiting, so I don't really care.</span></span>)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225413/" title="81610 colton sitting bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4898225413_d059077217_z.jpg" alt="81610 colton sitting bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />This little stinker weighs more than 18 pounds! I bought him a couple of outfits at Target a few weeks ago. I'm glad I just got a couple (2) of them because they almost don't fit already!!! He's probably in 9m clothes now, but most of what he has is 6m. Good thing it's summer and I don't believe in buying a ton of baby clothes! He has just a few outfits (maybe 6?) and that's fine with me. Who wants to be all dressed in the summer anyway?? I had so much stuff with Daniel and he had a drawer full of pajamas. It takes a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot </span>of infant pajamas to fill a drawer!!! He didn't even get to wear them all once before growing out of them. That's why I think it's silly to have so many things.<br /><br />Colton is back in cloth diapers unsnapped to the largest setting. I use the regular insert and add an infant "diaper doubler" at night. We're having pretty good luck with no leaks doing it that way. <span style="font-style: italic;">Finally!</span> For awhile there I couldn't figure out how to adjust them so they wouldn't leak.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8929431388482854197?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3181) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225519/" title="81610 veggie garden by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4898225519_60e57369ac_z.jpg" alt="81610 veggie garden" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />my vegetable garden<br />full of weeds<br />completely overgrown<br />there might be squash...if I can find it.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225633/" title="81610 daniel books by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4898225633_40fbd95dbf.jpg" alt="81610 daniel books" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><br />no screens until 3pm<br />piles of books<br />scattered toys<br />giant mess in his wake<br />i love to see him read<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Just to prove we don't have everything all together and figured out, I should let you know that he slept in that shirt and still isn't wearing any pants. It's hot out and no one is visiting, so I don't really care.</span></span>)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4898225413/" title="81610 colton sitting bw by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4898225413_d059077217_z.jpg" alt="81610 colton sitting bw" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />This little stinker weighs more than 18 pounds! I bought him a couple of outfits at Target a few weeks ago. I'm glad I just got a couple (2) of them because they almost don't fit already!!! He's probably in 9m clothes now, but most of what he has is 6m. Good thing it's summer and I don't believe in buying a ton of baby clothes! He has just a few outfits (maybe 6?) and that's fine with me. Who wants to be all dressed in the summer anyway?? I had so much stuff with Daniel and he had a drawer full of pajamas. It takes a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot </span>of infant pajamas to fill a drawer!!! He didn't even get to wear them all once before growing out of them. That's why I think it's silly to have so many things.<br /><br />Colton is back in cloth diapers unsnapped to the largest setting. I use the regular insert and add an infant "diaper doubler" at night. We're having pretty good luck with no leaks doing it that way. <span style="font-style: italic;">Finally!</span> For awhile there I couldn't figure out how to adjust them so they wouldn't leak.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-8929431388482854197?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=S8j8XZVxZgY:ZF-1LXsTy34:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?a=S8j8XZVxZgY:ZF-1LXsTy34:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ACelebrationOfOurJourney?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a>
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string(31) "Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:20:00 +0000"
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string(89) "something to doColtondinosaursa peek into our lifebutterfliesscreen timebackyard learning"
["title"]=>
string(6) "a peek"
["description"]=>
string(4833) "Typical Colton unless I'm holding him- which is pretty much all he's ever wanted!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721059/" title="81210 pick me up by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4885721059_323cdce92b_o.jpg" alt="81210 pick me up" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I need to remember to hold him in my left arm sometimes because my right shoulder and arm are getting noticeably toned and the other side...<span style="font-style: italic;">isn't!</span><br /><br />We've been having a great week. Screen time is limited between 3:00 and 5:00pm (except for some wake up/snuggle time with my ipod first thing). It's taken a month to cut back and the poor child might have actually had some sort of withdrawal. I think it's will be much better for him long term and especially starting lessons again soon. I want the day to be ours to do things and not compete with a screen for Daniel's attention. This screen time stuff is something we struggle with very often. Without it I've seen so much more sensory and independent play and definitely more reading and creativity. Before I move on to another topic, though, I just want to say that I know how hard this issue can be especially if you have a kid with Autism. They are often <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">visual learners</span>, so screen time can be wonderful and the computer a very useful tool. They need their fun time and "down time" as well! Daniel has learned many great things from both the computer and watching things (DVDs, TV, etc), but sometimes a mommy just knows when enough is enough. We are just struggling to find the right balance <span style="font-style: italic;">for us</span>.<br /><br />I've been working on the homeschooling idea I read about the other day about how a child should have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about</span> each day. It's been fun seeing Daniel actually find<span style="font-style: italic;"> things to do</span> (although sometimes I set things out for him when he's in another room).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721113/" title="81210 dinosaur dig by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4885721113_15ffd9f958_o.jpg" alt="81210 dinosaur dig" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinosaur Excavation Kit</span></div><br />We've been playing outside, jumping, relaxing and eating chocolate chip cookie dough in our bouncy house, digging in the dirt, splashing in "the mud hole", and observing slugs, caterpillars, spiders and webs in our backyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721005/" title="81210 parsley caterpillar by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4885721005_03b24c4369_o.jpg" alt="81210 parsley caterpillar" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section1/caterpillars/black_swallowtail.htm">parsley caterpillar</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"> and will turn into a black swallowtail butterfly.</span><br /></div><br />We've been playing inside, drawing, coloring, making cookies, acting out stories, illustrating a book, digging for dinosaurs, playing with puppets, playing with water and bubbles in the kitchen sink, drawing on the chalkboard wall, bouncing on the mini trampoline, swinging, rediscovering toys and reading together. We've started to read book 1 from The Magic Tree House series. It's about dinosaurs and Daniel seems really into it. I'm just so happy that he's letting me read to him!!!<br /><br />It's been so nice to reconnect with each other. I haven't felt this close to Daniel since before Colton was born. Now it's the three of us doing these things together and it's awesome!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5081138011749156745?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(4833) "Typical Colton unless I'm holding him- which is pretty much all he's ever wanted!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721059/" title="81210 pick me up by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4885721059_323cdce92b_o.jpg" alt="81210 pick me up" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I need to remember to hold him in my left arm sometimes because my right shoulder and arm are getting noticeably toned and the other side...