The quilt the children made for World Autism Awareness Day
I was the guest reader
The children enjoying the story
Sam with Susan, his teacher
Sam, Gabby and Mommy with the quilt
Even though most of us have been stuck in the house for most of April because of all the rain, it has been a pretty good month for the Sheidy's so far. Sam and Gabby are extremely excited about bringing the trailer to Rhode Island at some point this weekend when it's not raining and Gabby is about jumping out of her pants knowing the Easter Bunny is coming tomorrow. We aren't doing anything formal this year for Easter. Our dinner may just have to be at a seafood place down in Rhode Island, which is just fine with us. No cooking!There is so much going on with Sam that I don't even know where to begin. My little man is changing...changing for the better. He is different and I don't know how to describe it because it's so amazing. I awoke this morning to the sound of his voice...his words that he is trying so hard to perfect by correcting himself by saying things over and over again until it sounds right to him. And, he was so happy talking to his Daddy...going on and on about what they were going to do today...a trip to DMV and possibly Rhode Island. There is nothing like opening your eyes to the sweet sound of Sam's voice (when Sam is being sweet of course). Sam's interests also seems to be expanding in many areas as well. For instance, he loves hockey! He can't get enough of the movie MVP with Jack the chimp. He also plays a little street hockey outside with his Daddy and Gabby and he talks about hockey all the time. Looks like we will be getting him on the ice in the fall after all. Sam is also showing signs of having feelings for others. He goes across the hall to the typical pre-school program for 8 hours a week to attend circle, snack and recess time. I can't say enough at how well he is doing in there without much support. Well, while in the typical pre-school program, Sam has taken a liking to a sweet little girl named Yami. Yes, Sam likes a little girl! And, he's already wanting to bring her home to bring her for a ride in his truck (his Ford F-150 battery operated truck)! I honestly never thought that Sam would come so far...so fast. Things are happening so fast for him, that I'm trying to make sure that I don't miss anything. I don't want to miss anything! My only issue is his behavior. The behaviors with Sam are still a bit tough, especially now that he is grunting and hitting Gabby. Poor Gabby takes a lot from him and I hope that we can get this under control and stopped quickly. I was given an opportunity to be a guest reader in the typical pre-school program this past Tuesday and I am so grateful to Mrs. Costello for inviting me. I think I did pretty good job at keeping the kids attention. Sam was excited to have me there...his eyes lit up when I walked in the door. Sam's PPT is approaching rather quickly. The date is May 7th. I honestly have no idea what is going to happen at this meeting. I will fight to keep him where he is at, especially with all this amazing progress he is making.
Just some reminders to our friends and family...
April is Autism Awareness Month. Now is the time to sign up to walk with Team Super Sam Sheidy. The Autism Speaks Walk for Autism is Sunday, June 7th at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. The link to Sam's personal walk page is: http://www.walknowforautism.org/hartford/supersamsheidy0610
We will be using the same shirts that we had last year since Sam hasn't changed in looks that much. If you walked with us last year and are in need of a new shirt because of fading, or are a new walker on our team, please let me know your shirt sizes by the middle of May so that I can put an order in. Team Super Sam Sheidy is starting to grow and I am anticipating a team of 50 or more this year! And, as an incentive to the two highest fundraisers on our team, Adam and I will present both with a gift for their fundraising efforts.
Lastly, as most of you already may know, families that have children with Autism don't have it easy. Raising a child is tough, but raising a child with Autism takes a toll on us parents. Use the month of April to show your support to your loved ones by offering a hand, an ear and a shoulder...anything you think might help them. You don't know how much it means to us parents to have that kind of help and support.
