When I went to pick Alex up from the nursery, Kayleigh - his carer did the handover. She told me that Alex has been playing with the other children today.

He started off playing alone in the home corner and realised that the other children were playing together at the other end of the room. He went to join them at their table and played with them. They were playing with the toy wild animals and Alex picked the animals up one at a time and asked the children to tell him what they were. All of them responded to his request and were having so much fun.

When Kayleigh told me this, I was so happy. Finally, my son is no longer playing along side but with the other children. I am now waiting for him to speak his first sentence.

Congratulate me everyone.... I passed my driving test today!

I was so nervous throughout the test and when it was over, it was a relief. The examiner said "Ms Hoh, I am delighted to inform you that you have passed your test". I could not believe what I was hearing. He gave me the test report and asked me to sign at the bottom. My hand was shaking and I could not recognise my own signature.

I have on minor fault. My instructor was sitting behind and observed the test - he knew where the fault was. I was lucky enough to get the emergency stop (the examiner will only do this one in every four or five test he gives) and I forgot to look at my blind spot before moving on.

I am glad it's over and done. The next thing on my list to do is go back to my course.

We went to Legoland again today.

Alex hasn't been out of the house since last Friday. The weather has been crappy for the past few days - raining almost all day and flash flood in many part of the country.

It was sunny this morning but a bit chilly - we decided to take him to Legoland for a few hours - he enjoyed himself so much. This time, when we leave the park, he did not make a fuss at all - he knows that we will go back on a regular basis.

When we arrived at the park, one of his classmate from the nursery saw him and told his father "it's Alex from nursery". His dad waved to us and wanted to join us but his son decided to go somewhere else. We went on few rides and then we met his friend again this time waiting for the same ride. Alex kept pointing at his friend but he didn't go to him nor did his friend came as they cannot communicate properly.

I so wish that Alex could talk and it would be nice to have a friend to play together.

Here's another one of Jeremy and Alex playing together sometime last week.

I love watching my two favourite men spending quality time together. Alex is so cheeky now and you will see him destroying what we built - after that, he gets pretty excited.

Yesterday, he built a 12 block tower and when it collapsed, he throw a paddy. It's OK to destroy ours but when his falls apart - end of the world!

This is one side of Jeremy that you haven't seen. I have got his permission to show this in my blog and with the rest of the world in Youtube ..... (he he he)

I would say that 75 - 80% of the time, he makes me laugh and do all sort of silly things just to put a smile on my face. The other 25% is when he is tired and being a jerk.

My senses are back!

I suddenly realised that I can hear and see better. It could be because I had to be more aware of my surroundings in order to communicate with Alex. He can hear and see things way before anyone does. He will point at anything and everything - expect me to tell him what they were. If I got it wrong, he will go on and on until I get it right. I had to pre-empt every situation before I do anything with Alex.

Like I said previously, he pick his moments to sing - almost always when I want to watch my shows. So, when he goes to bed - I had to turn the volume right down - yeah! I can hear.

When we read to Alex, he will look at every detail on the page. You wouldn't have noticed a ladybird at the bottom of the page but he would. So, when we read the book - we also had to answer his questions. We are at the stage where a normal child would say "What", "Why" and "How" - the only difference is Alex can't talk but he points and say "ah?"

It may be annoying at times but he is communicating with us and that is good. Many parents with autistic children do not have what we have with Alex. We are truly blessed.

The silent resentment, the unspoken truth - all revealed.

I don't know what happened tonight - suddenly, we stopped talking. No good night kiss nor "Good Night Sweetheart".

I was told that I wasn't spending time with my son today. I was either at the computer playing games or reading my novel. I agree - I did that but I was not ignoring my son. I just wanted to chill out for a day. He always said that I need to chill out and have some "me" time to myself. I wrongly assumed that it's OK to do that today.

I don't get to go out to work, to meet another adult to talk about anything. He was working last Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and slept all morning Tuesday. Those few days, I had Alex all to myself almost all day. Alex is at the stage where he wants maximum attention and I had to give it to him. I am not blaming anyone here but sadly I misread signs - I am a straight forward person and if someone tell me something, I take it literally.

He is not a bad person. He is just cranky when he is tired - he has been to they gym this morning for the first time after what seems like a lifetime ago. But I shouldn't be so understanding all the time, making excuses for everyone that it's OK to take it out on me when "one" is tired. I don't do that to anyone and don't deserved to be at the receiving end.

