"It was as big as a Ford Focus!"

Is what I said when describing what Sam created in the bathroom while I read one, short book to his sister. We had a deal. I read Mae one book, then read him one book while he lounged in the tub. As I began reading to Mae, I heard tub's air jets turn on. That's fine, the jacuzzi-like jets are very relaxing. Mae and I were snuggled in the recliner under a blanket. Half-way through her book, Sam started yelling for me. I decided to finish reading Mae's book before responding because I felt it wouldn't be fair to interrupt her story time.

Mae and I finished her book, she snuggled under her covers and I kissed her goodnight. Ready to speak with Sam about the interruption, I stormed into the bathroom and saw an enormous mass of bubbles. He had gotten out of the tub to retrieve the bath gel and emptied half of it into the tub with the air jets on. No exaggeration, the mass if bubbles touched the ceiling, flowed out of the tub and half-way across the bathroom floor. My first thought was, "Damn! The camera is in Dave's truck." Then I masterfully hid my desire to laugh, left the room and called Dave to describe the scene.

Groundhog House

This is a vacant house we drive by often.  There are usually groundhogs grazing on the lawn.  A few weeks ago we drove by and I saw two groundhogs sitting on the porch.  All I could do was scream and point because I was laughing so hard.  Since then, I keep my camera ready and drive by slowly.  One afternoon I saw a single groundhog sitting on the porch.   It is a dangerous corner to pull over on, so I decided to hold out for a picture of a pair. 

In the meantime a small, blue wading pool appeared in the yard.  I imagined little groundhog pool parties.  My neighbor saw one of them near the pool and imagined a beach umbrella would complete the scene.

A couple of weeks have gone by and I'm getting impatient.  I saw this one the other day near the porch and decided to settle.  I wonder if he was waiting to rendezvous with one of his buddies or maybe a lady friend.

Hoarse and Horse

Twice today I screamed like a horror movie victim.  First, Mae was showing off for her pediatric cardiologist and fell off the exam table.  Thankfully, Dr. Drucker caught her.  I'm certain the staff was abuzz long before we left the clinic.  Dr. Drucker is thorough and delivers excellent patient care.  I imagine she expects and receives excellent service from her staff.  This morning probably reminded them they work with Wonder Woman.  Me on the other hand, froze in my tracks and screamed involuntarily.

Second big scream could have been avoided had I listened to Mae.  As we left the parking garage she asked me to close the window so bugs won't fly in.  "Honey, the window needs to be open so I can pay the parking garage attendant."  On our way to her next appointment, I thought I felt something touch my neck.  At the barn I felt something burn my thigh.  It was definitely a sting but I didn't see a culprit.  I went into the office to speak with Mae's therapist then felt a buzz and another sting on my right arm.  "Ahhh!  Bee, get away, get away!"

Mae riding Xena, armed with a loaded squirt gun.

Twisted, Then Sweet

Bizarre that my mom's name came up twice tonight.  Dave and I witnessed toy abuse and explained to Sam we still have some of our own toys from childhood because we take care of our things.  "Really, my mom would be rolling over in her grave right now.  If she had one."  Her ashes are beside a stream in the White Mountains.  Twisted, but struck me as funny.

A few moments later Mae wanted to help me walk the dogs.  "Honey, it's raining out."  "Can I borrow your mom's umbrella?"

I think my mom would have appreciated the humor, then the sweetness.

How I Got The Deweykids Outside Today

45 minutes of work for 10 minutes of fun!

Mae is shirtless.  She is having a naked day.  I'm glad she put something on to go outside.



It was fun teaching Sam to be ruthless.  He's usually sensitive about things like this.  When he realized it was ok to soak me, we were eachother's main targets.



Still A-MAE-zes Me

Mae went to the Williston Fire Department this afternoon.  Her mission was to bring birthday cheer to a friend.  Mae and her friend Michelle shopped for party favors, decorated cupcakes and selected an excellent gift for him.  As I look at these photos I am happily reassured of her ability to light up a room. 

A few weeks ago we attended a birthday party for one of her peers.  Most kids at the party did not know Mae.  Her social cues were confusing to them and sometimes they seemed uncomfortable around her.  I'm afraid of the day when someone who doesn't understand her says or does something mean because she is different.  Mae is a joyful, confident and generous person.  I am terrified that someday, something could squash her spirit.  That would be a terrible loss for everyone.  However, looking through these photos I see strength, generousity and joy.

Seriously awesome gift, a fire engine sippy cup.  I'm sure the other fire fighters are jealous.

Day On The Marketplace

We had a rare day with no appointments, no pressing business, and all of us were together.  Michelle, who works with Mae joined us.  It's nice when adults outnumber kids. 

