Week 162- Happy Birthday Phil!

Happy Birthday to Phil!  I feel super lucky to have met such a wonderful man who supports me and the kids with everything we do.  We didn't have any spectacular plans for his special day (I'm not sure anything could have topped his surprise 40th bash last year) but we spent the weekend together upstate at my parents' house and it was somewhat relaxing.

An early birthday celebration for Phil.

Papa taught the kids how to play Poker.  They caught on quick, especially Ryan.  Julia lost interest after a little while, but Ryan became obsessed and loved the betting part the most.  There were times where he became agitated when he lost a hand, but for the most part, he had a lot of fun playing during the rainy weekend.

Out to dinner for daddy's birthday!

Ryan had a lot of ups and downs with his behavior this week.  He continues to have difficulty with his sudden change of emotions and outbursts, but during the hours he is on the Focalin there is certainly an improvement.  There is still a lot of tattling going on at school, and during the week his special education teacher wrote us an update that he cried during P.E. class after each relay race that he lost.  We meet again at the end of the week with the psychiatrist to discuss the medication, and Ryan also goes for his annual check up this week with the pediatrician.

This is the busy time of the year with school and Phil is out several nights this month and next for events at work.  I was fortunate enough to have some help last week from a friend who came to spend time with the kids and help me with the afternoon and evening routine.  All three kids enjoyed her company and Ryan was on his best behavior, except for some resistance with reading a book for his homework.  After she left I was thinking how helpful her presence was and it reminded me that we are still waiting to hear back from OPWDD to see if Ryan is eligible for respite services.

This Sunday, June 2nd, is the Autism Speaks Walk in White Plains.  We are walking as The Ryan Express team.  Registration begins at 9 am, Opening Ceremonies is at 10, and the walk begins at 11.  Please let us know if you are able to meet up and join us!

DC