Wes-isms

I've been keeping track of what I like to call Wes-isms. He's been using scripted phrases more and more lately. Most come from shows he likes and some come from music, specifically Laurie Berkner.

Let's do it. Break it down!
Translation: I want to get down.

He sure wants to get out of here.
Translation: I want to get out of here

Super Duper Computer!
Translation: I want to play on the computer

Change chairs to stairs
Translation: I'd like to go upstairs

Click, turn it on
Translation: Turn on/off the lights

One more stop on the train.
Translation: Stop annoying me / Stop what you're doing.

I find them interesting. I need to ask his teachers and the coordinator whether we should be correcting him with what he should say, or answer him by using what he should have said. We're proud because it's a good sign that he's trying to get across what he wants even if the sentences are incorrect.

Happy Thanksgiving

A big Happy Thanksgiving to all in the blogosphere and beyond. Bless you all.

Where's Daddy

As usual, I'm making dinner and Wes is sitting in front of the fridge using his magnets. When dinner was ready (a gourmet meal of Mac and Cheese), I told the boys to go sit at the table. Wes stands up, and says "Where's Daddy? Hi Daddy!"

He knows who Daddy is. He interacts with Daddy all the time requesting big kisses and tickles, but never once has he asked for his father. Tim has a meeting that night and wouldn't be home for dinner. It's not an unusual occurrence for the boys and I to have dinner alone. It happens at least once a week. It was unusual for Wes to ask where his Dad was. Another proud moment at our home. He's emerging faster then I ever imagined.

Just one of the boys

We're getting to the last days to get outside and play at the playground before the snow starts to pile up. We took advantage to the small amount of sun and let the kids run loose last weekend. When we pulled up, we noticed there were about 6 to 7 older boys playing a game with a soccer ball. They were throwing each other "out" using the ball. Neither of my boys paid attention to them at first, but then Wes became kind of interested. He was watching from afar, flapping and squealing like a mad man. I don't remember ever seeing him this interested without it being adult directed. After 10 minutes of watching and swinging, he went up to one of the boys and said "Ball, please". I was a bit stunned. My first reaction was to tell Wes that he was too little to play with those big boys. One of them actually said he could play with them. I thanked him for offering but told him we'd pass. Wes didn't get the concept of how they were playing and they were much bigger boys then he. I guided him back to the swings and was able to distract him for 5 minutes. He jumped off the swing, ran over to another boy and said "Ball, please". This time, I didn't say a word. The boy handed him the ball, to which Wes threw the ball in the opposite direction. This was exciting to him and he showed it by jumping and bouncing all around. He asked one more time before the boys started to leave. I watched my four year old standing at the fence and actually watching the boys walk away. He looked disappointed, almost sad.

It was almost like watching him be a typical 4 year old. He wanted to play with others and he even initiated the social situation. To see him take in what these boys were doing, process it, and decide it was something he wanted to do too made me cry. Knowing that this is so hard for him and that he wants to be a part of the group and a part of a social circle makes me hurt for him. Also knowing that getting him involved in as many social situations that we can has been helping him. I don't push him to interact with others. I do make him greet people and give eye contact, but the rest I leave up to him. I want him to feel comfortable, and not forced. It will come. It's actually emerging right now.

Grey's Neurology

Last night, the show Grey's Anatomy introduced a new character named Virginia Dixon. The character was played by the fabulous Mary McDonnell (Dances with Wolves, and Battlestar Galactica). The moment the character came on screen, I knew something was 'up'. After she first spoke, both Tim and I looked at each other and smirked. We knew this character would be labeled with Aspbergers Syndrome. Aspbergers is a high functioning form of autism under the Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Ms. McDonnell played the character well. She must have done quite a bit of research on the subject. Not only did she display the social awkwardness that accompanies Aspbergers, but she showed the preoccupation with information that some with Aspbergers can show. Her character will be back for at least two more episodes and I'm really interested in what will happen with Virgina Dixon.
So far, there have been mixed reviews out there on this role. Some were disappointed that the story line was blah, some were so happy to see a character with a disorder like this portrayed as a successful person. If you get a chance, or have already seen it, what's your take?

Preschool Crush

Hee hee. My baby has his first crush. Well I'm not sure it's a crush, but I'm gonna pretend because it's rather cute.
Wes' para has told me that he likes to play with this particular girl, A. He and A have played together a few times when he's engaged. Today, they were doing an obstacle course together. A was following behind Wes and he kept looking behind to make sure she was still there. After a few times, A decided she didn't want to play anymore and took off. Another little boy came up behind Wes in the tunnel and when Wes turned around, he was surprised. According to his para, Wes turned around and say "Oh, not you boys name". He said the child's name, but I'm just saying boys name.
I find it so cute that he wanted to play with her and he was looking for her. My baby is growing up. That's a huge step in his social skills. Social skills are where his biggest deficit right now, but showing improvements. Way to go Casanova.

Childless

If only for the evening. Tim and I were invited to a small dinner party this evening with some friends. Both couples also have a child on the spectrum. I couldn't be more excited. While most of the conversation will probably be on our children (that can't be helped), it will be nice to be with adults only and relax. I also won't have to worry about who's getting into what, whether or not that breakable was broken by one of my own, and where the socks are that were not supposed to be removed. They get to spend some time having fun with the new sitter we found. Yes, that's right. We found a sitter and she's great! I still pinch myself about it.
We thought about bringing the boys along because they were invited. They are the youngest of the bunch. The other couple (that happens to be J, the one I praise for all her advice and help) won't be bringing their son, and suggested that we find a sitter so we can enjoy ourselves (I told you she had great advice). Tonight will be about adults, support, and friendship.

Just so we're clear

This is not a political blog. There are many out there, so if you want to start something (such as a debate) then go there. It is my right to support whomever I see fit. If you want to comment about that choice, then do so without anonymity and without cowardliness. I'll be happy to give you my opinions and thoughts, but I won't do it when someone is trying to be condescending. Thank you.

Yes we can!