Lovin' our Big Boy!

Lovin' our Big Boy!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The "6's" go on holiday...











Mom touted it as the "Sixes" trip. Mom is 66, Dad just turned 66 and Jack is 6. Cute, huh? And corny. That's my sweet mom's style. And I wouldn't have it any other way...

Tyler and I headed out to the airport to greet the weary travelers. That sweet little boy was a sight for sore eyes! This was the first time I'd ever been left by him...it is usually Scott and I traveling with Fort Dearborn each year leaving Jack home. But this time I was the one passing by his dark, empty room each nite. It was great to enjoy our new baby without any distraction or additional responsibility, though.

Jack has a fantastic time. He was "super Jack". Mom and Dad said he was so easy to travel with, he wasn't rigid about how they spent their days, and was an all around joy. Atta boy! He faced his new fear of Splash Mountain only to get pummeled by a giant spray of water. Splash Mountain is back on the "No Ride" list. He enjoyed a 90 minute backstage tour of The Land, one of his favorite Disney rides (located in EPCOT). He especially enjoyed the Sleeping Plant, and proceeded to close many of the leaves as the tour guide talked about horticulture. Mom said that Jack corrected the guide when he neglected to mention that the tomato plant's record for tomatoes was a "guiness" world record. Shame on the dude!

Jack was also smitten with the Jungle Cruise this trip and declared that he might like to become a Jungle Cruise boat driver when he grows up. Oh my! We can add that to his list of adult occupations, which also include doctor and scuba diver. And he was anxious to talk to Crush again at the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction at EPCOT. He was prepared this time with his question...he asked Crush an all time favorite..."Why did the chicken cross the road?" complete with answer..."To get to the other side." Crush wasn't as amused as the audience was!

I'm especially proud of the fact that he ate some baked chicken, cooked especially for him, at the Land restaurant. This would be the first chicken he's eaten in a restaurant in easily 3 years, if not more. While he only ate a few bites, this certainly serves as a noteable moment in his progress! Way to go, Jack!

He even arrived home with gifts for each of us that he had handpicked. I got a nightshirt that says "Not all mornings are magical" and Daddy and Tyler got Test Track key chains with their names on them. It was adorable and he was very proud of what he had chosen!

Overall, the trip was a smashing success. Who would have thought a year ago that this would have been possible? The Namenda medication, an alzheimer's drug, has been an amazing treatment for Jack. I'm amazed at the ease at transitions, the compliance, the lack of meltdowns when disappointed or scolded...it has been one of the integral pieces to his recovery. And what great timing...with the baby and with the removal of his class assistant, it couldn't have come at a better time!

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Disney or Bust!!!



Jack headed out on Wednesday with his Mimi and Grandpa to Disney World for SIX DAYS!!! 6 whole days without his Mom (and Dad and baby brother!) He was raring to go on Wednesday morning, when he popped out of bed and yelled "It's Vacation Day!" I was telling Jack what the schedule would be in the a.m. I told him "After you get dressed and have breakfast, we're leaving for the airport. Mommy has to go to Mimi & Grandpa's to pick them up." Jack said, "But I can't be at the airport by myself!!" It was so cute...

So we were a little rushed getting to the airport. The airport traffic patrol was out in full force, and the guy was watching my parked car curbside like a hawk. So, I took a few pictures (seen above) and said a quick goodbye. Apparently, as I drove away, the sand shifted beneath Jack's feet. He started to panic, saying that I was "lost" and that he couldn't find me. This went on through the ENTIRE airport...security, etc. all the way to the gate. I think this was stressful for Mimi and Grandpa, but thankfully this was not a foreshadow of the rest of the trip.

By the time they boarded, Jack was excited to head to his favorite place in the entire world...the land of Disney. He patiently trekked around Orlando as they picked up their rental car, special foods, groceries for the condo, etc. But once they got to the condo and dropped off their luggage, Jack was ready to hit the park! He has spent each day from morning til dark at the Parks. I've been hearing about it in little 4 minute or so phone calls several times each day. It sounds like they are all having the BEST time!!! I can't wait til they get home tomorrow so I can see and hear all about it!! We all miss him and are ready for him to come home! And I am so proud that he's able to do this. What an accomplishment!!!