Kindergarten Year!

It's hard to believe that we are approaching the end of 2016-2017 school year, Wyatt's kindergarten year...let me rephrase that...Wyatt and Blaze's kindergarten year! It has been such an awesome year!!

Wyatt’s school hadn’t experienced service dogs in the past. This was a brand new adventure and surprisingly enough, they were having two service dogs join their student body! I was overwhelmed with the openness to the idea of Blaze attending school.  

ADA requires that service dogs are allowed in public places, such as schools; however, since Wyatt isn’t capable of “handling” Blaze, we were required to bring a dog handler. Rachel had worked with Wyatt for a few years in the past, as his therapist, she agreed that she would like the opportunity to work with Blaze and Wyatt in the school setting.

Rachel is one of those persons, that when you get to know them, they feel like family. She has embraced the challenge of learning how to be a dog handler and adapting to a RNC classroom. The bond the three of them have formed is such a precious one. Wyatt and Blaze both light up when she enters in the room. As a mom, she give me a sense of peace and she has became such a dear friend. I admire how she just does...nothing holds her back. If the class was going on a field trip, so were her and Blaze. If there was a school performance with loud drums, she practiced with Blaze beforehand so they could join Wyatt. If they class dressed up like ninja turtles, so did her and Blaze. I can't thank her enough for embracing this opportunity, learning how to be a benevolent leader with Blaze, and creating such a loving bond with Wyatt. 

The whole staff at Marginy Elementary have been fabulous with this new adventure. Blaze had a problem with barking at the custodians when he first started school. So after school hours, Blaze and I practiced walking the halls and getting use to them. They worked with me to be sure Blaze got the hang of them. Wyatt's teacher embraced Blaze and made every accommodation possible for him in the classroom. Wyatt's therapist and APE teacher found ways to incorporate Blaze into Wyatt's world. I seriously could have not asked for a better team!!

This year, I saw the most growth in Wyatt. He is so much more present, aware, and happier. Last year, when Wyatt was in pre-k, he had the opportunity to spend time with his teacher now. I asked her how she felt this year went with Wyatt and Blaze. Her words...

• First off, Blaze is awesome. Even when you are having a bad/grumpy day you can't help but smile when Blaze greets you in the classroom. He's just so sweet!
• Wyatt lights up when Blaze gets to school.  (side note: Wyatt rides the bus to school and Blaze gets dropped off). 
• Wyatt makes direct eye contact with Blaze! (eye contact isn't the easiest for Wyatt)
• Blaze has Wyatt much more independent. Going for walks has always been Wyatt's favorite break time at school. Its even better with Blaze, because he provides Wyatt more independence with the tethering. Which in turn you can see makes Wyatt so much happier.
• Blaze has created triple the opportunities for Wyatt to socialize, which is worth his weight in gold! And then like the amazing service dog he is, he always lets Wyatt shine. He never steals the attention by being super playful and such. He is quiet when he needs to be and then can be playful and fun when command for it. 
• Blaze has allowed Wyatt to have the individual support that he needs to be the most successful! 

The principal, teachers, therapist, and Rachel gave Wyatt such an amazing experience this year. He spent time in his "typical" kindergarten class, making friends with his peers. We have ran into a few of them outside of school and they would make a point to approach Wyatt to say hi. The  therapist and teachers did such a great job of doing reverse inclusion, bring his peers into smaller environments to really help Wyatt engage (he gets a bit overwhelmed in big groups). He was Terrific Kid one month and won the Snickers Award, for his overly contiguous giggle. His first grade peers would beg Rachel and his teacher to please let Wyatt come have snack with them. I know his peers have helped Wyatt grow and I believe he has touched their lives too! 

Thank you to everyone at Marigny for such an awesome kindergarten year! I have to say, I am pretty anxious to see what first grade brings!! Happy Summer! 

Disney with a service dog!

