I am amazed...

i would believe it is a combination of all of the above! it is amazing how much they learn in what seems like an overnight . . .let alone a couple of weeks. i know when my son is away from me and is hanging out with his cousins and my parents he always comes home knowing a few new songs and a few new phrases. it's good for them to have that time with others. hope you are enjoying your time back home. ps: loved the guest post yesterday by chris

Wow! That is great that you're seeing such a great specialist that is suggesting Vitamin B shots! It's amazing how Vitamin B helps us so much! Be careful though to not give him too much though.

I agree it's probably a combination of everything you mentioned. Sometimes seeing things with fresh eyes really does help, but whatever it is - YEAH, SIMON! It is always nice to see your child bloom right before your eyes.

Ali,
I am so thrilled to read the progress you are seeing in Simom! I'm sure it's a combination of ALL those things, that are helping him to take such big steps. And it doesn't hurt that he has amazing parents, and other people in his life that surround him with so much love. As parents of children with special needs every little milestone is HUGE. These are some very big changes in the little dude's world, and I'm sure you & Chris are just ecstatic watching it! Nothing in the world compares to watching our children acheive things that they have had to work so hard for! I am so happy for your family.
Michelle

I had one of those great a-ha moments with my son today. He is 19 months old and has always had very bad social anxiety issues. (Very clingy Mama's boy) A trip to the public library can be exhausting for everyone involved!! But I thought of you and your post office post from a few months ago when I took Sam in to get few packages mailed off this morning.
Instead of feeling apprehensive I repeatedly told him that I needed his help all the way to town. When the time came he marched into that office carrying his big package and so proudly handed it to the clerk and then handed her the money as well. And then, when she handed him the change he so clearly said "thank you" to her that I got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat!
I love reading about the pride that you take in Simon's accomplishments and knowing that I am not alone in this big journey through motherhood and raising a healthy, happy child. Thank you for sharing with us Ali.

way to go simon...
that is so awesome, ali! :)

You brought tears to my eyes Ali, I'm so happy for you and Simon. That's so wonderful and I'm sure brings hope to others. thanks for sharing.

What a blessing to have Simon make such progress. We noticed that within a week of putting our son on the diet and supplements he stopped toe-walking, hiding under his blankets and was able to make eye-contact. I know it's hard and we constantly second guess ourselves as to what is working or if it's working at all - but you have a HAPPY healthy son. You are doing an amazing job under difficult circumstances and he is thriving. Thanks for sharing his progress you are both an inspiration.

So good to hear, A. Remember that email I sent you about the girl from our church family? Her grandparents couldn't believe the change she went through - and we went for a picnic recently - and she played and interacted so well, I couldn't believe my eyes. Emily thinks she is a great playmate. Even though she had to bring food from home and not share in the group food, she was so great about it. All in all, she is a miracle. And I think Simon is one too!

I feel so happy for you. Once you become a mother, there is no greater joy than the succes and happiness of your child!! Enjoy it!!
Nicole

Hi Ali,
I have long been a fan of yours...for so many reasons besides scrapbooking. When I read that you are having a big garage sale of scrapbooking supplies, I thought I would write to tell you of a friend of mine. Cyndi lives in Ohio. She is a scrapbooker and card maker. This summer, her home burned to the ground...taking all of her craft supplies with it. No one was injured, thank goodness. Her husband is a minister and a policeman. Their church is helping them with shelter...they will rebuild their home in time. However, she has no scrapbooking supplies anymore. I sent her three boxes of rubber stamps and other supplies. If you have anything left over after your garage sale, you may want to send her a box of things that didn't sell. She would be so know you are a kind person. Her address is:
Cyndi Beutell
180 Summit Avenue
Northfield, Ohio 44067
Her sister, Debbie, has an email address. It is dweigand@rochester.rr.com
Thanks for reading this.
Linda Weh
Brighton, Michigan

Simon's progress sounds amazing!! I'm sure he is so thrilled to see you too! I love that picture of him with the flowers--amazing colors! welcome home!

So happy to hear about the progress Simon is making. Can imagine how happy you must feel about this. These things makes you smile all day long :-)
Nice pic btw.

oh Ali is it fair that I am so happy for you and Chris and Simon, but so jealous that it isn't my Madison.....I know it is there, there inside of her - just begging to be let out!! I am tears with joy and sadness all at the same time....
Simon just looks so darn happy!!
xoxo
Mary

Simon is such a blessed child to have wonderful parents like you and chris. You are such a talented and caring person too! I am happy to hear such improvement Simon makes -- doesn't every bit of improvement just makes your day so much brighter? (Actually your whole life to be glorious as a matter of fact!) Happy for you, Ali.

Way to go Simon! What wonderful accomplishments. Your posts on autism have made me so much more aware. I thank you for that.

Ali, What a wonderful gift to come home to! Yay for Simon and YAY for you and Chris!!
Tiffany

So glad to hear he's doing so much better Ali!!!
Kip

This is awesome news Ali!
Annemieke

Ali,
I've been stalking your blog for a year or so, I guess. You've long been one of my Scrapbook Heroes, and now, over the past several months as I've gotten to know Ali the Mom, you've become one of my Mom Heroes too.
You handle the heartache that comes with autism with grace and unfailing hope, and you never cease to celebrate the milestones, both the big ones and the small. Your entry today brought tears to my eyes, because I was celebrating with you. "You are running." How beautiful is THAT?! :)
You're an inspiration to me and so many others. Thanks for being here. Thanks for being real.
Stacy Kocur
Fort Worth, Texas