Happy Birthday Ian!

Ian was born January 4, 2000. He was due on the 11th and because of my history with Matthais, they wanted to induce me 10 days early. They decided to do it January 2nd but because all the hype about the millennium and computers not recognizing the 00 the hospital wasn't accepting any unnecessary inductions that weekend. So, January 4th it was. I was feeling anxious because Shannon (Adam's Sister), who was due a week after me, had already had her baby. They broke my water at 12:30 and told me to wait. Not too much after that Ian's heart rate started dropping with every contraction. The nurse started me on some oxygen and was going to start massaging the baby's head to see if they could keep the heart rate up. She discovered I was complete so they hurried and called the doctor who was in American Fork (we were in Orem). They tipped my bed back to help keep the baby in. The nurses were worried the baby was coming and they didn't want to deliver him because they were worried that the cord was around his neck and that is why his heart rate kept dropping. When the Doctor arrived he asked if he had time to change and they both answered "NO". They sat my bed up and the nurses began explaining to me how I needed to push. The Dr. laughed and said "she doesn't need to push...the baby is just sliding out!" I laughed and there he was. Not a single push, not a single stitch. It was incredible!

Ian's life has not always been as simple as his arrival. I noticed a distinct change when he was one. My lovable smiling boy wasn't smiling as much. Later, around two, I realized he wasn't talking very much. People told me not to worry, kids talk at different ages. Matthais was talking in full sentences at 18 months. I was a little worried. But, it wasn't until he was 3 that I fully trusted my instincts. I had him tested initially by the school district. They told me he was developmentally delayed and started him in pre-school. DD is a temporary diagnosis they give to qualify for services but then it's up to you to find out what is really wrong. I took him to primary children's where they diagnosed him with PDD-NOS which is basically saying he has signs of Autism but he's not fully autistic. Basically, he was on the spectrum. At a follow up appointment in June 2003 his diagnosis was officially changed to Autism. I finally broke down and cried. I was relieved to have a diagnosis but I watched my hopes and dreams fly out the window.


After the initial sadness I was fine. I've never hid the fact that Ian has Autism. In fact, I love to tell people about it. There is such a stigma with autism but I'm not afraid anymore. Ian is who he is. And...There is so much more to him! He defies the typical stereotype of autism. He does make eye contact. He is very affectionate. Even at 9, he still climbs on my lap for cuddles. He laughs, he plays and He is so love able! And then, there is the other side. He has a hard time learning, talking, expressing himself. He stims, he tantrums, he gets over stimulated. And then there is the seizures. There is no way to know for sure if they are linked in Ian's case but about 1/3 of kids with Autism also have seizures. It's just another bump in the road for us!

Ian loves his little brother Owen and his friend Preston. He is constantly talking and asking about the two of them. He loves school and he loves to play outside.


He is happiest when he is helping his dad. He also likes to talk. A LOT! and he loves to sing. Give him some music and he'll be entertained for HOURS!

I am so thankful for Ian. I can't help think he was sent here for me; to help ME learn and grow. Happy Birthday Ian! We love you!