We experienced our first Disney World trip with a service dog! We are novice Disney vacationers, only being our second trip. With that said, I had no earthly idea how to do Disney with a service dog. I packed lots of treats, his shoes, a travel water bowl, and my confidence. Some things to remember before I go in to more details:

• Blaze is a service dog, he has been trained very well. However, he is still a dog..not a robot! Which means as his handler I have to remind him not to eat stuff off the ground, to walk nicely and not pull on the leash, and to praise him for a well done job! 
• Blaze synchronizes with his environment very easily! If the energy is high...his energy is high.
• Blaze is a lab...labs love food.   

Ten things I want to share about our Disney trip with a service dog:

1) Blaze was able to ride the majority of rides that we rode. If he wasn't able to ride, they provide a kennel with his own personal body guard (this is not a joke...someone at Disney is paid to stand by the dogs kennel...see picture below). Super awesome that they provide this service, as we enjoyed riding rides together as a family. Secretly there were many times I was very envious that he got to rest in a kennel. 

2) For those of you who have meet Blaze know he isn't a huge dog. This was very handy at Disney. When Blaze rode the rides, he had to squeeze into tight spaces, and stay in his "down" position. The first ride we rode was at Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, it was race cars....race cars big enough for a parent and child. Imagine a parent, child, and a dog. Blaze did awesome, only popped his head up 3 times to see why the hell I was driving so horribly.

To the mom waiting to get our race car, after we were finished. Who was surprised when a dogs head popped up from the floorboard. Who saw the panic on my face as I tried to figure out how to appropriately get Wyatt, Blaze, and myself out of the tight space. Who saw the fear in my eyes as I was wondering how I was going to ride these rides with Wyatt and Blaze for 5 days. Who said "mom, good for you! awesome that you are doing this for your son". Thank you! Those words were so needed!!! 

4) Holy Cow...where does all the popcorn on the ground come from?!?! Every step that you take at Disney, imagine at least 3 kernels of popcorn. Blaze did pretty well at the "leave it" command, but damn he is fast. Thank you Disney guest for treating Blaze to popcorn. 

5) The ground at Disney is HOT. Therefore Blaze wore his shoes to protect his feet. Pretty sure 99% of people at Disney have never seen a dog in shoes. He was more popular than Mickey Mouse...no kidding!! 

6) Most people were super respectful when they saw us with a dog. We received lots of smiles and "awe, he is the cutest dog ever". However, I was amazed by the "drive by" petting, the whistle sounds to get his attention, and those who just walked up and greet him like he was there dog. Working at Disney takes a lot of focus! Oh and the people who would randomly come up and took his picture...what the hell?! So not cool! 

7) Having a service dog attached to your child at Disney means I received lots of questions. I loved it!! It was such a great way to educate others about Autism and Good Dog!. 

8) Laura and Rick...the Good Dog name is a very clever one! I heard at least 400 times..."awe, his vest says Good Dog!". 

9) Blaze made such a difference for Wyatt. I was amazed by how much of the parks Wyatt walked, how he got on and off the rides with more confidence and overall so much more calm and happy. Most people were so much more patient with us and provided smiles instead of stares. 

10) Disney has won me over. I was never the parent who was so excited to take my kids to Disney. Actually the first time I went kicking and screaming. Now I am ready to book our yearly trip! Disney is so accommodating for families like ours. We had several Disney employees stop us and ask if Blaze needed water. They were so quick to provide an extra hand and support. Thanks Disney! 

Oh one extra thing...

11) No Blaze did not like Pluto. Maybe wasn't helpful that Pluto came up to Blaze waving his arms and jumping up and down like a crazy "dog". Blaze said...pluto needs some training. 

Happy Birthday, Wyatt!!

January 25, 2010 after many hours of labor, Wyatt Joseph entered the world. A beautiful 9lbs 4oz baby boy that made me a mom and made us a family of three. I was over the moon with happiness and couldn't believe that this baby was mine!! I also really wanted to hold him, damn c-section! 

Wyatt was such an awesome baby. He was very happy, easy going little guy. As a toddler, he was the kid I could leave in the room and he never got into anything. His big blue eyes started melting hearts very early on!

