Homecoming

We had our school Fall Festival, which apparently will become an annual thing, two weeks ago.  The homecoming football game ended up being right after it.  So, it was very sunny for the first part of the game.  Some of the band players wanted sunglasses.  Zack joined in.  He asked if he looked cool, as he reclined in the bleachers for a picture. 

Little did we know that the annoying sun would be missed once the sun set.  It was 60 degrees and many of us were in shorts from the earlier Festival.  Bhhuurrrr!

House Divided

Not really knowing where Zachary wants to go to college, but encouraging him based on several music teacher's comments and what he has found from reading bios on the Houston Symphony web page, he would like to go to Rice.  I do not know if he will have the grades or the focus for that program and luckily U of H has a great music program too.  We do anticipate college in his future.  In the meantime, I thought this might be a cute picture...

Found

He needed a home, and only three days prior had a spot come available.  I never imagined I would get another dog right after Pete passed.  But Kirby was abandoned and needed a home.  A friend of a friend found him on the way to work, on Kirby Drive in Pasadena.  I figured he had to be someones, and so we decided to wait.  The rescuers searched neighborhoods, reported it to the police in their little city, and went to the vet to check on a pet chip, but no one came.

After a week, Kirby came home with us.  I was afraid to wait too long.  I figured John only said yes because he was sympathetic to my recent loss.  He has been a wonderful addition to our family.  He is the sweetest little dog.  He is an approximately 2 year old, male chihuahua.  Pete always wanted to be around you, but Kirby wants to love on you. He is so appreciative of every bit of attention you give him.  And the best thing for our family is that he is good with Zachary, and even John likes him pretty well.

We are in a different stage with Zachary, so I need the calm of Kirby.  I need the quiet walks with him, and the company in the early hours of the morning.  He even encourages me to play with him and it takes my mind off of aggravations. 

I'm thankful for whoever decided they could no longer keep him.  He needed us, and we needed him.

Looks so typical

Reading Lord of the Rings

I sat staring at my little boy. This is what he was doing for about 3 hours.  Patiently waiting.  Not something he could have done many years ago, especially not three hours.  I counted my blessings in that moment.  We were at TCH waiting to see a doctor to give us more direction on how to help Zachary with his frustration.

Have you ever had your child say, "I don't want to get upset, but I don't know how to stop."  It breaks my heart that I don't have a magic fix.  Heck, I struggle with this myself, and many times I don't get it right.

Adolescence and autism do not mix well, and we are seeing the combination lived out.  We are all frustrated.  We didn't get many answers, but at least one good suggestion came.  So we are waiting for an appointment to see the most specific doctor that can help.  We may get a possible temporary fix, but have to wait for that appointment too. 

In the meantime, I try to enjoy the sweet times like this one (below).

7 hours waiting, & now we are both being silly.

Outsmart him

Over the summer, we decided to encourage more peace in our home, so we removed all Internet connections from those that are under-age.  Being a bit to smart for his own good, Zachary asked to show his dad something while John was already looking at something on his phone.  John was on to him, so here was the result...

I have also figured out a way to work a little therapy in, and Zachary has not even realized it.  He is not the best at describing things, so every once in a while, he wants me to look something up for him.  I make him describe every area he wants me to click using his words rather than pointing.  Ha!  He thinks he can outsmart us, but we are on to him!

Sudden but necessary

Pete has been our family dog since November 1999.  He was been a wonderful friend and companion for me through various challenges with autism.  Zachary has only recently taken a real interest in Pete, but Pete is not really having much of Zack's handling.

I had heard that little dog's can live to be 14-18 years, and so since Pete was my first dog, I figured for sure he would make it to 18.  He was just fine about two weeks ago, and in a matter of four days, he needed to be put down.  His liver and kidney were failing.  I spent the day loving on my good friend before I needed to say good-bye.

Pete was 3 and Zachary was 2.

Our first accident

Loved riding in the car

Going deaf has its advantages of getting up close photos

Learning to use my camera - I love this picture!

Typical face with Zack in the room.  Pete is saying, "save me from him!"

Rest in peace, sweet dog!  Pistol Pete Sansing, October 1, 1999 - August 5, 2013

Back to school

We headed back to school August 19th.  Normally we do not start until around August 26th.  I am not sure why the change, but during the month of August, Zachary told me he simply was not starting until the 26th because the new start date was "wrong."

Thought this was cute, although, I think it was in exasperation of me taking multiple photos.

Lately, he often stands with his arms crossed.

Are you wondering why he is wearing a hoodie pullover during the hottest time of the year?  He hates to tuck his shirt in and has figured if he wears a sweatshirt, he doesn't normally get caught.  Smarty pants!  Luckily, it is pretty cold in school, so he might actually need it, and blend in with 50% of the other students wearing them.