January 5

Happy New Year everyone!

We've had a pretty great 2013, and are looking forward to all that 2014 will bring us and our boys. The biggest blessing is that Luke has been officially weaned off all anti-seizure medication (he's been on them since he was 9 months old, but with no increase in dosage since he was 3.5 years old). It was explained to me by the Swingle Clinic that unfortunately the medications dull down the area of the brain that deals with cognitive abilities, so we were promised an increase in Luke's capabilities now that he's free from chemical interference. And it's happened. This fall he has improved to such a point that he's doing some independent work at school, is more studious than ever, and is learning academics at a quicker pace than ever. It's still baby steps, but awesome to witness. For example, he is much more "neat" and focused when printing his letters. He is painting more fluidly and accurately with a paintbrush. He is talking more in full sentences, and conversations... adding appropriate comments and interjections. His speech is still somewhat difficult to understand; but he's trying and getting clearer and clearer in his annunciation. Ironically, you can hear the words "Fart, Bum, and Poop" clear as a bell... along with his crazy giggle-fit. He does like to make us laugh :).

JOEL: Is learning to read and spell and keeps up with the academics no problem. His forte is math, and he's quite proud of his addition and subtraction skills at the ripe age of 6. He and Luke often "playfight" ... "It's just the fight game, mom" and it's fun to see them interact even if it ends in someone getting hurt. They're constantly laughing up until that point, so I think it's healthy, lol. Joel still needs to learn when to stop, as Luke has a breaking point... but they'll figure it out. Joel is very social and is newly into "board games". He loves the iPad also, and plays many different games on it... a whiz at anything mathematical/physics-like (ie Swampy, Cut-the-Rope). His math skills will excel mine way before he even gets to high school. I'm not kidding. Joel is young enough to still be picked up and sit on our laps and crawl into bed with us when he's scared. He is genuinely sweet. His teacher was most impressed with Joel's spiritual nature... a sincere heart for God, which is evident in the way he sings and does the actions for the songs he learns. He sometimes performs them for us at home, and he also often volunteers to pray before our meals. He's a sweet soul, just like his brother. Together, at home, we are very comfortable and content and both boys really are well-behaved. They're at a fun age and we are enjoying them so much. So blessed.

ISSUES: Luke can still be somewhat repetitive, especially when he's tired. My biggest concern is his lack of interests. He could easily watch tv all day (he says grinning), and/or eating all day. "My stomach is empty". They're both pretty good about alternating healthy snacks for junk food, but the constant "I'm hungry" thing is getting old fast. I hear it's normal with boys. We already have an outrageous grocery bill (what with the wheat, dairy and soy-free diet and as organic as possible), so I'm nervous for the future, ugh. At least Dave finally caved and allowed us to get a Costco card! Hopefully Luke will find interests that he feels confident in. This is my 2014 prayer.

Luke is still delayed in many areas, but I believe he can "catch up". He's more sociable than ever (he asks a little grade one girl, S., every day if she will marry him... she plays coy, heehee). As far as I know, most kids are kind to him, but he's segregated so there's not any classroom issues. Although there are also no birthday party invitations either :(. Some older boys ask me how old Luke is and what grade he's in, and I know they're curious about what his issues are. I just say he's 9 and supposed to be in Grade 3 (we held him back a year). I'm not sure yet what the right response should be... most kids know the word "autism" now and seem to be okay with it. Who knows? I'm fairly removed from the school atmosphere, so I just keep praying for people to show compassion and respect that life and learning are so much harder for Luke than for most kids.

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I also finally sat down and talked to a counsellor (first time since Luke was diagnosed with epilepsy 2005, and autism 2007). The woman God chose for me was the most compassionate and inspirational person I have ever met. The few hours we talked were such a blessing to me. She listened and understood; and advised that I let go, and let God. Since then, I've tried to be more of a "mother" and to sit back and really enjoy Luke... to watch him and be in awe of him. She made me realize not only how much I am to simply love him, but also how much God truly loves him too (and that God has a very special relationship with and plan for Luke). I released Luke's future to Him, and I will stand back and watch what God will do. Amen, lol.