Month: August 2016

MJ Reading: Then and Now

~ NickyB. ~ 36 Comments

When MJ was first diagnosed with autism we had no idea if he would ever speak in short phrases.  We had no idea if he would ever speak in sentences. We had no idea if we would be able to have any kind of conversation with him. Along with that came the fact that we did not know if he would ever learn to read. His first speech therapist certainly  did not give us any hope at all.  So it is truly exciting to now hear him reading out loud with fluency and expression.  The first video clip below was recorded when he was about five years old. It was the first time that he had ever read something! We were all so excited! The second video clip was just recorded the other night while doing HW with him.  I not only recorded it because he was reading so well, but I also recorded it because he was actually completing his HW without a fight! 

MJ Reading  5 years old.
MJ Reading 12 years old. 

#Progress

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It’s Over 😟

~ NickyB. ~ 25 Comments

And just like that, our summer vacation is over😩. Seems like I was just celebrating the beginning of summer yesterday! Just like many of you, I’ve been running around for the last few weeks preparing for back to school.  The school supplies lists are completely insane nowadays and I have found myself going to 3 different stores in order to get everything on their lists.  MJ will (should) have the same teachers he had last year.  There are 2 teachers that teach the core subjects and they each have an assistant working with them.  His speech therapist and occupational therapist should be the same as well.  This year is much different for me than last year.  There is no anxiety, worry, or sleepless nights.   MJ handled 6th grade “like a boss” lol and I’m expecting the same for this school year. 

Getting Better 

~ NickyB. ~ 24 Comments

It has been another great “season” of Basketball Buddies.  MJ is so much better at shooting the ball the correct way and doing the basketball drills.  I also am learning a lot from the autism moms that I have been talking with.  It’s like therapy every time we meet. We compare notes, give advice, and talk about our every day ins and outs with raising our children. I always leave feeling even more encouraged and optimistic. It has truly been a blessing being able to develop these relationships.   

The following video shows a snippet of what MJ does during each session.  

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…and of course frozen yogurt is always necessary when the session is over.  😉 

#Mjdeservesit

#Godissogood

#EnjoyingSummer

~ NickyB. ~ 42 Comments

We have had a wonderful time with family that came for a much needed visit.  It’s always great to see MJ bond with other family members.  Here are a few pics of our family time. 

Cousin love❤️

Dinner time! 😃

Relaxing in the deep end of the pool now. 😱

Hanging out with Uncle T. 😊

Surprise trip!

Eagerly waiting to get to Magic Kingdom. 


We can’t wait to do this all over again. 😍