Our Last Day of Early Intervention

This day had been 3 years in the making. It was coming faster than I realized. The finish line was here.

The last day of Ethan's Early Intervention programs. The final day of professional help & therapy before Ethan starts Kindergarten.

Several friends of mine, including my mother-in-law, are preparing to send their children off to college. In talking with them, most of them are excited but worried too. "Did we teach them enough? Did we do all we could to prepare them for this moment? Did we do all we possible could for them & their future?"

These same thoughts were running through my head as I walked Ethan into his last day at Easter Seals ITAP program.

Our journey with Early Intervention started even before his autism diagnosis.

Last Day of Easter Seals Autism Preschool Program

Today was Ethan's last day of Easter Seals Intensive Therapy Autism Preschool Program. I am currently writing up a post all about this day, what it means for our family, and Ethan's next steps. However, here are some pictures of his last day. I was able to capture Ethan with each therapist except the Director of the program....but we did see her at Walk With Me.

These ladies are amazing, and our family will miss them terribly! Also, we were all very emotional.....my pictures do not portray just how beautiful these women are!!!! Please excuse the blurry lines & red eyes...I was a hot mess taking these pictures! All of my focus was on not crying!

Ethan being presented with his Diploma

Looking at his Diploma

YWCA Swimming Lessons

This past Winter, Ethan took swimming lessons at the YWCA. He loves the water, but does NOT like putting his face under water. He also would NEVER let go of Corey or me while in the pool. However, after these swim lessons, he is now swimming this summer with water wings instead of a life jacket. He also will swim all around the pool without needing Mom or Dad by his side. He has gained a little bit more independence! YEAH!

Here are some pictures from our swimming lessons...

News Coverage for Walk With Me 2013

Picture courtesy of Steve Smedley @ Pantagraph

This blogger was interviewed by a TV crew & a local city's newpaper during yesterday's Easter Seals Walk With Me event. You all know that when it comes to our family's story, I am an open book. Anything that I can share that may help or inform someone else going through something similar, I am going to talk about it!......and often! :0)

So, here is the TV news story...which this gal crying. It is a very emotional event. The amount of support you feel is overwhelming, and they interviewed me right after we had walked our mile. I was all tears. :0)

Also, a couple of people from the city's newpaper walked with our team for a bit. They talked with our family as we began our walk. It was so wonderful to be able to boast about how Easter Seals has helped our Ethan.

To watch the TV News Clip, click http://centralillinoisproud.com/fulltext?nxd_id=336482.

To read the Newspaper Article, click http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/dozens-of-teams-participate-in-easter-seals-walk-at-corn/article_ae58b602-ec06-11e2-9040-001a4bcf887a.html

Easter Seals Walk With Me 2013

This Saturday, our family participated in our 2nd Easter Seals Walk With Me Event. It was beautiful weather & wonderfully organized....we had a great time. Thanks to all of our family & friends who walked with us or donated to our team. And thanks to our new friends that joined our team...it was great meeting you all! Here are some pictures from the event. Hope you can join us next year!!!!

Ethan's 5th Birthday Party

Other than his 1st birthday party, we have done a family only birthday party for Ethan. Not even family only....immediate family only. If it was MY party, I would invite every friend & family member. I LOVE parties!!!!! However, my Ethan does not like a lot of people, loud noises & commotion...so we do small family birthday party. IF you count having 9 cousins a small group! Here are some pictures from Ethan's pool party! Thanks to our family for, once again, making it a memorable day!

All but 2 cousins were able to come!

Ethan's FIFTH Birthday

Breakfast in Bed. Presents in Pajamas. The perks of a summer birthday. I love this tradition because Ethan then has the remainder of the day to play with his new toys. Here is Ethan's 5th birthday...in Mommy & Daddy's bed....his favorite place to sleep.

Ethan Was Here

As we go about our lives, many times during the days I am stopped in my tracks. There are things that pop up that remind me....that Ethan Was Here. I hope you enjoy these pictures of the little surprises I receive from Ethan!

Is It July Already?!?!

I had to put up my blinders as I walked through the store today. I overheard one of the employees talking about stocking back to school supplies. I decided that I wanted to remain in denial of this information.....so I put my head down & headed straight for the registers.

I can't believe it's July already??? Where is summer going?! 

Tonight, as I searched for a clean piece of notebook paper, I came across my "Summer Bucket List".....things I wanted to be SURE to do this summer. I remembered making that list....a couple weeks before school let out. You know, just after you get the city's summer programs guide, and you are itching to be done the school schedules. You decide to take full advantage of the lazy days of summer & capture every summer activity before it's too late.