My little Liam turns three on Tuesday. I don't have an idea where the time went. Without being too dramatic, I will say that having him as a part of my family makes me proud everyday. Liam is funny, kind, patient, curious, and always full of energy. I love him for being such a wonderful and understanding brother to Jackson (most the time) when he could so easily not be.

He just happens to be born a few days after the anniversary of September 11th, which makes me think each year. I feel so grateful to be a part of this crazy country. It has allowed my family and I the freedom to make choices and have options, when many other countries do not. I love to celebrate special occasions, like Liam's birthday, for just that reason. And for me, the opportunity to plan a fun day with friends is a blessing and privilege.




gimme kiss...

Autism Awareness Month

Thank you stark.raving.mad.mommy for this hilarious post in honor of Autism Awareness Month...I am pretty sure I have heard just about every one of these comments.


If you're the parent or caregiver of a child on the autism spectrum, Autism Awareness Month is not for you. You are already aware of autism. Like, really, really aware. Aware that you need another cup of coffee, a Xanax, and possibly an advanced degee in Education Law.

Autism Awareness Month is for everyone else. To help out, here's my Top Ten Things You Should (and Shouldn't) Say to The Parent of an Autistic Child.

10. DON'T SAY: "Wow, your son is great at math. He's just like Rain Man."

DO SAY: "Wow, your son is great at math."


9. DON'T SAY: "He should probably be in a special class, so other kids won't make fun of him."

DO SAY: "We should probably be teaching our children more empathy."


8. DON'T SAY: "You should try giving your kid more discipline."

DO SAY: "You should try these brownies I made for you."


7. DON'T SAY: "Wow, your kids all seem to have a lot of problems. Have you ever heard of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome?"

DO SAY: "Wow, you're really on top of things for your kids. It must be hard, but it seems like you're doing a great job."


6. DON'T SAY: "You should change your child to an astronomically expensive, all-organic, gluten-free, casein-free diet of locally-grown organic broccoli and imported, cruelty-free snake oil capsules."

DO SAY: "Please sit down and rest while I make you some bacon-topped meatloaf and pour you a glass of wine."


5. DON'T SAY: "I think autism is over-diagnosed these days. They're handing that label out like Mardi Gras beads."

DO SAY: "I am alarmed by studies that show that autism spectrum disorders are actually under-diagnosed in girls and minorities. Excuse me while I e-mail my legislator about my desire that he or she increase the fundng for autism research and education."


4. DON'T SAY: "Isn't he getting a little big for diapers?"

DO SAY: "Here, I picked up this case of diapers and some extra Febreze for you while I was at the store."


3. DON'T SAY: "I wish my kid was getting free extra help in school like that."

DO SAY: "I wish I had remembered to mention to my legislator my desire that he or she stop slashing the budget for special eduation services like they're freaking Zorro or something. Excuse me while I go send another email."


2. DON'T SAY: "You look exhausted."

DO SAY: "How about if I play Lego Star Wars with your kids for the next four hours while you take a nap?"


1. DON'T SAY: "He's fine / it's no big deal / he'll grow out of it / all kids are like that."

DO SAY: "It's so great that you got the diagnosis, even though he's obviously awesomesauce exactly the way he is."

1.1.11

So many ones!

This is supposed to be the day where everyone takes time to reflect on the past year and finally change their lives in various forms for the better. My thoughts are...really, you only get this one day? On previous New Year Day's I was stressed to find that magical thing to enhance my life. This year I realized that the whole idea behind resolutions is that you plan to evolve as a person. And let me tell you, I can evolve.

The last decade through some major curve-balls my way, both good and bad (of course). Somehow I evolved, revolved, contorted, shifted, changed and rode the current. That's all it is I guess.

So....my advice (if you want it), is to think twice before you resolve to spend 365 days cooking Julia Child masterpieces. It's a little extreme. Just remind yourself that you have the opportunity to make changes in your life everyday. Regardless of how scary it may sound, things happen and plans change. Deal.

With that, I hope that this year brings all the health and happiness you can stand. Cheers!