Seattle Schulenburgs!

Bennett video

2010-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am trying to work through our rather large backlog of Luke and Bennett videos. Here is the most recent tape with a few highlights of Bennett. Mom, don't worry, we are not letting him do the pool jump (you will see).
(Bennett early 2010)
Bennett June 2010
Jumping

Don't stare

2010-06-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Kurt is out of town and already I am exhausted. Our therapist typically comes on Tuesdays and she cancelled today (what's new) so we headed to Costco to pick up a few necessities. Costco typically is very do-able with both kids because they have double wide carts so I can fit both kids. We get a smoothie and go about our business. Other grocery stores carts fit just one kid so we have stalk other moms that have the 'car' carts with the cute little steering wheels and two seats. (By the way, I feel like I am driving a semi-truck when I do snag the car cart. There must be a better way).

So Luke wasn't doing so well at Costco at was doing "the grunt". I wish I knew how to describe this so those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing it. It is LOUD and continuous. Did I mention loud? Uhhhhhhhhhhghhhhhhhhhwhhhhhhhhhhhh uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Anyway, I KNOW it is a weird. I KNOW he is loud. I KNOW you don't know what to think. But PLEASE DO NOT stare. Especially the lady who did the triple take with her eyes popping out of her head. It just makes me feel worse. It is uncomfortable for me because unless he is doing his hand flaps it's not immediately obvious that Luke has special needs. I do know from personal experience that sometimes people look just out of instinct when they hear a weird sound. I totally understand that. But continuing to stare like a 6 year old is a bit uncalled for. I have never had so many people look at me. Yuck. Just had to vent.

Picture above taken by Luke's teacher at school on Monday. Super cute picture. This is the last week of school and I am dreading it being over. Luke loves everything about school, the classroom, the gym, the playground, the bus and his teachers. It is also better for him to have all those activities. Summer is tough to fill up all that available time. We are going to Montana for the 4th of July (and a few days before) and EEU summer camp is in July. August is empty so I am working to fill it up. We have a 2nd therapist that will come 2x/week and I am super excited to try swim lessons. I've always wanted to take Luke to swim lessons but always had a terrible image in my head of paying $2/minute for someone to try and teach Luke to swim without understanding his needs (and me standing the corner saying "he doesn't understand what you are saying, he doens't know words, he can't talk". Get this! His pre-school teacher for the past two years is a swim teacher! Who knew??! She totally 'gets' Luke and he totally loves her! I am excited to try it (I will be standing in the corner but this time I'll be holding Bennett trying to prevent him from jumping into the pool fully clothed!).

Bennett's words

2010-05-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Fast forward to May because I am so excited....Words, words, words! Bennett is talking and it is the most exciting thing I have ever heard. I am certain that everyone is exciting when their child says their first words. I am also certain however that Kurt and I likely appreciate it a bit more. He has been saying 'Luge' (Luke) for quite a while (I think it was his official first word once I realized what he was saying) and 'mama' but it wasn't until March that I really knew for sure he was saying words. He started slow and now is adding words on a regular basis. My favorite this week is 'choo choo' for train. It's more of a high pitched 'too too'. I am determined to get it on video. He changed 'Luge' to "ga-ga" (unsure why). Elmo is 'La La' (from LaLa LaLa LaLa LaLa Elmo's World). Dada, NaNa (Nena), shoes (sues) and how could I forget NO! nonononononono.
Other favorite things lately with the boys... Luke cuddling in the morning before we get him ready for school. He sucks his thumb and puts his head on my shoulder and snuggles down. Sometimes when I say we have to get ready for school and stand up he keeps his legs bent so his legs won't hit the floor in an attempt to extend the cuddle. He digs me. I can tell.
Bennett gives hugs all the time and the best thing now is that he pats your back during the hug. He obviuosly got that from us giving him hugs but to see and feel him doing it is the cuttest thing ever. Will try and video or photo that as well!

Fair weather blogger - Christmas in May

2010-05-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

It has been 5 months since I posted! That's an eternity to a 5 year and 21 month old! 1/4 of Bennett's lift has been ignored. Terrible terrible mother. Well...not quite. I've been mothering but just not writing about it.
I giggled when I saw my last post about the Grinch. Turns out the Grinch did steal our Christmas. Above is Christmas Eve, the day before we began our blizzard adventure. Thankfully we celebrated our small family Christmas before we left. The next day...yes, Christmas (tickets were much cheaper) we pummeled by weather on our way to Norfork. Christmas day was spent in the Denver airport (yes, the entire day) and night in a hotel nearby. Our Christmas dinner was the last 2 turkey sandwiches the airport had to sell. Bennett and Luke didn't seem to mind. The next day we made it to Omaha but with roads closed to Norfolk we spent another day and night in a hotel. This time we were smart and picked a hotel with a shuttle (we had no car), restaurants and a pool. I made a trip to Walmart to buy swim diapers for the boys and something for Kurt and I to wear to swim. Not too many options at the Walmart in Council Bluffs, Iowa in December. Kurt wore basketball shorts that were 10 sizes too big and I wore a sports bra and boxer shorts that I pinned shut with the airplane 'wings' the boys got from United. Great visual huh? Yes, we looked like quite a classy bunch.

Our delayed Christmas with Lori, Paul, Megan, Emily, Rich and Gail was quite nice...even if we only got a few days with them. However if Kurt's parents decided to move to a warmer climate, I wouldn't be too upset! :)

Thankfully Luke was healthy after his Thanksgiving strep throat. Bennett loved opening presents (tearing the paper) and impressing everyone with his climbing skills. I was a bit terrified and impressed at the same time. Emily and Bennett had a good time together and I look forward to seeing them play together this fall when they come to visit.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2009-12-23T11:40:00.001-08:00

I LOVE the Christmas season but I have to admit that I can get a bit stressed out with all there is to do. I want to pick out the perfect gift for family, make treats for the neighbors, something for all our teachers, therapists, wrap the gifts (with cute bows and decor!) etc. I can get a big bogged down even though I put it all on myself. In the end the really great part is just being with the people you love and enjoying all the new and old traditions you create together. One of my favorite books at this time is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by the brilliant Dr. Seuss. I think the message is so perfect. I will spare you the whole book but I did want to add the last few pages.
Here's to your Christmas meaning a little bit more!

(The back story....the Grinch has stolen all the packages, trees, food etc. from the Who's to try and prevent Christmas from coming!).

It was quarter past dawn...
All the Whos, still a-bed
All the Whos, still a-snooze
When he packed up his sled,
Packed it up with their presents! The ribbons! The wrappings!
The tags! And the tinsel! The trimmings! The trappings!

Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mt. Crumpit,
He rode with his load to the tip top to dump it!
"Pooh-Pooh to the Whos!" he was grinch-ish-ly humming.
"They're finding out now that no Christmas is coming!
"They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do!
"Their mouths will hand open a minute or two
"Then the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry BOO-HOO!

"That's a noise," grinned the Grinch,
"That I simply MUST hear!"
So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow...

But the sound wasn't sad!
Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so!
But it WAS merry! VERY!
He stared down at Who-ville!
The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook!
What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
"Maybe Christmas....perhaps...means a little bit more!"

And what happened then...?
Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight,
He wized with his load through the bright morning light
And he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast!
And he....

...HE HIMSELF....!
The Grinch carved the roast beast!

Kids and Christmas

2009-12-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! We have had a fun Christmas season so far and are excited to join the Schulenburg family in Nebraska on Christmas day. Bennett and Luke both love the tree, especially the ornaments that look like big shiny balls! We have to be on a bit of extreme 'tree patrol' to prevent any catastrophes. Bennett likes to grab the packages and drag them around by the ribbon. Luke tries to chew on them.

