A Mother and Son Date in NYC

This week is The Boy's first official week of summer vacation and I took a few days off to spend some time with him. (And because summer is challenging to find childcare.) Thursday was a beautiful day so I decided that we would take the train into the City and go to the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

Talk about sensory overload! I can't remember seeing The Boy so excited. He was running and laughing. Just really really happy. It was tough for me to keep up with him. And next time I go, I'll want to go with The Husband. 

We had lunch. And then walked to the crosstown bus. The Boy spotted a playground and wanted to go in. We went in for a bit but it was a big (BIG) playground with too many blind spots. The kind of playground where I need a second set of eyes. So we left. And I had to bribe The Boy with ice cream because how else would I have gotten him out. 

And after his ice cream...he was happy again. 

Then we walked and walked and walked. All the way to 103rd street and Lexington Avenue. (From 85th and 5th) There was this bookstore I wanted to go to...La Casa Azul. 

  

After I purchased a few books, we took the 6 train back home. And then I took him back to the playground. 

We had a good day. But don't let these few pictures fool you. We had our share of challenges. I wish that I could say that we had this perfect Mother and Son day. That The Boy didn't have a meltdown (or two). That I didn't come home and cry. But that is for another post.

He Said What?!

The Boy is notorious for swiping my iPad. He takes a ton of screen shots and then likes to delete my photos to make room for his. Not cool. So this week The Husband changed the passcode on my iPad. Then we watched with amusement as The Boy kept getting an error message. Bwahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Then The Boy mumbled, "I think this needs to charge." And he goes to charge the iPad.   

***

The Boy likes to sleep in our bed. I know. I know. I know. I really try to put him to sleep in his bed (and most nights he does). But if he makes his way back into ours in the middle of the night - I just don't fight it. This Mami needs her sleep. Anyway, sometimes The Boy will be so tired, he'll put himself to bed. Earlier this week I found him at 7:30 pm all snuggled up in our bed. 

The Boy: "I'm tired. I want to go to sleep." 

Me: "Well why don't you go to sleep in your bed." 

The Boy: "I don't think so. My room's a mess."

(Then he requested I spray the pillows with Bath & Body Lavender pillow mist.)

***

Today is The Boy's last day of the extended school year. He has officially completed his first full year at his school. And I was feeling a bit emotional. The first day I put him on the bus last summer (on July 2, 2012) - it was such a big moment for me. It was the moment that I let go of a dream and embraced a new one.

His progress this year has been A M A Z I N G! He is a completely different kid. He's happy. He feels good about himself and his work. I can ask him about his day and he gives me little nuggets of information. He talks about things he learned at school - like the planets, the weather and recently fire safety. The Boy knows to Stop, Drop and Roll.

And when I told him this morning it was his last day of school and asked if he knew when he would go back. He said, "In September."

There are still many things he needs to work on. But The Boy is in a good place, with people who truly understand him. 

Taken this morning - it takes a few tries to get the "Money Shot" 
The Boy's last day of school for the year

***

And from earlier this week on Babble 

• Did you know August is Family Fun Month? Check out some simple activities you can do to celebrate with your family - HERE
• Six Ways I Wish I were Like My Son With Autism - HERE
• 7 Back-to-School Essentials For Kids with Autism - HERE

Declarations of Love (Autism Style)

On Monday I came home later than usual. The Boy held the door open for me, watching as I walked down the hallway. He waited for me to come in before running back to his room. No hello. No kiss. No hug. 

The Husband later told me that minutes before I rang the bell, The Boy stood at the door and burst into tears. When The Husband asked what was wrong, The Boy said "I want to see Mommy."

Later The Boy sat next to right on top of me. "Norrin why were you crying?" I asked him.

"Because, I missed mom." 

***

Every Wednesday it's the same thing. The Boy gets off the bus, smiling brightly and asks, "Can I get ice cream?"

No hello. No kiss. No hug. 

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that he is capable of asking an age appropriate question. But I wonder if his smile is for me or at the thought of a Mr. Softee ice cream cone.

"Who do you want to go get an ice cream with?" I ask.

The Boy reaches for my hand as we cross the street and says, "With mom."

*** 

Last night I was sick with a fever. The Husband gave me medicine and within minutes, I was feeling drowsy. I lay in bed, wrapped in my blanket when The Boy pounced on me. "Mommy's sick," I said, "please let me rest."

