Be Aware

Today is Autism Awareness Day.

April is Autism Awareness Month.

We're aware of Autism every day.

It's a good thing to remind those who aren't.

Please Be Aware.

"Bu-Bye"

 This is one of my very favorite photos of Caleb. We have one of those play tunnels that you can crawl through.  Caleb was standing, and I dropped the tunnel over him....he just looked up and gave me a big smile!  This smile makes me so happy!

Yesterday I heard some Caleb news that made me really happy!  Caleb is non-verbal (you can read about that here), and he goes to the Kennedy Krieger Institute every Thursday morning for speech therapy.  Joe usually calls me with news about how his therapy went. Today he was very excited when he called.

Here's what Joe shared on Facebook yesterday:

"This morning, we were at Kennedy Krieger for Caleb's speech session. His therapist was working with him and I was watching from another room on CCTV. All of the sudden, you hear a little voice say "bu-bye". I about fell out of my chair. Caleb spoke!! It made my morning!! Here's to many more words hopefully!!"

How's that for awesome news!!

Totally made my day!

It's amazing what a couple little words will do to you.

 

Please remember Caleb in your prayers.

He works so hard at learning....he just wears himself out!

Remember his family too...never seems to be a dull moment in their lives!  The photo below was taken at the State Fair this year.  It's the first year that Caleb was tall enough to get on the Tilt-A-Whirl.  See what I mean?  Never a dull moment!! 

Thanks to Johanna and Joe for the photos...I got them off their Facebook and Instagram feeds!

Caleb...Wonderfully Made

Look at this sweet little family! 

Nothing makes Joe and Johanna happier than spending time with their boys!  

This photo is from last week...it's at Red Robin. 

It was a fun evening...good burgers and time spent with my favorite little redheads!

 

This is Caleb. He'll be three years old in July.

He is such a sweet boy...and oh, so cute! 
He's one of the happiest little guys I've ever met. 
When he laughs it's a deep in his belly kind of laugh! 
You can't help but join in when you hear it!

He has beautiful red hair.

He has soulful brown eyes.

He has dimples on his little hands.

He loves french fries.
He loves Llama Drama.
He loves his mommy and daddy.

 

He's loved....John 3:16.

He's chosen...I Thessalonians 1:4.

He's blessed...Galatians 3:9.

He's victorious...Revelation 12:11.

He's fearfully and wonderfully made...Psalm 139:14.

He's forgiven...Ephesians 1:7.
 

He's a child of God...made in His image.
 

He has my heart.

He has Autism.
 

This is pretty new for all of us.

 

The original diagnosis was made about 9 months ago.

Last week Caleb went through additional evaluations at the

Kennedy Krieger Institute and the diagnosis was confirmed.

We're all still processing this news.

 

He's non-verbal right now.

But not being able to speak isn't the same as not having something to say. 
He's learning to get his point across to others.

 

As you can see....I was obviously boring him! 

 

Please keep Caleb, Elijah, Johanna, and Joe in your prayers.

It's quite an adventure that they're on...it's new, it's a little bit scary...but it's exactly

the adventure that God knew they would be going on. 

 

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11