<span style="font-style: italic;">isn't!</span><br /><br />We've been having a great week. Screen time is limited between 3:00 and 5:00pm (except for some wake up/snuggle time with my ipod first thing). It's taken a month to cut back and the poor child might have actually had some sort of withdrawal. I think it's will be much better for him long term and especially starting lessons again soon. I want the day to be ours to do things and not compete with a screen for Daniel's attention. This screen time stuff is something we struggle with very often. Without it I've seen so much more sensory and independent play and definitely more reading and creativity. Before I move on to another topic, though, I just want to say that I know how hard this issue can be especially if you have a kid with Autism. They are often <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">visual learners</span>, so screen time can be wonderful and the computer a very useful tool. They need their fun time and "down time" as well! Daniel has learned many great things from both the computer and watching things (DVDs, TV, etc), but sometimes a mommy just knows when enough is enough. We are just struggling to find the right balance <span style="font-style: italic;">for us</span>.<br /><br />I've been working on the homeschooling idea I read about the other day about how a child should have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about</span> each day. It's been fun seeing Daniel actually find<span style="font-style: italic;"> things to do</span> (although sometimes I set things out for him when he's in another room).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721113/" title="81210 dinosaur dig by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4885721113_15ffd9f958_o.jpg" alt="81210 dinosaur dig" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinosaur Excavation Kit</span></div><br />We've been playing outside, jumping, relaxing and eating chocolate chip cookie dough in our bouncy house, digging in the dirt, splashing in "the mud hole", and observing slugs, caterpillars, spiders and webs in our backyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4885721005/" title="81210 parsley caterpillar by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4885721005_03b24c4369_o.jpg" alt="81210 parsley caterpillar" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section1/caterpillars/black_swallowtail.htm">parsley caterpillar</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"> and will turn into a black swallowtail butterfly.</span><br /></div><br />We've been playing inside, drawing, coloring, making cookies, acting out stories, illustrating a book, digging for dinosaurs, playing with puppets, playing with water and bubbles in the kitchen sink, drawing on the chalkboard wall, bouncing on the mini trampoline, swinging, rediscovering toys and reading together. We've started to read book 1 from The Magic Tree House series. It's about dinosaurs and Daniel seems really into it. I'm just so happy that he's letting me read to him!!!<br /><br />It's been so nice to reconnect with each other. I haven't felt this close to Daniel since before Colton was born. Now it's the three of us doing these things together and it's awesome!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5081138011749156745?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(43) "pretend playawardspeecha peek into our life"
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string(5617) "We're having another good day today. It feel so good to get some things done...and guess what? I made cookies and 2 loaves of bread today! It's probably been over a year since I've been able to manage that!! We're maintaining the order around the house, we started making a story book (Daniel lost <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clumsy-Crab-Tiger-Tales-Galloway/dp/1589254023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281472113&sr=1-1">Clumsy Crab</a></span> -maybe it was in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/sets/72157620835413774/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">my car when it flooded</span></a>??, but we know it by heart and have the CD, so we're making our own). Daniel enjoyed what we did so far. He drew pictures and wrote the text and I colored. =) We just barely avoided a meltdown when Daniel messed up a letter and had already written a lot. so it would have been heartbreaking to start over. Some white paint saved the day. That made me decide to go to Staples after Colton's nap.<br /><br />We went to Staples, got some white-out and some other supplies we needed, visited the pet store so Daniel could see the little puppies in the window (poor things =/) and got to see a Pomeranian at the shopping center and then we went to TJMaxx for sheets. I hate it when we don't have decent sheets when we have a guest over. Colton needs some clothes to sleep in, so I got him a pair of pj's for $6.00 that are the same ones (just a size bigger) as the ones I ordered from BabiesRUs awhile back for more than twice that. So...next time the kids need clothes, I'll stop there and see if they have anything! I hate shopping, but it's fun when it's easy and you get a good deal! =) Daniel wanted to look at the toys and loved an ocean animal playset they had. Usually he's happy to just look at stuff, but he asked "to put it in the basket". That meant he wanted to bring it home. I just saw the animals, but he saw the scuba diver! If he's really going to play with it, I couldn't say no. So, now he has some new animals and a scuba diver so he can act out more scenes from Finding Nemo. He's been doing that today and he wasn't allowed screen time until 3:00. He did surprisingly well finding things to do until then. Leaving the house for a little while helped.<br /><br />Daniel likes to watch the movie, pause it and either act out the scene, or manipulate toys in front of the frozen screen using it as a backdrop. He likes to look at toys the wrong way through binoculars, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879725271/" title="81010 scuba diver by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4879725271_9f376d4372_o.jpg" alt="81010 scuba diver" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br />Daniel fed Dixie and gave her water today. We've read books and he let me read him the 101 Dalmatians from a Disney story book. I was impressed that he let me read a story that long. I'm not sure how much he understood it (there were hardly any pictures) and some of the words and terms were "odd", but he sat on the couch and listened. I know he was very interested in some parts of the story. I hope he'll let me continue reading to him.<br /><br />We're continuing to get more organized and structured. I think it's paying off because Daniel seems to be doing very well with it all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879784661/" title="81010 prompts by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4879784661_6201ac7733_z.jpg" alt="81010 prompts" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />Another thing we're doing is posting speech prompts in different rooms with the idea that a visual prompt is better than a verbal one and hoping that Daniel can figure out/choose what he wants to say and that I don't have to try to guess what he wants to say and then have him repeat it. Pretty dumb, huh? =) I know I hate it when people try to put words into my mouth!<br /><br />Before I forget or put it off any longer, I have an award to pass on. =)<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TDtb5iQqotI/AAAAAAAAL2s/6jfaAuV9_C0/s800/Sunshine%20Award.jpg" /><br /><br />Rebecca gave this to me weeks ago and I had a really nice post up, but I accidentally deleted it trying to do it from my ipod. = / I want to give it to <a href="http://www.drycappucino.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kajoli</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, K, for being positive and reminding me to focus on the positive and the good. Your posts always make me smile and give me something to think about. Thank you for your support and for often reminding me to be kind to myself. It all means so much. I'm so thankful for the support I've found with friends like you. ((HUGS)) </span><br /><br />love,<br />Julie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-401445828597606416?