Two Days and Counting. . .

No I don't mean two days until James has a new cousin (or maybe I do??) I mean until Christmas!!  I am not sure if - or how much - he understands, but James has been happy and silly for the past three days.  I know he picks up on emotions (even if we "grownups" think they are concealed), so how could he NOT be excited? It's in the air!  Not to mention the very pretty, very seasonal snow.  It's actually frozen ice. And thank God, as snow is usually black and dirty if it is on the ground for more than a day or so.  

So Happy Christmas (and Hannukah, and Kwanza, and New Year, too!) Tomorrow morning, we are running away (after one more OT session) to begin a much deserved vacation where there are no schedules or appointments (except that one at Grandma and Grandpas that involves too much food, drink, presents and silliness). Even an autistic kid needs a vacation (well, almost. There are still potties and eating utensils and communication books on holiday). Poor James!  And wish us luck too . . .

James is SIX

I can't believe it: James is 6 years old!  Our BIG boy.  He has come so far and works so hard, but he's still a little toddler.  We are so lucky to get the kisses and hugs and love, but at the same time we want more!!  We want the brat, the sass, the independence.  Mom and Dad met the day with a bit of melancholy mixed in with the the joy and pride. Regardless of an occasionally teary parent, James had a great day.  I am not sure he understood exactly, but he did know he was getting extra attention.  At his morning OT session, they sang Happy Birthday and when another little boy hugged him - James let him!  James doesn't mind adults touching him and he enjoys watching other children but letting himself be hugged? WOW-wee.  The boys played together for the rest of the session (meaning they were jointly guided through activities by their therapists).  Just an amazing start for the day.  School went well too!  I brought in donuts for the kids and James actually ate (he eats inconsistently at school).  After Daddy came home, we opened presents.  James only cared about all the balls he got from us and his Aunt & Uncle. How normal is that? "Ick! Clothes!" He acted the same way with his Grandparent's presents over the weekend.  Our "cake" was a glazed donut with candles.  It was a hit and James ran around in a major sugar rush daze before passing out cold at 9:15.  Next stop: CHIRSTMAS!!

5 Days and counting...

It's almost party time!  Five days until James' turns SIX, then another 9 and it's Christmas. Not to mention that James' new cousin is due to arrive anytime before, after or in between! Let's hope sooner than later so the new mom can toast in the New Year!  Regardless of when the new birthday party will occur, this month is one long celebration.  Speaking of which, I must go work on the cards, the tree, and the house! 

This week, James has made it obvious that he knows what a circle is and he knows how to make one.  During homework, he was supposed to match and circle two identical objects. Since that wasn't working, I approached the task differently.  I asked him to point to the square, the triangle, etc.  Then I told him he had to circle the square.  It was so cool to see, in the air, directly over the square, he "drew" a circle around the image with his finger.  Of course, I praised him, and then told him to draw a circle WITH THE MARKER.  He wasn't pleased with me but he did it. His written circles are not pretty, but he can do it!! I have waited YEARS for a breakthrough with writing/drawing.  I cannot express how amazing it is to see progress after years of seemingly fruitless and thankless repetition.  He knew what to do, just for some reason he could not.  Poor kid.  Now I am never going to let up on him!  He is going to be writing and using that potty in no time.

Another Woman!

I was sick, passed it to James, and we gave it to Dad.  In school, out of school, part-days.  No heat for two days, walking around in 50 layers. James HATED it when I blew my nose, actually yelling at me.  What a ROUGH week.  Not to mention the gallery had an opening this week so Dad was super busy and could not stay home and rest.  

Good news is that today is Friday.  The opening was a success. The heat is back on.  And, most importantly, James is at school, after a SUPER OT session.  He fell in love with the daughter of one of his sensory gym's staff.  Her school was closed for a teacher's conference so she and her sister were helping mom.  James took one look at her and turned to me and waved.  I asked "Do you want me to go?" as I usually stay and learn and participate as much as I can.  He said "Yeah!" HE DUMPED ME FOR ANOTHER WOMAN!  I am so happy I am tearing up now.  He was smitten by a beautiful, 7 year old, blonde Polish girl.  He is going to be fine, he will participate in the this world! Another great "normal" thing.  He "played" me yesterday.  He had a rough morning at school.  Coughing and crying, making his nose run.  His teacher called me and I went and picked him up.  As soon as we got outside, James started laughing.  I asked him what was so funny and he said, clearly: "Movie!"  "Oh," I said, "Are we going home to watch a movie?"  He nodded and said "Yeah."  He was so NOT SICK that we went to Speech later in the afternoon.  Once again, this week with James was good, bad, exhausting and exhilarating. How the heck am I going to kick my cold????