The Nights

Twins Dad is gone for the week — on business. This means that I've been on 24/7 mom duty to two boys who WILL NOT sleep through the night in this hideous apartment. Last night we were up from 2 until 6. I awoke to two boys jumping around on my bed, vying for the spot closest to me. They snuck in, no cries for me to come running — it's become their late-night act. I marched them both back to their room and attempted to squeeze myself between them on the floor. Crying from one, maniacal laughing from the other. I tried music. I tried rubbing backs. I tried threats and bribes. I offered juice, changed a diaper, THEN changed wet sheets. I yelled, I'm not proud, I have no patience anymore. I threw things across the room — soft things at least, pillows, stuffed animals. There is no fury like that of a mom going on no sleep. And then, I hate to say it, I wanted nothing more than to walk out the door. Just leave. Let someone else do this because I am losing my mind. What kind of mother does that, thinks that. Well, I'm sure I'm not the first. I hope.

At last, Sam was out. John continued his silly talk and puzzle fingers until I held him tightly to my chest, feeling his breath rise and fall as he gave in to sleep, just as the sun started peeking through the edges of the blinds.

Art Now for Autism

I wanted to share this, the brainchild of a fellow autism mom.

Art Now for Autism
Fine arts and crafts by over 100 artists
Raising funds for autism awareness and research
Online Exhibit and Sale: October 2008

We are pleased to announce the opening of Art Now for Autism 2008. This online exhibit raises funds for autism awareness and research with 100% of art sales going to Autism Speaks. This year's exhibit includes the work of over 120 artists including artists with autism spectrum disorders. Prices range from just a couple of dollars to over $500. Be sure to check out our selection of one-of-a-kind puzzle pins for a donation of $25. There is something for everyone! Support the cause and get a wonderful piece of art, too!

Art Now for Autism
October 1 - 31, 2008

- Claudine Intner, founder and organizer of Art Now for Autism

I thought that this was such a great way to fundraise. I am the happy owner of two lovely pieces of original art:

Artist: Puzzle Art Plus Yahoo Group - Angie Boesch, Cathy Hudson, Theresa Pillow, Halle Gustafson, Gay Ens, Heather Raycraft, Linda French, and Jam Ito. From: United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan

"Waiting to Dance" • Artist: Hunter Ian McBride — Hunter is an artist with PDD-NOS. He is 9 years old and has been drawing since he was able to pick up a pen. His first works were drawn all over the walls! If left to his own devices, he would draw morning, moon, and night. He captures the world around him in a different light. While his expressive speech is poor, just give him a pen and it unlocks the door. He is fascinated with detail and movement, nature and sounds. Hunter is a creative boy to have around!

Indeed. Check it out, pieces are going pretty fast.

Sleep is What I'll Do Next Year

Thank you to everyone who emailed or posted suggestions about our sleepless nights. We are still sleepless 'round these parts but have fallen into a better rhythm. We increased the melatonin dosage after consulting with our pediatrician. It still is magic getting them to fall asleep, but John continues to wake every night between 1:30 and 2:00. What's new is that instead of the manic hours spent wide awake, he has started coming straight to our bed, climbing in between us, and going back to sleep — probably two nights out of three. I can't help but wonder if this is now turning into a behavioral problem (i.e., he can't fall back asleep without us).

But hey! Sleep is sleep! Who cares if there's a four-year-old fighting for covers?

Of course last weekend, we spent one extra-miserable sleepless night when the apartment we're staying at flooded. Yes, it really did. Flooded. After noticing how fast both boys seemed to be having "accidents" while playing in the living room, I sat down on the floor next to them and quickly realized they were playing on saturated wall-to-wall carpeting. We were moved to an upper floor apartment while they brought in fans and hauled out soggy carpet pads.

I don't think I could have written this past year.

Repairs on our house have progressed but not nearly quick enough. We have walls and a ceiling and fresh coats of paint... but still no floors and to add to the mess, newly discovered water damage in the basement. When extinguishing the fire, the fire department was able to keep water damage mostly to a minimum, but not enough to prevent it from trickling all the way down two floors. Now the basement ceiling will have to be removed and aired out.

End of October. Maybe.