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(5617) "We're having another good day today. It feel so good to get some things done...and guess what? I made cookies and 2 loaves of bread today! It's probably been over a year since I've been able to manage that!! We're maintaining the order around the house, we started making a story book (Daniel lost <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clumsy-Crab-Tiger-Tales-Galloway/dp/1589254023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281472113&sr=1-1">Clumsy Crab</a></span> -maybe it was in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/sets/72157620835413774/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">my car when it flooded</span></a>??, but we know it by heart and have the CD, so we're making our own). Daniel enjoyed what we did so far. He drew pictures and wrote the text and I colored. =) We just barely avoided a meltdown when Daniel messed up a letter and had already written a lot. so it would have been heartbreaking to start over. Some white paint saved the day. That made me decide to go to Staples after Colton's nap.<br /><br />We went to Staples, got some white-out and some other supplies we needed, visited the pet store so Daniel could see the little puppies in the window (poor things =/) and got to see a Pomeranian at the shopping center and then we went to TJMaxx for sheets. I hate it when we don't have decent sheets when we have a guest over. Colton needs some clothes to sleep in, so I got him a pair of pj's for $6.00 that are the same ones (just a size bigger) as the ones I ordered from BabiesRUs awhile back for more than twice that. So...next time the kids need clothes, I'll stop there and see if they have anything! I hate shopping, but it's fun when it's easy and you get a good deal! =) Daniel wanted to look at the toys and loved an ocean animal playset they had. Usually he's happy to just look at stuff, but he asked "to put it in the basket". That meant he wanted to bring it home. I just saw the animals, but he saw the scuba diver! If he's really going to play with it, I couldn't say no. So, now he has some new animals and a scuba diver so he can act out more scenes from Finding Nemo. He's been doing that today and he wasn't allowed screen time until 3:00. He did surprisingly well finding things to do until then. Leaving the house for a little while helped.<br /><br />Daniel likes to watch the movie, pause it and either act out the scene, or manipulate toys in front of the frozen screen using it as a backdrop. He likes to look at toys the wrong way through binoculars, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879725271/" title="81010 scuba diver by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4879725271_9f376d4372_o.jpg" alt="81010 scuba diver" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br />Daniel fed Dixie and gave her water today. We've read books and he let me read him the 101 Dalmatians from a Disney story book. I was impressed that he let me read a story that long. I'm not sure how much he understood it (there were hardly any pictures) and some of the words and terms were "odd", but he sat on the couch and listened. I know he was very interested in some parts of the story. I hope he'll let me continue reading to him.<br /><br />We're continuing to get more organized and structured. I think it's paying off because Daniel seems to be doing very well with it all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4879784661/" title="81010 prompts by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4879784661_6201ac7733_z.jpg" alt="81010 prompts" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />Another thing we're doing is posting speech prompts in different rooms with the idea that a visual prompt is better than a verbal one and hoping that Daniel can figure out/choose what he wants to say and that I don't have to try to guess what he wants to say and then have him repeat it. Pretty dumb, huh? =) I know I hate it when people try to put words into my mouth!<br /><br />Before I forget or put it off any longer, I have an award to pass on. =)<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TDtb5iQqotI/AAAAAAAAL2s/6jfaAuV9_C0/s800/Sunshine%20Award.jpg" /><br /><br />Rebecca gave this to me weeks ago and I had a really nice post up, but I accidentally deleted it trying to do it from my ipod. = / I want to give it to <a href="http://www.drycappucino.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kajoli</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, K, for being positive and reminding me to focus on the positive and the good. Your posts always make me smile and give me something to think about. Thank you for your support and for often reminding me to be kind to myself. It all means so much. I'm so thankful for the support I've found with friends like you. ((HUGS)) </span><br /><br />love,<br />Julie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-401445828597606416?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(116) "homeschoolbig brotherhomeschool planningColtonDaniel and ColtonCharlotte Masonwords to live bydentistjournalinglinks"
["title"]=>
string(33) ""Just a pacifier we're gonna buy""
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string(11326) "Today was a <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span> day. Colton and I woke up when Daniel came into our bed to snuggle. I had my ipod next to me, so I let Daniel look at the dogs application I downloaded yesterday. He snuggled up and we were able to wake up slowly that way. I let him play with it through breakfast and then told him it was time to recharge it (it really was, but it was a good excuse to put it away!). Today he had a Dentist appointment, so I explained what our day was going to be like and then wrote:<br /><br />1. Dentist<br />2. Cabela's<br />3. Computer <br /><br />on the chalkboard wall<br /><br />so he'd know what to expect. I got out Daniel's journal. We discussed our day and ended up with this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313367/" title="8910 journal by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4877313367_e458aef68f_z.jpg" alt="8910 journal" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />I had Daniel copy the journal part from the chalkboard wall. He agreed with the words but wouldn't have written all that on his own. I wanted him to journal, talk about our day, copy what I wrote and practice his handwriting. (I got him started with the first few words.) I love to see him journal- it's like a glimpse into his mind...but you have to be there to do it justice.<br /><br />Our computer room is finally looking good (except for my desk) so Daniel can find things that he wants to look at or play with. I'm trying really hard to have him put things back where they belong. He's doing a good job so far.<br /><br />I've been starting some homeschool planning. I know most people are probably all ready to go by now, but we're not most people and we just ended in late July. Anyway, I was so excited to be looking through materials and making a list of goals I'd like to accomplish in each subject. It's really motivating to look at everything and see how so many things are interconnected and to remind myself that "school at home" doesn't work for us...our kind of homeschooling is sort of just something we live. That doesn't mean that I'm not looking for new ideas, though! I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Mason-Companion-Personal-Reflections/dp/1889209023"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a book about the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling</span></a>. Something that jumped out at me was that a child should have<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> something to love, something to do and something to think</span> about every day. I love how simple that is. (I'm sure there is a lot more to the book, but that's just what I took from it yesterday). On our really hard days, if I can help Daniel do those three things, I think we'll at least be on the right track.<br /><br />I thought that I would start practicing that: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about </span> now. Just in life to see what happens and maybe we'll count it towards school, but we'll ease into lessons and officially start in a couple of weeks. The start of school begs for lots of planning, ideas, lists, chore charts, etc. I gave Daniel the "chore" of making sure Dixie's water dish is always full. I took down a special pitcher just for the purpose of getting water from the sink and filling her dish and told him that it's his job. He also fed her today, too. I think he's ready to do this on a regular basis- with supervision, of course. So, that covered the something to love...at least for a start!