Alexander's Evaluation and Aquarium

So, the day finally came...and everything went great!  Basically a diagnostic pediatrician played with Alexander for about 40 minutes.  She looked at how he transitioned between activities, how he played with the toys, and how he interacted with her and also me and Brad.  There really isn't much to say other than that because we don't know anything yet.  We'll find out the results and discuss what the doctors saw next Tuesday.  We also visited the New England Aquarium while we were in Boston, so here are some fun pics!  Thanks for all of your prayers, thoughts and well wishes. 
hugs...

Huge turtle...I think it was bigger than Alexander!

 We got to hold star fish! 

 Looking at seals swimming underwater!

This is a touch tank with sting rays and sharks.  The sharks don't come around very often.  We only saw one of them once.  Alexander loved it though!  You can see when he actually touches one

because he jumps and pulls his hand out of the water!

Evaluation Update

Last time I updated everyone I was filling out the application for Alexander to be evaluated for Autism.  I sent in his application a month ago, and usually it takes 4-6 weeks to get a call with the appointment date which is usually 6-8 weeks out from there.  So, we were still looking at a 2-3 month wait from now.  I got a call last Monday from Tufts Floating Hospital in Boston (where Alexander will be evaluated) and they had a cancellation for the next day!  (Last Tuesday)  Well, I immediately took it.  Brad wasn't able to get off work with such short notice but Alexander's therapist, Heather, rearranged her entire day and came with me!  She even got to my house at 6 am.  I know, she's amazing!  The evaluation is done in 3 appointments.  The first one is basically a question/answer time with us and the pediatrician to get a better idea of our concerns and to get to know Alexander.  We were in a room with a double sided mirror and a couple of students and doctors were observing him while we were talking with the diagnostic pediatrician.  The second one is this Tuesday, the 27th.  That is the actual test and evaluation.  (Prayers please)  The third one is October 4th and we discuss the results.  (More prayers please!)
A lot of people have been asking me how I'm feeling.  It is so mixed, really.  On one hand I am so thrilled that he got in so soon, but on the other hand, oh my goodness.  My son is being evaluated for Autism.  Right now.  Not in the future.  It's not something we're just talking about anymore.  It's real.  It's hard.  It's scary and I have no idea how I'm going to handle this.  However, I know that God picked me to be Alexander's mom and Brad to be his dad.  God has been preparing me for this my whole life.  I have a peace from Him that we are ready as a family to deal with this and anything else that comes our way.  I feel strong as a mother, knowing that only the strong get "dealt a hand like this."  (At least that's what I tell myself!!!)  We have such a strong support system around us.  Between all of Alexander's therapists, our parents, other family, friends and people from church we are covered pretty much everywhere!  I will make sure to update the blog after next Tuesday and also the following Tuesday when we get the results.  Thank you for your specific prayers.  We love you and are so happy you are in our life!

hugs...

The Big E

If you live in New England, then you know about and have experienced the Big E!  It is one of the most anticipated events of the year locally and one of the top 10 events nationwide.  People talk about it for WEEKS in advance and mentally prepare (and finacially prepare) for all of the food, fun, and shopping!  Basically the Big E is like a town fair multiplied by 1,000!  It is a fair that lasts for 3 weeks.  Vendors come from all over the country to display their crafts, products and "as seen on TV" stuff.  There are concerts as well.  This year Reba is performing and Brad and I saw "Daughtry" a few years ago.  There are state buildings...one for each of the New England states.  All the stuff that is special about the states are in the state buildings.  For example, Maine has fresh lobster rolls, Vermont has all sorts of maple syrup stuff (maple syrup cotton candy included!)  Local vendors and artisans from their home states fill the buildings.  And the food...oooooooh the food!  Last year they came out with the "Crazy Burger."  It is a bacon cheeseburger.  Not so crazy right?  WELL...substitue the bun for a toasted glazed donut and there you have it...the best darn burger ever!  This year they had "Peanutbutter and Bacon Pizza!"  (Subsitute the sauce for peanutbutter.)  We didn't try it, but from what everyone said, don't knock it till you try it!

The infamous Crazy Burger!



Each year our church volunteers with The Hollow Creek Cider Mill in the VT building.  We work shifts at their booth and they pay the church for each 4 hour shift filled.  Its a huge fundraiser for our church.  Plus, we get free admission and parking which saves us about $60!  They make fresh apple cider donuts, apple pie (either a la mode or with sharp VT cheddar cheese), apple crisp and the best apple cider you've ever tasted.  Their specialty is apple cider slushy!  Soooooooooo good!  We volunteered in the morning and enjoyed the Big E for the rest of the day.  Natalie and Barry dropped off Alexander after our shift. 

Me and Alexander after a parade.

He caught two bead necklaces that were being thrown from floats.

Daddy and Alexander eating fried dough.  (Mommy MAY have had a bite too!)

They also have lot's of animals and petting farms.  You can ride on an elephant and camel.  Here is Alexander taking his first camel ride!  He was so excited- he didn't stop smiling from the minute he got on!  You have to zoom into the first picture...It is a look of pure wonderment!

I love this one!!!