January 24

It's been a great first semester at KCS this year; started out a bit uncertain with our amazing EA telling us she would not be coming back to the school, with less than one week's notice (she left to help her aging father, with our blessing of course!). The new Special Needs Coordinator fortunately honoured the solution we hoped for: and a friend of mine is now Luke's one-on-one support person. This is a really good thing, as she and Luke have a very special bond. It's so wonderful that this type of transition, which could wreak havoc in any other autistic child's life, ended up fairly seamless and so positive. Admittedly, there were a few small rough patches, but they were quickly smoothed over with some simple strategies and communication. And there have been no issues since. Luke is literally thriving at school. He is slowly learning to read (memorizing words), socializing with his classmates, talking more and more, and becoming increasingly independent. His EA is so awesome with him; disciplined, yet calm; kind, yet firm; and innovative! She comes up with new ideas for learning life skills: taking the bus to the pool, learning to make his own toast and nachos (using toasters, microwaves, basic knife skills). She finds ways to have children of all ages show kindness to Luke, and he is well-loved (he won 80s costume day as chosen by peers! as did Joel). She's created a few comfortable areas on the school campus where Luke can go to learn academics, or learn social skills, or simply shake his sillies out. She willingly drives Luke to his therapies on Fridays (physio and vision) and spoils him with treats. He adores her. AND I usually get daily updates and photos (texted to me) of how Luke's doing or the sweet or funny things he says, or the work he's accomplished. Almost every day after school she and I talk. Another amazing part of this school is that a Behavourial Consultant rents office space in the business wing (as does his speech therapist) so he has plenty of people involved under one roof in his education. Even the school receptionist insists that Luke visit her every morning to say hi (she loves him!). I hear so much positive feedback like "He's so teachable right now!" "I can't believe how healthy his lunch is, and how well he eats!" "I am so surprised by the way he's talking!" After such a rocky start years ago in the school system, being in a place of utter peace and acceptance and progress is like a dream come true. I wish this for all parents with children with special needs.

Lots more good news! Luke's tics/tourettes are pretty much gone, woo hoo! This was probably one of the most difficult things for me to bear, breaking my heart to hear Luke spasm and make noises so uncontrollably and exhaustingly. Resolving this was my most fervent prayer last year. Thank you God that they are now gone, although they have flared up on occasion (very, very briefly) since. If you want my opinion on what stopped these, I would have to say homeopathy (our amazing homeopath), however there is no "real scientific" proof. Most medical doctors say they just "end" and it's a phase. Who knows... I'm just so glad they are gone!

Lyme Disease: After 6 weeks of antibiotics we waited a month and a half before seeing the naturopath to get bloodwork done and find out whether or not Luke had Lyme Disease from the tic bite he had in the spring. I was horribly anxious and sleepless, because there was no other way to test except by needle and the last time Luke had a needle (when he was 5) we had to pin him down. It was so traumatic I swore I would not subject him to bloodwork again (unless absolutely necessary of course, as in this case). We never really explained what was going to happen to him, but spoke "about it" "around him" and he picked up the vibe. The Tuesday morning after Thanksgiving weekend we drove from Abbotsford to Richmond to meet the naturopath at 7:30am. Luke was WAY TOO QUIET in the backseat. I was so trying not to be obvious in my gut-wrenching angst. I went straight to the bathroom when we got there, while Dad took Luke into the lab area. And that's when Luke blew our minds. Not only did he sit still and calm, he watched the needle go in, and was so chill that the doctor was able to get extra blood. It was all done in less than 3 minutes. I missed it all (went straight to the waiting room where Joel was sitting). They came out of the lab room and we left; with a huge sigh of relief and beaming faces of pride for our brave son. Sometimes they just surprise you, hey? Or there are angels or Someone with extra interest in this beautiful boy. So overwhelmed with amazement. A few weeks later we learned that Luke was definitely infected with Lyme disease, but that our early treatment with antibiotics had forced it down to a level that was negligible. We will continue to monitor these "low levels" over the next few years to make sure it is always well under control, or eventually, and hopefully, completely gone. One less thing on our plate! Yay Luke!

His once a week support worker helped Luke evolve socially until the contract ended in December. R. was really great with Luke and even had Joel join them in their outings, whether it was the park, the pool, or just for a snack/talk. I was impressed with R.'s "above-and-beyond" attitude when he wanted to take and treat the boys to a movie during Christmas Break (off the clock). What a great guy. We hope to renew the contract with him next fall sometime. In the meantime, with a little of my funding left, we've hired a young man, J., to work with Luke on his physical sport skills. Luke is 11.5 and has a lot of energy and is becoming more and more aggressive and needs to run or play and get sweaty! (As he's maturing we are teaching him basic hygiene, and he now diligently uses deoderant, and bathes/showers more often). J. just started with us this past week and is taking Luke to the local Recreation Centre to learn how to pass a ball, run a lap, and really basic sport skills... Luke is interested in soccer and basketball, so J. will change it up as necessary. We're thrilled to have another strong, kind male role model in Luke's life. We met J. at the Adaptive Skating program we take the boys to at 7:45-8:15am on Saturday mornings. We are still working on Luke's ice skating, it's been quite a few years of trying; and he's still quite trepid. J.'s given some tips and ever so slowly Luke is progressing. We try not to stress about it, and just keep encouraging him. He has a serious fear of falling. Fortunately he is not yet turned off of it completely, and still wants to go! Whether that's a personal goal he'd like to achieve, or he's just all about "going out for breakfast" afterwards as a reward. Whatever works, lol! On another athletic note, we've started cross country skiing with the boys. It was a bit slow going for Luke at first (Joel flew, lol!), but we've come up with strategies to be able to stay together as a family; whether Dad tows Luke down the hills (Luke's petrified of going downhill) or we help Luke get down on his haunches and "slide" down the hills. Either way, he keeps pace with the rest of us, and it's so much fun. The local ski trails are only a 20 minute drive away. Dad's been wanting to do this for years and for us to be able to do this as a family is a real dream. Luke is even loving it! Wanting to go, and enjoying the snow.

