I Finally Saw Les Miserables (and I may be a little obsessed)

Yesterday I treated myself to a lazy day - meaning, I didn't leave my apartment at all. I spent much of my day, on the sofa - writing, thinking and watching LesMiserables.

I can't believe I didn't see it in the theaters. I can't believe I never saw it on Broadway all those years it was running. I am kicking myself.

After I watched the movie, I took another hour to watch the extras - to learn more about the story and making of the film. And then I downloaded the book. And I'm ready to purchase the soundtrack. (I'm a little obsessed.)

I knew it would be good. And I knew I would like it. But I was surprised how strongly I would feel about it. How quickly I would fall in love with these characters. Or how much I would identify with them. 

I've loved Anne Hathaway for years - ever since I saw her in Ella Enchanted. As Fantine, I was captivated by her. I cringed when they cut off her hair. And winced when they yanked out her tooth. And when she sang, "I dreamed a dream" - I was sobbing like a baby. Sobbing.

The entire cast was amazing. But one my absolute favorite characters? Gavroche. 
I am just so impressed by this kid.

And it's sparked a new curiosity to learn more about the French Revolution.

Today I'll have another lazy day. I have a ton of laundry to wash, fold and put away. And I'm  thinking LesMiserables would be a great movie to watch while doing my chores.

What's your favorite movie to watch on a lazy Sunday?

Are you a Les Mis fan? What do you love about it?

* I purchased this movie. I just loved it so much, I had to write about. All opinions are my own.

Who's the New Blogger at #Babble?

In case you missed the announcement last week on Facebook and Twitter - It's ME!! 

I'll be over on Babble Kid blogging 3 days a week.

I can't even tell you how excited & grateful I am about this new opportunity. When I first started blogging, it was something that began just for me...now my blog, my writing has turned into so much more.

Check out my first three posts: 

Blogging is So Much Cheaper Than Therapy

The Inevitable

I Broke a Rule in Front of My Kid

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!

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.

Another Reason To Love #SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance)

I've been a fan of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) from the very beginning. I'm not much of a dancer, but in another life I like to think that I once was or that I will be.

One of the things I admire about the dancers is their tenacity. I mean you hear their stories, some of them auditioning year after year just hoping to make it through another round. It's inspiring for me. It reminds me, that we all have dreams. And if you have a dream, you do not stop no matter how many times you hear the word 'no.'

Last night while watching SYTYCD, The Boy said, "I wish I could dance." I asked him if he wanted to dance with Mommy and he said.

So last night, I danced with The Boy. Because when he makes that kind of request without any kind of prompting - I fulfill it. 

Was The Boy scripting?  Who knows. Who cares.  I'll take those 5 wonderful words and run with it.

I'm sorry to say The Boy fell asleep and missed one of the most beautiful performances I've ever seen on SYTYCD. Dancers Sebastian Grubb and Joel Brown, of the Axis Dance Company, perform an excerpt of Sebastian Grubb’s The Narrowing set to music by the fabulous Joan Jeanrenaud and PC Muñoz. I had never heard of the Axis Dance Company but Sebastian and Joel’s performance was unlike anything I had ever seen before.  

The Axis Dance Company believes “everyone can dance.”  They even have a program for kids. I won’t go on about why the Axis Dance Company is so amazing...go on and see for yourself.
 

I Don't Know How to Drive but Today I Wished I Did

This morning I schlepped all the way out to Brooklyn.  BROOKLYN.  Via public transportation since my driver The Husband was unavailable.   

For those of you not familiar with the MTA NYC Subway - here's a visual. 

Now had I been rolling solo, I could have read a book, listened to my iPod, maybe even write.  But I was with The Boy...so you all know how that goes.  Sure I kept him entertained with my iPhone but it was a lot of "Are we there yet?"  The first 10 times are cute but by the 35th time...no, not so much. 

 I totally blame this YouTube clip

Did I mention I had to make this trip in the rain?

I don't know how to drive*.  And I have no desire to learn.  I just know it's something I wouldn't be good at.  I compare driving to playing the piano.  Anyone can learn to play the piano but only a select few can play it well.  I know I would be a bad driver.  I'm too nervous, don't do well under pressure, have difficulty concentrating and get overwhelmed sitting in the passenger seat when there's a lot of traffic.  Truth be told, I don't want to be any one's designated driver.  I want someone to drive me home.  I don't get out much, so when I do - I want to have a grand old time.  

Today? I really wished I knew how to drive.

Because after I was done with our appointment, I had to get back on the bus and the train to come into work.

It was one the longest mornings of my life.  But it was worth it and I'd do it again.  (Except maybe next time, I'll plan ahead for someone to drive me.)           

*I also don't know how to ride a bike or swim.  The Husband says in case there is a zombie Apocalypse - I would be totally useless.  And I agree.      

All I Want for The Boy

The Turning 5 process for parents of Special Needs children is tough.  And this year has been even tougher.  We're in the process all over again...

