Today was the big day we had been waiting for. The day Sophia met Truman in person! It was a long day yesterday, getting packed, dropping off my 7 year old daughter Cece at her Aunt’s and listening to Sophia ask “Are we there yet?” every 20 minutes for 5 hours. That was nothing compared to the exhaustion of today. Here are highlights of Day 1:
- Love at first sight! Sophia met Truman at his cage before class started and sat there for almost 30 minutes until class started and they let him out. She soon moved on to play in the toy area and found the sensory toys very entertaining.
- Sensory overload!As we walked into the building Sophia plugged her nose from the smell of clean dogs. It took a while but she eventually got used to it. The facility is as sensory friendly as it is NOT. By that I mean that there are several great accommodations to help Autistic kids such as really cool swings, fenced in yard and tumble mats, but there are also 10-12 other autistic kids, most stimming, noise from the dogs, trainers, siblings, smells, and all new surroundings to feel and explore. Sophia has been really good lately and not having so many meltdowns, but she had three just during the training session today. It is a long time to have them spend in this new environment but definitely worth trying to get through.
- There is a first time for everything!Taking Truman home in the car with us was like taking our firstborn baby home from the hospital. We didn’t know exactly how to situate him, drove slow (I wanted to ride in the back with him, like a baby but didn’t) and felt releived to get him in the hotel room safe and sound! I do believe we will need to buy a portable unit for our luggage on the way back so he has enough room.
- Great new friends! In addition to meeting Truman, we got to meet a lot of really great families that perform sweet miracles of love each day with their children. When we got back to the hotel, I brought Sophia down to the pool and there were other families from our group as well. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone a little better as the trip goes on.
- Oh my allergies! I knew that my allergies would kick in a bit with so many dogs and cats in the building but they are really bad. I have been told that I will build an immunity to our own dog but not necessarily other people’s dogs. So I am optimistic that this is short term. I look a bit out of because I took Benadryl, than countered it with some Mountain Dew (which I NEVER drink) to stay awake for class. Hopefully tomorrow is better or I may ending up searching for my son’s inhaler!
- Sleep Tight! To keep the bonding process going, we decided to let Truman sleep in Sophia’s bed starting on the first night with us. He is such a great dog. He jumped right up on bed and put his paws over her legs. So far so good. Sophia absolutely adores him already!
And just like coming home with a newborn, I’m going to sleep while Sophia and Truman sleep and they are down, so I’m signing off. Looking forward to learning a lot more tomorrow.
10 comments
Amy Brooks says:
August 3, 2010 at 10:30 pm (UTC -5 )
Awesome pictures and description. I can’t wait to be there in December. I really appreciate you taking the time to post and allow me to see a little glimpse of December. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!
Amy
dan abraham says:
August 4, 2010 at 6:03 am (UTC -5 )
I am with you all the way
Susan Lee says:
August 4, 2010 at 8:29 am (UTC -5 )
I am so excited to read about your first day!! Sophia is beautiful and Truman sounds like a perfect match!! Can’t wait to read more about your adventure, as I dream about our turn in October!! Keep updating and we will look forward to more great pictures!! Good luck!!
Susan
granny says:
August 4, 2010 at 9:50 am (UTC -5 )
Emily,thank you for sharing so much..This brings tears of joy to me. You are such a GREAT mom…I am so happy for Sophia you can see her happiness. Truman is very LUCKY to be part of The Olson family. GOD has blessed you.Emily Brooke Olson you are amazing Love all of you L.A.
Michelle Delaney says:
August 4, 2010 at 8:23 pm (UTC -5 )
Emily and Sophia, we are so excited for you! Our son, Ryan, received Truman’s brother, Monroe, in the December 2009 class. We absolutely love Monroe and know you will love Truman just as much. We wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your training. It is an amazing experience.
The Delaney Family
Darrell, Michelle, Alicia, Ryan
and Monroe (the rescue puppy)
St. Peters, MO
Mickey says:
August 5, 2010 at 9:28 pm (UTC -5 )
My husband Mark has many allergies. The single best remedy he has found is ZYRTEC (now available over the counter.) It allegedly is specially formulated for/against animal dander. It might be worth a try.
P.S. He is also a MOUNTAIN DEW man so you are in good company.
admin says:
August 6, 2010 at 7:44 pm (UTC -5 )
Thanks for the advice! I will give it a try. Just broke out in hives today.
Shana says:
August 13, 2010 at 8:03 am (UTC -5 )
Lindsey told us you were doing this. We are looking to seeing Truman in the neighborhood!
girokonto vergleich says:
December 6, 2010 at 12:28 pm (UTC -5 )
I love browsing your site because you can always bring us fresh and awesome things, I think that I must at least say thanks for your hard work.
- Rob
admin says:
December 14, 2010 at 9:35 pm (UTC -5 )
Thanks for the encouragement. It helps me to keep posting!