Never Take A Day For Granted

As we ease back into the old routines of school and work days and every day starts to blur, don't forget to take a moment to enjoy your kids because time moves so quickly.

My Little Man is becoming a Big Boy. Almost five years old and starting his second year of school.
I remember last year this time I was so nervous, not sure my little three year old was ready, but he has grown and matured so much! This year, I hope he will not be the youngest in the class and he'll already know some of the students and teachers. He just seems so much more mature to me now than ever before and I think that helps.

I am really looking forward to the simplicity of the school schedule. I don't have to think as much about how the day will go. The only thing that throws a loop into my plans is if he gets sick and has to stay home, but otherwise, the song remains the same, as they say.

Still, I feel like I need to really take in all these moments while he is still small. In the coming weeks, I'm going to take imprints of his hands and feet. He's gone up another shoe size and I'll need to buy him new boots and a snow suit for winter.

I am trying to write down all the funny things he says. I don't know if I can keep up!

We can't slow down time, but we can make sure to appreciate it and never take a day for granted.

Grass is meant to be run through.
Puddles are meant to be jumped in.
Flowers are meant to be picked.
Dirt is temporary.
Smiles are precious.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
~One Quarter Mama~

Thank Goodness For Advocacy

The great thing I noticed from reading Autistic self-advocates is how open minded they are and how they (we) consider issues of equality in all ways. In other words, these people are not just fighting for their own rights, but also for everyone's. You'll see essays against racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and pretty much any other -ism out there.

That's pretty much how I live my life, and in the same vein, how I run this blog. It's always been the way I've thought - justice for all - and I wonder if it's just a facet of how a very logical Autistic brain works or maybe the open mindedness is one of our traits.

I've always played Devil's advocate and try to understand both sides of a story. I've always made friends with the underdogs and people no one else wanted to be friends with. Maybe because I related to them or because they just accepted me for who I am. 

 It doesn't really matter, I'm just impressed and grateful.

So I'd like to say thanks to all of those who fight daily against injustice. Your passion, energy and devotion are commendable. Because of you dedicated people, we all benefit. Thank you for standing up and speaking for those of us who cannot, for whatever reason.

Thank you to everyone who reads and learns more about all issues. We don't always have to agree, but a simple, "I hear you and you matter" make all the difference.

Thank you to all those who have opened their eyes to a new way of thinking and changed any harmful or negative beliefs or actions. Whether it's something like not using the r-word or not engaging in abusive behaviour, what matters is that you are moving forward in a new light and trying to be a better person. Don't be too hard on yourself for past mistakes.

Lastly, I'm so grateful this community exists. I've gotten to know so many amazing people and learned so much. Thank you!

How Not To Become Overwhelmed With Life

Ask for help.





There, this post is done.






lol, ok, seriously though. It's true.


I'm writing this post for all the people who have helped us along the way. Help has come from places I didn't even know existed. Help came in the form of close friends and not so close friends. Some help has been free, some help has been paid for. Some help was expected, some wasn't.

The point is it doesn't always appear in the ways you think it should/would. It doesn't always come from the people you most want it from, but if you ask and keep an open mind, it will come. Don't say no to offers, however small! In general, people want to help you!

You don't need to make excuses for needing help either. If you are a special needs parent, you have more on your plate. Maybe you don't trust anyone else to watch over your child, but you can stay with them and let someone else wash the dishes. Or let someone cook you a meal. There are lots of options if you think outside the box.

That's how not to become overwhelmed with life.

Then, when all is said and done, don't forget to say THANK YOU!

Have Baby, Will Volunteer

Volunteering and giving to charity were always very important things to me before I had a child, but after having one, I found it's not always easy to volunteer with a baby in tow. Still, I was determined to find some sort of association that would be happy to take me and my kid because I feel it's important to instill a healthy sense of gratitude and giving. I found an opportunity in the form of Roots of Empathy and jumped at the chance.

Roots of Empathy is an organization with the aim of ending violence and bullying in children and helping them cultivate empathy. Through different studies, they found that bringing a baby into a classroom calms children down, helps them learn to accept differences in each other and be kinder. They've also discovered down the line, the project reduces the rate of teenage pregnancies.

My son was four months old when we started visiting a grade five class in an under-privileged neighbourhood of my city. It was a pretty average class, with some of the kids having reading or learning problems. What I saw though was a very excited and welcoming group who were shy at first, but as they got to know my baby son, they opened up. We visited their class every three weeks or so and they got to watch my son grow. They remarked on his differences over time - new hair, new teeth, sitting up, crawling - and delighted in the changes as much as I did.

I saw how much it impacted them - children who the teacher said never spoke up in class were suddenly up in front of everyone talking and singing songs to my son. Even those who had difficulty writing were now motivated to write and read poems and stories for him, which we got to keep.

I think my son had a great time being the center of attention and I cherish the time as the experience got me out of the house at a time when I sorely needed it. I can only hope that the program expands to all schools across Canada and that my own son will be able to benefit from it.

I highly recommend it and they're always looking for little ones. If you have an infant, sign up fast because it can only be done during the first year, as that's the time of most noticeable developmental changes.
Good luck and happy volunteering!