Sam's New Love...

I'm devasted...Although I'm certain Sam loves me with all his heart as I am his mother and his first love...He has found a new love. It's really very cute. Her name is Natalia and she is one of Sam's teachers at his school. Natalia just started working at the school and in Sam's class just a couple of months ago and he has really become smitten with her. He talks about her ALL the time. This morning when I was getting ready to bring him to school and talking about school, he kept saying her name...he calls her Talia. He was very excited to see her. I drove up to the school and a different teacher came out to get him and he actually had tears in his eyes. I asked him what was wrong and he said "I want Talia". I was so happy to see that he actually has real feelings for people. When I picked him up, his Talia brought him out to my car and he was so happy! He kept looking up at her saying "Talia, Talia, Talia". I don't know how the teachers at the school keep themselves from getting attached to the children. It's got to be tough for them to say goodbye when it's time for the kids to leave the school for good. I give them tons of credit, that's for sure.

Another Week of Progress...

I haven't posted in a little while, but there has been so much going on that I just couldn't find the time or energy to type. My niece Missy' and her new hubby Henry's wedding was Saturday (it was so much fun!) and Sam and Gabby had some special time with their Auntie Kim. She reported that the kids were great. We took a trip down to Guilford with my sister Lisa, my brother-in-law Fran and my niece Brittany to my cousin Amy and her hubby Kevin's house to visit with them, my Aunt Darlene and Uncle Brian and my cousin Shawn who I haven't seen in 8 years. He was visiting from New Zealand. The kids were awesome and they really enjoyed playing with their 2 year old second cousin Avery. We also enjoyed a great dinner at a restaurant with absolutely no issues. Sam had a great week all in all. His words are becoming more clear and and he is really using his manners. When he requests something, he now follows his requests with a please. When he finishes eating, he cleans up and puts his dishes in the sink without being told to do so. I can't believe that just over a year ago, this little boy was in his own world...not talking, not wanting to play with peers...just not with us at all. He has proved that with ALOT of hard work, patience and the commitment of love and support from family, friends and teachers, that Autism can be beat. He is a true fighter and I am confident that he will someday be whatever he wants to be and do whatever he wants to do. Early intervention definitely pays off.

Samuel's July Review at Coltsville...

Sam had his July review today, but unfortunately I wasn't able to go to it. It was the first review that I have had to miss since Sam started attended Coltsville over a year ago. Gabby has been sick with a fever and stomach virus since yesterday and I stayed behind to care for her. I was grateful however, to watch the video of his review that was sent home from school with him. I was truly amazed at some of things Sam has learned that we didn't even know he knew! For instance, if you ask him how old he is, he will tell you four. If you ask him where he lives, he will tell you Tolland. He is learning more about emotions such as Happy, Sad, Surprised & Angry. He's able to look at pictures of people that have these different emotions and for the most part, chose the corresponding emotion when asked. He's struggling a little with the Angry emotion, but it won't take long for him to get it. His noun id's are improving drastically and he's able to label all items that are shown to him. They are also working on his "Red Robin" restaurant prompting with the menu. He's improved so much since the last review in that area as well. I noticed in the video that when he wasn't "working", he seemed to be in a different "zone". He wasn't quite with it today. I hope he isn't coming down with the illness Gabby has. He did however, seem just fine tonight! Sam hasn't been napping for a couple of weeks now, so he's been falling asleep before 8 p.m. at night...more like passing out! Another great review for Sam. Way to go my little genius!

Team Super Sam Sheidy Autism Speaks Walk Totals for 2008...

I just checked the Autism Speaks website to get the team of Super Sam Sheidy's fundraising totals...THIS YEAR WE RAISED $2,767.00!!!! You all are amazing and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Adam and I are so greatful to have such wonderful family and friends supporting our miracle boy. And, I must say, his success is due to all the love you all have shown him. We look forward to seeing you all and many more at the 2009 Autism Speaks Walk for Autism. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Early Intervention is Paying Off....

Sam is speaking so much more that he continues to blow our minds! He's speaking in full sentences, requesting and acknowledging people by their names....he is truly amazing. I was notified by his speech pathologist at school that he has mastered all of his language skill goals for the year. He's pretty much mastered everything on his IEP (Individualed Education Program) that was designed for him last September at Coltsville. Since I haven't heard from Tolland yet, I assume that Sam will be able to attend Coltsville another year (I'm saying this with my fingers and toes crossed). He has also started requesting to use the potty. So, the other day, he asked to go on the potty and I put him on it. Well, I don't know if this is a guy thing, but it was the cutest thing ever. While he was a yanking and a pulling on his little thingy, he was actually trying to make a BM! But the only thing happening was gas coming out and he was laughing, which made me laugh. He did the same thing to Adam the next morning and along with sitting on the potty, of course Sam was repeating "Open the Garage" over and over again. This is awesome!!! I informed the school about this and beginning September, they are going to work hard on getting him potty trained. I never thought this would happen so soon. What progress!!!! We had another great visit to Maine to see my Aunt Doreen, Uncle Mike and my cousins. This time Kristie came along with us and it was so nice to have our little family together again for a few days. I've noticed recently just how much Sam and Gabby are not only brother and sister, but best friends as well. They've been playing more together, hugging and fighting just like brothers and sisters do. It's so beautiful to see our little man coming into our world more and more every day.