"Do you need to spit (throw up)?" The Boy asked. And before I could answer, he said, "I'll go get the bucket!"

The Boy ran down the hall and back. He placed the bucket on the floor next to me. Then he tucked my blanket around my shoulders. And he let me sleep.

***  

What declarations of love have your children shown you this week?    

  

When Pretend Play Goes Wrong

When The Boy was first diagnosed with autism, the doctor told us he lacked imaginative play skills. Since then we've been working on building The Boy's imagination and working on pretend play.

In the last year, The Boy's imagination has been slowly emerging. And it's been wonderful to watch! 

For instance...last night The Boy pretended to be a barber.

So um, YAY for pretend play. 

BOO for big piece of hair missing.  

What 4am At Our Home Looks Like

It's 4:49 am. And we've been up since 3:55. It's Monday. So today should be really fun.

Some morning when The Boy wakes this early, I lay in bed with one eye open. And when the alarm goes off at 5 am, I put the snooze button to work. This morning, I couldn't do it. 

And like the saying experienced moms like to tell new moms, "Sleep when the baby sleeps" - I wake when The Boy wakes. 

I've washed last night's dishes. I took these snazzy pictures & tweaked them on my iPhone. And now I'm going to have a cup of coffee while I put the final touches on an article that's due later today.

So what does 4am look like in our place?  

Coffee waiting to be brewed. Dishes in sink waiting to be washed.
Laptop open & ready to go.

And while I washing the dishes this is what The Boy was doing! 

And as I'm typing this, the Boy sits beside me. Puts his hand on my shoulder and says, "Hey Momma. What's up?" and then kisses my cheek. And maybe just maybe I swooned a little bit.

Happy Monday!

Family Day Fun! A Very #FurryChristmas at Sesame Place

Yesterday was the grand opening day of A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place! 

And we were invited to join in on the one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with our favorite furry friends.

Growing up, I never got the chance to go to Sesame Place so I get really happy to do things like this with The Boy. And once we convinced him that it was too cold for splashing water fun and showed him all the water attractions were closed - he had a blast.

The last time we went to Sesame Place  The Boy refused to get near any of the characters, even though he loves so many of them. This time was different, he sought them out - walked up to them and got lots of sensory furry hugs.

The Boy asked for specific rides, waited patiently on lines (the park was manageable enough that we didn't need the disability pass) and used lots of language through out the day. He was really happy being part of the holiday fun.   

Check out some of our pics: 

Christmas Tree at the Entrance

 Pictures cannot do this tree justice. It's just beautiful.

 

Picture with Santa

Don't ask how many photos it took to get this one right. But we got it.

Hold on to your cookies Norrin

This is the money shot of the day - The Husband captured a great moment.

The View from Snuffle's Slides

I was worried about whether it would be crowded, but it was quite manageable. We didn't even request a disability pass. And The Boy did a great job waiting on the lines.

Grover

With the water attractions closed, we got to see the parade. One of my favorite parts of the parade was when it started to snow. It really added to the festivities.

 

Spectacular lights

We left before it got really dark  but even at dusk - the park looked like a Winter Wonderland at lit up.

Father & Son

We'll be back soon! 

More pics to be posted later in the week

***

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is open select dates November 17th – December 31st. The fun starts with 3 special Christmas shows, dry rides (weather permitting), awesome music and twinkling lights all around. Sesame street glows with festivities and come to life at night with our illuminated Neighborhood Street Party Parade. And the fun continues with a special Christmas menu, super holiday shopping and, of course, a visit with Santa.


Disclosure: I was invited as a member of the media and provided with complimentary admission to the park. All opinions are my own.   

I'm Stranded in Texas, My Heart is in New York #Hurricane Sandy

It's been rough couple of days - the mom guilt is kicking in full force. I think I've cried all over Texas. I want to be with The Boy right now. And I can't. I am stranded in Houston, TX. My flights have been cancelled...

And I'm glued to CNN watching the news.

There is so much I want to say about the excitement of LATISM'12. How happy I am to have won an award. How grateful I am for everyone's support...how inspired I feel by being surrounded by so many amazing Latinos.

