On my previous page I told his story of abuse. http://www.geocities.com/mom2braxton/index.html
It had been so long since I had an infant that I was almost afraid to touch him. My son was 29 years old then.
Braxton was a quiet baby and did not smile nor play much. His little hands were balled up in a fist. I had a feeling of sadness about him. Since Paul had physical custody of him, I decided to help out to take care of him. The farthest thing from my mind was raising another child. Paul and I had been talking about motorcycling and traveling together maybe if our relationship went farther.
I tried not to get attached to Braxton , knowing Paul had no desire to raise him. However; it was in January 2001, that I knew I loved him.
I worked with him constantly on eye contact and interaction. Braxton was 9 months old when he gave a smile. I may add he has been full of smiles ever since. In the mornings when I get him up, his smile warms my heart for the day.
At 10 months old, he was able to sit up. He always had his little arms straight out from his body with one arm back farther than the other.
At 11 months old, he was able to hold his own bottle. At 14 months old, he showed the first sign of attachment to me. He also took his first step at 14 months old.
At 18 months old, he drank from a tippee cup for the first time. At 24 months old, we said good bye to the bottle. At 27 months old, I got my first kiss! What a thrill that was. At 3 years old, he clapped his hands for the first time. At 33 months old, he got rid of his binkie. At 46 months, he waved bye bye for the first time. What a cute little wave he has..
In July 2001 is when the reality of him being my son hit me. Paul was tired of the state bouncing him around and told them he was keeping him. I think to this day that Paul realized how hard it would be to give him up.
I let Paul know he was not adopting Braxton without me. It was December 19, 2001 when this precious angel became our gift. What an exciting day that was.
Yes, our plans were completely changed as we were thrown into the world of doctors and therapists. As of now, we are thrown into the world of IEP's. What a challenge it is.
Our son is going into the second year of preschool. He has come a long way since the first IEP in May 2003. At that time, his understanding was at an 8 to 9 month old level. Now he understands simple instructions and many other things. We got him his start from buying videos from www.BabyBumblebee.com
We are so grateful for the little things he does and accomplishes. Things that are usually taken for granted.
I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to raise this angel. It is not so much for what I can teach him, but what Braxton has taught me. I no longer look in disgust to parents who seem to have no control over their children or the big kid with a bottle or binkie. One never knows what is going on with the child. I will now offer help to the helpless and embarrassed mom.
I have been in public with a seemingly happy child who can turn into a crying child who writhes on the floor as if in pain because of something he hears or sees. Most children with autism are very sound sensitive. They do not see or hear as we do.
It is painful when family members make rude remarks like "He knows what he is doing." "He is just playing you." I get tired of the remarks about my child not being potty trained. I am finally telling them that when they accept Braxton, they will quit criticizing him.
Paul and I were married on March 29, 2003.
Braxton's bio father (Andy) was released from prison on March 24, 2004. He is not allowed to see Braxton. When he is allowed, it will be on our terms. Braxton is our son now.
It is a hard road as Andy is our son also and it is sad to me that he cannot be at family functions, etc. However; he made his choices when he hurt Braxton.
We have lost a grand child, but we gained was greater. This darling angel we call our son and call him so proudly.
As far as the bio mother goes, she is not allowed any contact with him. I recently had to take her to court as she showed up at his school in his classroom and was asking questions. The judge asked her if she understood why she can't do that and she replied, "NO!." Cassandra keeps telling people she will get Braxton back.
I do not know what will happen in the future, but, I must protect my son.
Paul and I have lost a grand son, but what we gained is greater. We proudly have gained a son.
