#asdwarrior

My face after being sick the 3rd week in a row. Seriously though, I know I've barely been posting lately, but this sweet faced boy gave me the flu....which turned into pneumonia. I just started to recover from that and BOOM food poisoning. On top of being sick and enjoying the holidays with my family, I also have been struggling with photo inspiration and subject matter. When I first started on Instagram, my goal was to take one photo of Everett every day. It was called #EverettADay. From there I kind of fell into shooting Everett while he modeled small shop clothing (brand repping). After Everett was diagnosed with SPD/ASD, our focus really changed and I left the rep world and it's drama. I started telling Everett's story and our family journey. The thing is, we have come so far with Everett since his initial diagnosis, that I'm just not sure how I should continue to tell our story. His good days are far more often than bad, and if I'm being honest, most people don't want to hear about our successes over and over. They tend to gravitate towards the struggles and pitfalls of special needs parenting. Don't get me wrong, I know everyone is happy for Everett now that we finally are figuring out what seems to work best for him. You lifted us up and helped carry us when we struggled the most. You were our biggest cheerleaders. You helped us continue in the roughest part of the journey to date. And for that I thank you. So now I'm in the process of reevaluating and reassessing what struggles and journeys a "not so super mom" should talk about. I still will be sharing Everett's progress, spreading awareness/education, and the funny (or not so funny) parts of parenthood. What do you guys want to hear more about? I'm thinking more sensory activities and reviews might be cool, but I'd love to have something a bit more challenging to keep me inspired! . . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #photography (at Birmingham, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Hs2iPg0zE/?igshid=lgjj5mg03wrn

Here's a little flashback seeing as both of the boys are sick. Ev has the flu and Finn has a hellacious ear infection with a possible flu moving in. I'm starting to feel the beginning flu effects (nausea/exhaustion/etc) so wish us luck! We are currently in the car on the way to SC for Christmas. I'm hoping that we are all feeling better by Christmas! #fluthegiftthatkeepsgiving #canireturnthis . . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography https://www.instagram.com/p/B6WlUaKgbPv/?igshid=1839ovc9eltxj

“No matter how you feel about your extended family or family gatherings you will be attending. This is because now the ultimate reason for attending family gatherings is for your children to have the time of their lives with their cousins. Little kids love their cousins. I’m not being cute or exaggerating here. Cousins are like celebrities for little kids. If little kids had a People magazine, cousins would be on the cover. Cousins are the barometers of how fun a family get-together will be. Are the cousins going to be there? Fun.” – @jimgaffigan This is so true for Everett. He ADORES his cousins. For him, they are the essence of cool. He gets so excited every time he knows they will be there and loves going to their games/activities. They are also so good with both boys-so patient, kind, and loving. My aunt is definitely raising some seriously fantastic kids! . . . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography (at Birmingham, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/B51EJtMgRPw/?igshid=1wuquuarlhasd

Can I just say I'm so freaking proud of Everett? Today I went to his school to talk with his class about photography and cameras. I also had his first parent teacher conference today. He's been doing so much better recently and everyone can tell. He is finally forming bonds with his teachers and classmates and settling into his schedule. He even tried several new foods during his lunch! He's come so far, I can't wait to see how he progresses further this year! . . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography (at Birmingham, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ESSIkAzH8/?igshid=ne1r68jv7q8u

Stop. I can't even with this blue bucket bs. My son doesn't owe you an explanation of his diagnosis. We need to start seeing the able and stop seeing the label. Social interaction is hard for him and although he will say trick or treat, it's unlikely that he'll look you in the eye or be able to express a neurotypical range of emotions tonight. I understand that you're trying to make it easier for those on the spectrum, but really, you're just putting those in the autism community on display. They shouldn't have to disclose their diagnosis in exchange for a small kindness from neighbors. We don't give neurotypical children who may feel overwhelmed special labels/ buckets when they have tantrums, don't speak when expected to, and so on, so we shouldn't push those is the Autism community to use them either. Like most other Autism mommas, we've painstakingly gone over Halloween expectations and appropriate social interaction for the holiday. We've talked about it until I'm blue in the face. He's as ready for tonight as he can be, and if he gets too overwhelmed to say trick or treat or make eye contact? He's not alone. He has three of his biggest champions, going out with him tonight, his brother, gigi, and myself. If he gets overwhelmed, I'll do what every other mother out there tonight will do- take him off to the side and work with him until he's ready to either get back out there or go home. Our society, as a whole, is becoming more aware of autism, more open to inclusion, and my son will benefit from that. But he also shouldn’t have to tell a stranger he is autistic to get some chocolate. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween! 🎃🎃🎃🎃 . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography https://www.instagram.com/p/B4S8f04A4SE/?igshid=7jamqjl59vcn

In all honesty, there is nothing chill about these two. However, they are developing a very sweet bond.... when they aren't fighting like dogs! The other night, Finn got hurt and Everett rushed to comfort and distract him. He kept lovingly patting his back and saying "it's okay Finn, here look at my @ilovetouchpoint bracelets! See how they change color and vibrate? Here you try-see cool right?" It was honestly one of the most tender moments I've witnessed between them. My heart still feels full when I think of it. I love that they are building a positive relationship, even if it has it's bumps! . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography #brothers #siblings #love #siblingrivialry https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Qk6stBA6t/?igshid=k2wv6fubmgrn

"Everett- Buddy, you are phenomenal. You have a friend here in Oregon, always and forever. The world needs to be who you were made to be!" Cue waterworks. 😭😭😭 This. This right here is why I shop small and why I support the people I support. Everett admitted to his teachers the other week that "he didn't have any friends." It isn't entirely true, but still part of me wanted to break down and cry for the pain and isolation Everett must've felt to say that. It's not that the children don't necessarily like Everett, he just doesn't stop getting into their personal space, usually somewhat roughly. I was telling Brandy about this a few days ago and almost cried when I told her. Today I opened up our package, and found this special new tee and sweet card from her. I immediately cried and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Reminders like this, is what gives me courage to keep my head up during the rough days. Everyone needs someone in their corner, and I'm lucky to have some pretty freaking amazing ones in mine. 😍 . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography (at Birmingham, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3apJVSgQhH/?igshid=1g7oj9twfdics

Guys.... we finally had a cold snap! I'm about to bust out sweaters for this 84° weather! 🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁 Come find me at the pumpkin patch! 🎃 . . . . . . . . . . . #asdwarrior #autismawareness  #autismacceptance #asdmom #asdmomlife #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #specialneedskids #speechtherapy #therapy #autismlife #differentnotless #seetheablenotlabel #autismstrong #EverettADay #instabrandreppin #brandrep #instatoddler  #ig_kids  #goodvibes #shopsmall #hipsterkidstyle #childrenunplugged #candidchildhood #photography https://www.instagram.com/p/B3W5E8igapi/?igshid=1t5no2grwrkt9