Snow days

School was closed on Tuesday because the forecast said it was supposed to snow a lot. It did snow quite a bit, but nowhere near what would have canceled school where I grew up. Then, of course, the next day was also canceled so that the roads could get cleared. The school district canceled for a third day, for reasons undisclosed. I think the temperature was too low, about 5 degrees at 6 AM. Thankfully, work was also closed on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, I could telecommute or take leave. Thursday, I wasn't feeling well so took a sick day. Three days off of school for just 4-6 inches of snow! It's ridiculous to me. Conlan hasn't had a full week of school since before Christmas break. And now, instead of getting President's Day off of school, they have to make it up and go to school that day. I hope they don't cancel any more days since more will have to be made up after school gets out in June.

Anyway, Tuesday evening, we finally ventured out into the snow. I'm so glad we got Conlan those snow boots a couple months ago. At first he protested the extra layer of clothing. We even had to hold his hands while we got suited up so he wouldn't strip down. Finally outside, we had lots of fun making snow angels, throwing snow at each other, and making fresh tracks. Hardly anyone had ventured out all day. We made our way over to the park. It's fun sliding down a slide full of snow! Shortly after getting to the park, a girl, her mom, and their dog came to join in the fun. We made some more snow angels, got to know them and had more fun. Conlan squealed at the sight of the dog. He kept putting himself between the owner and the dog so that he'd get all tangled up, squealing and laughing the whole time. This kid needs a dog!

All I Want for Christmas is an EEG?

About a month ago, Conlan lost his first tooth. Well, not exactly, he lost his first tooth without hitting his head on the bathtub. A couple weeks later he lost another. Both times he was very calm and "asked" us to take out his tooth. And just in time for Christmas!

Christmas for Conlan has always been a little different. He doesn't quite get that there are presents for him beneath the wrapping paper. Or maybe he doesn't understand gifts and possession. He is so used to playing with whatever is available. He doesn't seem to have any wishes. He's content to bounce around, watch a little of "Signing Time", or play with things as simple as a cardboard box. Much to our annoyance, he could throw an empty 2-liter bottle onto the hardwood floor for hours squealing with glee the whole time.

So what do you get an autistic 6 year old? His two front teeth! We got some stuff mainly from the dollar store. We also got him an alphabet puzzle floor mat and a tactile spiky ball. He loves puzzles and always plays with the floor mats at other people's houses. I think his favorite toy is the helicopter blade thingy that is spun off of a helical-shaped stick. The blades quickly ascend to the ceiling when purged off of the stick and even glow in the dark. He loved unrolling the Chinese yo-yo's too.

His brother had a blast opening most of the toys, even Conlan's. The video below shows his reaction at first seeing what Santa had brought.





Sadly, all the fun and games quickly came to an end the next morning. He had an appointment with the neurologist to get a portable EEG attached to his head. It was quite an experience for all of us. The technician did an amazing job attaching all the electrodes and wrapping his head so he wouldn't tear it off. A few weeks from now, we get to visit the neurologist again to look at the data and see if they find out anything. I sure hope it was worth the sleepless night as we monitored him both to make sure it stayed attached and to record any mini seizures (none noticed) or other anomalous activity. He was very happy to get it off the next morning and even more excited to be treated with pancakes from Denny's for tolerating the bandage for almost 24 hours. Good for you Conlan!