Never thought to tell you what the weighted blanket was and why we are using one. Here we go. . .

Bubba has sensory issues that go along with his Autism. He has a low sense of himself – does that make sense? He falls alot, bumps into things; it’s like he doesn’t know where his body is in space. (There is a word for it and I can’t remember it. It’s multi syllabic and it’s the end of the day.) If you bump or push Bubba he loves it. It takes much more impact to affect him than it would a typical kid.

So, when Bubs starts to go haywire or get a bit spastic, he will run and slam into the wall or jump up and land hard on the floor. He will OFTEN times come up and push against my back or side. He is seeking input/pressure.

The weighted blanket provides that and has a calming affect.

I made the blanket like a grid of pockets. I am making bean bags (using washable pellets) and will spread the weight through the pockets. There is a formula for how much weight to use and since my blanket is made this way I can add weight as Bubba grows, etc.

This is how they word all this on the Weighted Magic Blanket website:

Weighted blankets, like The Magic Blanket™ , have shown to generate proprioceptive (that’s the big word!) input on our bodies. For many people, this input causes the brain to release neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, among others. These neurotransmitters released by the brain have naturally calming effects, which have proven to be beneficial for people experiencing sensory integration disorder, anxiety, stress, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, and Rett Syndrome.

A couple other sites with like stories are Craft Nectar and Craft Apple.
Thanks for your interest!

JoAnn – I hope this gives you enough info. If you want specifics (measurements, etc.) of what I made, just email me. It is EASY to sew.

KB attends a mother’s morning out program at our church once a week. It’s called Toddler Time. I have mentioned it before and the three hours of quiet it provides each week. This past week it actually helped create three hours of chaos – but for the love of my children.

It was KB’s birthday week, Little had a field trip, and Honey had an EARLY morning meeting which meant I would have to take Bubba to school too if everyone was going to arrive in a timely manner. AND I forgot to stop at the grocery store the night before which meant a quick run would have to take place in the AM hours as well.

Little got on the bus and I ran to the car where Bubba and KB were already strapped in. We zoomed off to Schnucks and the three of us ran inside to grab 8 bananas. We flew back to the van and dashed off to Bubba’s school. Thankfully his teacher was waiting at the curb so I quickly handed him off and returned to the driver’s seat. I cut up bananas and then, while I drove through the parking lot I stuck lollipop sticks in them. Dropped KB off with her birthday goodies, drove to meet Little at the pumpkin patch, left early to go pick KB up from Toddler Time, zoomed over to pick Little up from her now completed field trip, and rushed home to meet Bubba’s bus and fix lunch.

Okay, that was a little off the subject, but now you are thinking, “What a committed mom!” or “She is such a planner.” I was thinking, “This mom should be committed.” and “Why didn’t I plan better and plan ahead?” No woman should cut and stick bananas in a moving vehicle.

All’s well that ends well they say. So now for photos.

I don’t have any pictures from the morning because my camera was with me at the pumpkin patch field trip. Still, the Toddler Time administrator took some great shots for me and it going to send them over. Thanks Shari!!

I have been working on a weighted blanket for Bubba. His OT let us borrow one and we have had it WAY too long. But, it has gotten to a point where he won’t sleep well without it and I just can’t bring myself to return it until I have mine done.