A few things

I wanted to give an update on Reilly and his speaking. Reilly is 2 years 6 months old. He has a few words and many many sounds. His words are as follows:

-- MMKK = Milk

-- Taada = Sucker

-- Ch = Chips

-- No = No ;-)

-- Ouch = Ouch

-- Awo = Hello

-- Eeee = Squeeze

Those are all his sweet words. He uses them appropriately and not as often as I'd like. His main communication style is to take my hand and lead me to what he wants, which is wonderful. Any form of communication is good communication. I took pictures of all the food he enjoys and taped them to my oven door. When he wants something, we walk over there and work with him to point at something and say the word. For those of you familiar with the PECS system, it is just the same only with real pictures. It's started to help reduce his screaming, which Braedon and I are very thankful for.

I love my little Reilly. I love his wild spirit, adventurous soul, and curiosity in life. I look forward to the day he can tell me all about his world. It still shocks me when Braedon uses more than one word to communicate with me.

I think that is one thing, being the mother of two special sons with autism, I would like more of. I love to hear stories of things my nephews and nieces are saying and I love to talk with my kids in nursery, but I also would like that with my sons. I'm confident that one day I can have a long conversation with Braedon. I'm hopeful to do the same with Reilly. I probably spend most of my day trying to learn how to communicate with my boys in a way that reduces frustration and fosters development and growth. It is an awesome and very exhausting job.

On a different note, we had my mom for a visit this past weekend. My boys love their Nanny. She is the best ever! They each have a special relationship with her. Reilly especially seems to be able to communicate with her by stomping his feet and running into her. I know she is going through a lot right now. My dad is such a moron. Luckily, she is by far the strongest person I know. I know she will appreciate this, but I think she gets that from her mother. Although she was closer to her father, I think her inner strength to push forward when things are tough comes from her mother.