October 2, 2011

Girl Surrounded

I find my house overrun with humans of the male persuasion tonight.

But Nicole, aren't you outnumbered like, all the time?

Why yes, yes I am.

But tonight especially so.

Besides the hubby and manchild, my brother-in-law is here, along with my husband's best friend who is visiting from California for a few days.

This house is Man-Central tonight. Computers linked and synchronized, the boys are waging a virtual war and merrily blowing each other up with a gusto that only comes from testosterone. Caleb is making the rounds, going from one computer to another, begging for "a turn." Apparently, he's excited about blowing things up, too.

And me? I lost myself in the bright world of Farmville for a while tonight. I had blackberries and red currants to harvest. :) I spent two wonderful social hours with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law this afternoon. Comforted a sick little boy this morning. He rather suddenly spiked a 102.1 fever earlier. Not sure why, but he seems to be feeling better now.

Mostly, I used this day as a Sabbath. Today was the first day in almost a week where I didn't have to be up early and on the road. Between meetings at church, appointments in Seattle, therapy sessions, and more church events, I've been out of the house by around 8:30 every morning. Today? I had nothing to do, nowhere to be. And I relished the lack of activity. This girl needed the rest.

Rest assured that I haven't forgotten how to write or how to log into Blogger. Many days I find I have so much on my mind, so many things I would like to write down and share, but not a spare moment in sight. That seems to be the norm around here these days. Spare moments are rare and must be used wisely.

(Gosh, that last sentence sounded like a fortune cookie.)

And now, for some good news:

Caleb's appointment in Seattle (the one we've been waiting six months for) went extremely well! The speech pathologist was super helpful and friendly and informative. He answered a lot of our questions and we now know that Caleb doesn't fit the classic definition of autism. There's a good chance he is still on the Spectrum, under a PDD label (Pervastive Developmental Delay), but there's an equally good chance that he has ADHD with a sensory disorder and behavior disorder. We are going back in two weeks to see a neurologist, and he will make an actual diagnosis at that appointment.

We came away praising God, because we understand a whole lot more about autism now, and about the markers Caleb has, and the markers that he lacks. It's complicated, but basically, Caleb doesn't "fit" anything neatly. Which is why the doctors have been puzzled and taken their time evaluating him. Now I feel we have a better grip on what's going on. And that understanding has brought a immeasurable amount of peace for both of us. :) So praise the Lord!

And now I find I must be going. :) My little man is hiding under a blanket, asking for dynamite (an online flash game. No, I don't allow my son to play with explosives. Often. ;). The older boys are talking about pizza, followed by a movie. Being the token girl and hostess of the house, I suppose I should go involve myself in these weighty decisions. Unless I want cereal for dinner. :)

Cereal or pizza? Hmmmmmm. That's a hard one.

Good night, friends!