But right now - I just can't. I'm thinking of my family and friends in New York and all over the east coast. Stay safe. I'm praying for you and love you. If it's one thing I love about my city is how resilient we are. How we have the ability to come together in moments of crisis. We will be okay. We can get through this.

Please STAY SAFE. Stay where you are. Stay off the roads. Listen to the instructions of the Mayor and Governor.

Hopefully I will be home soon.

Thank you to all my friends in the blogging community - especially, Juan and Ariana (my new Houston friends) - your hospitality and generosity will never be forgotten.

There are a few I want to thank personally but I know you do not want to be thanked publicly. Please know, I am extremely moved by your words and support.

See What Unfolds

The Boy is busy. Always moving, running, jumping. It's pretty hard to keep up and often hard to calm him down. In Sensory Processing Disorder terms - The Boy has an extremely high level of energy. A few years ago an occupational therapist suggested we give The Boy gum to give him the input he needs.* So we send gum to school and we use it during therapy to help keep The Boy focused and on task.

Needless to say, we go through a lot of gum. For Christmas The Boy's Nino (padrino/godfather) often gives us boxes of Trident Layers gum as stocking stuffers. Trident Layers is The Boy's gum of choice - it gives him that burst of fruit flavor he loves and provides the oral sensory input he needs.

Typically, I don't give The Boy gum while we're out and about. This afternoon we did a little shopping and then hit the playground. I had just bought a few packs of Trident (Orchid Peach + Ripe Mango and Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus) to send to school and decided to give him a few pieces (I give him 2 or 3 at a time). Since we had the playground to ourselves I was able to sit and relax. (I may have stole a few pieces for myself.) And then something happened...

"Open it and see what unfolds"    

A little boy - I'll call him "Manny" - ran into the playground and asked The Boy if he wanted to play tag. And The Boy said yes. For the next thirty minutes, I watched as The Boy played with Manny. Yes, The Boy needed some prompting and redirection. Even when The Boy didn't seem interested, Manny persisted on playing with The Boy. And it was Manny who first approached me asking for The Boy's name.   

I had never seen The Boy engage like that before. I had never seen a little boy like Manny try to engage The Boy the way he did. It was only a few weeks before at the very same playground, two girls were laughing at The Boy for being different. And here was little Manny, wanting to be The Boy's friend.

When we left the playground, I thanked Manny and his mother. It was also the first time, I had taken the time to talk to another playground mom. She totally seemed to get it, she asked questions and offered words of encouragement. I hope we see them again. And next time we see them, I'll be sure to prompt The Boy to share his gum with Manny.   

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and TRIDENT. However, all opinions expressed are my own.




*Before engaging in new therapies or techniques for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, parents should consult the family pediatrician or occupational therapist.
Read more: How to Calm Children with Sensory Processing Disorder 

It Was Bound To Happen. I'm Becoming My Mother.

My relationship with Carmen (aka my mother) hasn't always been easy.  I am quite certain Carman can say the same about her relationship with me. But I love her and would be completely lost without her. And she is a wonderful Abuela to The Boy (you can read about their relationship HERE).

There was a time in my life when I said I wanted to be nothing like her.  And now I spend most of my days trying to be half the woman she is.

These are few things I've said, thought or done that remind me slowly but surely, I'm becoming my mother.


Why are there 4 boxes of cereal open? And don't let there be more than 2 kinds of juice open in the fridge.

The other day I was out walking with The Boy and he asked for ice cream from the ice cream truck and I said, We have ice cream at home.  Neopolitan to be exact. It was the only flavor my mother would buy. I used to hate it. And when I bought it the other day, I cursed myself at the check out counter when I made the connection.

Speaking of check out counters...If I realize something is not on sale as the cashier is ringing it up, I decide I don't want it. 

When out shopping, I find myself looking at labels. If I see dry clean only - I immediately put back on rack. I have to really really really love something to buy something that is dry clean only. 

That's not the way I do it.

I walk around the apartment turning off lights and appliances like a mad woman. What do these people think, I'm sleeping with the Con Ed man?

I reuse paper towels whenever possible (and also zip locks). And don't throw away that (paper/plastic) bag, that's a good bag.

Dios Mio, ¡Ayúdame! or ¡Qué jodienda coño!  I don't even speak Spanish but if you heard me say either of these phrases, you'd swear it was my first language.  