And I thought back to this post I wrote last year.  When I was in the midst of applying to schools, filling out applications and hoping for the best, ugh - I mean the most appropriate. 

Anyway, several applications asked this question:

What are your long term concerns and wishes for your child?

This is my answer -  

Our greatest concern is that we won't be able to secure the most appropriate academic environment to meet Norrin's needs.  What if there isn't a school that can nurture his strengths as well as his weaknesses?  And if we can't find a school that can nuture his strengths as well as support his weaknesses - how will that impact his future? 

We know for many parents, mainstream is the holy grail.  That does not matter to us. We are realistic about what he can and can't do.  If mainstream is a possibility, fine. And if not - then that's fine too. 

We would never want to push him into an environment where he may be set up to fail. We know that he's bright and that he has the capacity to learn.  We don't need general education to prove that. 

Norrin doesn't need to be the popular kid. But if he wants friendship, we want him to have the tools to develop one.

We just want him to be happy.  To feel good about himself.  To enjoy his life. To be productive.   

We want Norrin to be himself and know that he's okay.  We want him to know that he doesn't need to be cured or fixed.  Norrin is a lovable little boy with a charming smile.  He is fast on his feet, he has a quirky sense of humor, his laugh is infectious.  And we never want him to lose the qualities that make him special.  

We hope that as he gets older, people will appreciate him just as he is.  We hope people will want to understand him.  All we want is for him to have a place in this world.  All we want for him is to have the same opportunities as any one else. 

Isn't this what all parents want for their children?

What do you want for your child?

I didn't win the mega millions, so I'll be back in the office tomorrow.

Truth is - I didn't even play.  Not even in the office pool.   

I never play lotto.  I don't buy scratch offs.  I don't like to make bets.  And I hate casinos.  Now I'm a gal of quite a few vices.  Gambling just isn't one of them.

Which is a shame, considering everything that's going on with The Boy.

Lately, I've been feeling like the stakes are at an all time high.  And my poker face could use some work.

It's been exhausting.  And March has been a long month.  31 days and nights of waiting, wondering, worrying.

I don't know why, but the month of April seems promising.  It's also Autism Awareness Month and there are so many wonderful events taking place this month.  I'm guest posting on some amazing websites this month.  I am speaking on a panel at the Hispanicize conference in 11 days - in MIAMI!  I'm speaking on another panel in NYC later this month.  I have a few great book reviews in draft and even an interview with a warrior mom/fabulous plus size model.  They are all good distractions.  

And today - the first day of April has been a productive day.  With all of my March Madness I've neglected my little home.  Only doing the barest of bare minimum.  But today I cleaned, uncluttered, went food shopping, cooked, did laundry, ironed (!!!!!), put clothes away and looky here - now I'm writing a post. 
 
Looking around, I have a sense of satisfaction of accomplishment.  Because I know my hard work today, will pay off.

That is what I want for The Boy.  March was a month of time consuming work.  A month of running back and forth.  I want it to pay off.  I hope I haven't gambled it all away.  We cannot afford to lose everything.

Unlike the 3 lucky winner of the mega million I will resume my life on Monday.  I will go into the office; my bread and butter work and get busy.   I don't really want to.  But I'm not a gambler.   I just need to keep believing that hard work pays off.           

    

Surviving the Dentist: My post on Special-Ism

I'm excited to share that every 27th of the month, I will be posting on Special-Ism - a wonderful new website for special needs parents.  Special-Ism was created by Tiffani Lawton and Danette Schott.

If we're friends on Facebook you may know that I took The Boy to the Dentist earlier this month.  It went so much better than I anticipated.  But I was prepared.  


And since February is National Children's Dental Health Month - I wanted my first post on Special-Ism to be about our first trip to the dentist.  You can read it HERE.


And a BIG thanks to Alissa Moseson of Sprinkles of Hope for helping me write my social story.  I will upload a printable later this week of our dentist social story.  


And to my fabulous FB friends: Melanie, Teresa, Homestyle Mama, Blessed by Autism, Rosyniah, Jennifer, Kellie, Our Special Families Village, Jen, Kerenna, Beth Allison, Elsa, Jen C, Tiffany and Christine - Thank you for sharing your thoughts, suggestions and support!


If you are in The Bronx/Yonkers and looking for a special needs pediatric dentist, I highly recommend Dr. Ivis Getz.  For more information, please visit Caring Pediatric Dentistry     
    

I'm over at MommyMaestra today!

I am thrilled to be a guest contributor on MommyMaestra today. 

A few weeks ago, Monica, aka MommyMaestra reached out and asked if I would share our autism experience with her readers.  And I was more than happy to do so.     

"I often wonder what kind of parent I would be if I had a different kind of child. By different, I mean a child without autism."  

And you can read the rest of the post HERE  :) 

Three Words I Don't Often Hear

I don't hear the words "I love you" from The Boy very often.  I prompt him to say many things.  But those three words?  Never.  I don't want them to be forced, I don't want them to sound rote.  I want him to say it when he means it. 


