Up until now, Max has never much cared about what he wears, nor has he actively participated in getting himself ready for school. But one day last week, as I slept in and Dave fed the baby breakfast, Max went upstairs and came back down with his outfit (complete with underwear and socks) for the school day.
Now, there is all sorts of win in this feat: He chose to do this on his own. He opened his drawers. He made clothing choices. (Matching ones, unlike SOME fathers who shall remain nameless, love you honey!) He clutched his clothes in one arm, holding onto the railing with his left hand. He went up and down the stairs alone—not new, but something I will never stop being grateful for.
Max has been getting his clothes ever since. Sometimes, he drops an item on the stairs and one of us will grab it, because it's dangerous for him to bend over and get it. All in all, he is doing an amazing job. And I feel that wheeeeeeee-he's-doing-it buzz whenever he walks into the kitchen, clothing in hand, big grin on his face—because he's feeling that wheeeeeeee-I'm-doing-it buzz.
No matter how old Max may get, the excitement about his progress will never get old.
It's also happy-making to hear about the new stuff other children are up to. Last week my friend Peggy shared on Facebook that her son, who has Down syndrome and autism, had realized her husband wasn't around and verbalized "Is Daddy away?" I knew just how amazing that awareness was.
So, let's get a buzz on together: What new thing has your child done lately?
Our new thing is our son can start his shower all by himself--turns the water on and gets some shower gel onto a washcloth. We're getting there!
ReplyDeleteThat. Is. AWESOME. It is one of my goals for Max. Here's to self-cleaning children!!!
DeleteI just watched my autistic son CUT UP A WAFFLE WITH A KNIFE AND FORK on Sunday, and I hope I never get over the wonder of that years-long process, no matter how old he gets. BTW, he's 22 and GRADUATING from Beacon College (Google it!) in May!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, first, on that feat of cutlery! And on the fact that your son has been going to such an amazing college (I Googled) and will be graduating. They need to open more branches! I hope they have a good jobs program.
DeleteThey don't have a "jobs program" per se, but every student is assigned to a career counselor, and "Senior Seminar" is a year-long required course to monitor their job application efforts and prepare them for post-college life. The (legally blind) president's mantra is "full-time meaningful employment with benefits for every graduating senior." Unfortunately for my Dan, there is no curriculum anywhere in the US to be a game show host, so we'll see how THAT turns out!
DeleteThis is an incredible school. Ya know, The Price is Right sure could use some fresh blood!
DeleteI figured out how to achieve more pharyngeal resonance for singing. I want to be a fandubber.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up "fandubber." Wow. How does one achieve more pharyngeal resonance? Would it enable me to yell more loudly at my kids? (Kidding.)
DeleteProject your sound more forward and into your nose as opposed to keeping it in your mouth.
DeleteEllen. Have you seen this commercial https://youtu.be/uteDhnvuuPc
ReplyDeleteI would like to know your thoughts on this and for anything last what is happening in the commercial could ever happen in Max's life or in the life of any child or teen with CP?
This is one of those commercials that would make a lot of people go "Awwwww" but I don't think it is a common reality. Of course there are kids with disabilities whose neighborhood friends include them in play, just likely not in this made-for-TV way. In our area, we have had some participatory experiences over the years with local kids, but they have usually been facilitated by me or other adults.
DeleteI meant if something like this could happen with people who have special needs. I understand a lot of things on tv are grossly exaggerated. I'm not sure where this commercial stands though. Can you provide some insight?
ReplyDeleteI've successfully began to pack for college. On a more serious note, this is the first time I have been able to manage my anxiety in anticipation of a big change. My emotions seem on par with my peers and not blown out of proportion, for the most part. We will see how I am in a week!
ReplyDeleteThat is tremendous, Kathryn, and I am glad to hear it. Happy packing! Or is that an oxymoron? One thing I was always glad to bring to college: a dry-erase board I could tack onto my door for friends to leave messages.
DeleteIt has been a big summer: showers instead of baths (less back pain for me and he is getting too tall), brushing his own teeth and putting his own retainer in. I know you guys will all understand, most folks around me just don't get the "normal" stuff that is tough for our guy.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a summer of success!!! YAY!!! Now you have to teach him to cook for you. Ha ha!!!
DeleteThat's next 😀
DeleteMy son did what I'd consider his first actual, intentional wave yesterday. :-)
ReplyDeleteDoing a happy dance for you!
DeleteI learned how to do laundry with little assistance, which I formerly did not know how to do...and was slightly scared of the washing machine because ours is in our scary basement and makes noises.
ReplyDeleteAlso I changed my name, so this is the person formerly known as "Meredith. S"
I used to be scared of our washing machine, too, as a kid. We lived in an apartment building and it was in the creepy basement. Oh, and Meredith, you know I approve of your new name!
DeleteThey are quite frightful machines. In the house I rent we can't refinish the basement so it's quite terrifying at times.
DeleteThank You!