At almost two years old, the Wyatt I knew starting to change. He stopped answering to his name, stopped talking, and stopped interacting with others. He started doing repetitive things (stimming), started having seizures, and started to become a different little boy. The world was crashing around me. I wanted/needed answers and most importantly I wanted to get him the therapy he needed (which at the time I had no earthly idea what that even was). There were many hours of crying and thinking there was no way I was the right mom for him, crying because damn it it wasn't fair.

Today, Wyatt is 7 years old. The parenting a child with special needs got a whole lot less scary and I actually think I am doing a decent job. In honor of Wyatt's birthday, here are some of my favorite things about him:

•  He doesn't care about materialistic things, he is just as happy playing with a stick as he is with a brand new toy. .
• He loves to play in the rain, mouth wide open trying to catch all the raindrops with pure bliss on his face!
• I often say I wish I had Wyatt's "I don't give a shit" attitude. He doesn't want something, he throws it to the ground and walks away. He doesn't want to talk to the person speaking to him, he just keeps walking. If he wants to be silly, he is silly. If he wants the chip my friend is eating, he will take it right from their hand. He doesn't want to wear his shirt or pants, guess what...
• He is incredibly sweet, loving, gentle, and kind. He has never purposefully hurt another person. 
• He never fights with his brother...I mean never! 
• He has helped young adults, who have been around him, decide that they want a career working with kiddos who have special needs.
• His love for Blaze. Their bond is getting stronger and stronger. 
• He has a way of making people feel super special, he is so genuine with his feelings.
• He is happy like 98.9% of the time. Always laughing and smiling. 
• When he doesn't want something (like getting his teeth cleaned, brushing his teeth, blood work, or his routine EEGs), he fights like hell and NEVER gives up. 
• He has never lied about anything. Or spoken mean about anyone or thing. 
• He works and tries so hard, every day, at things we take for granted. 
• He is so very strong!
• His appreciation of music, he can make music out of almost everything.
• He has more energy than anyone I have seen. 
• I love how he watches tv...like 2 inches from the screen, jumping up and down, and flapping his hands in delight.
• For a kid who is nonverbal, he says so much without words.
• He has amazing people instincts. He knows when someone is comfortable/uncomfortable with him and he plays them appropriately.
• He is incredibly unique and owns it. Never changes for anyone. 

I believe that all of us who are parents can say that we have learned something from our children. With Wyatt I joined this whole other world and starting became a person I never was before. How being Wyatt's mom has changed me:

• I have learned so much about things I knew very little about...Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Seizures, PICA, Service Dogs. 
• I have made so many new friends; therapist, special education teachers, doctors, and other special needs parents.
• Before Wyatt's dx, I never knew what it meant to fight for something I believed in. 
• I have tried so many new things...being a dog handler, raising money for Blaze, writing a blog, etc.
• I love watching other people love my son! I love when his therapist and teacher get so excited to tell me about something awesome he did that day! I love when my friends fight over who gets the most kisses from him.
• I had to learn that people judge and making inappropriate comments. That I can't fight every single battle. I can educate and advocate.
• I have learned what a difference service dogs can make in a persons life. 
• I have learned how to represent my son's needs in an IEP.
• I have learned what it feels like to feel my heartbeat outside of my body (okay, I stole this line from someone else...but its so true).
• Hope, I have learned to have so much hope. 

Happy 7th Birthday, Wyatt! You make me very proud and I am forever grateful that you are mine. If you know Wyatt and would like to share your favorite thing/things about him I would love it!

Now it's time to go celebrate a 7th birthday. I think seven will be a huge year for him!
Till next time...

Brothers

I was four months pregnant when Wyatt was diagnosed with Autism. I remember crying to Wyatt's behavioral psychologist asking her how would I be able to provide for another child when I felt like 100% of my attention needed to go to Wyatt. She promised me that a sibling would be the best thing for Wyatt.

I have to say, she was so right! River is the kindest, sweetest, loving, silliest boy. He has so much pride in helping his brother. He is always happy to help educate others that Blaze is a working dog and recently told his uncle that Wyatt had autism (which clearly he already knew). He is only 4 years old!

River attended daycare at a young age, when he was in the one-year old class his preschool teacher told me that River was the kindest friend to his friends. He was always willing to stop playing to help a friend in need and that he understood a little boy in his class who was currently going through the autism diagnosis. I was so surprised to see at such a young age his home life experience was carrying over to school.

