literally digesting the diagnosis

We finally got a call from the Regional Center psychologist last week. Diagnosis: mild autism. Not a big surprise, but at the same time a shock to the system to have this official label attached to our child. We're still digesting the implications. As far as Levi's eligibility for services is concerned, it's out of our hands. The psychologist has gone back to the Regional Center with her diagnosis and recommendation of services. Now Levi's file has to make it's way through the bureaucracy and we'll hear back from the RC when we hear back. In the meantime, I've acquired a growing stack of books that I hope will help Levi and us overcome his challenges. One of the things we're diving right into is a gluten-free casein-free diet. Please chime in if you have any experience with GFCF. In the meantime, I'll be in the kitchen trying to make some wheat and dairy free food that Levi will want to eat. I didn't know it until this last week that GI issues are very common with autistic kids. Yet one more area where Levi falls in line quite nicely with the autistic profile. Not sure how the GFCF diet will help with his behavioral challenges, but I sure hope to find a solution to his chronic diarrhea. Sorry if that's too much info.

this one's for the grandparents

Hi everyone, it's me, Big Jeff.
first, thanks for all of you who still read this blog and comment on it. I keep thinking nobody looks at it besides our parents, but then we post something and you're all still out there, our loyal friends and readers. we love you.

This is pretty much just kid pictures. Not much to report lately. We had Aunt Elisa stay with us for a bit to get a taste of kitchen life working with Harriet at the bakery. While she was here, Uncle Sam, Aunt Marielle & cousin Hadley came down, and we went to Disneyland! It rained ridiculously, but that didn't stop us. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of that -- they're all on Elisa's camera. :(

Sometimes I take the kids on hikes on the trail above our house. here are a few pictures from one of our trips.


...throwing dirt in the air and letting it rain down on their heads...


For Levi's picture day, Harriet styled his hair into a "fauxhawk". Unfortunately, it collapsed by the time they took his picture.


Here they are with their Aunt Elisa. They love her. Ruby cried when she left.


Here are the kids on halloween. Ruby was a princess, and Levi was a pumpkin. That means an orange shirt with some black duct tape.