Hi friends. I've missed you! Been checking some of your sites when I get a minute, but I haven't seemed to have enough minutes in a row to write anything myself. Today I took the boys to their sitter and Kate and I are going to do some shopping, but she's at basketball practice and I have AN HOUR ALONE IN THE HOUSE. Can you feel my excitement?! And, like a geek, I'm at the computer. I am enjoying this bit of time to myself. I'm listening to the CD Bill got me for Christmas: Hope and Desire by Susan Tedeschi. I wanted to tell you about my other Christmas gift: this necklace. My first piece of "autism jewelry". I actually prefer to think of it as "Henry jewelry" because it just makes me think of Henry- not of his autism. But maybe it will also raise some awareness and start some conversations when I wear it.

The past week has exceeded all my expectations. Henry has behaved so well- using lots of words and not so much screaming, and also playing with some toys. We had Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa's house, then again at home the next day when Kate came home from her mom's house. We visited the zoo one day and last night went to a college basketball game- Henry was pretty-much-perfect on all occasions. I know that he is over-stimulated and the lack of structure and lack of school are getting to him. When we are just at home together he has been tormenting his brother a bit and doing more screaming and arguing. But I am usually able to have him play quietly in his room for awhile, and that helps.

I will post some pictures soon and also finish my "Henry Chronicles". For some reason the past year seems like it will be hardest to sum up. Maybe because I am afraid to draw any conclusions.

Wishing you all a peaceful 2006.