As River got older, he started asking more questions...why doesn't Wyatt talk, why doesn't Wyatt play with me, etc. As soon as I mentioned this to my sister, she ordered him a book called My Brother Charlie. I read it to him a few times, not mentioning Wyatt but wondering if he would put the pieces together. After probably the fifth time of reading it, he said "mommy, Wyatt has autism".

So it has to be no surprise that when Blaze came home River was so excited to be part of this journey! At first, I will admit it was a bit annoying. Every time I went to give Blaze a command, River repeated it (poor Blaze). Blaze truly syncs with his environment. So a four year old bouncing around with excitement equals a dog bouncing around with excitement. It took some adjusting and setting limitations. River now knows all the commands and tries to give them to Blaze...which surprisingly Blaze will listen sometimes. A rule I had to learn about giving commands, was to say command, if Blaze didn't follow through with command, count six mississippis, and then say it again. Often you will hear River say "Blaze, sit...1,2,3,4,5,6...sit". I think my favorite thing to hear is "good boy, Blaze" coming from River's mouth.

Recently River has been talking about when he moves out and gets his own house (yes, at 4 years of age...clearly I'm not a lot of fun to live with). He told me, "don't worry mommy, we will still come visit you". I said, "you will?". He said, "Yes, Wyatt and Blaze will live with me so we will all come to visit you". We have never discussed whether or not Wyatt would be able to live on his own or maybe he just thinks brothers live together. Whatever reason, it melted my heart.

My relationship with my siblings is one of the most important relationships in my life. We experienced the best parts of life with each other and some of the very hardest parts. We grew up playing school (or maybe it was me playing student, no surprise my sister is a professor), playing barbies (brothers included), and playing softball and kickball at our grandpa's horse farm (and trivial pursuit, most boring game ever) . We've hit, pinched, and kicked each other (don't worry at much younger ages), bounced softballs off our baby brothers head (sorry, Nate), and had ugly words, including that we hated each other. We also stood by each other as the other got married (or getting married), held each others children, and comforted each other during troubled times. I know no matter what, my siblings are always there.

Although I know my boys relationship will be a bit different, I am so thankful they have each other. I hope that River always wants to educate others about his brother, wants to help others who have disabilities, and an advocate for service dogs.  I also hope that River watches how Wyatt appreciates the little things in life, like playing in the rain, how he appreciates the sound of music, and how he never expects a new toy, but happy with the things he has. I hope that Wyatt watches River to hear him talk in full sentences, play with toys appropriately, and have friendship with others. I hope that they always feel peace with one another and know no matter what they have each other.

2016...what a year!

I have been bad...okay horrible...at keeping up with the blog. There have been many awesome things that have happened (and some not awesome things) that I haven't shared. With a few hours left in 2016, I thought I would close the year with a recap. 

Awesome Things:

• Blaze started school with Wyatt. I had to provide a dog handler and one of our amazing therapist Rachel decided she wanted the job. It has been a game changer for Wyatt. For the first time ever, he is going to school full time. He is excited to go to school and most importantly so happy! 
• Wyatt has made a few "typically" developing friends at school. One of the sweet girls even invited him to her birthday party. Of course we went and he seemed so happy!! Blaze was so happy too because the kids got the opportunity to pet him which doesn't always happen at school. 
• Blaze is starting to be in sync with Wyatt. Commands are getting less, it's like he knows what he suppose to do when we go to the neurologist or when he is at school. VERY awesome!
• I was interviewed by Just Labs magazine regarding an article about Good Dog! Wyatt and Blaze's picture is even featured in the article. I love the opportunity to tell our story.
• Because of Blaze, people stop and ask about service dogs and autism. I have had the opportunity to bring awareness to others. 
• Wyatt is so happy! Wyatt has had some spontaneous language...repeating commands I give to Blaze. Yep, my nonverbal boy is saying words.
• Every morning when Blaze hears Wyatt wake up, he runs right to him and gives him lots of kisses. Wyatt smiles in return. What a great way to start your day!
• We celebrated Blaze's second birthday!