We've been quite excited by Bennnett's sign language despite him testing quite low in receptive and expressive language both in the sibling study and at the EEU. He is signing 'My turn', 'Eat', 'More', 'Boiler Up', 'Milk' (which he means for any drink). It's so fun to see him learn to communicate more.
Luke has begun matching colors in school and stacking up to 6 blocks. It's small forward progress with him but still progress. We are still working diligently on PECS (Picture Exchange) in hopes that will become more useful. He's also getting great at 'Hug'. At Thanksgiving he even leaned in and put both arms up on my shoulders. I almost cried! He has the BEST bus driver (Diane). She bought antlers for each of the kids and they all wore them to and home from school. Bennett then stole them from Luke and tried to put them on himself (picture above). Today the driver sent home a tin of homemade caramel corn and books for both boys. She is amazing! She get so enthused when Luke gives her eye contact on the rides.

Bennett loves to give hugs also - especially to his big brother. He hugs my legs if I don't get down soon enough. Today I said 'give Elmo a hug' and he hugged the giant Elmo that Aunt Lori bought Luke a few years ago. When he is tired and you pick him up he puts his head on your shoulder and then tucks his hands between your chest and his. It is so adorable. I love this age for sure!
He has a fasination with my friend Katrnia's chocolate catalogs from her company Vosges. I have found him sitting in his room 2 times this past week flipping through the catalogs. I hope he buys me my favorite! Our nanny Nena noticed this too and said "Rachel you eat too much chocolate when pregnant. Bennett likes the chocolate book". Too funny. See pics below. Katrina loved them!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween weekend. (Luke is Batman but didn't have his cape or mask on in this picture - but my other ones are blurry- sad!). Friday we went to our small Magnolia village trick-or-treat event. We trick or treated a few stores and then had pizza with our friends Jeanne and Rich and their kids. After that we carved our pumpkin patch pumpkin into an awesome house. Bennett was so cute. As soon as Kurt carved the top off the pumpkin, Bennett turned it into a shape sorter toy and kept trying to fit the top back on. He also loved "helping" take the pumpkin guts out.

On Saturday we were invited to our friend's Nicole and James' house (close to us)for dinner and trick-or-treating. Both boys did such a great job trick-or-treating. At the first house the lady gave out full size candy bars and gave 2 to Bennett "because he was so cute". He had a big bag of M&Ms in one had and a Three Musketeers in the other. It was adorable. (And he did NOT want to put them in his pail!) Luke was awesome. He did a great job walking to each house and walking up the stairs. He would take one piece of candy (or maybe 2). Both boys tried to walk into almost every house but that was just cute, not annoying. We had so much fun (even Kurt said "this is so fun!"). For all those Republicans, we trick-or-treated Ron Reagan Jr's house. Who knew he lived so close! He was out front lighting the 10 or so pumpkins he carved. We talked about how we both disagree with our parents politics. Kidding about that last part (although we could have!).

Lots of developments going on here! Bennett has been running all over the place and climbing on EVERYTHING he can. He is 'shooting' baskets with Daddy and throwing a ball. The most exciting thing that he started at the beginning of October was to point. He points at everything now and I get so excited each time! He points in the super cute "hey look at that" way at planes in the ski, animals at the farm or his brother coming up the walk from the bus. It is so fun to see and I appreciate each and every point since it is such a great communicative developmental area! Woo hoo! Pointing at planes is his favorite. He points when he hears it and then we search the sky to find it. Both Kurt and I have noticed that he points and then we have to concentrate to hear the plane. He has great ears! He also has an obsession with shoes! He loves his shoes, my shoes, Luke's shoes, Kurt's shoes (which are a bit hard to carry).
Luke is still loving his school. He jumps up and down when the bus comes. His speech therapist emailed today to say that he did an awesome job discriminating between 2 PECS today. (See previous post about his therapy). I am considering getting him involved in some type of swim lesson (eventually!). He LOVES the bathtub. He gets so relaxed. He lays flat on this back and the water just covers his ears. I think he would lay there until the water got cold if I let him. It is sweet how happy he is there.

Thank you!

2009-10-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

How do you thank your parents for all they have done for you? I don't think you truly know how much your parents love you or how much they sacrifice for you until you have a child yourself and know just how deep the love goes.
My dad had a big scary heath issue last week. Thankfully he is back home and doing great but the week he was in ICU was terrible. The entire time I just couldn't stop thinking that I still want to be his daughter. I know I always will be, but I rely on my parents for advice, love, support etc. and I am not in the least ready to give that up. He was so heavily sedated that he would try and say things with his respirator tube in his mouth. He couldn't make any sounds so we were just trying to lip read. It was so hard to understand him and SO frustrating for him, but thankfully he doesn't remember any of that. The one thing he 'mouthed' that came out loud and clear was "I love you too".

You always know your parents do love you but when you look back you can really see it. My mom putting little notes in my lunch for me to find in elementary school. Having caramel apples waiting for us when we got home from school. Sending me letters before I went to camp so I would have mail on the first day. Having a family dinner EVERY night even when she worked full-time. Hiding notes in work folder as an adult telling me how much she appreciates me. I remember my dad picking me up from school early so we could watch John in a soccer game. I felt so cool. He helped me pick out a dress for our Homecoming dance and once nearly chopped his finger off creating sets for my dance team shows. He drove me to Taffy's Restaurant and waited in the car while I applied and got my first job as a hostess / waitress. It's really not the big things that stick in our heads as memories but the every day moments that mean so much.

My parents worked so hard to ensure us kids had everything we needed. "Everything" changes depending on the circumstances for sure. When we were younger during the good years 'everything' was learning to ski, art classes and soccer leagues etc. During those couple lean years 'everything' was totally different but exactly what we needed as well. My parents focused what they could on education and gave up things for themselves such as golf clubs and vacations. I don't think I ever thanked them for coming through on the other side of those lean years as such great people, such an amazing couple and such great examples of how to fight for what's right and for what you love. Thank you.

One of the doctors in the hospital called John and I "kids" and not in a good way (we were being advocates!). He's right of course, we are kids. Everyone is someone's kid and parents never stop that fierce love just because their kid has kids of his/her own. My parents ached for me when Luke got diagnosed and celebrated with me when Bennett gave us his first big smile. (They even have the message I left with the smile news still on their answering machine!). They continue to give us 'everything' we need now as well. They love our kids, they love our spouses and the love being with us.

So thank you Mom and Dad. Thank you for caramel apples, soccer games, tuna on toast, homecoming dresses, flowers on valentine's day, photo albums, economics at the kitchen table, heart shaped cookies, Eaglette sets, driving me to Vandy when I was a senior in highschool, notes in my lunch, strawberry short cake underwear, table soccer games and family dinners. Thank you for doing all those small things that really show someone how much you care.

Sibling Study

2009-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to write about this since we started the study because I think it is so interesting what they are trying to do. We started when Bennett was 6-months - picture on left.
The University of Washington Autism Center, along with 4 other institutions is participating in a study sponsored by the National Institute of Heath to study the younger siblings of kids with Autism. At 6, 12 and 24 months we take Bennett to about 4 appointments to review his development and to have him participate in various tests. In additon he gets an MRI. Since siblings of Autistic kids have a greater chance of getting Autism, they are studying these kids which theoretically will have a larger percentage of Autism than the general population. The study will last 5 years and also includes a genetic component (blood test for me, Kurt, Luke and Bennett) as well as MRIs for Bennett (at the same intervals). The MRIs are to look for brain structure differences between Autistic kids and typical kids (that what we call 'normal' kids) as well as brain development patterns in Autistic kids (such as a certain part grows faster after 1 year than normal or bigger, smaller etc.)

The assessments we do are really fascinating. I've decribed some of them below. The hope is that the study will prove these tests are an effective way to diagnose Autism much earlier than they do now. People could start getting therapy as early as 6-months when kids show early signs.

