What's been going on here

Last Friday little Bronson and I went to the hospital for him to have his adenoids taken out, with the possibility of tubes being put in his ears.  My sister Cheryl was so gracious and came over the night before to spend the night so she could be there with Brock the next morning...as Bronson's surgery was SUPER early.  I waited in the waiting room and the Dr. came in and said, "I really feel I need to take his tonsils out as well.  They are really huge."  (Basically this means a routine 30 min surgery, and out of there in an hour turns into 4 hours recovery and 7 days recovery at home). 

(my sleepy bear)

Bronson did beautifully when he came out of surgery.  I was nervous b/c after his tear duct probe in November he went ballistic when he came out of surgery.  But this time, they let me be right there as he was opening his eyes, and he didn't cry once.  He just remained extremely sleepy.  We finally left the hospital, and went home to take it easy.  He's been recovering pretty good.  The last couple of days though, I had to give him the stronger pain medication, b/c he's in so much pain. :-/  Hopefully he will be on the upward slope soon.

(on our way home after surgery)

Brock has been having fun with Mommy-son days, and Daddy-son days, as he can only go out with us by himself since Bronson has to remain at the house.  On Saturday I took Brock to go see Yogi Bear at the theater.  He had fun!  Then we went to the library to pick out some "movie-time" movies, books, and music.  On Sunday Brock went with Brian to run some errands and to play at the Y.  Today I got to go to my zumba class while Brock played at the Y. (Brian stayed with Bronson), and then Brock got a kid hot chocolate from Starbucks.  So he knows that we can't do a lot with Bronson, but he's having some fun one-on-one time. 

Signing off for now!

"Autism" and where we go from here

Most know, but our little Bronson as been involved in the program called First Steps for the past year.  We first signed him up for this because he wasn't walking at the time.  After we began therapy, we noticed other things that weren't quite where they needed to be developmentaly in speech and cognition.  He also was and is very sensitive sensory-wise.  He's been in speech, physical, and occupational therapy.  This is a wonderful service offered by the state of Missouri, and I encourage all parents, even if you are a little hesitant or wondering about your child's development....get them screened.  It's free of charge for the screening and they will let you know if your child could use services or not.  Early intervention is key.  Bronson has come leaps and bounds compared to when we first started and I know he will continue to.

This past week we took Bronson to his pediatric neurologist.  It turns out that he is on the autistic spectrum, but  in the middle with what is called..."PDD"-Pervasive Developmental Disorder.  This is not full blown classic autism, but has characteristics that an autistic child has, and therefore still on the spectrum.  Autism is such a BROAD range.  I really had no idea, and I will continue to learn.  I'm going to be attending a program called "Touch Point" with Bronson in February that will teach us how to interact better with Bronson and help both of us communicate better and work through things that "set him off".  If you go to the link below, click on "Olivia's Story" and it will give a great example of a little girl similar to Bronson (aside from biting), and how the program has helped them.
http://www.touchpointautism.org/

I'm so thankful that Bronson is a happy child.  He laughs, gives hugs and kisses, etc....I am SO THANKFUL for this.  We continue to count our blessings, because as with everything....things could be way worse.  We are getting him help early, and I believe that will help him reach his fullest potential.  Again, I encourage parents....don't ignore "feelings" or "possible worries or signs"....early intervention is KEY.  I'm really glad Brian and I didn't push away our thoughts....or said, "maybe he'll grow out of it", but rather sought out help, and got it.  Deep down our feelings and thoughts were right.  You might be right about your child.  You are your child's biggest advocate. 

It has been an emotional ride, but we have learned to take one day at a time.  That's what the Bible says anyways!  "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself".  Thank you to all our friends and family for your encouragement and help.  It has meant the world to us.  We love you.  And thank you for loving Bronson.