A few challenges (or not awesome things):

• I never realized how stressful it would be to incorporate a service dog into our family. Blaze is wonderful and I feel as I was trained properly; however, that first two months was stressful. I wanted it all to be perfect and realized I was putting a ton of stress on myself.
• Blaze didn't like the janitors at the school. He let out a few barks. Thank goodness the gentlemen were awesome about me coming after school hours to hang out with Blaze. Glad to report he has made new friends (as well as I did too).
• Wyatt likes to put his fingers in Blaze's ears. Thankful Blaze doesn't seem to mind; however, I worry he might accidentally hurt Blaze. It's a good opportunity to remind him to be gentle and kind.
• I have had to learn the balance of "pack" out in public. It's a lot of work to watch Wyatt and Blaze at the same time, while having River say "mommy, look at this". I think I'm getting better. 

Our awesome things way out weigh our not awesome things. I feel so fortunate to have Blaze as part of our pack. Our family has been able to do things that we have never been able to do before because of Blaze.  In just five months, Blaze has made Wyatt a more confident, happier little boy. Honestly, I feel like I have gained so much, as a mom, because of Blaze! 

Today, I have reflected on 2016 (such an awesome year for us) and planning for what goals I want to achieve in 2017. I have plans to bring this blog back to life...with a little a twist. As most of you know, goals are hard to keep. So please, remind to post and share our story!! Hold me accountable...I need it!  

Happy New Year! Thanks for being part of our 2016! 

Cheers,

Natasha 

Time is moving.

On Sunday, Blaze will be home for three weeks. As we all know, time moves so fast...so fast that one day I will be writing that Blaze has been home for a year. I can't wait to see what I will be writing then! 

During Good Dogs! Team Training we talked about the child and dog bonding. They shared stories on how some kids bonded right away and some take months to form the bond. They encourage that the bond organically be formed, which I wholeheartedly agree with.

Wyatt has a trend of taking a long time to warm up to new people and things. My goal is to have Blaze be part of Wyatt's world. Blaze isn't going to therapy or school yet with Wyatt; however, we have been making visits. When Wyatt sees Blaze walk through the door he smiles from ear to ear, runs over to Blaze, and jumps up and down. When Blaze is with Wyatt in public settings, including therapy he is constantly touching Blaze. It's crazy how Blaze brings a sense of calm with Wyatt. Yes, this is my child sitting to do a puzzle!! This doesn't happen....

This past weekend I took Wyatt and Blaze to Gap to buy Wyatt uniform shorts for school. As we are checking out, Blaze was in the down position.I turned around to be sure Wyatt wasn't unfolding the clothes on the rack behind us, when I discovered him sitting on the ground beside Blaze. What?! Wyatt's OT said it best, it's like Blaze helps Wyatt determine his space. Usually when checking out at a store, I pretty much am holding Wyatt down, fumbling for my wallet, and feeling super overwhelmed. Thank you, Blaze!!! 

Blaze was born on Christmas Day 2014. He was born the Christmas that I took the trip to California to visit my sister and had that horrible lady make a comment about not wanting to sit by my family on the plane. The trip that made me decide that yes I wanted to add a service dog to our family. I love that his birthday is on Christmas Day, because he is for sure the best present ever! Already in three weeks, I see Wyatt more independent and confident in public outings, more calm during stressful moments like checking out at the store. In these three weeks, I have had more people stop and speak to Wyatt...this never happened before. It awesome because it gives Wyatt the opportunity to practice his social skills. 

Blaze is a loving, sweet, silly boy. He started sleeping with Wyatt, this week. Wyatt climbs all over him and he just lays there loving the touch. Blaze is always ready to go. We run or walk every evening for at least 2 miles. When we walk in the door, he runs and finds his ball and looks at me like lets play. His face is the sweetest ever, he has a forever puppy face. To say I'm obsessed with him, might be an understatement. 

I can't wait to share more...I can't wait to tell more stories...I can't wait to see what three more months or one more year look like. I'm forever grateful to have this opportunity for Wyatt. I'm amazed at how awesome Wyatt's therapist have worked with us on getting Blaze integrated into Wyatt's routine. We have an awesome team. 