There goes .... I have let it out of my system.

We've got a letter from Dr Irani this morning.

Alex had his blood test about three weeks ago (how time flies) and here's his report:

I am pleased to inform you that the result of Alexander's chromosome analysis, Fragile X genetic analysis, thyroid function test, urea and electrolytes are all normal.
Alexander's full blood count shows borderline low haemoglobin level and his ferritin result is also slightly low, both indicating mild iron deficiency anaemia.

The options available are either reviewing Alex's diet to ensure that iron-rich foods are included or take iron supplements.

So, it's good news. Nothing to worry about.

p.s. Last Wednesday, we went for his eye test and he scored a 20/20. He had been driving us mad with his perfect eye sight - he can see even the tiniest dot on the window - kept pointing at it and calling out for us. We couldn't see it and told him to be quiet and he kept on until we go to the window and acknowledge there is a dot. Nothing escape this little boy's attention.

To laugh or not to laugh?

Anyone with children will agree with me. Our little Angel/Imp can sometime test you to the limits causing a dilemma on the spot.

The question is do you laugh or continue to pull an angry face?

Alex has always been an obedient child but sometime last week, he started to say "no" to me and refused to do as told. And if he chose to do it, it would be in his terms.

Last night, before tucking him into bed, I told him we need to change his nappy. He was standing at the door while I was waiting for him with a nappy in hand. I said "come here Alex" in a soft tone - he looked at me and not budge an inch. I said it again and he did the same. The third time, I used a more authoritative tone and he moved an inch. And this time, I gave him a "deadly look" and he moved another inch and looked at me and then another step. At that point, I had to turn around and smile to myself but I couldn't laugh out loud - it was funny.

So, what would you do?

Connie made every mum proud. She started singing at two and look what she's achieved.

Alex started to sing or hum "twinkle twinkle little star" with perfect note at two as well. He has a few favourites and "Wheels on the bus" is his latest craze. BINGO, Grand Duke of York, Old McDonalds, This Old Man and a few not so familiar ones. I bet I could tell what they are if I listen carefully.

The final for "Britain's Got Talent" is on tonight and there are quite a few act that really deserved to be there. If Connie didn't win, it would still be OK because Simon Cowell gave her a £1million contract. Now, which mum wouldn't be proud of that?

There's another child act, eleven year-old Bessie performed Mary Poppin's "Supercalifragelisticex blah blah blah" and I think it's absolutely fabulous. She is super talented and very very cheeky. I wouldn't say she is beautiful but she has this likability factor and I just want to hug her.

When Alex was just a baby, I told Jeremy that when he turn four, I want to put him into Stagecoach. A weekly three hour training of singing, acting and dancing - it gives great confidence to children. Maybe one day, when he starts to talk - I can still put him in.

My friend Kris sent me this and I thought it was hilarious.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, b ut only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head. (Ha ha ha)

Wow, it's the season of reality TV here in UK.

The Apprentice ended last night with the underdog as the winner - not fair!!!

Britain's Got Talent a new talent show with no rules. Any age, any performance and the ultimate prize of £100,000 and a slot to perform for the Royal family at the Royal Variety Show. I am hooked and it's on tele every night - the final is on this coming Sunday.

On Tuesday night, a 6 year-old girl performed solo singing "Somewhere over the rainbow" beautifully sung with perfect note. No accompanying background music - just her voice. I was close to tears and said to Jeremy that this could be Alex in 3 years time. Alex could hum his songs in perfect note and I bet when or if he speaks by six, he could be like her. Well, you can't blame a mum for dreaming can you? After all, Jeremy says that we are a match made in heaven - I am the dreamer and he is the realist and we compliment each other.

As usual, it's difficult to watch live tele when Alex is well awake, he pick his moments to hum "Wheels on a bus" at maximum volume. I record the programmes that I like and watch them when he is at nursery or afternoon nap.

This morning, whilst Alex's at nursery - I watched last night's Britain's Got Talent. There were so many wonderful children act and the truth is ..... they ARE very good. I cannot help myself - I cried my heart out. I cried because I was so happy for their parents because I know how proud they are of their children and at the same time, I cried because I may never see Alex perform. It is one of those moments when you just want to cry and then think back that there isn't a real reason to cry.

I am proud of Alex no matter what. He has been really cheeky lately and made me laugh so much. He gives us this side way glance and smile - he is one handsome dude.

