Blonde Haired, Blue Eyed, Broken Armed Buddy Boy

About a month ago, Buddy Boy was jumping on the trampoline (which does have a safety net, thank you very much!) with his dad and sister, and he landed funny on his arm.  Not crazy funny, in fact, it was almost a completely normal loss of balance.  It was even normal in that he started screaming bloody murder.  (He always screams like his arm has fallen off when he gets bumped, even when it doesn't hurt.  He's simply offended.)

Anyway, we brought him in the house and doctored him up to make him happy, and it worked, and we figured that was the end of it.  And it was, until the next night when he complained that his arm still hurt.  What???  We couldn't believe he was still offended a day later!  So we wrapped it (I thought we were going overboard, but kids love that kind of stuff) and he was happy.  Over the course of the next two days he took the wrap off then complained of the pain a few more times.  We decided that being the over-protective parents that we were, we'd take him in to the doctor, simply because he was still complaining about it (a little, at least).

Yeah.  We suck.

His arm was broken, and he was in a cast for 3 weeks.  It was actually probably the best break he could have had, in that it was so remarkably fast to heal, and that it was a fairly common break.  He's so happy to have his cast off!

In Our Own Words...

Recent quotes from Buddy Boy:

(frantically) "My hair is bleeding!!!" (said when his hair got wet in the tub)

"Mom, you loosed your mind or something?"

Autism and Autism Moms

I love these:

Ketchup (Catch Up)

Well, dang it, I've once again let time slip away without updating this thing. My apologies. I have so many thoughts running in my head all the time, and so I have a dozen things to write about, but for now I'll do a few catch up (ketchup) posts with pictures, and work on all the deep thought posts as I find the time. (Cause you know, I'm a really, really deep thought-type person, right?) 

 Anyway.... One thing that's been new is the program at the U of U that we've joined called U-FIT. It's a 7-week program that is for kids with disabilities and their siblings. I heard about it and the cost was amazingly reasonable for the services, especially compared to other programs for kids with autism and other conditions. So what the heck, I decided to try it out, and it's been one of the most positive experiences we've had, in my opinion! It was SO worth it! 

 Basically, the kids get to spend one-on-one time with a volunteer (college students) on Friday nights from 6-8 pm for the 7 weeks. One of the two hours each night is spent in the pool swimming and playing in the water. This is a BIG deal for my kids: while Munchkin loves the water, she isn't very confident in it and has had a hard time with swimming lessons because of her lack of confidence. Buddy Boy, on the other hand, is scared TO DEATH of the water, and HATES getting his head wet. Washing his hair in the bath is a battle every time, and it's miserable. 

 The other hour can be spent with the volunteer doing different things: playing games in the gym (like soccer, bowling, frisbee, parachutes, etc), playing XBox, arts/crafts, and dancing. They are free to do any or all of the different activities going on. 

 Meanwhile, parents get a break. There is a room specifically designated for reading/relaxing, and there are yoga, spin, and pilates classes provided. They are considering offering a Zumba class next time!

Over the last 6 weeks, I've seen both kids grow SO much more comfortable in the water, and that alone has made it worth it! The pool has definitely been the highlight for both kids, and it's awesome to watch.

The other thing that makes this program amazing is 
the volunteers. We just happened to get paired up with two of the very best! Munchkin absolutely adores her new friend, and they have a blast with their games, girl talk, etc. Those of you who know Munchkin well, know how much she loves her girl talk.

Buddy Boy's volunteer has been so patient, so kind with him. Buddy Boy calls him his "Brother Buddy". A couple weeks ago, I was walking around with him and his volunteer, and we were talking about gender. I was asking him, "Is Mom a boy? Is Logan (a kid from school) a boy?" and such. I asked about the volunteer: "Is Chris a boy?" Buddy Boy replied, "NO!!! He's a brother!" It was awesome.

Anyway, there have been memories made that will last a lifetime, and I'd highly recommend the U-FIT program to anyone who might want a fun activity for their child(ren) to do! You can go here to learn more about the program. I'm gonna cry my eyes out when it ends this weekend, but we'll definitely be back next semester!!

United States of Autism Music Video

2011 Cox Family Quotes

Some of my favorite quotes from our family last year:

Buddy Boy:  "Mom, can I have milk?"  
Mom: No 
BB: Can I have juice? 
Mom: No 
BB: Can I have water?
 Mom: No 
BB: Can I have slime?


"You know, life is hectic, stressful, and certainly not easy.  Yet when I look at my children, really REALLY look at them, I feel such a love and peace, and how can I complain? When I see my sweet smiling kids, EVERYTHING is right in the world." - Evelyn


"Maybe I won't have as much stress at school if I can be surprised and come home to a clean house." - Munchkin


"(singing)  In the name a blow, what more in the name a blow?" - Buddy Boy


"There may not be a cure for Autism yet, but love is kind of a cure, and it's the best kind of cure we can give!" - Munchkin


"I'm SO thankful for steroids!"  - Evelyn


Changing Buddy Boy's diaper Mom said "Okay, let's check your bottom."  Buddy Boy looked down and replied, "Yes Mom, my bottoms are still there!"


Munchkin's friend (during their playdate):  "Your mom is so cool!"
Munchkin:  "Yeah she is, but sometimes she swears."


"So Mom, how are you enjoying your Malibut?" - Munchkin


 

In July we drove by a Texas Roadhouse.  Munchkin mentioned that she'd gotten a coupon from school for a place like that...but couldn't remember the name of the place.  I gave her some ideas:  "Spaghetti Factory?  Outback Steakhouse?"  She replied, "No, it was, um, let me think.  It was Obama-Rama, that's right!"

 

Getting out Christmas decor,and Buddy Boy sees a plate that says, "Dear Santa, Here is a treat for you and carrots for your reindeer." The first "for" is missing the O and R. So he sounds it out and reads " Dear Santa, here is a treat. F You and carrots for your reindeer."

Also, Munchkin put on Christmas music and the song "Noel" came on. She listened for awhile, then came to me in clear distress and upset. "Mom, you know that Noel song? I don't think we should listen to it anymore. You know, cause of how it says 'Born is the kingdom of h**l'" I explained it's "born is the king of Israel", EL, not with an H.:-)

"You don't have a fever.  Oh no!!  What if you're getting the weasles??" - Munchkin