The best is yet to come...​.

The holidays have come and gone for the most part and I can honestly say I'm kind of glad! I'm not a scrooge at all - Christmas is my favorite time of year! But autism has added a sense of anxiety to the holidays that wasn't there before. I have to brag and say that Nolan did better this year than ever! He still didn't care about opening presents and most of the time wasn't even in the same room as most of the family. But we have come to a point in our lives where we don't force him - whatever makes him happy. His sister was more than happy to help open them! Ha! I was very proud though that this year he actually liked most of his presents. Last year he liked a few but ignored a lot of them. Most were a big hit this year though and I think that is in part because his sense of play is getting better and because we know his sensory needs better. He is such a sensory seeker that we basically bought him things he could swing on, jump on, listen to, or take videos of.

We only had one incident of melt down this year which is a big relief. It was partially for lack of preparation on our part. Usually when we know there is going to be a big crowd we try to get there first so that Nolan can warm up to the area and the noise level isn't so bad. However, this particular night it just slipped our minds because he had been doing so well. We arrived at a big Christmas gathering and he ran in as always happy go lucky, but then quickly met us at the door upset wanting to leave. We didn't understand at first and took him into a quiet room to see if that would help. It only go worse because we were forcing him to stay. You see, Nolan has gotten very good at learning when he needs a break. He will go to a quiet place when it gets to be too much then come back when he is ready. In this situation hind sight is 20/20. He knew it was too much and wanted to leave but we persisted. Eventually Hunter took him home and the melt down continued for a while. The mama in me couldn't stand not being there so what do I do? I log onto the Nest cameras in our house and watch helplessly and pray for God to give him peace. He randomly cried and scream and pushed Hunter then wanted to be held tight. This went on and on for a while then all of sudden he calmed down, got his popcorn, and wanted to watch Sherriff Callie's Wild West. Harper and I finished up Christmas with the family then went home to the boys. All was okay for the holidays after that except for the occasional boredom whining and agitation; nothing a trip to the park or playing outside couldn't fix!

We are so proud of Nolan for all the progress he has made and the joy he brings everyone around him! 2019 is going to be a big year for that boy - I just know it!

2019 here we come!