The Public, Miles and The Stars

I find myself really soaking in the ways that Miles mingles with this world and vice versa. The other day, I was at the playground getting ready to take him across the hanging slider he likes so much and he was giggling like a hyena. Shortly thereafter, a little girl came up and started asking him questions, which prompted sign language. At this, she asked, 'Is he deaf?' I told her that he was mostly non-verbal and we went on our way. After this interaction, I remember Carrie telling me that people are going to start noticing the way Miles is in relationship to other kids in his age range. Nothing too glaring, but non-verbal nature is going to raise some questions in folks. I can't even count how many times we are out and someone asks Miles a set of questions. I usually let Miles say his 'hi' or 'bye' or any other verbal surprise that will arise without saying anything. Other times, I have to stop the woman cutting his hair or the person checking our groceries out and tell them that he is non-verbal. At that point, they clamour up and get that huge question mark on their countenance. Sometimes I say 'Autism Spectrum' to clear the air, other times I just let the silence linger becuase I don't have the stamina to get into it or get the consoling look. On the flip side of this, I love what gets his motor churning in that over the top affection he is so familiar with giving people. There's an older grandmother type next door to us that smokes on a regular basis in front of her house. It used to be that Miles would unleash a litany of 'hi's' on her as she stood out front. Now, he tears away like his shoes are on fire to give her a huge hug. I see the relief and joy on this woman's face as Miles again warms a heart down like a hot flame licking candle wax. It's an amazing sight to see. At any rate, another tiny puncture of light into the world of Miles and our family. Oh, and one last thing, Miles is really getting into looking at the stars at night. We sat on the porch for a good stretch of time last night glancing over a blanket of small celestial punctures. Again, it was one of those sponge moments when each of my pores soaked in the goodness of a spill I wanted to happen.

The First Day of Fall ..

In honor of the summer that just went by, I have put together a highlight reel of Miles and some of his pleasures ..

The Fun of Dirt

Miles has been tearing along quite nicely lately. He's hopping on his new bike and riding quite well. The braking is still a bit of an issue, but he's getting the overall hang of balance and the like. He keeps getting solid comments back from school on his in-room learning and overall beahavior and grasp of therapy. The bottom line is that he loves school and continues to thrive in that envirnoment. Lately, I've noticed that his attention span is really peaking out. He's much more apt to read several books at the end of the night, put together a big set of blocks or simply play his own world out in a field of mud. Business as usual while the world rotates around in his eager eye balls ..

Miles Has a Bike with Training Wheels

To say that Miles is ecstatic beyond my grasp to pen proper emotions would be an understatement. Our little boy has picked up another good habit and he's tearing forward in flying fashion. Enjoy the video montage ..

The Loss of Papa Joe

Miles lost his grandfather and I lost my hero. My father passed on August 31st and we are in the process of paying proper respects. Thought I would post a pic of Miles with his Grandpa Joe. Take care out there ..

A New Elevated Miles Thrill

Ridin' the Short Bus

Today was the first morning of school for both Miles and Zen. Last night, we met with both of their teachers and Miles was unexpectedly shy when going back into his home room. He clutched at me hard and flashed his newest lower lip he has been working on lately. He finally snapped out of his kid shell and was again ecstatic to get back on the bus this morning. On another note, Carrie and I put the finishing touches on an illustrated essay that will be in a book called My Baby Rides The Short Bus. The final contractual agreement has been signed and sealed. This anthology of essays from parents with children that have special needs or are in the autism spectrum will be out nationwide in Winter of 2009. For an unedited version of this essay, click here to read - Enjoy ..