Tell next time... 

 

Our first week...

How is Wyatt doing with Blaze??? I get this question a lot this past week. 

Wyatt knows Blaze is his dog! He smiles at Blaze when he passes him in the house, when he is greeting him at school, etc. He makes great eye contact with Blaze and giggles at Blaze's actions (Blaze can be a pretty funny dog). I have been introducing Blaze to Wyatt's every day world (and getting Wyatt use to Blaze in his every day world), bringing him to therapy here and there, putting them in Wyatt's room together, having Blaze in bathroom during bath time, playing outside together, etc. I've brought Blaze to Wyatt's social group a couple of times last week. Wyatt turns around at least every 5 minutes to be sure Blaze is still laying behind him.

I am thankful that Wyatt already seems excited about Blaze. I look forward to their bond growing stronger. We have tethered Wyatt to Blaze while going to and from therapy, at target and grocery, etc. Wyatt seems very comfortable with the tethering. In his six years of life, this is the first time he has walked through stores without holding mom and/or dad's hand. Such an independence opportunity for Wyatt. 

Many people ask, when will they bond. Depends on the child and dog. It could take a few months up to several months. Wyatt is a kiddo that takes awhile to warm up to new things. One year for Christmas he got a swing set for outside, it took him two weeks to play on it. 

Some things I have learned the first week:

• Having a service dog draws more attention to your family. Everyone looks, some people smile and some people gawk as if they never have seen a service dog.
• It's only been a week, but I feel like people are a little more patient with us. 
• Every morning when we take River to summer camp, the guy working the front desk makes a point to say hi and bye to Wyatt (and waits for Wyatt to respond). One day after dropping River off, Wyatt and I were leaving and a few ladies were oohing and aahing over Blaze. The front desk guy said, "forget the dog, I think that kid is pretty awesome". 
• Wyatt had a tantrum after leaving River at summer camp (don't think he was sad to leave his brother, more that it was unfair brother was at place with a swimming pool). People waited kindly for me to get him together and out the door.  Also Blaze did amazing. It's like he knows, he stood patiently looking at me with his sweet eyes like "you got this mom".
• A lady at the grocery story, in line in front of us, offered me her $10 dollar off coupon...kind gesture.
• Everyone is excited to tell you about their pet dogs and cats when they see you with a service dog. I am pretty sure every target and grocery trip we took (four total last week - crazy, right), someone had a story to tell me.
• Wyatt is enjoying the independence being tethered while shopping. I took both boys and Blaze to grocery Saturday morning to grab a few things. While we were checking out I was giving Blaze command to come "here" and lay "down". Once he was settled, I looked up to see Wyatt has grabbed and opened bubble gum. Rookie mistake on my part. 
• It's an opportunity to spread autism awareness. When people ask about Blaze, I have the opportunity to tell them the things Blaze does and will do for Wyatt. 
• Integrity of my pack is more important than opinion of others! I've been running 2 miles with Blaze in the evenings. He, much like me, loves to socialize. When he sees another dog he gets a bit excited, I give him the "leave it" command so we can continue our run, not distracted. A few times I have had to give a firm "No". I've gotten some looks, which is hard for me to not stop and say, "he is my son's service dog. Once he gets away with jumping around for another dog, I won't be able to break it later on when he is working with my son. I know I sound firm but that's how I get him to know I mean business." Instead I remind myself that integrity of my pack is more important than opinion of others.
• Our bond (Blaze and mine) is getting stronger. I practice commands with him daily and surprised how much better I am getting. He is 100% trained, he knows the commands, it's me getting the tone, body language correct. Here is he practicing the "lay on" command. This command would provide deep pressure for Wyatt. Unfortunately we didn't have any humans around while practicing, but Monkey Joe did great.Also I got him to do it the first time! At Team Training it took me at least 400 times. 
  

We will continue to bring Blaze more and more into Wyatt's world. One day he will attend therapy and school with Wyatt (without me). I know that day will be awesome for both of them!