Voice comparison: Bennett sits on my lap and a horn appears on a TV screen and makes a sound. A light flashes on the right and then a voice says something. The horn on the screen in front sounds again (so he orients back to the center). A light flashes on the left and a different voice says something. The horn reorients again. From that point on the light will flash and the voice will speak based only on the way (left or right) that Bennett looks. They want to see which voice he prefers. One is a mom talking to a baby in a cooing voice. The other is saying the same thing but in a very tonal non-human sound. The babies know once the horn sounds to look either right or left for the 'reward' (the voice). I was amazed how quickly Bennett understood 'the game'. At the 6-month visit they had us wear noise cancelling headphones so we couldn't influence which way they look. However I could tell that the mom voice was to the left (yes, where Bennett looked). At the 12-month visit they played music into the headphones.

Pictures review: Bennett has a weird cap on (pictured) while he watches pictures or video appear on the screen. The videos are either Baby Einstein stuff (spinning tops etc.) or people doing nursery rhymes. The pictures are either of people or things. While Bennett watches the pictures/videos, they monitor what part of his brain he is using to look at them. People with autism register people and things in the same part of the brain. Typical people register them in different places (human / inanimate).

Picture review 2: They video Bennett while he watches a TV. It has a animated bell in the center and then shows an animated animal on the right or left. From the video they measure how fast he looks from picture to picture. I am unclear what this one means but I assume based on how I would think Luke would react (he noticesless) that kids with Autism wouldn't look at the new picture as fast as typical kids.

Delayed imitation: He plays with 5 specific toys one at a time. Then he watches a guy play with them in a specific way. We go away for 10 minutes. Then we come back in the room and Bennett gets the toys one at a time. They watch to see if he plays with them the same way that the guy did. Again I was totally amazed that he did imitate what he saw.

General developmental review: He is assessed in fine and gross motor, language, emotional development and others.

We go back on Wednesday to get his 12-month assessment based on the general developmental review. Since the other tests (besides the general review) are all really experiments, they cannot give us results on that. Hopefully they will prove effective!

Where does the time go?

2009-08-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? Oh maybe it goes to vacation?? We've done quite a bit of it this summer and suddenly it's September (well almost). Technically today is my mom's birthday and brother John and SIL Sarah's anniversary! Happy birtdayversary!

Last week we were with them both in Seabrook which is a new beach 'town' on the Washington coast. (Really it's not quite a town yet but very cute and lovely). We stayed in a beautiful house that is owned by some people who had kids at Luke's school. We bought a week at the auction and convinced the family to join us. We had a great time checking out the beach, cooking meals, toasting marshmallows and enjoying the hot tub. Luke LOVED the sand and water and would just fall happily into the sand as soon as he saw it. Then he would notice the water and be torn....sand or water? Sand or water?? Within 5 minutes he had it coming out his nose and no I am NOT exaggerating. The above picture is one of my favorites of him running across the beach early one evening.

Big Bennett news! (He is big, but I meant exciting!) He is walking ALL over the place now. It started when we were in Montana at my parents house with the Schulenburg clan for his baptism. Grandma Gail was most excited to help him learn and with the family encouragement he made it 5 steps that weekend (August 2nd). This past week in Seabrook is when he really gained his confidence and walked place to place, person to person. It is so fun to watch and I love being on the receiving end of one of those walk hugs (arms out for the last 6 steps and then he just falls into you - so sweet).

Learning to walk to Grandma and the moose

Paul and Megan - Bennett's Godparents

The whole cheering section

We also went camping one weekend just two or so hours away a few months ago. I using the term camping lightly because there were no tents involved. Cabins are a bit easier with a hyper 4.5 year old and active 1 year old. We did cook over an open flame and sleep in sleeping bags. So it counts right?? Kurt and I were so excited because it's the first time camping when we made something other than hotdogs. Potatoes, ground-beef and onion in aluminum foil had never tasted so good! Of course I had a 'smore to top it off (I mean, really, what is camping without them??)

ahhh summer! Love it. More soon!

Summer Camp / School

2009-07-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's been an awesome couple weeks since my last post. Luke is in summer camp (4 days / week) until the end of July and loves it of course. It is the same school as the regular school year but they take field trips and have a less structured day. His favorite part is water play. Bennett started in the 'tweenies class (kids about 10months to 2 years). The class is set-up as a support for special needs kids but just as with Luke's class, has typical kids for peer-to-peer learning. (He's in the class as a peer! Woo hoo!). We have only been 2 times so far but I think he is liking it. His first day is pictures to the left. He was fine until I tried to leave the class to go spy on Luke. He noticed I was gone and had some serious mommy separation anxiety. It might make it a bit harder to leave him in the class but I've gotta say I loved that he missed me and noticed I had left. We never had that with Luke (that he could show us at least) and so it does feel so good. After I got him settled down he went off to play with some toys and I moved into the corner to watch. When he realized I wasn't right behind him he had a paniced look on his face as he searched the room for me. When he spotted me he crawled over, pausing to throw a toy out of the way. It was so cute to see his determination to get to me as soon as possible! I love it! This past Monday was day 2. We tried the slide and he LOVED it. He went down the slide and then turned around and tried to climb right back up. It was too funny. When we sat him back on the slide he tried to scoot off before I even had time to grab his hand. Go go go!

Bennett about to go down the slide

Bennett at bottom of slide (pause for 2 seconds)
Trying to crawl back up and do it again! (This was funny to watch!)

This past weekend I escaped (solo! no kids, no husband!) to San Fran area to see my friend Christa and her family for 2 nights and then John, Sarah, Kate and new nephew Talon for 1 night. I had an awesome time just hanging out with everyone. I brought Kate a "purse" that came with some accessories (fake lipstick, compact with mirror, cell phone, sunglasses, dog etc.). She loved it and carried it around Saturday and Sunday. I snapped the below picture before we left for a walk to the park. Isn't she the cutest??!

Talon is a doll. Only a month old but I got a great smile right before I left. I didn't get that on film but here is a sweet sleeping pic of my new nephew! (June 8th birthday)

More to share soon! Bennett took a few steps while holding onto the 'old mac donald' toy this past weekend (July 11th) so I anticipate running to catch up to him soon. He is standing unsupported constantly and I am sure those first few steps are coming!

