Three Lovely Things

Part of the reason I started this blog is that every time I see a news story or TV segment on autism, everyone looks totally exhausted and miserable. And believe me, I get it. But there are these great moments too--ones that open up our sense of possibility--and they are as much a part of this experience as the harder stuff. So, without further ado: three things that made me happy this week.

1. I remember when I was trying (and failing, and failing some more) to get pregnant that, the more I thought about what it actually takes to conceive a child, the more unbelievable it seemed that any of us actually get born. Don't laugh -- I was there and taking notes in high school health class. Now, with the benefit of about two years of daily research into the subject, it strikes me as miraculous that any of us actually learn to talk. So much so that when I got home last night and Isaac said, completely naturally, "Mommy, I want to give you a big hug" I nearly fell off my shoes.

***

2. My post yesterday got Kristen thinking, and she put up a great piece on her blog, sort of in response, and it's started a neat little conversation about how we talk about our kids' differences. Ten years ago, we never would have met. We're in different parts of the country, we know no one in common. But here we are, a few months into this blogging experiment, and we're sharing stories and making friends. How great is that?

***
3. We have recently hit a couple of new developmental milestones. One is...arguing. Isaac is absolutely in love with cell phones. I am not a big fan of this for many obvious reasons, but it's hard to keep them totally out of sight. Last night, Jesse was plugging his phone in to recharge, and Isaac grabbed it. Jesse playfully asked, "Isaac, is that your phone? Nooooo, it's Daddy's phone." Isaac's immediate answer: "I want it to be Isaac's phone." Alrighty then. This little exchange is so mundane as to be unworthy of comment for most kids. For us, it was more than enough reason to dance around the kitchen in our jammies.

And now for milestone number two: whining. I must say, it is hecka annoying to hear: "I waaaannnt cheeeeeeese crackers" at full volume first thing in the morning. At the same time, it is pretty great to watch my little guy use everything he's got to get what he wants. Externally, I try to remain good-Mommy calm, rational and unmoved by the whining. Privately, I can't help but think, "Go Isaac! Go! Go!" (In case you're wondering, this morning it was Isaac-6, Mommy-0, but Daddy and I made up some points later in the game.)

Comments

[Vicki Forman]

Wow, what a milestone. I can't wait to hear Evan nag!

[mcewen]

Arguing! What a coup! We recently experiencing 'lying' - almost had a party to celebrate. And yes, I know exactly what you mean about making 'blogging' connections = a free sanity hit.
Cheers