<br /><br />For something to do, Daniel played with his The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything book and felt, foam and paper pieces to act out the story with. He made the scary pumpkin head this morning and a pair of shoes. We had the other pieces from before. I loved seeing him be creative and jumping right in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313357/" title="8910 2white gloves by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4877313357_5c780857ea_z.jpg" alt="8910 2white gloves" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I put Colton down for a few minutes on the floor in his room with some toys and then went to do something. (I don't remember what.) When I went back to check on him just a few minutes later, he was sleeping!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313365/" title="8910 colton napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4877313365_d2972da7ba_z.jpg" alt="8910 colton napping" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I wanted to go outside and stack wood and thought that would be the perfect time to get Daniel outside, too. It was a beautiful day and we all (Dixie too) enjoyed it. When I heard Colton wake up (on the baby monitor) I went inside to get him and brought him out with a little blanket. I laid him on the blanket in the shade and kept and eye on my three "babies" in between trips to the wood pile. Colton didn't have any toys to play with, so he rolled onto his side and started grabbing handfuls of grass. I took the grass out of his hands, moved him to the center of the blanket and went back to stacking. A little while later, I saw Daniel go over to him. Colton must have gotten a good handful of grass again, brought his hand to his face and let go because he had a face full of it...and Daniel very sweetly and carefully picked it all off. =) Seeing how kind and gentle he was towards his brother made my day. Colton got a little fussy after that, so I asked Daniel to go in the house and get the farm toy from the living room and bring it out for Colton. I wasn't sure he could follow through with it, but he did and he seemed happy that he was bringing his brother a toy.<br /><br />I got to vacuum and do some more straightening up when Colton went down for another nap later on. Then we got ready to leave for the Dentist appointment and I had to wake Colton up. He screamed the entire way to Hartford. It took about 50 minutes to get there. We got there just in time, but had a wait for a few minutes in the waiting area. I let Daniel play with the dog app on my ipod again. I found out they have a 1 child, 1 parent policy. Thankfully they said it was no problem to bring Colton back too. He's 4 months...<span style="font-style: italic;">what was I supposed to do with him?!?! </span><br /><br />The Dentist was super nice and <span style="font-style: italic;">really great</span> with Daniel. He wouldn't sit in the regular chair, so he sat in another, and the dentist chatted with him. He kept repeating, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" over and over and over. I think that's the only thing he said to her although he did respond to her in other ways. He got to pick out a toothbrush, but he wouldn't let her use it. He let me use it just a tiny bit so she could see into his mouth for about 5 seconds. Then the Dentist got out a social story type book that had real photographs and simple sentences about a visit to the dentist. She tried to get him to copy what the kids in the pictures were doing. (Open his mouth.) He got upset with her when she said, "Aaaaaah!" She worked with him and just patiently tried to get to know him a little. We left without getting much done and she wants to see him again in 2 weeks. We'll keep doing that until he's more comfortable and then go every 3 months just so he's more used to it because 6 months is probably too long. They printed out the Trip to the Dentist story for me so now I just have to get some of those plastic sleeves to put it all in. We'll keep talking about going to the Dentist. I'm really happy that the visit went okay and didn't end badly.<br /><br />After the appointment we found a place to nurse Colton, then found our way back to the car and drove all over the city trying to get on 84 <span style="font-weight: bold;">EAST</span>. There was a detour and I'm so bad with directions and stuff and I don't know my way around the city. Finally we made it to Cabela's. I wore Colton and followed Daniel around to all the stuff he wanted to see. He was a happy boy and MUCH more verbal and "with it".<br /><br />Tonight we had dinner, 2 baths and story time before bed. (Steve also read to Daniel while I gave Colton a bath). I'm going to try to do story time downstairs on the couch because I can probably do what with Colton (I did tonight), but I have a hard time doing it in Daniel's room for bedtime and having Colton in Daniel's room at bedtime is NOT calming. So, I read the story and then Steve brought Daniel up to bed. I guess we're making a new bedtime routine.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that Colton screamed the whole way home from Cabela's. Okay, he stopped about 5 minutes away from home...but that's pretty much the whole way. All through late afternoon traffic, construction, everything. Daniel kept smacking his book and saying, "It makes me want to slam on the brakes!!" I'd jump out of my skin just about every time he did that, so when I told him, "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">No!!! Do not smack your book!</span>" he told me, "Stop shouting, Mom". (So calmly and quietly it was almost funny- well, <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> it is. haha!) I told him to stop smacking and I'd stop shouting, which I only did once...the rest of the conversation wasn't shouting. ;) I don't usually yell at him, but Colton was screaming and after telling Daniel probably 10 times to stop smacking, yeah, I yelled it.<br /><br />When we talked this evening about going to the dentist Daniel repeated, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" again. I asked him if going to the Dentist made him want a pacifier and he said yes. I'm not sure if he really meant that, if he meant he wanted comfort or what??! I think he says that phrase -it's a new one- when he's anxious, but I don't know the context of where he got it from. That would give me a clue...which reminds me that lately when I finally understand something Daniel tells me he just looks at me with a tiny smile and says, "the clue button". Um, that's when you know your kid might play too much computer!!<br /><br />Sorry this is so scattered. =) Okay...now to upload those photos and then wind down for bed!! Speaking of beds...Dixie started shredding the dog bed I just bought her. Ugh!! Does she <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to sleep on the floor of her crate?!<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5754588377224281002?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(11326) "Today was a <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span> day. Colton and I woke up when Daniel came into our bed to snuggle. I had my ipod next to me, so I let Daniel look at the dogs application I downloaded yesterday. He snuggled up and we were able to wake up slowly that way. I let him play with it through breakfast and then told him it was time to recharge it (it really was, but it was a good excuse to put it away!). Today he had a Dentist appointment, so I explained what our day was going to be like and then wrote:<br /><br />1. Dentist<br />2. Cabela's<br />3. Computer <br /><br />on the chalkboard wall<br /><br />so he'd know what to expect. I got out Daniel's journal. We discussed our day and ended up with this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313367/" title="8910 journal by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4877313367_e458aef68f_z.jpg" alt="8910 journal" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br />I had Daniel copy the journal part from the chalkboard wall. He agreed with the words but wouldn't have written all that on his own. I wanted him to journal, talk about our day, copy what I wrote and practice his handwriting. (I got him started with the first few words.) I love to see him journal- it's like a glimpse into his mind...but you have to be there to do it justice.<br /><br />Our computer room is finally looking good (except for my desk) so Daniel can find things that he wants to look at or play with. I'm trying really hard to have him put things back where they belong. He's doing a good job so far.