Music Within

2009-06-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Kurt and I watched “Music Within” this week. I hadn’t heard of it before seeing a preview but I knew I would like it before even seeing it. The title alludes to a saying by Oliver Wendell Holmes that says most people die with the music within them, meaning that they have never been able to figure out what their gift is, what they would excel or what they are meant for before they die. I have wondered several times if there was something I would be good at if I had only tried. Maybe I am an excellent ____ (fill in the blank) but I’ve just never given it a try. I know it’s not drawing because I have a hard time with stick figures. I know it’s not music since I have given that a try and have NO skills. But maybe there is something out there? The guy in the movie, Richard Pimentel found his music within as a champion of disabled causes. Himself deaf from a Vietnam War injury, he hated the discrimination against disabled Vets and other disabled people in the work place and in public places (physical accessibility etc.). It’s a true story. He spear headed the ADA – American’s with Disabilities Act. It’s amazing to me that this wasn’t passed until 1990 (effective 1992). Obviously it hit home with Kurt and I a bit more than it would with someone else because of Luke. It also made me think of all the parents and supports that stood up to common, accepted thought that mentally handicapped kids shouldn’t be in public schools. They found their music within and now millions of kids (and their parents for sure!) benefit from their fight. I’ll let you know what my music within is if I ever find it. Who knows, maybe I already have and just don’t know it yet??
Luke and Bennett are doing new fun things left and right. Bennett is now crawling and climbing on everything! Favorites are the bathtub, dishwasher and most importantly anywhere Luke is (bed, trampoline, stairs etc.). It’s cute seeing Bennett chase after Luke on his hands and knees and climb up after him. Of course I also love when he crawls over to find me and then gives me that killer “I found you mommy” smile that melts my heart. Even when he tries to push open the shower door (while I am in it) or has to join me in the bathroom, its fun to see him seek me out. I love it, each and every time and I try to photograph that smile in my head so I can remember it 13 years from now when he thinks I am SO LAME. I know the day will come, but for now, I am fine being interrupted in the bathroom. The transition from army crawl to regular crawl was slow but once he regular crawled (just a few weeks ago) he did the pulling up thing right away! The first time we saw him do it (history for me folks!) was May 24th. After that first time he was off to the races. He’s even stood unassisted a few times (granted that only lasts 2 seconds and he is flapping like a bird but hey, everything counts!)
Luke has also been working very hard with PECS (Picture Exchange System). The end goal of the program is to have Luke have a book of things he wants (food, places etc.) and he selects the picture and brings it to someone who can help. He ‘exchanges’ the pictures for the desired items. There are a millions steps to get to that stage though. We start with 1 picture and just teach him (over and over) that if he hands us the picture of the fruit loop, we will give him one. He’s got that part down. The next stage is ‘distance and persistence’. This means he has to take the picture (which is velcroed to a book) and bring it to someone who is standing a few feet away. The persistence part means that he has to make you take the picture by putting it in your hard or ideally, something like tapping you get your attention. He’s doing the in your hand thing but tapping is a whole other concept. The next step will be discrimination – meaning knowing the difference between two pictures and giving you the one that he wants. They train this by giving him 2 pictures of things but only one is a preferred item (so you know he is giving you the one he wants). We’re not there yet but we are very excited about how far he has come so far. All that therapy is working!
Luke’s also getting much more physically confident. He can crawl up on a regular height bed and get back down. He has even started climbing up the stairs totally by himself. I don’t mean with me right behind him but totally on his own. If he feels like jumping on the trampoline, he just goes upstairs. The first time it happened I thought – what’s that noise up there and ran up and realized it was Luke. The next time it happened was when my parents were in town to help with the auction. We were talking about his skills and as if on cue, he went right up! It’s amazing to us. Of course I am totally scared that he is going to fall as I am a totally ‘fraidy-cat and as Kurt would say – totally over protective. I’m getting better though – yesterday I let him go up and down without running over there to walk behind him with my hand near his butt. AND I only told Kurt to stop swinging him so high on the park swings one or two times. It’s hard to tell him to stop when Luke is belly laughing with the biggest smile on his face as he zooms through the air.
We’ve started the potty training adventure but my flight is coming to an end (Nashville for work) so I will have to touch on that in another post.
Good times!

It's been a while.......

2009-04-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a slacker blogger that is for sure. I've been meaning to document a few milestones and happenings in the Schulenburg house. I'm not sure if you all know this (hahaaaa!) but it's busy having kids! Phew! Have I said thanks Mom and Dad recently??

I've first got to document the funniest thing I have seen from Luke in a long time. This was one of those times that I wish i had TiVo for real life rather than just for TV. I wish I could replay this so someone else could see how hysterical it was! I'm sitting feeding Bennett on the couch upstairs. I hear Luke laughing in the bathroom and wonder "hmm I wonder what he is getting into now". Seconds later I have my answer. Luke comes running out of the bedroom with the biggest smile on his face, his hand clinging a wad of toilet paper while in the background I hear the 'thump thump thump' of the roll unrolling. It was like a rythmic gymnast with those string flags except it was toilet paper streaming through the air. He was a blur of white as he ran from the bedroom door to the mini trampoline thrilled with his accomplishment! It was totally worth wasting a roll!

So Bennett is doing all kinds of things. Twoish weeks ago (Monday, April 6th) he said his first Buhh buhhh B (at least the first we heard!). Of course I was worried he hadn't been babbling so it was absolute music to my ears. I have been trying to get it on video to share and I think I might have captured some of those glorious B's yesterday. I'll post the video once I get a chance.

Grandma and Grandpa Schulenburg came to babysit in February and right away Gail got started on teaching Bennett to crawl. He's been doing the "army" crawl every since (a nod to his G-pa S perhaps??). He is just recently started to get the arm strength to stay up on his hands and knees with his stomach off the floor but it usually only lasts a few seconds before the belly flop.

I've also tried to capture Bennett's two new teeth on film. Both bottom teeth appeared at the very end of March. My dad (they came to babysit in March, yes we have very nice parents for them both to come to babysit!) might have been the first to notice the chompers because his knuckles are a favorite chewing toy for Bennett. His smile with those two teeth will just melt your heart! I'm working on that too.

Today he had his first teething biscuit and really loved it. He made a total mess of himself while gnawing on it but it did keep him happy while I fed Luke. Ahhh many more biscuits in his future. Apparently he wanted me to try it too (check out the picture up top).

Lots of other non-Seattle Schulenburg news as well. Rich is feeling better after a very sudden Quad-bypass surgery after he and Gail's babysitting visit in February. The hills in our neighborhood caused some shortness of breath which continued a few days later in the airport. Thankfully he had it checked out and they scheduled surgery right away. It went well. We are so glad he is on the mend and being tended to by Gail.

Wedding bells woo hoo! Sister Kristi and her awesome man Bill tied the knot on Valentine's Day in Missoula. They are having a party in July to celebrate. Bill is such an easy person to be with and they are so wonderful to each other. I am so happy for them both. They had a quick visit to Portland / Seattle area and we enjoyed seeing them and meeting Bill's daughter on Easter.

Gingie is also getting married in July! Wooo hoo! She met her awesome man met in Sun Valley around Thanksgiving 2007 and they have been having fun ever since. Ahhh love. We are really excited to go to the wedding and welcome Richard into the family. Welcome!!

XOXOX everyone!

25 Random Things

2009-02-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

Facebook fans will recognize this as a double post. Sorry!

For non-Facebook fans, there is a post going around that you are supposed to list 25 Random things about you and 'tag' 25 of your friends. They are then supposed to do their 25 things and tag their 25 people. You get it. Anyway, I realized I actually enjoyed reading everyone's 25 things so I thought people might enjoy reading mine too.

My 25 are below. The picture is for #3!

1. I would give all my money and possessions away and start from scratch just to hear Luke say "I love you too".

2. Fall is my favorite season. I love the color of the leaves and the crisp cool air.

3. I love Bennett's soft fuzzy head. I hold him in front of me as he falls asleep and I nuzzle his soft hair. I want him to be small forever!

4. I think the entire reason I go camping is to sit by the fire and make s'mores. Seriously is there anything better than a gooey chocolate s'more??

5. I think my parents are the best parents in the world. I call them for advice, support etc. on a regular basis and treasure every moment with them. They have been married 41 years!

6. I am addicted to Netflix. As my S-I-L Sarah said "It's my social life"

7. I have a crush on Jon Stewart. He is intelligent and funny and best of all a great debater. I always liked him but I crushed him when he calmly explained why he thought gay and lesbians should have the right to marriage. He was so eloquent. I want to memorize what he said and use it! (As many of you know, I get too emotional and angry when debating!) Kurt is ok with my crush. :)

8. I hate it when people leave their crap (candy wrappers, popcorn etc.) in the movie theater. Did you grow up in a barn??

9. I have lived in Brussels, Belgium; Stockholm, Sweden; Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Olso, Norway; Atlanta, GA; San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; and now Seattle, WA. I do NOT want to move!

10. I luuuuuuv my husband. Celebrated 6 years of marriage last November. I felt comfortable with him immediately and really felt that he liked me for me and all of my quirks. I like that we can find humor and happiness in the small everyday things and accomplishments. I think finding happiness in the small things is so important!

