Happy New Year!

Yes, I realize it's January 11.  I was in Mexico up until late Saturday night and I've spent the last few days unpacking and trying to adjust to real life again.  I was with my family (no kids!) at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico.  It was beautiful and I spent as much time doing NOTHING as possible.  It was fantastic.  I went parasailing, snorkeling, and even held a monkey!  I also took naps on the beach, ate tons of food (including sushi!), drank a few margaritas, and brought in the new year on the dance floor.  For a little while I was able to forget that the word autism existed.  It was amazing.

I missed my kids terribly though.  I noticed that when certain things happened, I wanted to tell them immediately.  Like when we snorkeled, my husband saw a nurse shark.  Tyler would have been thrilled and he was the first person I thought of.  And when I held the monkey, I thought of Derek.  When I showed him the picture of it, he tried to grab the monkey out of the picture.  :) 

Monday hurt like a banchee.  I slept through the alarm somehow, so the kids were late from the start.  Then Derek decided he didn't want to go to preschool and locked himself in my bedroom.  I had to use a screwdriver to get the door unlocked.  GREAT start to the day.  But on the plus side, I also noticed how much he is TALKING.  He is babbling up a storm.  If you ask him to say a word, he'll at least try to say it back.  Unless it is an easy word, he's almost guaranteed to mispronounce it--for instance helicopter is "di-dit" and Kristen was "Kee-kee" but he is TRYING.  6 months ago?  Not a chance.  It gives me so much hope.  Some day, my son will be able to hold a conversation and actually be able to communicate.  I know it.  I believe. 

My show is up and the doors are open.  The opening reception is this Saturday from 4-6.  I'm trying to figure out what to say when I'm supposed to speak to the crowd (assuming people actually show up).  I guess I'll think of something...