Happy Birthday, Jacob!

Eight years ago today, I gave birth to my first child, a precious 7lb 12oz, 20 1/4 inch long baby boy with a head full of red hair. It was such an exciting day. I had a scheduled induction due to the fact that Jacob was a little too comfortable and cozy inside my womb. I endured 11 hours of labor with the help of an epidural and Jacob entered this world to an audience. In the delivery room were Alex, my mom, my dad, my mother-in-law, my sister and behind the curtain were my father-in-law and brother-in-law. Sounds like a full house, I know, but being my first, as well as the first grandchild for my parents, I wouldn't have done it any other way. To be able to share such a miraculous experience with my family was amazing.

Jacob's first year of life was not typical, having been diagnosed with a cleft palate within minutes of his birth. And seeing my beautiful baby boy undergo numerous tests after having seizures at 4 months of age was completely heart wrenching. After his being diagnosed with autism at age 2, we were devestated, but God has miraculously sustained us through all of the unexpected obstacles that have accompanied our lives. Jacob is and forever will be my perfect angel and I thank God for allowing me to be his mom.

Having not known very much about autism upon Jacob's diagnosis, I assumed he would take on the stereotype that I had pictured in my head. One of the disappointments I faced was that my son would never be able to tell me or even show me that he loves me. I am here to personally attest to the falsity of that stereoype. I never feel more loved than when Jacob so intently looks me in the eye, when he touches my face, when he pulls me so close to him when I kiss him goodnight, when he embraces me so tightly as we cuddle on the couch each morning before he goes to school, when he attempts to say momma by putting my fingers to his lips, and when he wears that absolutely beautiful smile on his face as we interact with one another. And while I may not hear the words, at least in this life, I know that my son loves me.

Jacob doesn't really "get" the whole birthday thing. So instead of being so consumed with parties, cakes, and gifts I feel I have more time to appreciate Jacob, reflect on the past 8 years, and just enjoy being his mom.

Reality TV

If you could choose one reality show to be a part of, which one would it be? I know, reality shows are stupid and are in no way challenging to our intellect, but I, personally, enjoy a few of them. My answer would be "hands down" Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I would, first, have to actually own a home for the crew to tear down, but that would be dream come true. And anyone who knows us well, knows that this would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to our family. A visit from Supernanny would also be a treat, and if I were famous I would love to go on Dancing With the Stars. I'm much too self-conscience to go on American Idol (not to mention too old), and I would never have been able to make out on national television (before I was married, of course) on the Bachelor.

I do have a premise for a new reality show. Its not an original idea. I heard it on the radio the other day. Its a twist on Wife Swap. Instead of trading wives for two weeks, one family with typically functioning kids would trade those children for an autistic child(ren). I think one day would be enough of an education for people like that Savage guy, the radio personality in NY that went on an autism rant this week, angrily stating that 99% of kid with autism are just brats that have been spoiled by their parents. He is the most ignorant man I have ever come across in my entire life. Did you hear about this?

Calgon...Take Me Away!!!!!

There are times when I look at my beautiful autistic son, Jacob, and think, "Wow, you are so easy!" It happens to be one of those times...Jacob is sitting quietly on my bed, flipping the pages of a book, making sweet noises, and he is very content. My other two...how can I say this without sounding completely irrational...are driving me nuts! They have not stopped whining, arguing, complaining, fighting, or yelling since I have been home from work. And why do I put up with it? Well, discipling my kids is the last thing I want to do after a long day at work. It takes so much effort. If I were Alex, all I would have to say is, "Micah...in the corner" and off to the corner Micah would go, without one utterance or "Josiah...ROOM!" and off to his room he trotts. But, I am not Alex, I am Jenn, and for some reason that I will not ever fully understand my words don't carry the same amount of punch? Does anyone else have this problem? And as a side thought....any advise on keeping an almost 3 year old in time-out? (or in the corner, as we like to call it)

Just Do It

The longer I procrastincate the harder this will be. After stepping away from my blog for the past couple of weeks, re-entering seems a little overwhelming. Where should I begin, what should I share, do I forget about the past couple of weeks and just pick up from the present? Anyone else stress out over such things? ....not worth it, I know. Just do it, I tell myself.

My mom and dad came out to visit the first of this month, and after getting here several hours after they were due to arrive because of a number of flight delays, we had a wonderful time. Alex's birthday was July 2 and we had steak and lobster here at our house. Thats one thing I never experienced in Arkansas growing up....bringing home live lobster from the local grocery store, throwing them into a huge pot of boiling water, and minutes later enjoying a delicious meal. Even though Alex cooked his own birthday dinner, along with the help of my Mom and Dad, he truly enjoyed it. (the only reason my name was absent from the list of cooks was because I was at work during the preparation :)).

Two days later was the 4th of July and one other perk of living here (besides the lobster) is being 45 minutes away from the Boston Pops Concert and fireworks show held on the 4th in downtown Boston. We, along with half a million other people flooded the streets of Boston that day. I was a little hesitant about doing this with the kids. We attempted it a few years ago but didn't last till the finale. My kiddos were burnt out before the concert even started, so we came home. But, when I found out that Rascal Flatts were going to be there, I decided it was worth the effort. :) And I'm so glad we did. It was awesome! My parents couldn't imagine being in the Boston area on the 4th of July and not participating in these festivities, so it was also worth it because they wanted to do it so badly.

We also spent time at the beach, the zoo, the mall, the IMAX, and had so much fun playing Scattegories and Boulderdash after the kids went to bed. We sure laughed alot. Just wish the time didn't go by so fast.

I'm sure my mom and dad's favorite part the the trip was spending time with their grandsons. My boys were really sad to see them go. Just today, Micah and I were driving into the grocery store parking lot and he said, "Pa Pa here? Pa Pa here Daddy's birthday." My dad went with Alex and Micah to buy the lobster the day of Alex's birthday. So now Micah will be reminded of Pa Pa every time he goes to Market Basket.

Gotta get the kids in the bathtub, so I will post more at another time.

I'm Back

Well, my life will be back to normal starting tomorrow, so I will get back to postin this week. Did you miss me? :)