Seven Years, Twice His Lifetime Last night was Meet the Teacher night. Jimmy’s teacher is new to the school this year. I see him almost every day because I work there too, but we’re still getting to know one another in this new capacity. His EA’s, though — I’ve known them a little longer. I’ve…
💩 This Morning Smelled Like Progress There are some stories I wish I never had to tell — and yet, they’re the ones that need to be told the most. This morning was supposed to be about stuffies. The Outsiders were perfectly placed. My coffee was hot. I had my narrator voice ready. I even…
The Gate, the Guessing Game, and the Water: Learning to Follow Jimmy’s Lead Yesterday’s beach day wasn’t planned.It wasn’t packed, prepped, or even expected.It was insisted upon—without a single word. It was around 5:30 PM. I was sitting on the porch, thinking the day was winding down, when Jimmy stood directly in front of me,…
Buddy One and the Washing Machine Misadventure Because every great hero has an origin story… and a patch. Every kid has that one toy they love a little too hard — the one that’s always nearby, always slightly grubby, and completely irreplaceable. For Jimmy, that toy is Buddy One — a vintage My Buddy doll…
Dear Jimmy, Look How Far You’ve Come A Grade One Reflection There’s something about the last day of school that makes you pause — like standing still in the middle of a storm that’s finally passing. Grade one is over. And Jimmy? You made it. You made it through early mornings and long days. Through…
When Coffee Comes With a Side of Sass: Jimmy, His AAC, and a McMessage Loud and Clear Some kids write essays.Some give speeches.Mine makes his point with a cheeseburger button — and only when he feels like it. Let me paint the picture. It was early evening, and I decided to slip out for a…
Splash Pads, Communication, and a Little Bit of Inclusion Magic I’ve been thinking.(Dangerous, I know.) Every summer, our local splash pads fill with laughter, chaos, and soaked kids running wild — just as they should. But while most children shout, laugh, and yell “MY TURN!”… there are others who can’t. Not because they don’t want…
Dust Bunnies, Guilt, and the Great Summer Floor Crisis Let’s just put it out there: housekeeping has never been my strong suit. Sure, I can do it. I know how to sweep, mop, scrub, and organize. But when a new idea hits me — like launching a blog, designing a printable, or mapping out a…
When Sleep Is Optional (Apparently) Little Wins with Jimmy – Monday Edition Jimmy’s a pretty predictable guy when it comes to sleep.Bedtime? 7:45 PM — like clockwork.Wake-up? Somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00 AM.He grabs his buddy, marches up the stairs, and settles in like a pro. No fuss, no drama. I know how lucky I…
Playground Wins: A Free Printable Toolkit for Real-Life Families Some days, the goal is simple: just get to the playground. But when you’re parenting a neurodiverse child, “simple” often comes with a whole list of steps, emotions, and real-life detours. That’s exactly why I created this toolkit. The Playground Wins Toolkit is a free visual…