The Best Gifts of All...

As Christmas approaches, I have to admit that I've been selfish with negativity about this holiday season, i.e, the budget, the lack of time to shop for everyone, and when we finally do get to shop...all the wrapping! But, in reality, none of what I have mentioned is important. What is important is that we are all healthy (not counting my sinus infection) and I look forward to being with my family. The best gift that I have received this year is the progress my son Sam has made over the past year. He conquered and mastered just about everything that he has been taught at school. He's learned to say "I Love You" and the best for me is that he's learned to say "Nonny" (that's how Sam says Mommy). He hugs, kisses, smiles, laughs, imitates, plays with peers, counts to 20, recites the alphabet and so on. I realize there are times when Sam's behavior can be extremely trying...to the point that I feel like throwing in the towel. But, as I sit here and write about my son, I remember how badly Adam and I wanted children and how hard we tried and the end result was our beautiful twins. Sam was dealt a crappy set of cards given the fact that he has Autism as many children that we know also have, but honestly, things could be a lot worse than what they are. I don't want any gifts for Christmas this year, because I've been given the best gifts already...Sam's amazing progress, a beautiful new Granddaughter Emma, and the best family & friends anyone could ever ask for. Merry Christmas to you all....

Patience Tester...

Sorry folks, no new pictures to post this week. I should get some good pictures of Sam & Gabby though this coming weekend when this "Griswold Family" goes in search of the perfect family Christmas Tree. It usually takes me a couple of hours to find the perfect tree, so if you happen to be near Dzen's Tree Farm in South Windsor, stop by and have a Mimosa with Adam and I. Yup, we will even be tailgating at the tree farm! Sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do to get through situations where you don't know what's going to happen. And no, we are not drunks. Not sure however, if we will be going on Saturday or Sunday.

Tomorrow morning is Sam's monthly review at school. I'm certain he has made even more progress as I see him grow in so many different areas everyday. I'm always noticing something new that is so truly wonderful! He's now counting to 20, which I think is amazing!! His potty training is going very well with no accidents at school at all anymore (he still hasn't given them the Sammy Special yet). He's an eating machine too. The child can consume a 6 pack of Trix Yogurt in about 15 minutes. His behavior continues to be a challenge for us. It's even more difficult to bring him to ANY stores these days without bringing him out kicking and screaming...so we don't. As I stated in his title this week "Patience Tester", he is truly the best one that Adam and I know. He will do anything bad to get our attention. This includes taking pictures off walls, writing on walls with markers, destroying anything that he comes in contact with the quickest. These days there have been many, many "time outs". And...he loves to tell us NO! It's not just NO. It's note, note, note (that's how Sam says no). Extremely Fresh!!! His behaviorist is taking data on him and we will come up with some kind of plan (soon I hope) to stop this behavior before it gets even worse than it is now. We're kinda pulling our hair out over here.

Sam has been checking the weekly flyers for bargains and what toys he would like for Christmas. We will be making a stop soon to see Santa to give him both Sam and Gabby's lists. I'll let you know how that one goes.

If you all can, say a little prayer for our little man Sam and that he will soon get past the behavior issues he's got bottled up and that a smile will cover his face more than tears...