Life Update

I've been writing quite often about abstract ideas.  Time I talked a bit more about myself and my family again.

I got a bicycle for mother's day, so I've picked up cycling again after 10 years of not riding at all.  I figure with the jogging and the water aerobics, I've got a nice mix of exercise.  I bought an attachment for the bike so Eva can run with me and I won't wipe out or run her over.  I like it so far.  I've lost 18 lbs since January first of this year.  I haven't lost much in the last month so I need to start exercising more often again.  For the first time in years I have energy and I like the way I look and feel.  I think my husband has noticed a difference as well.  I've been seriously considering starting to write a novel.  It's a scary idea and I'm stalling though.  Also, I need a good idea to start with.

Noah's still in preschool.  He's doing pretty well and his teacher's aide is taking him over to the elementary to spend half an hour every day with the Kindergarten class.  He seems to really like it and this should help him transition to the new school and program when he starts Kindergarten there in the fall.  He's not talking very much (again) but he's doing very well in other areas.  He will put his own shoes and coat on when it comes time to go home, and he's getting very good at following directions.  He has also been making sooo much eye contact!  He actually seeks information from those around him by looking at their eyes.  This is a very important and vital thing for an individual with autism to learn and use, so those who know Noah are very excited about this new development!

Sean has been spending some time over at his Auntie's house, with a cousin a few months older than him, and it seems to have helped him immensely.  He actually uses words to get his needs met now.  He's still pretty far behind in verbal skills for a three-year-old, but he's making progress and wants to know new words and use them.  We're in the process of trying to get him tested for autism, based on the advice of a speech pathologist.  He's not nearly as delayed as Noah, but he still may be on the spectrum.  It's better for us to know and get him help and treat him according to his needs, than ignore the problems just because he doesn't seem as delayed as his big brother.

We had a bit of a setback with Eva.  She snapped at my dad when he stepped in on her being obnoxious with his dog, and I seriously considered finding her a new home.  It is not okay for her to be agressive with people.  The actual problem is not her behavior with people though.  It's her behavior with other dogs.  She doesn't seem to be able to read and understand the body language of other dogs, especially when they're telling her to back off.  I don't think she does it deliberately, but her style of play is very agressive and dominating.  So I've got her back in a "Manners" class, so she can learn some better behavior.  She seems to be catching on, and I no longer think I'll need to give her away.  I want to keep her.  She's my dog, and I love her.  But if it came to a choice, my kids come first.  I cannot keep an animal near my children if it is potentially dangerous to them.  An accidental bite is still a bite, regardless of the reason.  But I reiterate: we're doing good now and Eva stays right where she is.

Derek's doing well.  Getting lots done in the yard and hanging out with the kids.  We've been making more time for just the two of us and we're both enjoying the time together.

So that's what's going on in my life and my family right now.

Love,
      -Nan