I was reading a blog recently that talked about a nurse that had cancer. On days when she wasn't feeling well she would wear a gigantic pair of underwear over her scrubs that said "Big Girl Panties". This was her way of telling everyone that the day wasn't so great, but she was going to work through it!! How inspiring!! {You can read about it in Courtney's blog - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcgchatham.blogspot.com%2F%3Fm%3D1&h=vAQEu3Rxb} There are a LOT of "big girl panties" days lately.... Not because Dawson isn't doing well, but because I just couldn't seem to get out of a slump (Dawson is doing fantastic, and I can't wait to tell you all about it, but it's important that you read this first... especially if you're a parent of a special needs child). I have subsequently dubbed this slump the Bummer Bash. Not to be confused with a summer bash or the monster mash (♪It was a graveyard smash♫). No, the Bummer Bash was a party of 1. Just me. (♪ One, is the loneliest number...♫) Remember when I said I wasn't going to have a pity party? I feel like that wasn't a lie... afterall mine was a bummer bash. In all seriousness, I was overwhelmed and felt pulled in so many directions. So, what did I do? I shut down. Closed up shop & became unsocial.... I know everybody has stumbling blocks, but in the moment my blocks sure felt like mountains. At least that was until I put on my big girl panties. Because like it or not, this is our reality. MY REALITY. Yep, I have to take ownership of it too. It's time to start fully embracing the autism we are facing.  Do you want to hear the funniest part? I was talking to a sweet friend today and she commended me on how together I am (We swear we are soul sisters.... we are identical twins separated by 10 years and born to different parents....my soul sister from a different Mrs. & Mr.). I laughed. I do NOT have IT together. Actually, I don't think I've ever had IT together. (Are we really even sure what IT is?) And she told me that no one could tell, and that's a strength in itself. Being able to keep it together, maybe better than I realize. It was after that conversation that I decided to put back on my Mom-cape and be the best super Mom I can be. That is, as long as super Moms can be crafty, hardworking, creatively unorganized, encouraging, hoard large amounts of cute clothes, fun, & wear cute shoes.... because that's the kind of super Mom I can be. Totally imperfect. Totally Imperfect, wearing my big girl panties, because some days are tough, & tied on cape, because I'm stronger than I think.... I make this cape look good!! ;o) So, last week at therapy Dawson was AMAZING!! Both of his therapists commented on how well he's focussing, following directions & chewing far less on his shirt collars!! He is one amazing little guy!! Twice now, his teacher at Daycare has said he has been sharing with the other kids and doing AWESOME!! We started using Essential Oils about 3 weeks ago and in that time have not had a single "epic meltdown", have lessened the amount of shirt chewing, & we're transitioning without a problem. #awesomeDawson now lets me rub the EO on his feet and hands when he is normally not a fan of people touching his feet & hands. Also, His eye contact has improved dramatically and I am soaking every bit of that yummy goodness up!! Are essential oils a cure? Nope. But, if they can help lessen the stress that he feels, or the extra input he needs why on earth would I NOT use them. Here's a good article that explains aromatherapy by the University of Maryland. In laymans terms: the part of our brain that processes smells is also connected to our emotions & memories. Scientists believe aromatherapy may stimulate parts of the brain. Plus, if I'm being real, I'm a hippie at heart. At least a new-age hippie ;o)

#AwesomeDawson's big milestones for the past 2 weeks... -Riding in the car 8 hours each way to visit one of my very best friends and not fussing. Not ONCE!!! -Learning and saying 3 new names as well as using them later to talk to someone. -Engaging me to sing his new favorite song that has actions by saying the song name, putting my hands together & then his hands together. We do a LOT of the "Tuna Fish" song. I mean ALOT!!! -Naming 5 or 6 body parts on me out of the blue -finally saying the words six & seven (He used to just skip over them before) I think when he hung out with his Nanny they counted his 7 cars so many times that he learned how to say it finally!!

Here are some photos from last week. Dawson LOVES lining up his cars & trains and pushing them off whatever they are on so that they crash loudly to the ground.... He seemed to group his vehicles together by color sometimes, size sometime, & by whether or not they had faces... Here is what some fun looks like at #teambritt. On a side note I talked to Shae about Dawson and what she thought about everything going on right now. She told me Dawson has always been special. But, she feels special too because her brother is autistic. She likes seeing all that he can do and is learning to do. I don't think I could be more proud!!!