11. I pronounce ELSE as ELTSE.

12. My car that I shared with my bro in high-school was a beat-up giant Chevy Blazer (the original SUV!). I could see my car from anywhere in the high-school parking lot because it was bigger than all the others. If we went over a bump the radio would go off and we could slam our fist on the dash-board to get it back on again. The windows also sometimes didn't work and John had to drive home from school once in the driving rain with both windows down, holding umbrellas out the sides. Ahhhh good times!

13. I have the best job - working 3 days a week from home!

14. My favorite candy is Milk Duds with Hot Tamales a close second. I have been addicted to candy for as long as I can remember and only recently have been able to tame the addiction.

15. I think I have some of the best, most supportive, fun friends a girl could ask for.

16. My favorite sounds are Luke and Bennett giggling.

17. I think people are way more capable than they think they are. Have more faith in yourself. If you had asked me if I could handle a severely autistic non-verbal 4 year old before I knew him I would have thought I couldn't. But you just roll with what life throws at you.

18. I have a TERRIBLE memory. I forget things as soon as I am done with them (books, movies, names etc.). I am also a terrible speller. Maybe it has something to do with not being able to remember how to spell?

19. I love museums - especially art museums.

20. I love taking photographs and tend to be picky about what I consider a 'good' photo.

21. I want Bennett to grow up and feel proud and protective of his brother. Not that I like violence, but I admit I would be secretly proud of him beating up any kid that makes fun of Luke.

22. I admit to tearing up a little bit when I wrote # 21.

23. My go-to drink is a Margarita. My neighbors even brought me one in the hospital the day after I had Bennett!

24. I much prefer to take care of personal and business via email. I am not a huge fan of talking on the phone, probably because I am on the phone all the time for work.

25. I like reading everyone else's 25 random things.

Turning 4!

2009-01-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Luke turned 4 on Wednesday! My baby! We are celebrating with our friend Jack at a joint party on February 8th but we did have donuts at school and a cupcake at home on his actual day.

Luke at school with 'King Luke' crown

Luke wore his crown ALL DAY LONG. The cutest thing was that he and Jack were fast asleep on the bus and Luke still had his crown but was all slumped over. I wish I had my camera!

Luke did all of his favorite things on his birthday - take the bus, go to school and go on a walk. He was happy all day. Once we have Luke's party I will post more pictures.

Bennett is now eating solid foods. At first he pushed most of it out of his mouth but now he opens wide and tries to steal the spoon from me. He is much messier than Luke was but does seem to enjoy the taste. I thought the below picture was just too cute.

Bennett not that excited about solids at first

Bennett has also started doing the 'tripod' sit. He can balance with his arms down for a few seconds that topples to the side. Tiiiiiiimmmmmmber!

Happy New Year

2009-01-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

First of all, a BIG congrats shout-out to my sister Kristi and her new fiance Bill! Wooooo hooo! They got engaged a few days ago and we are all so so so excited for them both!

Second, how 'bout them Commodores??!! They (on NYE) beat Boston College for their first bowl win since the 50s. For real people! Go Vanderbilt! Bennett is above in his Vandy gear but rest assured Luke and I also had our Vandy gear on as well.

I am beginning to see a trend in my blogging habits. Kurt out of town = new post. I think it's something about having no other adult to talk to, you start talking to yourself in your head which makes me think "oh I should blog about that". You get the picture.

We had a glorious Christmas is Montana with my parents. We had tons of snow here in Seattle and Bigfork had more snow than my parents had ever seen. We delayed our trip for a few days, saw a break in the weather and high tailed it there. It was well worth the effort! John and Sarah also ended up driving more than 18 hours to get there after their Alaska airlines flight was cancelled. (Note, unsure of booking on Alaska anymore -John, my neighbor and my dentist all had flights canceled by them with little more than a "too bad for you" attitude!).

One of the best parts of Christmas was seeing the three kids together. Kate was so sweet "helping" feed Bennett, checking his toes for 'bo-bo's' and running all over the house chasing Luke. I think that reminded Luke of school so he loved the company! He was happy the entire time we were there which is so nice for us. We had one night when he was awake from 1am to 5 am but he wasn't crying (I was) just hyper and way to active. Kate was also an excellent Christmas present opener "helper" which was great for Luke and Bennett (too cute!!).

There was so much snow that John, Kurt and my nephews all shoveled the walk and drive way several times only for it to snow again and look like they never did anything. We were able to literally cross country ski right out my parents door, down the street and onto the golf course. Snow shoeing was hard because the snow was so deep! I know you are probably thinking, "well Rachel it is MONTANA, it is supposed to snow!" but this was crazy snow. John and Dad even ended up in the ditch because the side of the road looked to be the same height as the actual road. Ummm no. That was alllllllll snow. Thankfully after John and Dad tried to get it out and then Kurt and I came with the chains, the REAL Santa came in the form of 5 very helpful people with a truck and tow rope. We were the 2nd person they had pulled out and this was Christmas day! They were from, of all places, SOUTH DAKOTA! Mom and Dad were, of course, thrilled.

We made it back home with only a small delay behind a jack-knifed trailer. Thankfully we had movies and food and plenty of gas so it wasn't that big of a deal. The boys were excellent in the car. I think Luke could ride in the car for 48 hours straight and not get sick of it. It's right up there with school and the bus in terms of favorite things.

For historical purposes (I see this blog as a way for me to remember things!) Bennett rolled over all the way on December 19th. He had been rolling to his side and even almost all the way for quite a while but getting the arm out from his stomach was the big accomplishment. The funny thing is as soon as he lands on his stomach he HATES it and wants to be on his back again. We will roll him back and then WHAM 10 seconds later he is back on his stomach! It's comedy.

Lastly I want to (again for historical purposes) add the prayer that my mom wrote for Christmas Eve. It's so nice and I wish I had the one from last year (2 years?) as well. Hats off to mom!

"December 2008

Dear Heavenly Father:

This year we are so grateful and thankful for our precious Bennett and we thank you Lord for bringing him to us. We are so joyous for his smiling, happy face and that he looks to each of use for guidance. We will soon be blessed again as we welcome John and Sarah's baby and we ask that you keep that child safe and healthy.

We adore Luke and Kate and may they both continue to grow and become better acquainted with this world that you have created. Please hold them tightly in your grasp dear Lord.

May we all be ever mindful of the simple pleasures of life and begin each day with gratitude for the things that we cannot buy. A smile, a kiss, a touch, a new word learned, a ride on a yellow bus, a caring teacher, a Walt Disney cartoon, a marriage of 40 years and a home that is familiar and comforting.

Bless this house of Grandma and Grandpa's and may it be a peaceful haven and restful place for our wonderful family. "

Nice mom! I love you!

T'was the week before Christmas....

2008-12-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

---FORGIVE ME! Perhaps a bit too much "Christmas spirit(s)?"---

T'was the week before Christmas and all through the house only Momma was stirring but not her little mice. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Grandma soon would be there.

The boys were nestled and snug in their beds while visions of formula and chewy P's danced in their heads. With Daddy in Portland and I with Bailey's Irish Cream (yum!) I had just settled down for a short little blog.

When down in the crib there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my computer to see what was the matter. Away to the nursery I flew like a flash, tore open the door and did a quick dash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow (ok, that was a few nights ago) gave luster of midday to objects below (no doubt! It looked like daylight!). When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature Schulenburg, a boy with a tear.

With a little young sleeper so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Bennett. More rapid than eagles his tears they came and he whimpered and shouted and tried to call me by name. Now feed me! Now change me! Now burp me and kiss me! On spit-up! On diapers! On pj's and wipers! To the top of the crib! To the top of the bottle! Now cuddle me! Cuddle me! Cuddle me all!

