So New Years Eve 2007. A time for reflections???
This year was horrific and amazing all at the same time.
Finding out that Heidi was Autistic has been a wild ride. It was such a relief to know why she was different, then to learn how to communicate with her.
I remember that night in August when Heidi said “Goodnight Mummy” for the very first time. :: tears ::
In 6 months so much has changed, we used to have to deal with poo painting at least once a week, Heidi would cry and tantrum constantly because she was so frustrated. Now we know how to talk to each other. There are still periods of frustration but we all have learnt ways to express our frustration better. Only 6 short months ago I could not even go to the toilet without Heidi screaming in fear and suffering separation anxiety. Now I can not only go to the toilet alone but I have a group of trusted friends and family who Heidi will stay with for a couple of hours while I go out.
That week in June when we found out about Heidi has to be the lowest point of our year. Death, Diagnosis and Drama, much much drama.
I’m still angry at Dr Luke our original Paed who said Heidi exhibited all the typical autistic symptoms but we didn’t need to worry until she was 4years old or more. Grrrr. If not for him we would have been on the early intervention list from when she was 18 months old. What chances have we missed out on during those 12 months because I listened to him and believed that Dr Luke knew best. Thank god for good maternal and child health nurses and the people at La Trobe Uni, our speech therapist and most of all Dr Kate our new Paed.
Back in February I took Annie to her first day at 3yo Kinder. She was being so brave, yet you could tell how worried she was. All day she was very quiet, refused to eat, only drinking milk and got a blood nose just before we left. Yet once we arrived off she ran and didn’t want to have anything to do with me. Now we are dealing with tears everyday because Annie doesn’t want to leave 3yo Kinder.
Annie is growing up so fast. At times she drives me mad with her teenage rebellion in a 4 year old attitude. That “I know better than you”, “Just because you are older you can’t tell me what to do” drama queen behaviour. Yet I see her mothering and protecting her little sister and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Something that was highlighted for me today while reading “Autistic Kids: The Sibling Problem” was that sibs of Autistic kids are often far more mature than there peers. That is certainly true in Annie’s case and I wonder sometimes if she acts out so much because she doesn’t know how to handle her emotions and struggles (just as her parents do) to deal with her sisters special needs. One thing I know for sure is that both Annie and I are missing our alone time that we used to get each Wednesday afternoon while Heidi was at childcare.
Annie spent a good part of the year obsessed with weddings after being a bridesmaid in March - 
That marriage is already over but my little girl has her list of prospective bridegrooms all planned out.
Ralph is still Ralph 
He started out the year working at Melbournes County Courts, doing long 12 hour shifts and not being home very often. Now it is the end of the year, he is working as a concierge, much happier, still doing long 12 hour shifts and not being home very often. As long as he is happy then I am happy - although we both agree it would be nice to see more of each other. This year he has managed to entrap the whole family into sharing his love of wrestling, specifically the WWE. Not something I ever thought would be a priority on my TV viewing schedule but ahhh the lure of semi neked men, how could I resist
As for me. well….. I started out the year being heavily involved in the Church Playgroup, then realised I was doing all the work, getting no thanks and not really enjoying myself so I stepped back from that. In doing so it gave me opportunities to meet and make new friends such as Mel and build a strong friendship with my SIL L.
I’m still the board owner over at G’Dope which has thankfully given me none of the troubles I expected it would. I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know the blogging community and making new friends. I am as always thankful for my online family at the Unaboard without whom my life would be much the poorer.
And finally my craft addictions.
I finished my Heidi scrapbook album.
Got started on the Annie scrapbook album.
Got sidetracked into helping Annie make her own scrapbook album.
Did manage to finish two little scrapbook albums for my grandmothers.
My stitching -
My first finish for 2007 was this WTP Quilt for my niece (I did the stiching, my two clever SILs L & J did the quilting).
Next finish was my Purple Cross Stitch Round Robin which was framed as a early Christmas gift for me.
I did a couple of little Baptism gifts.
Then started on the wreath for my SIL Js Christmas gift. And here it is all finished and framed (she loved it btw).
I did a couple of Christmas ornaments
And then set to work on the pink ribbon in memory of my wonderful MIL.
I’m not finished with my Advent calendar yet but am very proud of the little Christmas cards I made during December;
Right now I’m working on a belated 40th birthday gift for SIL L. Pictures after I’ve finished and given it to her.
Goals for 2008?
I don’t really have any. Sure I’d like to have lots more stitchy finishes but my families happiness comes first.
I suppose that is my goal for 2008 and for my life. A happy, healthy family.
Happy New Year my friends, may 2008 bring much joy to your lives.
but Annie and Nephew M loved it which was fantastic :happy:. Annie spent much of the Church service up the front with the choir. I will have to look into when she can join choir.