<br /><br />I've been starting some homeschool planning. I know most people are probably all ready to go by now, but we're not most people and we just ended in late July. Anyway, I was so excited to be looking through materials and making a list of goals I'd like to accomplish in each subject. It's really motivating to look at everything and see how so many things are interconnected and to remind myself that "school at home" doesn't work for us...our kind of homeschooling is sort of just something we live. That doesn't mean that I'm not looking for new ideas, though! I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Mason-Companion-Personal-Reflections/dp/1889209023"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a book about the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling</span></a>. Something that jumped out at me was that a child should have<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> something to love, something to do and something to think</span> about every day. I love how simple that is. (I'm sure there is a lot more to the book, but that's just what I took from it yesterday). On our really hard days, if I can help Daniel do those three things, I think we'll at least be on the right track.<br /><br />I thought that I would start practicing that: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">something to love, something to do and something to think about </span> now. Just in life to see what happens and maybe we'll count it towards school, but we'll ease into lessons and officially start in a couple of weeks. The start of school begs for lots of planning, ideas, lists, chore charts, etc. I gave Daniel the "chore" of making sure Dixie's water dish is always full. I took down a special pitcher just for the purpose of getting water from the sink and filling her dish and told him that it's his job. He also fed her today, too. I think he's ready to do this on a regular basis- with supervision, of course. So, that covered the something to love...at least for a start!<br /><br />For something to do, Daniel played with his The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything book and felt, foam and paper pieces to act out the story with. He made the scary pumpkin head this morning and a pair of shoes. We had the other pieces from before. I loved seeing him be creative and jumping right in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313357/" title="8910 2white gloves by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4877313357_5c780857ea_z.jpg" alt="8910 2white gloves" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I put Colton down for a few minutes on the floor in his room with some toys and then went to do something. (I don't remember what.) When I went back to check on him just a few minutes later, he was sleeping!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4877313365/" title="8910 colton napping by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4877313365_d2972da7ba_z.jpg" alt="8910 colton napping" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I wanted to go outside and stack wood and thought that would be the perfect time to get Daniel outside, too. It was a beautiful day and we all (Dixie too) enjoyed it. When I heard Colton wake up (on the baby monitor) I went inside to get him and brought him out with a little blanket. I laid him on the blanket in the shade and kept and eye on my three "babies" in between trips to the wood pile. Colton didn't have any toys to play with, so he rolled onto his side and started grabbing handfuls of grass. I took the grass out of his hands, moved him to the center of the blanket and went back to stacking. A little while later, I saw Daniel go over to him. Colton must have gotten a good handful of grass again, brought his hand to his face and let go because he had a face full of it...and Daniel very sweetly and carefully picked it all off. =) Seeing how kind and gentle he was towards his brother made my day. Colton got a little fussy after that, so I asked Daniel to go in the house and get the farm toy from the living room and bring it out for Colton. I wasn't sure he could follow through with it, but he did and he seemed happy that he was bringing his brother a toy.<br /><br />I got to vacuum and do some more straightening up when Colton went down for another nap later on. Then we got ready to leave for the Dentist appointment and I had to wake Colton up. He screamed the entire way to Hartford. It took about 50 minutes to get there. We got there just in time, but had a wait for a few minutes in the waiting area. I let Daniel play with the dog app on my ipod again. I found out they have a 1 child, 1 parent policy. Thankfully they said it was no problem to bring Colton back too. He's 4 months...<span style="font-style: italic;">what was I supposed to do with him?!?! </span><br /><br />The Dentist was super nice and <span style="font-style: italic;">really great</span> with Daniel. He wouldn't sit in the regular chair, so he sat in another, and the dentist chatted with him. He kept repeating, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" over and over and over. I think that's the only thing he said to her although he did respond to her in other ways. He got to pick out a toothbrush, but he wouldn't let her use it. He let me use it just a tiny bit so she could see into his mouth for about 5 seconds. Then the Dentist got out a social story type book that had real photographs and simple sentences about a visit to the dentist. She tried to get him to copy what the kids in the pictures were doing. (Open his mouth.) He got upset with her when she said, "Aaaaaah!" She worked with him and just patiently tried to get to know him a little. We left without getting much done and she wants to see him again in 2 weeks. We'll keep doing that until he's more comfortable and then go every 3 months just so he's more used to it because 6 months is probably too long. They printed out the Trip to the Dentist story for me so now I just have to get some of those plastic sleeves to put it all in. We'll keep talking about going to the Dentist. I'm really happy that the visit went okay and didn't end badly.<br /><br />After the appointment we found a place to nurse Colton, then found our way back to the car and drove all over the city trying to get on 84 <span style="font-weight: bold;">EAST</span>. There was a detour and I'm so bad with directions and stuff and I don't know my way around the city. Finally we made it to Cabela's. I wore Colton and followed Daniel around to all the stuff he wanted to see. He was a happy boy and MUCH more verbal and "with it".<br /><br />Tonight we had dinner, 2 baths and story time before bed. (Steve also read to Daniel while I gave Colton a bath). I'm going to try to do story time downstairs on the couch because I can probably do what with Colton (I did tonight), but I have a hard time doing it in Daniel's room for bedtime and having Colton in Daniel's room at bedtime is NOT calming. So, I read the story and then Steve brought Daniel up to bed. I guess we're making a new bedtime routine.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that Colton screamed the whole way home from Cabela's. Okay, he stopped about 5 minutes away from home...but that's pretty much the whole way. All through late afternoon traffic, construction, everything. Daniel kept smacking his book and saying, "It makes me want to slam on the brakes!!" I'd jump out of my skin just about every time he did that, so when I told him, "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">No!!! Do not smack your book!</span>" he told me, "Stop shouting, Mom". (So calmly and quietly it was almost funny- well, <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> it is. haha!) I told him to stop smacking and I'd stop shouting, which I only did once...the rest of the conversation wasn't shouting. ;) I don't usually yell at him, but Colton was screaming and after telling Daniel probably 10 times to stop smacking, yeah, I yelled it.<br /><br />When we talked this evening about going to the dentist Daniel repeated, "Just a pacifier we're gonna buy" again. I asked him if going to the Dentist made him want a pacifier and he said yes. I'm not sure if he really meant that, if he meant he wanted comfort or what??! I think he says that phrase -it's a new one- when he's anxious, but I don't know the context of where he got it from. That would give me a clue...which reminds me that lately when I finally understand something Daniel tells me he just looks at me with a tiny smile and says, "the clue button". Um, that's when you know your kid might play too much computer!!<br /><br />Sorry this is so scattered. =) Okay...now to upload those photos and then wind down for bed!! Speaking of beds...Dixie started shredding the dog bed I just bought her. Ugh!! Does she <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to sleep on the floor of her crate?!<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5754588377224281002?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "morningsHis Fingerprintsfaith"
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string(19) "His fingerprints..."