As dry diapers that before the wild blow-out fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the diaper genie. So up to the housetop we flew, with a dry diaper and bottle too. And then in a twinkling, I heard on the couch, the giggling and cooing of each little kid.

As I drew in my head and was turning around, out of his room Luke came with a bound. He was dressed all in red, from his head to his footy pjs, and his clothes were all tarnished with toothpaste and spit. A bundle of books he had flung on the floor and he looked like a toddler just before he hits the sack.

His eyes how the twinkled, his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a wet dogs (sorry, not like a cherry tonight!). His brother's droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the formula drool on his chin was as white as snow.

The page of a book Luke held tight in his teeth, and the guilt it encircled his head like a wreath. He has a thin face and really no belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

Bennett was chubby and plump, a right jolly young elf, and I laughed when i saw him, in spite of myself. A look in the eyes and a smile on his face soon gave me to know I have no autism case.

Luke spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and spun all the wheels, then turned with a jerk. And laying a finger inside his nose, and giving a smile, to his big boy bed he rose.

Bennett sprang his crib, to his brother gave a whistle, and away we all snuggled like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim as I turned out the light, Ma ma coo coo gooo ahhh and gooo ahhh a goo niii!!

Video added

2008-12-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

Not in the writing mood but I did add video. Might be too long for anyone but Kurt and I but I wanted to share!

Scroll down to the Video bar on the right side and click on the top video. Connects you to You Tube. Enjoy!

It's the small things

2008-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere that people who are the happiest are those that can take pleasure in the small things. I think I am a small thing person. I love the color of the air when the sun is going down, the feel of clean sheets, the sound of a giggle. I'd venture to say most people probably are 'small things' people (or maybe most people surround myself with?). Vacations, houses etc. are nice but they can't sustain happiness forever.

However I decided today that maybe 'small things' can make us so happy because of what they represent. Maybe small things are big things in disguise.

Let me explain by telling you about my day. Kurt headed off to Chicago eaaaaaaaaaaaarly this morning (6 am flight). I got up to the sound of Luke playing in his room and not much later, the squeak of Bennett wanting some breakfast. I'm not sure how long I stood there waiting for the hot water to make a bottle before I realized hot water just wasn't in the cards today. I checked the water heater and made a quick call to my dad. (HELP!) Unfortunately it wasn't the pilot light so we are out of luck until Tuesday (waiting for the part). I suffered through a very quick and very cold shower and got on with the morning. These kind of things - unexpected expenses, bad timing, inconvenience etc. can really get you down so it wasn't the best start to a Saturday or day 1 of 4 without Kurt.

Luke was scheduled for a haircut today and getting his hair cut is right up there with the sound of circular saws and vacuum cleaners on his list of least favorite things. It hasn't been a very fun experience in the past. We have a great girl (mom of typical student at Luke's school) who is excellent with special needs kids. She is patient and not put-off by weird behavior, crying or a full-blown freak-out. I think this is our 4th or 5th haircut with her and each one has gotten better. No crying today. No grunting. No thrashing to get down. Luke actually smiled and laughed. I was so proud.

After the cut we headed home and I pulled out the borrowed double stroller to take both boys on a walk. It was a beautiful 59 degree crisp fall day with clear skies. I carried Bennett down to the stroller and said "come on Luke". He followed us down the stairs. He went down the stairs all by himself. Again, I was so proud. The boys face each other in the stroller and I got such a kick out of Bennett staring at Luke and smiling.

After that I grabbed PJs and diapers and went next door to my neighbors to bathe my stinky boys. They had plenty of hot water and were willing to share. She also shared a glass of white wine.

When I got home I got a package from big bro John that contained 8 red and blue retractable security badge holder things. I had sent out a plea last week to friends / relatives that work in buildings for a few of these. They are great to attach Luke's therapeutic chewy 'P' to his shirt. This way he chews on something safe rather than everything else in the house and the retractable thing means it always there when he needs it. John had replied to my message right away with a 'this is taken care of'. I figured Wells Fargo had these types of security holders and he had an in with the front desk people (really, he probably does have an in).

Now I am sitting with my laptop and the house is quiet. I'm thinking about my day. It's not like I won the lottery or went on a fantastic trip but I have to say it was a pretty good day even with the prospect of no hot water for 4 days. Let's start with the haircut and Luke walking down the stairs. Both were small things that only lasted a few minutes. But both represent significant progress for Luke. This was not the first time Luke went down the stairs but he did it with such confidence. That's a big thing in disguise.

My walk in the loaned stroller with Bennett smiling was fantastic. I have good friends here that go out of their way to get the stroller out of storage and to me. That is a great feeling. Bennett smiling? Well if you read previous posts about "Autism Watch 2008" you know smiling is definitely a big thing in disguise.

Knowing that I can bring my kids to my neighbors, use their bathtub and have them watch the kid not with me is a great feeling. I knew I could just appear on the doorstop with a "I need your bathtub" and the door would be open. They are great people and we are so lucky to have them.

And the best of all was the retractable clippy things. Like I said, I thought that when John replied to my email plea he just knew he could get some through his office. However the package was from a website and they are not from Wells. They are new. He found them online and rather than just sending me the website for me to order them myself, he ordered 4 of each color, paid for them and had them sent to Luke. It's a little thing but it meant so much to me (I admit it, it made me cry). It's family support in a 'little thing' disguise. I wouldn't be able to get by without family and friend support. My water heater "what do I do call" to my dad is family support too. Even though he wasn't able to solve my water heater problem (that would have been impressive 2 states over), the fact that I always know I can call my parents any time, any question is so reassuring.

It's the small things. In this time before Thanksgiving I just want to say how thankful I am for the small things and being able to see the glory in them.

Big Boy Bed

2008-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

It's an exciting day in the Schulenburg house! Luke is out of his crib and into a toddler bed. Kurt and I are wondering why we didn't do this earlier. Since school starting and the addition of Melatonin at night, Luke is a much better sleeper now - routinely going down about 8-8:30 each night. Given that, we thought we could let him out of the crib/jail. Now he can get in and out of his new bed on his own. He isn't able to open his door yet so he is still captive in his room but it would be good to teach him how to turn on the lights!

Getting out of bed...

...and back in!

Things have been much better since the last post with the exception of a few days which happened to coincide with my work trip to Atlanta. We've figured out that Luke gets a little (how can we say this nicely??) "backed up" which causes pain and therefore crying. We are now taking preventative measures so this doesn't happen in the future (or at least we can try and fix it easier if it does). After "eliminating" the issue one morning, he went from crying to happy happy happy immediately. At least we knew what was wrong - this is a big thing for us when he isn't able to tell us.

Bennett started sleeping through the night when my parents were here in October (October 21st). He just did it one night and has ever since. Of course I ran down in the morning very scared but he was just fine - still sleeping soundly. I think this is a benefit of his large birth weight. People think he is 5 months old! I am working on getting some Bennett smiles and "talking" on video. Will alert you when I am successful! He is so much fun to talk to and interact with. Kurt even got a semi-giggle out of him this weekend. He is so different from Luke at the same age. It's bitter-sweet (more sweet than bitter!). I am too nervous to declare victory but I am hopeful!

I've included a Halloween picture. Luke's not a big fan of the crowds in the village during trick-or-treating but I had to show off my two monkeys! You know the trick -or-treating is just a ploy to get momma some candy. Next year I will teach Bennett to wink at the people giving it away so he gets double. :)

Kurt is headed to Chicago this weekend for niece Emily's baptism. I am sad to miss the event but we didn't think a plane trip sounded like too much fun at this point. I hope to meet her soon (this is Kurt's second trip!).

Luke Update

2008-10-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

After that last terribly depressing update I had to post a new one. Luke did sleep through the night on Sunday after falling asleep snuggling like the old days with Kurt. Both teachers said he was happy at school on Monday. He didn't make it through the night last night (up at 3:30am) but he is very happy today and doing fine.

