And then there were Two - Part 2

After the birth of our 2nd son Jeremy, life changed overnight. This time I new what to expect when the labor pains began. When I went into labor, I didn't tell anyone for several hours, because my goal was to have a natural delivery. I quietly finished packing my overnight bag for the hospital. After that I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen preparing dinner because my sister was visiting from NYC. That afternoon (July 22nd) as we got into the van for a trip to the local Mall, I announced that I was in labor and would not be returning home that night. They looked at me puzzled to say the least. Unfortunately, after about 23 hours of labor, they had to wheel me into surgery again for another a c-section. I guess even though Jeremy was 5 days late he wanted to hangout in Mom's tummy a little longer. So with a second incision, a few tugs and pulls, he finally came out! Our 2nd bundle of joy was born on July 23, 2003. Noah was just 14 month old now. I admit those early days were crazy, hectic and definitely exhausting. Thank God I had help from my sister, niece and a friend. Jeremy was a great baby. Yes, we did the sleepless nights for the first couple of months, but he started sleeping through the night soon after that. Back during the first week, I remember my sisters first call to my mother after we returned home from the hospital. I heard my mother asking how is he doing? She said, "he looks like a little package". It may sound like a strange comment, but it was true. I thought to myself she's right. As some babies do, Jeremy for the longest time slept with his tiny leg and knees tucked up to his tummy. It was difficult for him to sleep on his back even when he was swaddled. (Knowing what we know now, could this have been a sign? I don't think so). Jeremy also got startled at loud noises months after he was out of the newborn stage. (Could this have been a sign? Maybe or maybe not). Hindsight is 20/20. Our sweet little boy developed on point. He too (like Noah) met all of the typical baby milestones ( rolling over, sitting up, tracking objects..) that Pediatricians look for as they examine infants. He also walked and began to talk before the age of one. I am getting ahead myself. Time to back track. In December 2003 Lloyd received an job offer from a company in Delaware...

An Aside... Not Part 2

I tried to post this last week. Hope you enjoy. This was dinner. I think Jeremy really enjoyed dinner.

It All Began...The Budd Family's Autism Journey - Part 1

I was born the youngest of 6 children. At about the age of 4, my parents took on the responsibility of raising one of the daughters of a close friend. We were the same age. One more was never a problem to my mother (can't say the same for dear old Dad) and that made us a family of 7 children. As far back as I can remember, babies and children brought a smile to my face. There was always time in my schedule to stop and smile, wave or wink at any baby that came my way. They always seemed to respond back with a generous smile (this is a key point to our story). As my older siblings began to marry and have children, they were always at our family home. It was a delight to take them out and we all just loved them. Early on in my Christian journey, I became a Sunday School teacher and Children's Church worker. Needless to say, I was constantly around children. As most girls do, I hoped to get married and have several children. So, by the time the wedding bells rang, I was already past 30 and was happy to start a family pronto. We had our first wonderful baby boy in 2002. Noah was born a month after we celebrated our 1st anniversary! We couldn't be happier. I handed in my resignation, trained my replacement and left for motherhood with a big smile. Noah was healthy and happy! He met all of his milestones on or before the given range. Life was good! Soon after - 5 months to be exact, we discovered that baby #2 was on the way. Could life get any better? Not for me! We both wanted another boy and God blessed us again with a beautiful baby boy. The pregnancy was typical. I felt great except for being tired due to having care for a busy toddler. After the birth of our 2nd son Jeremy, life changed...

Dinner Tonight!

This month the Budd Family has decided to share stories and pictures of our journey with autism. Tonight is Tuesday and Jeremy has chosen chicken for dinner. What a relief to the rest of us! Up until last month, he ate pork chops on Tuesday- that went on for about 3 years.

Upcoming Awareness Campaign Info

Here's what is coming up soon on the website at www.Speak4twc.org : April is National Autism Month. May is National Foster Care Month. Visit the SPEAK website often for information about these 2 issue that affect millions of families!

It's Almost Over!

Thanks to all of the friends of SPEAK who Showed Great Support for the organization over the past 7 seven days! Join us for our Birthday Celebrations throughout the month of March!!

Foster Care Stats - 26,000 us too much!!

Saw an interesting stat today on a factsheet PDF from The Dave Thomas Foundation. In 2010 26,000 youth aged out of foster care without being adopted! Seriously people (adults), what are we doing to the next generation? Click here for more info.

'Show Some Luv to SPEAK Week'

Visit the SPEAK website at www.Speak4TWC.org to find our how you can help this great organization help the orphan, widow and others in need in our local community!

2013 SPEAK & NC 5K-WALK - Save the Date!

Join SPEAK this year for its first 5K-WALK as we team-up with NC7 on Saturday June 1, 2013 at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington, DE. More info coming soon!

Love is the Greatest Gift!

Join us from February 14th to February 20th for our 'Show Some Luv to SPEAK Week' Learn about some great ways that you can help us help our community.

Welcome to Our New Partner NC7

SPEAK is joining forces with NC7 for the 2013 5K-WALK/RUN. NC7 is a new Delaware nonprofit organization run by foster care workers for the benefit of youth in foster care. Date: June 1, 2013 Place: Bellevue State Park, Wilmington Breakfast & Registration: 8:30 - 9:30 AM 5K- WALK/RUN:9:30 Visit us at www.Speak4TWC.org OR Contact us at SpeakforTWC@aol.com for more info

Spare Change Fundraiser

Contact us at SpeakforTWC@aol.com to get your tin can to fill with spare change. Help us meet the goal of providing a safe place for at risk young adults to live, learn and work.

Foster Care - A Top 5 SPEAK Priority

Raising awareness about the challenges faced by youth in foster care and those that age out of the system will remain a top priority for SPEAK in 2013. There are thousands of hard working Child Welfare workers and dedicated foster parents around the country who are trying to make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Yet, many serious problems plague the system as the following article from Ohio relates.

Small Gifts Go a Long Way

Take time away from all the busyness of the Christmas Holidays to offer a smile, an encouraging word or a helping hand to some you know or don't know this Christmas season.

Let God Use Us!

This Christmas season, consider sharing your blessings and good fortune with an orphan, youth in foster care, single mother. James 1:27