The Big Four

There are lots of pictures from Connor's birthday this weekend - just as there was lots of cake and food and presents and balloons! But these two are my favorite, because it shows my two similar personalities clashing a bit.



Here is Xander checking out Connor's new Handy Manny tool box (just as he's checked out every single other present - the boat and truck and trailer, the wrecker truck, the medical bag set, etc.).

And here is Connor, having carried said toolbox all the way across the room and hiding with it behind a stash of older toys. He can and does share, just not the "new" ones! He wants to take them all into his room at night, so brothers can't get them. He's sleeping with about half of them right now. Ah, brotherly love . . .

Photo Flashback

The first born, taking over from the beginning (that would be Mommy's bed he's sprawled across, instead of his hospital bassinet). (November 08, 2004)

Connor's World

Just in case you were wondering how the big brother was making out this week, I think it's safe to say all is well. Grandma sent us these pictures from his adventures.



Riding the big boy race cars all by himself.



Crashing on the couch after a hard day's play.



Finishing each day with a good swim.

Yes, he's definitely living the good life. He's going to be extremely disappointed to be coming home this weekend.

Life is a Journey

"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved that quote. My father-in-law finds it humorous, since I have never yet managed to make it all the way through the book from which it comes (and probably never will, as I've tried several times and just don't enjoy it).

But it speaks to me. It says that there isn't one right path that must be followed, that you can take detours and find your own way. You don't have to be the person everyone wants or expects you to be, you can just be who you are meant to be. Life is about the journey, not about where you go or how quickly you get there. And that seems appropriate . . .

The short answer is yes, Sawyer received his clinical diagnosis for autism yesterday. He is, indeed, quirky and cool. We will get a more detailed report, with recommendations about therapies and such, in a few days.

But those are just the details.

Life is really about the journey, and the journey is his to take. If he wants to wander, to stop and watch the leaves blow or watch the light dance in shadows, then that's what he'll do. We'll help to guide and push him where he wants and needs it, but really, we're just along for the ride . . .

Three Kids, Three Places

For the first time ever, all three of our kids are in different places at different times. Connor is in the mountains with Grandma and Grandpa (my parents), Xander is spending the night with Grammy and Pappy (Josh's parents), and Sawyer is at home with us.

Connor is simply on an extended vacation that happened to occur this week. If you read the blog about his phone call, then you know I'm pretty sure he's having the time of his life. Race cars, golf, fast food, and undivided attention will do that for a three-year old.

Xander is off with Grammy and Pappy, who were nice enough to take him for a few days to help us out. He's getting lots of one-on-one attention tonight and will probably spend most of tomorrow running errands and visiting people with Pappy.

And Sawyer gets to spend the day with Mommy. You see, tomorrow is the big day - the day we find out just how quirky and cool he might be. We leave bright and early in the morning to drive to the statewide center for his clinical evaluation. We're told to plan for at least two hours, perhaps the entire day. There will be eight different doctors present at various times during the evaluation. Sounds really fun, I know, especially for a child who doesn't like strange people, strange places, or changes in his routine.

At the very least, it should give us some answers and some direction in how to move forward. It will help us decide which therapies he might or might not need right now, how to handle the upcoming transition into preschool, and other every day things.

What it will not do, is change any part of who he is or how much he is loved. Nothing ever could.