Also, although this obviously isn't going to be my favorite family picture, I did realize Sunday night that this is our FIRST family picture. Therefore I had to post it for historical significance!

Pumpkins!

2008-10-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Kurt got home today after 6 days away for work in Indianapolis and then work / fun in Chicago. I nearly cried at the airport when I picked him up because I was so relieved to have him home. It was a tough week to say the least. The boys had a knack for crying at the same time in the evenings. Luke 'stimmed' most of the day Tuesday and Thursday and cried himself to sleep Wednesday through Saturday nights. He also woke up for several hours in the middle of the nights. I even had to call in reinforcements a few times during the week just to hold Bennett as I calmed Luke down. Again I am at a total loss as to the cause. I hoped he would be cheered up by Kurt being home but today wasn't much better. It was obviously that he liked the attention from Kurt but still cried most of the day. Since Luke does like the car and being out and about we thought we'd give a local pumpkin patch a try. This is a pumpkin patch on steroids and really more of a kiddie amusement park. We did get the first smile (in 4 days?) out of Luke on the mini-train ride below. I got lots of comments on Bennett's pumpkin outfit (the hat really is the kicker!). We did get a couple cute pictures and some nice lady came and took a picture of the 4 of us in the patch but with both kids crying we gave up on that one.

Smile on the train

A very tired pumpkin

Kurt also had both kids by himself last weekend while I was in Nashville for my friend Carrie's wedding shower. We had such a blast hitting up our old favorite restaurants, watching the Commodore's beat Auburn and celebrating Carrie's upcoming nuptials.

While in Chicago Kurt did some work on our rented condo (re-grouted the shower, fixed windows and other odds and ends). He also got to meet new niece Emily and stay with Paul and Megan. Originally the trip was supposed to include a trip to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs in the playoffs but let's not even TALK about that! What a disappointment!

On a very happy note, Bennett has been smiling at us a bit. He also seems very interactive with lots of eye contact and has great head control already. 10 weeks today. I am so thankful!

Back to work

2008-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fun. Kurt's parents came to meet the new Seattle Schulenburg on Friday. We had dinner at home Friday night and then a yummy waffle breakfast followed by a hike in Discovery Park on Saturday to work off yummy breakfast. I was gone Saturday night (see below) but the family played Scattergories and Scrabble all night. Sunday we had a nice lunch at Maggie Bluffs which is the casual 'sister' restaurant to Palisades (Gina, M&D have been there) and enjoys the same boat marina / downtown / Puget Sound view.

Saturday night I was at the EEU girl's slumber party at the Tumble Creek park of the new Suncadia resort about 1.5 hours east of Seattle. The house, owned by a EEU family is beautiful and sleeps about 22 people. We had a few more than that so people brought sleeping bags etc. It was a total blast. Six of us moms drove up together. We had mexican food and margaritas. Seriously, is there anything better than that?? Pictures below are living room from upstairs and outside fireplace / living space. I want to move in.

Today was my 2nd official day back at work and boy do I wish I had a longer maternity leave! The work and people are actually fine, I just don't like sitting here all day long. I do have some interesting new projects to work on and with all going on in the economy, working at the Fed is quite interesting.

Upcoming weekend is NASHVEGAS trip (Nashvegas is what us ex-Vandy girls call Nashville). We are going to celebrate Carrie's wedding shower. 10 Vandy girls will be there and I am beyond excited for the girl's weekend. On a very happy side note, the amazing Commodores football team is RANKED this year. Yes I said RANKED! They won their first 4 games and the game this weekend is going to be 5! Auburn is going down! ESPN Game Day is even hosting from Vanderbilt - that is insane. It's Commodore fever!

After my last post's downer message I will say that Bennett has been looking at us a ton. Great eye contact and interest in us. Unfortunately still no real smile. The looking is great but a real smile with those lit up eyes would make me do back-flips. Kurt got 1 semi-smile about two weeks ago but no more since so of course I am still on Autism Patrol. Doubt that will end until he is 4.

One last note - I went to court today and got out of my speeding / insurance tickets that mean mean mean cop gave me. He nailed me while I was having terrible (so bad I was crying) contractions 2 days before Bennett was born. I am on a ticket 'probation' for one year. No more tickets and this one will not get on my record / insurance. I'll be driving slow or making Kurt drive all year!

Slllllllllllllllleeeepy

2008-09-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Current state of household: Sleeeeepy! Luke walks around rubbing his eyes, Bennett falls asleep as soon as some one picks him up and I could sleep standing up! Kurt probably hides under his desk at work (like George on Seinfeld) to take naps!

Luke started his first day of EEU preschool on Monday. The bus comes at 7:20 so he is quite upset about being woken up in the morning until he spots the bright yellow bus waiting outside. Yesterday Luke literally jumped up and down and giggled as we walked to the bus in the morning. It was so cute! He was clearly excited to be back on his bus, school, bus schedule! His ride home today apparently was a bit less exciting because he was totally zonked out, head to chest asleep when they came home. Poor guy! No report yet from the teacher on how he is doing but I assume all is fine. I will be going in next week to watch him for a few hours. Next week we also start the 3 extra hours of one-on-one Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Luke seems to be doing 'ok' with Bennett for the most part. He does seem to get a bit jealous though (which, honestly is a good sign I think). Bennett wanted to be held tonight and Luke seemed to want his turn! He got sad whenever I had Bennett in my arms and didn't want to go to sleep even though he was rubbing his eyes constantly. We have been battling with Luke and sleep a lot in the past few weeks. Although tired he does not want to go to his crib and ends up quite upset and cries himself to sleep. It is terribly sad! We are trying melatonin, suggested by an autism doctor, and it does seem to at least reduce the duration of crying. Hopefully once he gets into more of a schedule with school and sleep the crying jags will disappear.

Bennett has been more aware in this past week, awake for several hours at a time now. We even had 1 night of 5 hours of sleep which seemed luxurious! We went to a infant physical therapist for his shoulder and she said it was almost 100%. We have a few stretches we can do with him but for the most part she said it looked great.

I admit to being scared on a regular basis about Bennett having autism and focus too much on his eye contact (or lack of it sometimes) and wish every day for a smile. I wish I could just turn the worry off but I do not think that is possible. I sometimes feel a pit in my stomach ready to burst into tears with worry and frustration. When I don't have that 'pit' feeling, I am less worried, happy and enjoy the baby time more. I am reminded of summer camp when I was in 5th - 6th (I think) grade. Growing up I had a big issue with spending the night away from home (even just 1 night!). More often than not it seems I would get homesick and want my parents to come pick me up. Of course I find this quite ironic now since I went away to college and never moved back to Dallas. Anyway, camp, 5th grade, Sky Ranch. I went for 1 week and cried contantly wanting to come home. I remember so clearly that when I didn't have the stomach 'pit' burst into tears feeling I actually had so much fun. The ups and downs now remind me of the ups and downs from that summer camp trip. It's funny what memories we conjure up from our past!

Emily Ruth Schulenburg!

2008-09-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

A quick note so give a big big WELCOME to cousin / niece Emily Ruth the beautiful daughter of Paul and Megan!