Because I said so, that's why.

And these are some of the things I don't do, that make me realize, I haven't become my mother just yet:

• make my own sofrito
• cook 3 meals a day and make dinner large enough for leftovers
• clip coupons and use them
• move my stove and refrigerator twice a year for a good cleaning
  

When do you do, say or think that makes you realize you've become your mother?

Sesame Place Play Date

I grew up watching Sesame Street.  It's as much of my childhood as the home I lived in.


And that's what I love about motherhood.  Sharing special parts of my childhood with The Boy.  And seeing the joy on his face as he experiences it for the first time.  


As a kid, we never made it to Sesame Place.  So being able to take The Boy is special for me.  I know The Husband feels the same way.  We went last year for the first time and  walking along Sesame Street, was like having part of childhood come to life.  


So when I was invited to Sesame Place for a Blogger Play Date - I couldn't say no.  We were planning on going again this year anyway.


The Boy was just as excited.  Especially about the "water splashing fun" and the "rollee coaster."  I was pleased to hear that he remembered our trip and that he was looking forward to going again.


We got there right as the park was opening and immediately went to the Welcome Center where we requested a ride accessibility band (see below it's the orange band around his wrist).  This band allowed us to enter some rides without waiting on long lines.  We used the band at our discretion - we assessed each line and decided whether or not it was something The Boy could wait for.  The staff was incredibly accommodating to The Boy's needs.

Waiting for Grover's World Twirl  - See how I have hold to on tight?  
He had his cup all picked out.

    

Father & Son getting ready to ride the Vapor Trail

I don't really do roller coasters...I don't care if it's appropriate for kids 3 and older.  

I'm more of a Flyin Fish kind of gal

Last year we used the map to get around, this time we used the FREE Sesame Place App for iPhone to navigate the park.  If you have an iPhone - you have to download the app.  It just makes life easier.  Some of the features include: 

• View a full park map on your iPhone.
• True GPS navigation that provides a highlighted path to your destination
• Interactive park map with search that allows you to find the nearest restroom, dining location, ATM and more.

By 2pm The Boy was all played out and wanted to go.  He has no interest in meeting the characters and taking pictures.  I tried.  Trust me, I tried.  And once he rode a (dry) ride, he isn't interested riding it again.


Not when there's "water splashing fun" to be had.  But I didn't bring my swim suit (I'm not feeling swim suit ready) and while it was warm, it was still breezy.  And when it comes to the water rides - we really need 2 sets of hands to help with The Boy.  And since it was just me, The Husband and The Boy - it was kind of hard for The Husband to do on his own.  


Which means - we'll be heading back to Sesame Place before the summer's over.  And swim suit ready or not - I'll be participating in the water splashing fun.


I was kind of bummed that I missed the actual Blogger Play Date and the opportunity to meet other bloggers.  (I did get to see my friend Rachel White aka The Digital Latina  and meet her family.)  But as you know - when your kid is ready to go.  You go.  As quickly as you can. 

Needless to say, The Boy was knocked out the whole ride home

And even though he had a nice long nap, that evening he slept.  And GET THIS - he put on his own pajamas.  No prompting.  No asking.  ALL. ON. HIS. OWN.  He's never done that before.  


Yeah, he put his pajamas on backwards but who cares.  A Sesame Place influence? I'd like to think so.      
  

Disclaimer:  We were provided with complimentary admission to the park.  The opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.    

I Need To Live For As Long As I Can: #ChooseSkinHealth

Having a child with autism gives me this sense of urgency to take better care of myself.  Because while I know it's impossible to live forever - I want to be healthy and live for as long as I can.  


I really started to think about immortality on the day my mother told me she had skin cancer  (melanoma).  For years she had a dark growth on the back of her ear that kept getting bigger and bigger.  


My mother said the words like it was no big deal.  But I knew she was worried.  And she was playing it off because she didn't want me to worry.   


The thought of losing my mother.  The thought of The Boy losing his grandmother - scared me.  


Luckily once removed, she was fine.  But it made me think.  


My father would be described as trigueño (olive skinned) and he spent many summers, shirtless, strutting up and down beach boardwalks, soaking up the sun.  As for my mother - her childhood nickname was leche because her skin was as white as milk.  In all of my years - I had never, not once, seen either of my parents apply any kind of sun block.  



