Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Birthday Harry!!

Neglecting my blogging duties again! I know!
I am happy to say the lack of blogs is the direct result of having spent lots of time with the boys.
Harry turned 9 on Sunday and we have been spending time doing 9 year old boy stuff.
He is now the self professed "Leggo King" and I have been happily immersing myself in his wonderful world.

As you know from my blog here I was having a lot of trouble with Harry last year, he wasn't interacting with other kids because of his ASD, there were no birthday party invitations (not that that's changed) and he was having stress attacks in class, acting out and generally having too much weighing on his little shoulders.

Can I just say on that note:
When my blog came out last year about Harry's ASD and my lack of coping skills the response I received was so wonderful. I received so many supportive positive messages from people world wide and people I had never met made the effort of coming into my store and offering me encouragement with stories of successes with their children who had ASD. I was truly uplifted.

After Harry's blog I was forever impacted by how powerful blogging can be as a platform for education and information. We all know we blog about decorating, decorating blogs are happy, light avenues of creativity, we all accept that they are not changing economic policy or adding weight to the fight for human rights. Be that as it may blogs ARE a platform and  I have now seen first hand how important blogs (even decorating blogs) can be. Blogs (when wielded in a positive manner) can hugely assist in creating a universal connection for people, people who may otherwise feel isolated in their situations and feel alone  can garner the support they need from a message from thousands of miles away from a stranger they will never meet.
I know an immense weight lifted from my heart when I read all the supportive messages from blog land.

Anyway back to my lovely boy, he has since turned a big corner from last year and with maturity is developing into a wise and soulful little man with a huge heart. I couldn't be prouder of him and all his achievements.  I hope any other parent out there stressing and worrying about his or her child remember to enjoy their little ones personalities and the quirky characteristics that make them special in so many ways.

Happy Birthday Harry....keep trying my darling xx
My beautiful boy first day


Pirate boy


Little Botticelli Angel



 
My little helper

First day





Little Performer

Big Brother to Emerson







My boy today, happy, healthy and full of joy.
Happy Birthday Harry!!
 On the work front;
Since Women's Weekly has come out the phone's have been off the hook and we are just trying to catch our breath. I have been in collaboration with some brilliant people designing my own furniture pieces and you can expect to see more of my work in print very soon.
We are doing something very special in the store tonight and I will fill you all in tomorrow with lot's of pictures.








6 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday to Harry, what gorgeous boys you have. Sending you warm wishes from a mum of three boys.x

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  2. Happy Birthday! he is so gorgeous!!
    Congradulations for both boys and be always a pround mother!

    ris

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  3. Gorgeous post Melinda. Being a mother is the most wonderful job in the world but doesn't come without its challenges. With your love and support it sounds and looks like Harry is growing into a lovely young man.
    Huge congratulations on the WW article - your place looks amazing.
    x

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  4. Hi, as a regular reader of your blog I would like to wish your Harry a Happy 9th Birthday. MY ASD daughter turns 7 next month and each milestone brings so much reflection apon we mothers of these special bubbas. My daughter is currently at an autism specific school and next year will perhaps mainstream. it's so bittersweet.. the elation that she's come far enough to learn in a mainstream environment and total fear of what she will will go through and the anxiety it will bring. I'm in tears just writing this. I'm happy that your son has made such progress. To overcome fears of such minor things that other children and parents can't understand is such an accomplishment isn't it? Congrats to Harry and Melinda, take a bow. I'm sure most of it is due to you. Kepp up the good work- our kiddies are so very worth it!

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  5. It is very encouraging to read you of Harry's successes and development. Always inspiring for someone following not far behind. I don't know if this quote will resonate with you, but it has helped me a little with my Asperger's 5 year old.

    Quote from John Robison.

    Parents talk an awful lot about helping their kids make friends, something all of us aspire to do. However, there is a social skill that's even more important, and it's actually easier to learn: how to not make enemies.

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