Argh! Facebook's new look and feel is making me feel confused 'cuz I can't find anything. And, it doesn't seem to be importing my blogs from Spaces. So now I'm writing this blog to see if it's working now.

Had a moment with Tucker which tugged on my heartstrings today. We were alone on the backyard deck - the twins were asleep; Alex and Lisa were shopping. Tucker seemed content to be watering everything in the backyard with the little spray bottle he has, so I decided to catch up on some reading. After attending yesterday's Autism Day out in Carnation, I felt reinvigorated to get back to reading Children With Autism: A Parents' Guide. I don't know what it is about reading this book, but I have had ill luck getting through it - too busy, feeling too guilty I'm not doing enough for Tucker, too tired, yada, yada, yada...

So, upon seeing the cover of the book, Tucker is immediately entranced by the cover (see link above). He points at the red cylinder block held by the child on the cover and says, "red block."

Me, "That's right. He's holding a red cylinder block."

Tucker continues pointing at each different block stating the color and shape until done, and then looks at me, "What's it called?" (referring to the book). Pointing at each word and clearly stating it so he can repeat, Tucker says each word very well. Upon reaching the word 'autism,' I feel a little twinge. This is the first time Tucker has said the word which will be a major part of his whole life (he's almost four!).

... now, I'm not going to say there was a magic moment of realization on his part or anything. This was just a small feeling I wanted to savor, and a little milestone to recognize in the long road of autism in Tucker's life.