The Early Years

Welcome to Courage & Coffee....The Early Years. This portion of our main blog, Courage & Coffee, is dedicated to our years in Early Intervention. As our son is now in elementary school, we are in a new part of our journey. However, it is my hope & prayer that these posts help others during their years in Early Intervention or those families who are journeying thorough the early years of a diagnosis. I pray that connecting with one another through the world wide web, we can help each other learn to live with autism a little better each day.

Thank you for visiting Courage and Coffee The Early Years. If you would like to follow along with our present day story, please visit our main web page at www.courageandcoffee.blogspot.com.

If you would like to connect with me personally, always comment on a post or email me at imjwo80@gmail.com. I would love to "meet" you!

Jessica

3 Doctors in 3 Days

Ethan at the Dentist. They were amazing.
They let him "play" with the instruments & explained all they were doing to his teeth.
He didn't like the chair moving or the "saliva sucker."
Due to those things, they cleaned his teeth while he stood next to the sink.
He spit into the sink when directed & was excellent at receiving direction!

I don't know who was more nervous....me or him.

Apparently in the state of Illinois, a child entering Kindergarten needs an eye checkup, a dental checkup and a physical including shots.

Yippee.

Because I have been consumed with end of Easter Seals preschool, Walk With Me, our Money Pit of a house, and going on vacation with my In-Laws....I failed to realized this fact until the last month of summer. This led to a schedule of 3 doctor appointment in 3 days.....3 days in a row.....oh joy.

A Quiet Fourth of July

For the last 2 years, I have forced encouraged my family to attend our town's Fourth Of July fireworks show. I LOVE the hometown traditions & the sense of community. However, Ethan was terrified both times. I thought the 2nd year would be better...it was a bit. So this year I informed my family that we would not be attending the firework's show. My husband was ecstatic. Ethan was just as happy. So, our 4th of July was spent swimming/eating with friends & family during the day, but then we headed home. My brother-in-law's uncle gifted Ethan with several boxes of sparklers. This was the perfect way for our family to celebrate The Fourth. After we watched a fireworks show on TV, we went outside for sparklers.....

Attaching A Sensory Toy To A Coat

I am always looking for ways to provide Ethan the sensory items he needs in a way that doesn't scream, "HI! I'M A SENSORY TOY!" It takes a LOT of trial & error as well as thinking outside the box. This can be a challenge, but I believe that it is worth it in the end!

One way that I have discovered to fill his "chewing" need is to attach a toy to his jackets & coats. This is to replace him chewing on his shirt collars & coat zippers. Why replace this behavior? Because the chewing is ruining his clothing. Why attach it to his clothing? Because it's easy for him to access & less change of losing our chew toys!

Using a simple grommet tool....from Hobby Lobby...I was able to insert a ring into the collar of Ethan's coat. Thanks to Jessica over at The Almost Perfectionist for introducing me to this tool! It's so simple...even I can do it!

Morning Routine Organization for Kids

With Back To School in the air (insert sad face), I thought I would share my tips on getting ready in the morning. That is SUCH a hectic time, but it can be made a whole lot easier. And if you start NOW, your kiddos will already be used to this "system," and it won't be another new thing when they actually begin their school year.

1. Address the closet. Mainstream it as much as possible. Picking clothes needs to be simple & not overwhelming. 

This organizer has really helped Ethan feel 
more independent in getting dressed as well as
 allowing me to chose his clothes for him. 
This way he doesn't wear long sleeves 
when it's 90 degrees outside. I also read this book 
as he gets dressed.  It makes it more fun & 
there have been a lot less battles. 

This is Ethan's closet.We have removed the closet doors
 to prevent a frustration/trigger.
 My next step is to remove his winter clothes
because it adds too much visual stimulation.

My husband labeled Ethan's 
dresser drawers with text & pictures.

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.

"Jesus, Will You Be My Best Friend Forever?"

It was another trip to Easter Seals. What was once a quiet van ride only filled with the music of The Go Fish Guys, was now becoming Ethan's time to ask me questions about God. I was starting to look forward to these trips. Not only was it nice to have a "typical" back & forth conversation with Ethan, it was interesting to hear what questions he had for me. Almost like an inside peek into how his amazing mind works.

The day before my sister told me that her little girl had asked Jesus to be in her heart. This was something that I wondered if Ethan would understand or even WANT to do, but I had been praying for since he was created. And this is a pretty typical up/down feeling for a mom of a child on the spectrum. Most of your friends' kids are hitting milestones & achieving progress.......first steps, saying "Mommy," reading, writing, developing relationships, etc......and I am always so genuinely happy for them. I love seeing the kids in my life growing up....I love being Aunt Wo in my family or Miss Jessica at church or Mrs. Wolfe when I teach. But then there is ALWAYS a punch in the gut that comes with it. It's another reminder that my child is a bit different. That my precious Ethan may never achieve the milestones his peers are reaching. Up/Down feelings.....another quiet prayer in my heart.....my infamous broken record....."Please Lord, I want Ethan know you at an early age. And I want him to love you & serve you the rest of his life.

Discussing God with Ethan

What does God eat?

What is his favorite color?

Does he go potty like a big boy?

What do you ride on to get to heaven? A rocket?