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string(1132) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4872535334/" title="8910 his fingerprint by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4872535334_87e8678616_z.jpg" alt="8910 his fingerprint" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints">previous fingerprints</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6243310069765177269?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1132) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4872535334/" title="8910 his fingerprint by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4872535334_87e8678616_z.jpg" alt="8910 his fingerprint" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints">previous fingerprints</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6243310069765177269?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2506) "We went to the local 4H Fair yesterday. It was the perfect day- sunny, 65 degrees, light breeze. Perfect! I didn't bring my camera, so I just have this picture Ellie took of us. It was nice that Colton napped for awhile in his stroller and then I wore him in the sling after that. Poor little guy hated that sun hat! He also got really scared when a horse whinnied about 2 feet away from his face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4871809069/" title="8810 4hfair by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4871809069_8f40263f53_z.jpg" alt="8810 4hfair" width="600" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />It was nice seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">kids</span> present their animals and projects and things. I went to a Vo-Ag high school. <span style="font-style: italic;">Why</span> didn't I know there were things like this out there back then??! I guess everything was all about the FFA and I didn't care about that... Anyway, Daniel really enjoyed himself. He liked the dogs the best. He's been into dog breeds lately. I got him some dog 4D puzzles for his birthday. (I think that's what they're called?!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s1600/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s400/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503084526169622626" border="0" /></a>The puzzles were kind of hard, but he liked watching me do them and them playing with them. I got them from Mindware.com if anybody cares. They have a lot of educational games and toys.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4683949196353962344?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2506) "We went to the local 4H Fair yesterday. It was the perfect day- sunny, 65 degrees, light breeze. Perfect! I didn't bring my camera, so I just have this picture Ellie took of us. It was nice that Colton napped for awhile in his stroller and then I wore him in the sling after that. Poor little guy hated that sun hat! He also got really scared when a horse whinnied about 2 feet away from his face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4871809069/" title="8810 4hfair by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4871809069_8f40263f53_z.jpg" alt="8810 4hfair" width="600" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />It was nice seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">kids</span> present their animals and projects and things. I went to a Vo-Ag high school. <span style="font-style: italic;">Why</span> didn't I know there were things like this out there back then??! I guess everything was all about the FFA and I didn't care about that... Anyway, Daniel really enjoyed himself. He liked the dogs the best. He's been into dog breeds lately. I got him some dog 4D puzzles for his birthday. (I think that's what they're called?!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s1600/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5MzJVw6JVG4/TF7iOE9KCGI/AAAAAAAAL7w/-Gc6aq1_o6g/s400/4d+dog+puzzles+8810.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503084526169622626" border="0" /></a>The puzzles were kind of hard, but he liked watching me do them and them playing with them. I got them from Mindware.com if anybody cares. They have a lot of educational games and toys.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4683949196353962344?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(21) "His Fingerprintsfaith"
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string(2029) "I've been seeing <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints"><span style="font-weight: bold;">His fingerprints</span></a> all over the place lately. Drops in the bottom of a glass, condensation, a shadow on the playground, wet spot on Colton's blanket, squirt of lotion, etc.<br /><br />Most of the time I don't have my camera around and I carry around the memory like a precious little secret...but sometimes I still manage to capture the "fingerprints" before they disappear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804233/" title="61010 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4865804233_81076f4615_z.jpg" alt="61010 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804271/" title="8510 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4865804271_cdc9701100_z.jpg" alt="8510 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I thought of this verse while I looked at these images this morning:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."<br /></span> Joshua 1:9<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6281103839656500570?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(2029) "I've been seeing <a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/search/label/His%20Fingerprints"><span style="font-weight: bold;">His fingerprints</span></a> all over the place lately. Drops in the bottom of a glass, condensation, a shadow on the playground, wet spot on Colton's blanket, squirt of lotion, etc.<br /><br />Most of the time I don't have my camera around and I carry around the memory like a precious little secret...but sometimes I still manage to capture the "fingerprints" before they disappear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804233/" title="61010 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4865804233_81076f4615_z.jpg" alt="61010 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4865804271/" title="8510 his fingerprints by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4865804271_cdc9701100_z.jpg" alt="8510 his fingerprints" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I thought of this verse while I looked at these images this morning:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."<br /></span> Joshua 1:9<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6281103839656500570?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(871) "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4866417464/" title="8610 clifford by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4866417464_787c5beaa6_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="8610 clifford" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-2399533623935031935?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:02:00 +0000"
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string(29) "2010-08-05T12:09:26.177-04:00"
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string(35) "big brotherTo Danielbirthdayholiday"
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string(15) "happy birthday!"
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string(1243) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4862963589/" title="8510 birthday boy by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4862963589_f5e7140138_z.jpg" alt="8510 birthday boy" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2008/03/early-memories-video.html">Seven years</a></span>, Daniel! I can't believe my boy is 7!! I love you so much! I hope you have a happy happy day. You can open the rest of your presents when Daddy gets home. =)<br /><br />Love,<br />Mom<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6708474188843886719?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1243) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4862963589/" title="8510 birthday boy by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4862963589_f5e7140138_z.jpg" alt="8510 birthday boy" width="402" height="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/2008/03/early-memories-video.html">Seven years</a></span>, Daniel! I can't believe my boy is 7!! I love you so much! I hope you have a happy happy day. You can open the rest of your presents when Daddy gets home. =)<br /><br />Love,<br />Mom<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-6708474188843886719?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(31) "Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:02:00 +0000"
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string(11) "we're back!"
