Well, Summer is finally kicking into full gear here. I think Miss Katie is confused as to why she is just home and not going to school at all.  She is used to the two weeks on two weeks off format that she has had the last 4 or 5 years.  She really has no understanding of time as far as being able to explain it to her, but her body clock is excellent.  She wants to go to bed and get up at the same time each day - I wish I felt that way :)

Her big obsession this Summer appears to be swimming. She wants to get into the pool as soon as she wakes up in the morning and usually ends her day in the pool as well.  Needless to say my house is full of wet swimsuits and towels and it seems that when the weather doesn't cooperate with her swimming needs she becomes a little agitated. Those are also difficult conversations to have with her.  She does not understand why it is not okay to swim when it is thundering and lightning out.

Well, not much else to report today. Enjoy your life wherever you are at.

I have decided that I need to make a commitment to start blogging again. Katie's journey has become more difficult over the past few years and I feel that this blog is the best way for me to again begin tracking Katie's progress.

Katie is now eleven and will be twelve in the Fall. I cannot believe how quickly time flies - even though at times it seems to drag on forever....especially when Katie is struggling. Although Katie has become much better at using PECS (picture exchange) to express her wants and needs, she also has become more impatient when we are not able to figure out what she wants and get it to her quickly.  As a parent I feel that autism is a continual exercise in patience and determination. I cannot give up.  I have to daily make a choice to fight for what Katie needs. To be patient with her and strive to help her every day.

So as Summer starts to go into full swing - and Katie will be home all Summer this year for the first time in four years -- I commit to blogging again - even if only for myself.