Sam consistently captures the best photos of his sister.  He's not bad at taking photos of his dad either.

Mae's announcement, also with Sam behind the camera.  People nearby were glad to know who graced their presence this afternoon on the marketplace.

Same Kids, Same Kitchen

A lot of things can change in four years.  Their friendship has grown, but the hiding spot remains the same.

Fashion Blog

I've thought about writing a blog to share Mae's fashion of the day.  She creates bazaar wardrobe combinations that work for her.  I doubt Lady Gaga could rock the ladybug-mud-boot, red short with white polka dots, pink camouflage fleece, orange-star-shaped sunglasses and yellow construction hat ensemble like Mae does.

This is the Willie Nelson look.  It was perfectly complete before she removed the backpack.

Junefest 2011

 

 We have family south of Middlebury who host an annual gathering that is now known as Junefest.  We gather for breakfast, then split into one of four assigned teams.  Teams compete in events that change annually.  At the end of the morning results are tallied and everyone receives a button based on where their team placed.

This morning we assembled before one of the supreme judges to review rules of the Scavenger Hunt.

Mae rocked the Sack Race event.

Our family was split on two different teams.  Mae and I received tan buttons.  Dave and Sam left with yellow buttons.

Cooling Off

It was fun for a few minutes. Mae was unhappy with the sensation of her bare feet in the grass. I was thankful to hear thunder.

Butterfly Whisperer

Butterflies land on him often. I think it's funny his expression looks like something tougher is perched on his finger, like a tarantula or scorpion.

Insightful

"Super heroes don't wear masks. They wear gloves and carry purses."

Mae L Dewey

That's My Guy

Sam found a baby bird on the lawn this afternoon. It's wings hadn't developed feathers yet so we knew it shouldn't be out of the nest. After only a little grumbling, Double D heroically climbed at least two stories to return our baby bird to the nest under our porch. I can hear a nest full of them chirping outside the window now.

She's Got Rhythm!

On this video I see accomplishment for her hard work over the past year. Mae has an iPad that she easily navigates and is pleased with her independence. She dances to the beat of one of her favorite songs with balance, coordination and control.

Oh Great

Recently, Mae has been behaving like a creature of the night. Around 4am she startles me awake with, "Mama!" I stumble into her room and am asked to find Barbie or ordered to pick up something that fell on the floor. Sometimes I am rewarded when she sleeps late. I'm not feeling lucky tonight, she fell asleep on the couch before 5pm.

The Good (Great) Stuff

My kids share my weakness for not being able to keep surprises a secret. When they got home from school this afternoon they shouted, "Happy Mother's Day!" Immediately they tore into their backpacks and pulled out homemade gifts that were clearly intended for Sunday. Sam presented me a heart-shaped broach with the letter S on it. He proudly pointed out an interesting texture on the heart's surface. He had dropped the sculpture before it dried, accidentally stepped on it and was pleased with the result. Mae ran toward me with a bouquet of paper flowers tied together with a bow made from pink yarn. The card she made has shiny blue hand prints and her photo framed with flower petals. Their presentations took less than five minutes and gave my heart a treasured memory for life.

Sounds Of Spring

I borrowed this picture of a spring peeper from naturesound.com. I would love to post an audio clip of tonight's early evening sounds from the Deweybarn. Tonight's song is a crescendo of peepers peeping, rushing water from over-filled streams and calls from migrating Canadian geese. It feels strange that ten days ago we had clouds that were spitting snow.

Magic

Today I didn't mention Easter until lunchtime. I told them I would set up an egg hunt after lunch. With full bellies they politely trotted off to the back yard with bags for gathering jellybean-filled-eggs. They came in with their booty and I passed out hollow chocolate bunnies. That was it.

Sam has been sharing information he hears from his peers. "Joey and Aron said there is no Toothfairy." Last summer Sam drew a picture for the Toothfairy, placed it inside a box secured with tape. We asked a friend to write a note from the Toothfairy thanking him for the lovely picture. We re-sealed the box with her note inside. Recently Sam asked, "Is the Polar Express real? Ronnie and Joey said there is no Santa Claus." Our answers have been philosophic. "Polar Express is the story is of someone who doubts the magic of Christmas. After his experiences on that Christmas Eve he never stops believing in magic."

It's a bummer when external influence contributes to our children's view of the world. Thankfully, we see magic everyday at the Deweybarn. The Easter Bunny doesn't bring candy but we do watch wild bunnies make homes here. Santa's reindeer don't make tracks on the roof, but we see deer moving about our trails eating berries and drinking from the stream. On clear nights we've watched the colors of Northern Lights shifting through the sky. Blessed Be.

