Turkey Day

For Thanksgiving we visited our extended family in Queens. I told Michael all week that we were "going to Queens". Of course at school he told the teachers he was "going to see the Queen". Ok. Understand that mistake.

On the way into the city, I played a bunch of They Might Be Giants songs from my ipod thru the car speakers. TMBG is a group from Brooklyn who has been around for about 25 years. I used to play them at my college radio station (when I was a dj). They are this quirky, new wave band that came out with a kid's album recently. They even do "kids" concerts. I got tickets for me and Michael for December. I know if I play their music, Michael will enjoy the concert better. It will be his first, offical "rock concert". He saw the women from "The Magic Garden"- but that doesn't really count. Anyway, the 2 hour ride in was a good opportunity to learn some TMBG songs.

Michael was great at Thanksgiving, sitting at the table with everyone. Right before we said "grace", I had Michael stand up on his chair and read the card he made in school. "Dear Family, I am very thankful for my family. I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Michael". It was so cute. He had this big smile on his face while the 20 people around the table clapped.

Here is Michael helping his cousin blow out her birthday cake. He likes to get close to the action.

Another successful holiday. Boy that felt good. Oh, Michael did fall down the stairs at the end of the night, but jumped right up and didn't cry or even get upset. I can't tell if the kid doesn't feel pain- or is made of steele. Oh ya- A few family members (who see Michael about 3-4 times a year) said they REALLY see a difference in his progress. I keep getting these looks of surprise from everyone. Just wait until he is recovered- ha.

For the next week Michael requested TMBG songs in the car and the bathtub. He likes this one song "Dr. Worm". I'm really getting excited about the concert. He is actually walking around our home humming their songs. There is some footage on YouTube of their concerts too- so Michael and I sat today and watched them. I'm hoping he gets used to them as much as possible so the loud noise doesn't bother him- sometimes it does.

Also- I haven't been posting that much lately. I guess because Michael has been doing so many new things, I've lost track. We did miss a week of chelation (for the first time). The office was closed for 4 days.

Still no big side effects from the chelation. Michael has been alittle stimmy lately, but that might have to do with the weather and it getting dark so early. He's always been affected by the seasons.

The other day we were standing outside waiting for the bus and Michael is running his finger along my car window. You know how it gets wet in the morning and you can write words or draw pictures? I asked Michael to stop and he wouldn't. So, I wrote the word "no". He laughed. I couldn't believe he laughed. Then he wrote "yes" next to it and circled it.

Another first on Saturday. I had to videotape a wedding and hired a new babysitter (everyone else was busy). She's the aunt of a good friend and has family members with autism. Michael went to the indoor playground and the movies with her. The next day he said "Ann Marie is fun". This was the first time in 7 years he was with someone who wasn't a family member or friend. And he did great- I was so proud. I'm glad they both had fun.

Michael has his basketball tournament on Thursday. 8:45pm (right before bedtime- nice). I'll take plently of photos and video (like last year). I hope he gets a basket. Last year he wasn't even close.

Christine