LOVE. These are some of the questions that Ethan has been asking me about God, Heaven & salvation. On our 2 times a week drive to Easter Seals, we have a good solid 30 minute drive. Ethan, never being much for conversation in the car, prefers to listen to music. Our favorite groups of all time is The Go Fish Guys. They are a group of Dads that create Christian music...and some silly songs too....specifically for kids. BUT....they don't drive you crazy. I actually really enjoy them as well.

Something wonderful has happened this past month during our drives. Ethan has been asking a TON of questions about the words in their songs.

When All Else Fails, Use YouTube!

I have been a bit absent from writing for awhile. Like a lot of this country, we have been getting a LOT of rain. I hate to even mention it because there are so many families that are dealing with much worse rain damage than we are.....much worse. I am simply explaining what has been going on with our family.

1. Our basement filled with water. Not a lot but enough to ruin carpeting & such.
2. Our ceiling started leaking. Boo.
3. Our air conditioning went out.

All of this happened during the middle of one of our home projects.....replacing our flooring in 5 rooms. If any of you have ever done a home improvement project, you know what it is like to live among that mess. Nothing is where is should be, and your routines are off. Especially when it's the bathroom....which is where our project was when this rain business started.

He hated the roofers making noise,
but he LOVED the dumpster! LOL!

So, the flooring has been halted & our attention has been turned to all things "de-watering." Calling people, taking bids, learning way more about my home than I ever thought I needed to know.....it's wearing & super stressful. But we are making progress. We have had the roof replaced & the gutters are next. This will take care of a LOT of our water issue...but not all of it. We have a couple of plumbing issues that need to be uncovered & addressed as well. Baby steps, right?

Well, that is all things house related....only one portion of our life. We also have Ethan's birthday in 3 days...which I have done ZERO shopping. Oh...his birthday party too....I've done nothing. Mom of the year...right here.

Join Our Walk With Me Team 2013

This will be our 2nd year participating in Easter Seals Walk With Me! Ethan is an ambassador for this event, and we are putting together a team! Here is a link for more information about our team! We would love for you to join us!!!

http://es.easterseals.com/site/TR?team_id=126429&fr_id=3216&pg=team#.UbspbOe1FJs

I asked Ethan why he loves Easter Seals so much.

Here's how that conversation went....

Puzzle Piece Rewards System

Weeks of sticker charts!
DLTK's Custom Chore Charts!

For a long time, we have been doing the typical sticker chart to encourage Ethan to use manners, maintain good hygiene and become more independent. After a sticker chart was completed, Ethan would get $1 for his bank. That worked for awhile but then the novelty wore off. Getting a sticker for brushing his teeth was no longer worth it to him....and the battles returned.

So, we began to up the ante! Each night, we would count his stickers & he would earn 1 coin per sticker. And when his sticker chart was full, he would still earn a dollar.

Want to know a secret? I would just re-use coins already in his bank, so it didn't cost us any extra money. Shhhh....don't tell Ethan!


Well, that worked for awhile, but soon that began to wear off too. The battles were beginning to start again....fighting to brush teeth, fighting to self dress, and I was losing my currency with Ethan!

24 piece puzzle from Dollar General. 

And, once again, the Changing Challenging Behaviors Workshop from Easter Seals came through for us!!! Ms. Dona, leader of the workshop & Ethan's ITAP program, showed the class several strategies & examples. Corey & I immediately knew that we had found our solution.....puzzles.

How do puzzles work in place of a sticker chart? For every demonstration of desired behavior, Ethan earns one puzzle piece....instead of one sticker. Once Ethan has completed a puzzle, he gets to pick a prize/toy out of the prize bin I've put together. Things from the dollar store, happy meal toys, garage sale finds....nothing that costs more than $1 each. ETHAN LOVES IT!!!!

In the middle of a puzzle!
Almost time for a trip to the prize bin!

It has been working longer than anything we have tried before! He loves gaining a puzzle piece, loves putting the puzzles together, loves digging for toys in our prize bin! Initially, I was cutting up the cardboard boxes of his fruit snacks, cereal, pop tarts, and other recognizable logos. But once Ethan got the hang of it, we needed to go to more puzzle pieces so he wasn't earning a toy EVERY day. 

I am thrilled to report that this is STILL going VERY well, and he loves earning puzzle pieces!!! Now our battles are diminishing! Picking up toys, brushing teeth, turning off the computer, trying new foods, behavior in new places, and other issues are able to be a managed so much better with this new form of "currency." HOORAY FOR PUZZLES!

Route 66 Road Trip

To celebrate the end of school & beginning of summer, we decided to kick things off with a quick road trip to Pontiac, IL. Just a couple of hours away, the thing that attracted us to this small, rural town is it's the home of the Route 66 Hall of Fame. I thought my car crazy guys would enjoy this kind of getaway. We decided to leave right after Ethan got out of school. We got there about dinner time, ate at a restaurant, and then checked in to our hotel....complete with a pool. Of course Ethan wanted to swim ASAP, so we did. The place was so quiet & we had the pool & hot tub all to ourselves. It was wonderful. We just decided to lounge around in our hotel for the rest of the evening.

The next morning, after breakfast & a Ethan "swim" in our room's whirlpool tub, we were ready to head downtown. I think this place is the friendliest place on Earth! You should visit! It was VERY low cost (all museums were FREE), and lots of things to do! Now, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves....get ready for a Parade Of Pictures From Pontiac!