Oliver

All I have ever wanted was for the world to be a kind and inclusive place where our kids could grow up to be whatever they wanted without ever doubting their worth or ability.  But this is not that chapter.  This is the chapter in where we take it one day at a time.  This is the chapter where we watch and learn about the people around us and grow wings to fight for those who need fighting for. I hope we can do it.  I hope we come out the other side feeling braver and more beautiful than ever, but at the very least, I just hope we come out the other side.

It went well. Oliver was very brave and unexpectedly cooperative at times. In retrospect that might be because we didn't lidocaine up and maybe he didn't think there was an immediate threat. When he realized we were doing the shot without it, he started freaking out and I regret not preparing him better.   He got really upset about the shot but he noodled when it was time and then sobbed in my arms over how painful it was and how he wanted to leave because it was already too much pain for one day. And then he went into a ketamine drooling stupor that will probably fuel my nightmares until the end of time.   My fragile heart is full of sadness and anxiety and everything over the ordeal he's been through but it is done.   We rested in bed together and I allowed myself to ca re for nothing but keeping him safe and saving from his own impulses etc. I think I did a good job, Everything in my body cringes when Richard tries to tell me that, but I think I was there for him i...

Oliver: We are going to the Gaylord! April: I heard! What do you like most about the Gaylord? Oliver: HOT CHOCOLATE April: Is it the BEST Hot Chocolate? Oliver: In my opinion. April: What are you excited about, Penny? Penny: Vending machines.

Overheard while Oliver is playing Minecraft with a friend. "Luke, what's your gender?" "What?" "Your gender. Are you a man or a woman? What's your gender?" "Um, a man?" "Yeah okay."

Oliver: is that guys name the f word?  Richard: no. That's Marshall Faulk. Fauuuuulllkkk. Oliver: No. Fuuu(silence)kkkkk  Richard: there is an L. FAULk.  Oliver: No, the L is silent.  Richard: It's not though. It's really important that it's not.  Oliver: (whispers) it's very silent.

Okay, I'll give it my best shot! Favorite Treats for Both: Chocolate, Donuts, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, baklava, M&Ms Favorite Treats for Oliver: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Oreos, Hot chocolate Most candy, honestly Favorite Treats for Penny: Smarties, Skittles, Starbursts, Hershey chocolate bars, Kit Kats Favorite Calming Activities for Both: Sensory swing, fidgets, Legos, diamond painting (Oliver enjoys the stickers, Penny likes medium size projects), Kinetic Sand activities/kits Favorite Calming Activities for Penny: Slime (butter texture), Audiobooks, Baths, Dig Kits Favorite Calming Activities for Oliver: Slime (thick & glossy texture), Showers, Baths, and Water Play (sensitive skin so he doesn't do great with some bath products) Favorite Characters for Both: Pokemon Penny: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson Oliver: Super Mario, Spider-Man, Spidey & Friends Outdoor Activities for Both: Finding gemstones, exploring nature trails, exploring creeks, scooters, bik...