Emily was born August 30th at ~ 6 am. Just like cousin Bennett she was a big baby - 10 lbs 3 oz and 21.5 inches. We are so excited to meet her! XOXOX

Bennett Richard Schulenburg

2008-08-17T22:34:00.001-07:00

August 3rd at 1:21 pm Bennett joins the Seattle Schulenburgs weighing in at a whopping 10 lbs, 4 oz! Ouch! Daddy was finishing up hole 1 on a golf course about 60 miles away when my water broke. This is after I was CERTAIN that I wouldn't go into labor that morning - no contractions, no pain (I said - "go go, not having a baby today"). I got out of bed and whoosh! My neighbor Maggie drove me to the hospital, neighbor Shari joined us there and her husband Paul stayed with Luke until our nanny Nena could get here. Kurt raced to the hospital and made it by 8:30 with plenty of time to spare. My neighbors were so sweet and helpful, babysitting Luke all that night and bringing us lots of gifts and most importantly FOOD!
Bennett is super cute and his clavicle is healing well (it was broken during the birth). His 2-week birthday is today. He is getting more alert and loves to be cuddled and rocked. Grandma and Papa Gough are here helping out with both grandsons and Kurt and I so appreciate all of their help! Luke especially loves all the attention and playing outside in the pool and tunnel with Papa and taking lots of walks with Grandma.
Luke seems to notice Bennett a bit more in the last 1-2 days. He doesn't like the crying and isn't 100% aware of Bennett, but I have seen him looking at him with a "what / who is that" look.
I hope to capture a good big / little brother picture soon.

Waiting for baby

2008-07-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

We are all ready for baby to make his debut! Room is ready (see picture) and mommy is getting uncomfortable! Per the doctor on Tuesday, baby could come anytime. Each day I wake up wondering "is today the day?". Only baby knows!

Luke is doing really well at school. 2nd week is over and he has been happy every day. No crying and no falling asleep on the bus. He seems happy each day he comes home. Today they went on a field trip literally across the street to the hospital cafeteria. It was a lesson in 'staying with the group' and being in a restaurant atmosphere. Too funny!

Luke has been on a number of new supplements lately and for the first time since we started all this biomedical stuff (2 years ago!) I am actually thinking they might be making a difference. He seems a bit more 'aware' and responsive. He reacts to his name more often, is doing better in our private home therapy and also seems to understand receptive language (what we say to him). No expressive language yet (him talking) but he has been communicating more with pointing and signs. Even our awesome nanny Nena said (without me asking!) that she thought he was getting better. She is so protective and positive about Luke. "My baby" she says! We love her.

I'm off to take a nap (at least I have a good excuse!).

First day on the bus!

2008-07-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's a milestone day - Luke's first school bus ride! Driver Henry came to pick Luke up a few minutes ago. He was nice enough to snap a picture of Luke and giant Mommy. Luke starts the autism 'summer camp' program today at the EEU. He needed a big boy back-pack and lunch box (so grown up!). I admit to being a little sad to see him go. He'll be back this afternoon hopefully a happy boy. He is the first stop for the bus so it is a bit of a long ride for him but he does love being in the car so hopefully everything will be fine.

Kurt left this morning for Boston for a Liberty Mutual / Safeco transition meeting. It's great that he was picked to be part of the transition team. I will be crossing my legs and fingers all week hoping that baby boy #2 doesn't decide to make his appearance this week. Aunt Gina will be here Thursday and Friday so she is my back-up delivery room 'partner' in case he does decide to come and Kurt can't get home in time.

Chicago trip

2008-06-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

We are all melting here in Seattle. I can't believe that I am such a heat wimp after living in Dallas for so long. It was 90 yesterday and with no air conditioning and a big ol' pregnant belly I was tooooo hot. Luke didn't mind at all having a great time splashing in the small plastic pool in the backyard on Saturday and Sunday.

Posted are some pics from our trip to Chicago last weekend. We got back late Tuesday night and I am proud to report that Luke was excellent on the flights there and back. Kurt got stuck with the middle and did a great job keeping Luke entertained. The picture of Kurt and Luke is from Millennium Park which is one of my favorite spots in Chicago. I just love the 'bean' sculpture and the water features. Luke loved splashing around with Kurt and Paul and all the kids.

The next picture is from Megan's awesome shower. It's Megan's niece Ally, sister Kate, mom and Megan. The shower was fun and delicious. Yummmmmmy. Megan and Paul are in a new townhome that is fantastic and in a great new neighborhood. The area has lots of cool restaurants, stores and bars but also tons of young kids / babies and a really nice playground. We enjoyed hanging with the family and also spending time with our college friends. I ate all my favorites too (Garrett's, Pizano's pizza, Uncle Julios, Wishbone, Vosges Chocolates)!!

Baby #2 now has a semi-decorated room. We are borrowing a crib from our next door neighbor (really nice people) as Luke isn't quite ready to give his up and move to a big-boy bed. We also are keeping the guest bed so we can still sleep all our fun visitors. We got a fun stripped rug and then I found cute linens from the clearance section at Target (my favorite!). We just need a few more things set-up and then we are ready for the little one. Besides feeling BIG and hot things are fine with baby. He is super active doing water aerobics in my belly.

Happy 4th of July!

Weekend fun

2008-06-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kurt and I had a blast on our respective weekends. Kurt said his time at the US Open golf tournament was "the coolest thing he had ever done". Sounded pretty awesome for any golf player / fan. Lots of nice courses, food and Tiger watching. Sadly they didn't get to see the Monday tie / sudden death round on Monday as they had to fly back home Sunday night.

Carrie visited Luke and I in Seattle. I introduced her to many of my EEU friends, playgroup etc. We did the duck boat tour (around Seattle and then into the water to see houseboats etc.). We went to the Mariner's game (sadly they lost) and did lots of eating, talking and catching up. It was awesome to have her here.

We leave tomorrow for Chicago and Megan's baby shower. We are looking forward to the party, hanging out with the family and seeing all our favorite Chicago things (which for me seem to focus on food - no surprise). No travel planned once we get back from Chicago but we do have some fun visits in July (Kate and Sarah as well as Gina (hopefully!).

I posted a new video with Luke doing stairs that you should be able to see in the video section on the right. They really focused on stairs for the last few weeks at Luke's school and obviously it made a huge difference. Consistency helps! This inspires me to be more consistent with us requiring him to use utensils and sign language. Sometimes it is just easier for us to do it ourselves but clearly he is capable of these things and we just need to push it!

The picture is from Luke today. He was so happy and cute and I tried to snap a picture but he was too fast!

Getting started

2008-06-10T10:06:00.001-07:00

So this is my first post on a blog ever. I got inspired by my friend Christa who used her blog to update friends and family on the status of her son's surgery and recovery. It got me thinking this would be a great way to post pictures, videos and updates on our family. It's a great historical reference for me and fun way to keep people updated.

All is well in the Schulenburg house for now. Luke is in his last week of the ITP (Infant Toddler Program) at the EEU. Beginning mid-July he starts an intensive 5-week program (4 days / week) with 7 other autistic kids and several teachers. They will provide significant one-on-one as well as group therapy over the summer. Beginning in late August Luke will begin the preschool program at the EEU (5 days /week in a preschool class with special needs and typical kids, 3 days a week he stays longer for one-on-one therapy with just the autistic kids).

We are so pleased to be able to stay at the EEU for at least 2 more years (preschool)!

Luke's very happy lately and has even started going up and down stairs like a champ. I hope to video him doing this this week and post something on YouTube so everyone can see his great physical progress and smiles. The picture above is from his horse therapy session at Little Bit. We are done for the summer but will start again with the fall quarter. He LOVES it!

One of my best friends from college is coming to visit this Thursday to Sunday. Carrie lives in Atlanta and is making the LOOOOOOONG trip to hang out with Luke and I. We are so excited!

Kurt is headed to San Diego for the US Open golf tournament. He also gets to play 3 rounds of golf, go to dinner and stay in a nice hotel. Pretty nice father's day weekend for him for sure!!

Baby #2 is getting big. We are at 32+ weeks right now. Hopefully he stays nice and cozy as we are headed to Chicago for Megan's baby shower on the 21st. They are due a few weeks after us and are not finding out the sex (which of course makes me SOOOOOO curious!). We are really looking forward to the baby shower and hanging in Chicago with Kurt's family.