One night early this week, can't remember when - I had a special moment with my son. He was making this new sound of an elephant - because I bought him a new book about animals. I said what does the elephant say Alex? He made the sound and then I asked what about the cat, he made the elephant sound and waited for me to respond, I then said ... No silly, he laughed so hard that he curled into a ball. I then asked him what about a cow? He did the elephant again and waited for me to say no. He laughed so hard and again curled into a ball - this went on for about 5 minutes and we finally call it a day. That was one special moment that I cannot forget.

A cheeky monkey indeed.

We had a GRRRRRReat day today.

Legoland is only 15 minutes from us and this is the first time we've been. We bought three Annual Passes last week through Tesco Deal and thought we'll spend a couple of hours there to activate the pass. The sky was a little grey when we arrived and looked like it might rain but we end up spending the whole day there. The sun came out around noon and we were having so much fun that we decided to stay on. Alex loved the wet rides. He went on twice and wanted to go a third time but we said "NO". We were all soaked from top to bottom but it was great fun.

I like Legoland because it's so child-friendly and gives you the value for your money (if you hold an annual pass, it's really really value for money). They keep their facilities clean and the staff are polite and courteous. I would give them a 8.5 out of 10 for today's experience (always leave room for improvement).

They even have a life show every two hours - the stunts were great but the audience - a little boring (he he he). Alex could get into most rides which is really good. He didn't want to leave when it's time to go but we had to. Now that we have our passes, we can go every week.

We didn't intend to stay long so, we didn't bring the camera. But we will the next time and I will share them.

Stephen Wiltshire - Autistic (Savant)

Autistic Man Draws Near-Perfect Panorama of Rome - Watch more free videos

Been out of action for a few days.

I was suffering from Hay fever with constant sneezing and runny nose. If there is a competition for most tissue paper used in a day, I'm on the leading board.

Alex has been very very vocal in nursery today. It's Wednesday again - the busiest day in Alex's schedule. He goes to nursery at 8:30am and then I pick him up at 12:45pm for family support at Margaret Wells-Furby. Finished at 3:00pm and came back home for his nap.

I met another two families today. A couple with their three year-old daughter - assessed but cannot confirm that she is Autistic. She can talk but has learning difficulties and is hyper-active. When she stood next to Alex, she is so much bigger even though they are the same age. She looks like any five year-old girl with a lovely face. She has a brother whose 8 years old and he needs Anger Management (to think of it, the parents had it worst than us). They can't get into NAS Early Bird Programme like Linda and Catherine's children because they are not officially diagnosed. Looks like Dr Irani is quite reluctant to diagnose ASD when in doubt. This means the families are in Limbo.

Looking at it now, the diagnosis for Alex is not so bad after all. We have all the help we needed and is on top of all waiting lists. Having said that, there is still a twelve months wait for OT and SLT. Imagine what the others are going through.

Wendy's House

(Click on photo to view album)

These pictures were taken today at Auntie Wendy's house. Auntie Wendy is Alex's Grand Aunt and she will be moving down to the coast in a few months time. We only see her twice a year - her Birthday and Christmas.

Right this moment, I feel terrible. Alex is in my bed sleeping and Jeremy is at work. I totally lose myself today and took it out on two of the most important people in my life.

Alex is demanding more and more attention lately - I am exhausted. If someone were to offer me a break now - I could not take it. I know I will miss Alex so much - I would not enjoy myself.

As I was laying next to my son earlier, I apologised to him for my moment of insanity. How I wished that he could tell me "It's OK, mummy. I love you too". At that moment, I really wanted to kneel before my bed and pray. I wanted to ask GOD what's in store for us? I could not because I don't know if GOD would listen. I have never been religious and I would be a hypocrite if I ask for help now. In times of trouble, I think of GOD but where was I when everything is smooth sailing?

Looking back, everything that happened had a reason. If I did not marry Andrew, I would not be in UK. If my marriage did not break down, I would not have met Jeremy and have Alex. If I didn't have a miscarriage, life would be even harder now. I would be having my hand full with Alex and a toddler in his/her "terrible two" stage. I can see the reason behind my marriage breakdown and the miscarriage but I cannot see why this is happening to us.

If I have done anything to anyone, Alex did not deserve this. If this is a way to punish me, Alex is innocent. I should be grateful that Alex is a happy and healthy little boy but Autism is a life-long disorder and there is no cure.