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string(1561) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4859822353/" title="8410 pony rides by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4859822353_ec7fa9da0f_z.jpg" alt="8410 pony rides" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We're home!<br />It was nice to be away...<br />but it's great to be home.<br />We're settling in to<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> normal.<br /><br />I have<br />bills to pay<br />laundry to do<br />food to buy<br />errands to run<br />clutter to get rid of<br />a bed to move downstairs...<br />and a dog who <span style="font-style: italic;">ate</span> 2 diapers today.<br /><br />I'm trying not to be burned out.<br />home sweet home.<br /><br />Oh, and I hope to be back online soon. I've missed you!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(The pony rides are always a highlight of Daniel's year!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1969593477738538259?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1561) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4859822353/" title="8410 pony rides by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4859822353_ec7fa9da0f_z.jpg" alt="8410 pony rides" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We're home!<br />It was nice to be away...<br />but it's great to be home.<br />We're settling in to<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> normal.<br /><br />I have<br />bills to pay<br />laundry to do<br />food to buy<br />errands to run<br />clutter to get rid of<br />a bed to move downstairs...<br />and a dog who <span style="font-style: italic;">ate</span> 2 diapers today.<br /><br />I'm trying not to be burned out.<br />home sweet home.<br /><br />Oh, and I hope to be back online soon. I've missed you!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(The pony rides are always a highlight of Daniel's year!)</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-1969593477738538259?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(29) "2010-07-27T20:45:36.454-04:00"
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string(14) "Coltonmornings"
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string(21) "morning and afternoon"
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string(1210) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4835690047/" title="72710 morning by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4835690047_ea42a47331_z.jpg" alt="72710 morning" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836300684/" title="72710 colton saucer by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4836300684_a5e6495818_z.jpg" alt="72710 colton saucer" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-9021085180233273224?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(1210) "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4835690047/" title="72710 morning by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4835690047_ea42a47331_z.jpg" alt="72710 morning" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836300684/" title="72710 colton saucer by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4836300684_a5e6495818_z.jpg" alt="72710 colton saucer" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-9021085180233273224?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(79) "big brothertaking turnssharingEngaging Autismregression365screen timeproject365"
["title"]=>
string(10) "must write"
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string(6134) "I feel very detached! I haven't been on my computer much, by I check my email and stuff in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span>. Some of you have left some really helpful comments recently and I haven't had the chance to respond.<br /><br />I decided to officially end my 365project for this year. I was going to try to catch up and do a post titled something like A Month In Pictures, but just sounded like too much work and this is supposed to be fun, right?! I'm disappointed to end it again, right around the time I did last year, but it's becoming one more thing to have to do. I guess I just want no obligation to do it. :)<br /><br />Things have been hard lately and I don't feel at liberty to let it all out there, so I won't be saying too much. It's nothing to get all scared about or anything, but we've definitely hit a rough patch in the road. It's also a Full Moon week.<br /><br />Daniel is about to lose his first tooth. I was worried when the new one came in like a shark tooth, but the little tooth is being pushed forward and getting really wiggly. It's not as obvious in the picture, but it really sticks out in front.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836253312/" title="72610 shark tooth by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4836253312_4466c0a209_o.jpg" alt="72610 shark tooth" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am continuing to clear out clutter and things are starting to feel better. Steve just reminded me not to fill the trash can at the beginning of the week! (So I won't go too crazy throwing more out just yet!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colton</span> is starting to take an interest in toys. He really watches when Daniel is playing with something. Today Daniel nicely demonstrated using a shape sorter. Yesterday he didn't want me to play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Colton</span> and his (Daniel's) Winnie-the-Pooh. And when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colton</span> was mouthing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MegaBlocks</span> cow, Daniel was mildly upset that "it's getting all wet!!" We're working on sharing and manners and if Daniel doesn't like how someone is doing something he can go do something else (rather than try to make them stop).<br /><br />Daniel has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">extraordinarily</span> rigid in trying to control his environment lately. I know this is part of Autism, but he has taken it to a level I haven't seen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">him</span> before. Things aren't all down, though. Daniel played nicely all morning and part of the afternoon without the computer!!!! I have been trying very hard to limit his screen time...which may be part of the problem?? (Although he gets lost in his own world on the computer for too long so I hope this withdrawal period pays off). The house gets trashed every day and it's driving us all crazy, but he's PLAYING and READING.<br /><br />Speech seems to come and go these days. Over the weekend I felt like Daniel responded to me about 20% of the time. To me, that is scary. I hate it when he regresses to the point of not being able to even answer yes or no most if the time. He's been very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">up and</span> down.<br /><br />Last night Daniel was playing with his box of animals in the basement. He had them all dumped on the floor and he was taking them one by one and doing a little visual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stim</span> with them. I told him that it was time to clean up and get ready for bed. He started to throw the animals in the box...one at a time, doing his little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stimmy</span> thing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">with</span> each one. It would have taken so long for him to do it that way, so I grabbed a handful and told him I would help. He held my wrist and wouldn't let me put the toys away...but he wouldn't talk to me. After several attempts to prompt him or get him to say something to me, I remembered something I read in Engaging Autism. (I'd find the page number and post a link if I wasn't in bed, poking at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ipod</span> to type this all out!!) Anyway, I let Daniel go back to doing his thing and then did some different things like playfully blocking his hand so he couldn't put the toys away, tossing an easily spotted animal back out onto the floor when he wasn't looking, holding my hand over an animal until he asked for it or telling him it was my turn, his turn, my turn, his turn, etc. He was okay with all of it and by the end of our exchange, the toys were put away, we were both laughing and giggling together and the connection I had been craving all day was back.<br /><br />I am trying to stay positive and remember that he always takes some steps back before overcoming the next big hurdle. It's just difficult and scary when the downward slide lasts for weeks.<br /><br />Goodnight!<br /><br />- Posted using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BlogPress</span> from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">iPod</span> Touch<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5416597771977658544?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(6134) "I feel very detached! I haven't been on my computer much, by I check my email and stuff in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span>. Some of you have left some really helpful comments recently and I haven't had the chance to respond.<br /><br />I decided to officially end my 365project for this year. I was going to try to catch up and do a post titled something like A Month In Pictures, but just sounded like too much work and this is supposed to be fun, right?! I'm disappointed to end it again, right around the time I did last year, but it's becoming one more thing to have to do. I guess I just want no obligation to do it. :)<br /><br />Things have been hard lately and I don't feel at liberty to let it all out there, so I won't be saying too much. It's nothing to get all scared about or anything, but we've definitely hit a rough patch in the road. It's also a Full Moon week.<br /><br />Daniel is about to lose his first tooth. I was worried when the new one came in like a shark tooth, but the little tooth is being pushed forward and getting really wiggly. It's not as obvious in the picture, but it really sticks out in front.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4836253312/" title="72610 shark tooth by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4836253312_4466c0a209_o.jpg" alt="72610 shark tooth" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I am continuing to clear out clutter and things are starting to feel better. Steve just reminded me not to fill the trash can at the beginning of the week! (So I won't go too crazy throwing more out just yet!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colton</span> is starting to take an interest in toys. He really watches when Daniel is playing with something. Today Daniel nicely demonstrated using a shape sorter. Yesterday he didn't want me to play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Colton</span> and his (Daniel's) Winnie-the-Pooh. And when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colton</span> was mouthing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MegaBlocks</span> cow, Daniel was mildly upset that "it's getting all wet!!" We're working on sharing and manners and if Daniel doesn't like how someone is doing something he can go do something else (rather than try to make them stop).