Every night when putting him to bed, after kissing him goodnight, after reading him a story and kissing him goodnight again, I tell The Boy that I love him.  I usually repeat it.  Holding his face with both hands so that he can see my face and hopefully look me in the eye. Sometimes he repeats it.  Sometimes he doesn't.  Sometimes he gives me a kiss and asks me to "go away" because he wants "Daddy to read another story." Sometimes he skips the kiss. 


I can count the times since he's started really talking in the last two years that he's said "I love you" spontaneously. 


Last winter, at around 6 am on a weekday morning.  I was calling out sick for work because I had been up with him all night nursing his fever.  He was in our bed, barely awake, his cheeks flushed red.  I pressed a cold washcloth on his forehead.  I smiled at him.  At how calm and still he was.  A small part of me likes when he's sick.  Every mother likes to be needed.  And I savor the moments when The Boy is calm and still and lets me stroke his hair or sits beside me while I read a story.  He pushed the washcloth away.  His eyes were starting to close and right before he fell asleep, he whispered "I love you."


Three weeks ago, Sunday I was sitting (w-sitting actually) on The Boy's bed reading a story. The Boy dropped a toy behind the bed and wanted me to get it.  Major klutz that I am, scooted back (still in w-sitting position) to get up.  Instead I fell backward on the floor, flat on my backside.  I screamed out in pain and The Husband hurried in to help me up.  The Boy, seeing me pain, started to cry.  With real tears and I had to get up to console him and reassure him I was okay.  He put his arms around me, buried his wet face in my neck and sobbed "I love you."


This morning, The Boy and I are standing waiting for the school bus.  And he's having a hard time standing still.  I'm trying to make conversation.  But The Boy is busy watching the pidgeons.  He suddenly throws his arms around me and asks for a hug.  I gave him a squeeze.  And then he said, "I love you Mama."  So sweetly and so appropriately as if he just made the connection between the action and verbal expression.  Maybe he did.  I picked up The Boy (no easy task since he's about 52 lbs) and squeezed him again.  Kissed him on his cheeks about twenty times before putting him back down. 
As the bus pulled up, I kissed him again, handed him his bookbag and said goodbye.  He got on the bus without looking back and without saying goodbye. 


So many parents take those three words for granted.  Some parents, wrapped up in their own chaotic day to day, ignore these declarations of love.  Me? I have to cherish each and every time because I'll never know when, where or why I'll hear them next.           

Wordless Wednesday: "It's time for bed."

The Boy during Saturday's Sensory Gym session. 

He buried himself under the pillows and said,

"It's time for bed.  It's time to sleep." 

Sigh...if only it was that easy.

Sleep Issues, Bedtime Routines and Special Needs

Best of the Best, Edition 8: Sleep Issues & Bedtime and Special Needs 

"Over 20 bloggers have shared their personal experiences, provided sleep resources, and outlined tips for helping children, teens, and parents find sleep. This incredible group of bloggers have experience with many different invisible special needs, such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and autism. There’s something for everyone!" 

I have to say this is my favorite edition so far.   I loved reading everyone's experiences, especially the older kids.  It gave me an idea of what's in store.  I also picked up some great tips and techniques.  Not sure if it will work but it's all about trial and error with our kids.  

Hope you all have a good night's sleep tonight!

Lisa Quinones-Fontanez presents This Bed Ain’t Big Enough for 3 posted at Autism Wonderland. Prior to becoming a parent, Lisa had many ideas, “One of my ideas was: I would not let my child sleep in our bed.” Discover why Lisa has changed her belief on this idea and what her evenings often look like.

Revisiting Dr. Oz

Back in February I posted an open letter to Dr. Oz - http://www.autismwonderland.com/2011/02/dear-dr-oz-my-response-to-his-show-on.html - regarding his show on autism.  The show immediately sparked something in the autism community and months later we are still talking about it.  Overall I believe it was a wasted opportunity.  Rather than promoting hope the show instilled fear. 


Recently I connected with another blog writer who was actually in the audience. Christine, is a thirty something New Yorker - her blog is called How to Apply Lotion to a Moving Target.  Christine's most recent post is about being part of the audience on the Dr. Oz show.  She writes:

When I received an email from my son’s school that the Dr. Oz show was going to do an Autism Town Hall Meeting, I was so excited.  I immediately responded with a yes and gave them a small write up about my son and how autism has changed our life.  I quickly emailed my childhood friend to see if she wanted to attend the taping with me.  She has a 12 year old son with autism, ADHD, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and ODD verging on Conduct Disorder.  We were both so excited to go and had not seen each other in over 20 years.  After we were seated, the person who gets the crowd all psyched up told us that the topic of the show was going to be “What Causes Autism?”  I groaned.  Not this subject again. 

To read the rest of Christine's post please visit How to Apply Lotion to a Moving Target.