And it made me think of my younger years.  Laying out at the beach slathering on baby oil mixed with a splash of iodine or cola.  Not smart at all.     

One American dies of melanoma almost every hour, and the number of cases is increasing in the Latino community. However, many people are still ignoring the serious repercussions of exposing their skin to UVA and UVB radiation without protection by going to tanning salons, sun bathing and not using sunscreen when out for long periods of time. It's also been noted that compared to Caucasian women, fewer Hispanic women believe it's important to wear sunscreen daily and are under the impression that darker skin is at low risk for melanoma.

 As a mom, I've made sure The Boy is protected from the sun, lathered with lotion and skin covered.  While often neglecting my own skin.  


I can't reverse the skin damage I've done but I can learn from my mistakes and take better care of my skin all year round.  That's why I'm excited to team up with Neutrogena and help promote their Choose Skin Health Campaign.  Because, I know I've taken my skin for granted and I don't want The Boy to do the same.   

I need to take care of MY skin, 
the way I take care of HIS skin.  

Below are a few helpful tips:  

• Try to avoid peak sun hours if possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.  (I don't know about you but that NJ tanning mom has me freaked out.) 
• Always wear a sunscreen.  ALWAYS.  All year long. 
• Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.

For more Choose Skin Health info and FREE cancer skin screening locations (across the country) please click HERE and/or "Like" the Choose Skin Health Facebook Page.

I searched New York State/City area and there are several locations within New York City.  

I remember when my mother finally got tested for skin cancer.  Thinking back I realize she may have waited so long  to have it checked was because my parents didn't have health care.  (My father had lost his job and well...unemployment and health care are tricky things.)      

With so many still unemployed and ever changing health care rates, these free skin cancer screenings could save so many lives.  Even if you have medical insurance - make an appointment with your doctor and/or dermatologist and have yourself examined.  

Whether you're a parent or not.  Whether you're a special needs parent or not.  We all have one life to live.  Let's live it to the fullest, longest and healthiest.    

   

****

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post and in collaboration with Neutrogena and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All stories and opinions are my own.  

Managing the OMG Moments as Parents of Special Needs Kids

If you're a special needs parent - you've had those moments that have made stop, hold your head in your hands and screamed OMG.  


I know I have.  Some times in frustration.  Some times in complete disbelief.  And some times in absolute amazement.  The OMG moments as parents of special needs kids runs quite the gamut of emotions.   And getting through those moments are easiest when you have someone who will listen, understand, celebrate or advise. 

That being said, I've been asked to co-host a live, all-text Talk on The Motherhood called Managing the OMG Moments as Parents of Special Needs Kids.  We'll talk about the challenges, feelings of isolation, advocating for our kids, interactions with friends and family and anything else that’s affecting your life these days.  Come share your stories, approaches and ideas, and we'll do our best to support each other. 

I am so excited! 

Here are the details:
    
When: Friday, May 18, at 1 p.m. ET.  We will chat for 30 minutes!
 
Where: On The Motherhood, right here - http://bit.ly/K04T0h

RECAP of show is here - http://www.themotherhood.com/blog/managing-the-omg-moments-as-parents-of-special-needs-kids/
 
Who: The all-text chat will be hosted by the amazing Ellen Seidman of Love That Max.  

Co-hosting are these wonderful women:

Dana, Uncommon Sense, http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/
Hallie, Visions of Johanna, http://hallielevinesklar.com/
Jennifer, Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, http://thinkingautismguide.blogspot.com/
Kate, Chasing Rainbows, http://www.kateleong.com/
Katy, Bird on the Street, http://birdonthestreet.com/
Lisa, Autism Wonderland, http://www.autismwonderland.com/
Shasta, Outrageous Fortune, http://www.outrageousfortune.net/
Sunday, Extreme Parenthood, http://www.extremeparenthood.com/

 
Co-host Twitter IDs
@UncommonBlogger
@thinkingautism
@kateleong
@birdonthestreet
@LaliQuin
@outrageousblog
@xtremeparnthood

Host Twitter IDs: 
@LoveThatMax
@theMotherhood
@EmilyMcKhann
@CooperMunroe
@eolson426

Hope you join us!