<br /><br />Daniel has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">extraordinarily</span> rigid in trying to control his environment lately. I know this is part of Autism, but he has taken it to a level I haven't seen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">him</span> before. Things aren't all down, though. Daniel played nicely all morning and part of the afternoon without the computer!!!! I have been trying very hard to limit his screen time...which may be part of the problem?? (Although he gets lost in his own world on the computer for too long so I hope this withdrawal period pays off). The house gets trashed every day and it's driving us all crazy, but he's PLAYING and READING.<br /><br />Speech seems to come and go these days. Over the weekend I felt like Daniel responded to me about 20% of the time. To me, that is scary. I hate it when he regresses to the point of not being able to even answer yes or no most if the time. He's been very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">up and</span> down.<br /><br />Last night Daniel was playing with his box of animals in the basement. He had them all dumped on the floor and he was taking them one by one and doing a little visual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stim</span> with them. I told him that it was time to clean up and get ready for bed. He started to throw the animals in the box...one at a time, doing his little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stimmy</span> thing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">with</span> each one. It would have taken so long for him to do it that way, so I grabbed a handful and told him I would help. He held my wrist and wouldn't let me put the toys away...but he wouldn't talk to me. After several attempts to prompt him or get him to say something to me, I remembered something I read in Engaging Autism. (I'd find the page number and post a link if I wasn't in bed, poking at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ipod</span> to type this all out!!) Anyway, I let Daniel go back to doing his thing and then did some different things like playfully blocking his hand so he couldn't put the toys away, tossing an easily spotted animal back out onto the floor when he wasn't looking, holding my hand over an animal until he asked for it or telling him it was my turn, his turn, my turn, his turn, etc. He was okay with all of it and by the end of our exchange, the toys were put away, we were both laughing and giggling together and the connection I had been craving all day was back.<br /><br />I am trying to stay positive and remember that he always takes some steps back before overcoming the next big hurdle. It's just difficult and scary when the downward slide lasts for weeks.<br /><br />Goodnight!<br /><br />- Posted using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BlogPress</span> from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">iPod</span> Touch<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5416597771977658544?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3140) "Daniel's grammy gave us some packages of Model Magic recently. While I was trying to figure out where to put them I thought <span style="font-style: italic;">hello?! Why not open it and use it??! </span><br /><br />Daniel's OT has been working on different fine motor and hand strength activities. She wants to help Daniel improve his dexterity, so doing things like playing with Model Magic will actually help him be able to do buttons and snaps and things. He knows how to do it, but he usually can't quite get it.<br /><br />Daniel struggles with tactile defensiveness and pretty much hates playdoh. Usually. But Model Magic feels dry. It's not wet, cold, sticky, slimy, etc. We started out squeezing the stuff and then rolling it into balls. I knew I'd lose him if I left the activity up to him. Daniel has been into dolphins and whales and I remember making a little clay dolphin when I was about his age, so I made one for him with the Model Magic.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815612842/" title="72110 model magic dolphin by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4815612842_47b0072616_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic dolphin" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />He loved it and then decided to change the dolphin into a humpback whale, a blue whale, a sperm whale, a right whale, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815025659/" title="72110 playing with model magic by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4815025659_6bdf742bf9_z.jpg" alt="72110 playing with model magic" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648332/" title="72110 whale pieces by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4815648332_8a080d0600_z.jpg" alt="72110 whale pieces" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I think this was the blue whale...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648216/" title="72110 model magic whale by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4815648216_01da4042be_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic whale" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I am reminded once again that if I can tie in his interests with the activities I'd like him to do, he's so much more into it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4741772033394963043?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3140) "Daniel's grammy gave us some packages of Model Magic recently. While I was trying to figure out where to put them I thought <span style="font-style: italic;">hello?! Why not open it and use it??! </span><br /><br />Daniel's OT has been working on different fine motor and hand strength activities. She wants to help Daniel improve his dexterity, so doing things like playing with Model Magic will actually help him be able to do buttons and snaps and things. He knows how to do it, but he usually can't quite get it.<br /><br />Daniel struggles with tactile defensiveness and pretty much hates playdoh. Usually. But Model Magic feels dry. It's not wet, cold, sticky, slimy, etc. We started out squeezing the stuff and then rolling it into balls. I knew I'd lose him if I left the activity up to him. Daniel has been into dolphins and whales and I remember making a little clay dolphin when I was about his age, so I made one for him with the Model Magic.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815612842/" title="72110 model magic dolphin by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4815612842_47b0072616_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic dolphin" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />He loved it and then decided to change the dolphin into a humpback whale, a blue whale, a sperm whale, a right whale, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815025659/" title="72110 playing with model magic by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4815025659_6bdf742bf9_z.jpg" alt="72110 playing with model magic" width="402" height="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648332/" title="72110 whale pieces by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4815648332_8a080d0600_z.jpg" alt="72110 whale pieces" width="600" height="402" /></a><br /></div><br />I think this was the blue whale...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monstiesmom/4815648216/" title="72110 model magic whale by monstiesmom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4815648216_01da4042be_z.jpg" alt="72110 model magic whale" width="600" height="402" /></a></div><br />I am reminded once again that if I can tie in his interests with the activities I'd like him to do, he's so much more into it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-4741772033394963043?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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string(3472) "Our main computer won't go on the Internet anymore, so between that and having trouble with the USB hub (Steve did order a new one) I'm stuck on my iPod and can't easily share pictures. We will try to figure something out. I haven't been online nearly as much as I used to be. I feel like I just don't have the time and I am taking/making the time to really enjoy my baby! He's growing so fast and I want to cherish every minute of his babyhood. <br /><br />Daniel is back to coming straight to our bed when he wakes up in the morning...but he's not coming to snuggle with me, oh no!, he wants to snuggle with Colton! (that pretty much means he wakes him up...which is okay after 7) and I love to watch the two of them together.<br /><br />Daniel's top tooth is really wiggly. He's fine with the whole loose tooth thing. That was something I worried about. We have another dentist appointment tomorrow. I am really hoping that Daniel allows the dentist to brush his teeth this time!!! (please?!)<br /><br />I've been going through some stuff. Most of it I can't write about. I've been thinking of something someone told me one time- that Jesus is closest to us when things are hard. I just need to reach out for his help. I've been seeing how true that is and that when I trust that he'll guide me through he always does. It's when I barge ahead in my own strength and with my own ideas that I get lost. I can't upload any pictures right now, but if I could, I'd show you the "fingerprint" I found while sweeping the other day. The significance of that is that I find most of these things in ugly places. In a dirt pile, dust, mulch, hair I've swept from the floor, etc. Most of them don't even make pretty pictures- but I'll take those pictures if I can. (If you've never read about these "fingerprints" before, click on the His Fingerprints link in my label cloud in the sidebar for past posts.)<br /><br />I've been struggling to take things in the right way- to seek God during the day because it's the only place to go for real help and comfort. I feel like I'm going through something and I need to do it by myself. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to learn from it, but I'm sure that it's right. I feel like I'm being forced to go it "alone" and to find fellowship with Jesus in this rather than with friends. I was thinking about all this while I ate my breakfast. "I feel so lonely", I thought as I bit into the strawberry....and there in the center of that strawberry was another perfect heart- one of God's "fingerprints"- a visual reminder that He is with me always. I read Luke 18:1 tonight about "...that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." I guess it probably means more to me than to you, but I wanted to get it down...<br /><br />goodnight.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29278482-5343568039584851656?l=danielsprogress.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare">
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