We enjoyed a really relaxing Christmas and New Years with family and friends. Luke spent a lot of time outdoors on the toboganning hills, often lasting longer than Joel out in the cold. Luke is a madman on the toboganning hills still... it's one of his favourite things to do. Good thing we get lots of snow in the winter. The last summer and this Christmas break were extra encouraging because Luke was (for the most part) included with all the other kids, hanging around with a gang of them, and enjoying being part of the group. While he still struggles socially, most kids are kind. If some are not, we don't know as we can't be with him constantly, but we hope for the best. Joel is often helpful, and I believe Luke is just one of those kids that is on the "edge", hanging out on the outskirts, watching and learning. Except when it comes to wrestling, of course. Luke loves to wrestle, as do most boys... so this is a fun thing for them. As long as no one loses an eye! So far no serious injuries!

There are still a few "quirks" we'd like to see phase out. While Luke's efforts at imaginary play are better and better every year... he still has a tendency to get "frenzied" and just toss his toys around aggressively/noisily. At home Luke is encouraged to be himself and play however he likes; but sometimes we notice he gets a bit "carried away" with his stuffies or toys and we have to intervene and ask him to calm/quiet down. On a positive note, there is nothing more thrilling than hearing him talk to his toys and make things up. We bought him a rebounder (mini trampoline) and a magnetic dart board for Christmas to help him "vent" some aggressions and energy more appropriately. One other new way to "play" is his willingness to join us in family games lately. We play Yahtzee and Luke will take his turn and throw the dice; and we are now playing 10,000 (dice game) and he joins. You'd be surprised how many times this kid wins. We do all the adding up of points for him; but it's SO MUCH FUN to have him sit at the table and be part of the games. It makes my heart smile.

Joel continues to thrive academically, emotionally and physically. His teacher has no concerns about him. Joel and Dad put together a Meccano car (complete with motor) after Christmas and he enjoys seeing how things are assembled. He is also a whiz at piano, going quickly through his programs and is keen to practice. I received a ukulele for Christmas and am signed up for classes later in the spring. Joel wants to learn as well, so it's something we are enjoying together. Joel is a natural athlete: almost as fast as Dad now on ice skates, and can keep up with Dad on the cross country skis. He joined cross country running last fall, and while a little surprised that he didn't finish well, is not competitive enough to care. He LOVES "King of the Court" at the school on Friday afternoons which is soccer fun. He takes that very seriously! Joel is well liked at school and on occasion, has friends over. The kids in his class are a great group, and it's fun to watch them grow together. He does not talk about girls (yet), which is fine by me. Luke was sweet on a particular girl in his class to the point of being terrified to even stand beside her, but a program was quickly put into place and he now knows they are just friends and it's all calm and sweet and not intense anymore. Joel has asked a few questions about autism lately... looking for the "why" behind Luke's autism... what caused it. I don't have answers, of course, but we talk about how God made Luke and we love him.

Luke had his best performance yet at the school Christmas concert. His EA coached him well, and he was able to stand with the kids for the whole concert and he even sang and did the actions! Afterwards the director said to me... "How about our Luke!!!" :). His EA, at one point, was sitting in the audience with her family instead of having to "be with him" and shadow him. This was amazing. At one point during the months of practising before hand, his EA told me she was making Luke sing the Christmas concert song yet again, and he looked at her and said "STOP!!! I know the song already!!" So hard not to smile!!

The vision therapy has been great for Luke. Not only does he get 1 hour of one-on-one training with the optometrist; his EA integrates the exercises into his weekly programs. The doctor is so impressed and please at Luke's progress, that we may not have to continue the program next year (take a break for a year and then see if it's his maturity that more of a factor in his progress, or if he just needs more guidance). His time with his physiotherapist has been very successful as well; she's noted amazing improvement in his body rhythms. He continues to come into the room, lie on the bed and say "I need you to work on my head" or "Please work on my stomach". It's fascinating. As he matures, he is starting to look different in his face. He's growing up, our tween. This coming spring break we will have 8 sessions of neurotherapy again; I'll be talking with a different "supervisor" just to get a new perspective. I continue to consult with our homeopath as well, and am pretty sold on his remedies. Right now, I'm slowly weaning Luke off almost all his supplements (prescribed by his naturopath) just to take a "vacation" from them for a while. He's had daily supplements since he was 3.5 years old.

We are so excited to be finally going on a family trip! I started this blog in 2007 and now, in 2016, we are in such a great place where we can take Luke (and Joel) on a plane to Mexico. We are going to an all-inclusive resort for a week. We can't wait! We talked to the boys about flying (we showed them a youtube video of the inside of a plane, and it taking off and landing). Joel's more freaked out than Luke, haha! We've talked about this trip at length (not an easy financial decision), and we really feel like we're celebrating, we're turning a corner. The past 11 years have been interesting, overwhelming, amazing, all-consuming, frustrating, exhausting, thrilling, and rewarding. We love having these boys in our lives, and we are so much richer because of them. Buenos dias!