Skip to main content

Jude the Dude

For those of you who dont know us personally, Jude is Alden's (slightly) older brother. They are 15 months apart. Jude doesn't remember life before Alden and as scary as having two little ones so close together was just after Alden's birth, it has worked out so nicely for our family. I remember shortly after Alden's diagnosis being just as devastated for Jude as I was for Alden. Honestly maybe even more so for him. I never wanted Jude to feel left out or second fiddle because things would be so different for each of them. We worked our way through the muddy waters of parenting which is hard enough on its own but really difficult when you are parenting one nuerotypical and one nuerodiverse. We tackled our fair share of questions but Jude has ALWAYS been SO loving, kind and understanding with Alden and with us as we explain how despite their close age there are different expectations for each. Jude has always been an old soul and we have always told him what a beautiful gift he is from God to us and our family. God knew we would need an exceptional child to compliment our other exceptional child.

With that being said, my sweet adorable little boy is hitting an age where he's honestly getting on my nerves fairly regularly by testing his limits and just being.... annoying. Sorry I seem to lack a graceful way of putting it . I've never parented an 8 yr old before but I gotta say, it's making me super nervous about the teen years. We have had our spells of a couple rough days in a row but for now, he is still USUALLY my super fun, unique, old man trapped in a little boys body. Just yesterday he had been helping his brother with his shoes, painting a beautiful mountain scene from water colors, offering to help with chores around the house, going shopping with me where he picked out a new book on chemistry and sushi for dinner! He really is a cool kid, and I don't think I'm being biased, you seriously might wanna hang out with him sometime. I just have to remember these moments when he's being a 'normal' 8 yr old and has selective hearing. Requiring being asked 5 times to do something or those times when he suddenly turns back into a toddler because something isn't going his way.

So for the past 7 years we have been trying to figure out how to perfectly balance everything to make sure everyone's needs are being met. I don't think we are the only parents who are pretty sure we are messing our kids up. On the other hand, there are times I see my children shine and I sigh a breath of relief knowing we must be doing something right. Despite the new 'big kid' attitude Jude has been experimenting with, I think my kids are pretty stinking cute and just down right awesome. We thank God daily for the gift of our boys and how perfectly they were made to be brothers and a part of our family. We love you Jude the dude <3



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

He aint heavy, he's my brother: having a brother with autism

   I told you all this post would come over spring break. The reason it's just getting posted now is because Jude was busy playing with Alden! I am so happy to report that these two, who already have an amazing bond and such a sweet special love are growing even closer as Alden is welcoming Jude more and more into his world. With that being said, I have also put off posting because although Jude wrote this post I am typing it up for him, and it's been even more emotional than I was prepared for. Jude is the BEST big brother and is continually amazes me with his strength and grace. However there are struggles with being the sibling of a child with autism and this has been the first time he has really expressed them.  So please enjoy the beautiful, sad and raw honestly of this sweet boy and his experience being the sibling of an autistic child.                                     ...

Christmas break in an autism house....

    I think all parents can relate to the headaches and chaos that lead up to Christmas. Christmas parties, programs, shopping, baking, eating, decorating, wrapping...the list goes on and on! All this creates an environment where kids can't possibly function without stepping on an already frayed mommy nerve.      We make a conscious effort everyday leading up to Christmas to slow down and reflect on the reason for the season. But I would be lying to say it's all jingle bells and mistletoe at my house for the holidays. See on top of all the stuff I mentioned above we have melt downs over changed routines. This year that included tackling the Christmas tree. To be fair, trees are supposed to be outside. Anxiety over family gatherings with lots of people in little spaces. Tummy trouble because despite the delicious holiday feast present at every gathering, Alden will live on cookies and dinner rolls. Sensory issues stopping him from tearing through wrapping pap...

Couldn't we ALL use a break from life: Respite Care

    Confession: I know little to nothing about respite care. So I thought documenting my learning experience may be helpful for those who may also eventually use this service. Before pursuing further information, I knew that respite care was a service available to families with special needs. Basically a state paid babysitter. Now all parents of young children need a babysitter from time to time. Maybe for the elusive date night with my hubby, a girl could dream right. Despite the annoyance of trying to find a babysitter available and having to pay for their service above and beyond the expense of whatever your plans may be; special needs families have the added burden of finding a babysitter uniquely qualified to deal with whatever the special need may be. Also because of the need for higher qualification comes extra cost.     I wont get into the numbers, but if you ever get bored you can find sufficient research on how the stress of raising a child with special ne...