Friday Fish Fry

I'd never deep fried anything before today. Clockwise from top left, Onion Rings, Cheese-stuffed Jalapeno Peppers, Bay Scallops, and Catfish. It was all very yummy, but next time I'll broil the fish. Too much beer-battered and fried deliciousness doesn't feel so good when dinner is over.

On A Day I Feel Broken

I'm thankful the classic rock station played old school Black Sabbath this afternoon. I am grateful to have friends who are available when I call for help. Best of all, tonight my daughter fell asleep in my arms. I listened to her snore for nearly 30 minutes.

"Sam, You Are The Wildest"

We have been using a token system to reward Sam when he is ready for school by 7am. There is a menu for him to choose rewards based on the number of tokens he has saved. Today he cashed in ten tickets to color his hair any color he wanted. I was hoping he'd choose green or blue but red is his favorite color.

After saying, "Sam is so silly", Mae stated with admiration, "Sam, you are the wildest."

A Perfect Day

This is our daughter hugging Laurie Berkner. Most people with young children who have watched Nick Jr. or Noggin know her songs. There are moments in our lives, both simple and profound that come with a soundtrack. Songs from The Laurie Berkner Band are part of our soundtrack.

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The day Mae was diagnosed with autism, I called Dave from the parking garage to tell him the news. To cover up my sobs, I played Mae's favorite CD. After a few minutes I heard her singing along with Laurie Berkner, "I'm not perfect. No I'm not. I'm not perfect, but I've got what I've got. I do my very best. I do my very best. I do my very best each day, but I'm not perfect and I hope you like me that way." My heart will never forget that moment. I'd often thought of sending the band a letter to tell them how much that song meant to me in that moment.

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We learned the band planned a show in Providence this month. After considering the drive, finding dog care and cost we decided not to go. While I was on their website I sent an email with our story. The response came quickly from a member of their team. "If you ever come to a concert, we do meet and greets for our special needs fans." We quickly changed our minds, ordered tickets to the show and made travel arrangements. After the show we stood in line with other families waiting for our turn to meet the band. When they called us Mae ran into the room, did a flying leap into Laurie Berkner's arms and gave her a big hug. Laurie closed her eyes, accepted Mae's hug and hugged her back. Mae then got down from Laurie's lap, waved goodbye and ran out of the room. She was so excited! We all called to her, "Mae! Come Back!" I wonder if I'd do the same thing if I had a meet and greet with Kid Rock.

I told them our "I'm Not Perfect" story. The tears began before I even opened my mouth.

Progress

We rode by our friend's house recently and Sam declared, "C & K have kids." Our friends have been a couple and good neighbors for more than eight years. We told him we hadn't heard they have kids and he confidently responded, "They do. They have kids, I saw toys in their yard. C & K have kids now."

Our friends C & K are two women in a committed relationship who run a successful construction company together. Dave and I are impressed that Sam has no barriers when considering what constitutes a family. I am proud to live in a state, be part of a community and a member of a family that raises a child who is unaware of the discrimination his parents have seen.

"Give me a big toothless grin!"

He did.

Got Snow?

Dave after snow blowing yesterday

I almost didn't post these photos because Facebook was flooded with pictures from my Vermont friends yesterday. Today while looking out this window I realized it needed to be done. All day yesterday I thought about the movie "Storm of the Century." "I'm a little teapot short and stout...."

Contradiction

Yesterday's temperatures in the high 40's brought us a little bit of thaw. This morning I was out with dogs during a heavy snowfall and saw the stream flowing. Rushing water is usually what we hear in spring or after a summer storm. I thought it was worth saving.

He's A Smooth Operator

I was on guard tonight because Sam didn't get his medicine this morning. Before I was told he didn't get it, I knew as soon as he got off the bus this afternoon. I stayed close to him all afternoon and evening to keep his impulsively from getting out of hand. It was draining and thank goodness I had a nap this afternoon. Bedtime couldn't come soon enough.

After books we settled in and turned off his light. Sam has glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling above his bed that he sometimes re-arranges. Tonight I noticed a cluster of stars, one big and two small above his lamp that glowed the brightest. Before I said anything he said, "Those stars are you, me and Mae."

The constellation on Sam's ceiling is my reward for not completely losing it tonight. He's good.

"....Happy birthday dear Mae, happy birthday to you!" "Again."

It's her birthday and if she wants us to sing it twice we sing it twice! We had a wonderful gathering with friends and family. It made our hearts happy seeing her enjoy this special day.

"I'm A Mess"

One of Mae's favorite songs by Laurie Berkner is I'm A Mess. I returned from getting wood for the stove and heard her singing. I should have known not to turn my back when she had paints in front of her.

She Wants To Do It Herself...

...and for you too if you'll let her.

Someone Made A Video With My Phone

Wii

Fashion Show