catch up

Alex had brain surgery to remove his SEGA growth on January 29th.  He was in the hospital for a week, and has continued to do great at home with minimal self injurious behaviors.  Except for the first day/night after surgery, he hasn't seemed like he's been in much pain (he went home with just a prescription for regular Tylenol as needed).  His wound area has healed nicely...though it's still pretty itchy.  He has been super happy lately, but still insists on being wrapped in a blanket and his neck pillow.  Silly boy!

Right before his surgery, we were interviewed by a Portland news station...
http://www.kptv.com/story/20660400/medical-marijuana-used-to-manage-autism



That pretty much went viral, with CNN, FOX News, Huffington Post, and lots of local stations throughout the country (and world) broadcasting it.  It's been amazing the amount of support we've received.  We were expecting far more "crazies" to come out of the woodwork, but thankfully that hasn't really been an issue.

We also had another interview with a local station mid-February....
http://www.kval.com/news/health/Parents-treat-11-year-old-boys-severe-autism-with-medical-marijuana-193631731.html

We've been connected with families who are going through similar situations, and have (with the exception of very few) been surrounded by overwhelming support.

Ben is doing well in school...getting all A's and one B this trimester.

Claire is fiiiiiiinally starting to give up her plan of forcing us to learn her language (as opposed to her learn ours).  She is saying "uh oh" when she drops something, "kkkkk" (yuck) when she picks up something that she shouldn't put in her mouth, "beebee" (baby) and new today "nuh nigh" (night-night).

Picture time...

Claire's swimming ensemble for this year.

Gettin' too big for this!