This morning just didn't work out as planned and I was left with the dilemma of taking Nick along to an appointment that had been made for Thomas. It bothered me that I wasn't able to devote some time to Thomas. For once, I wanted to be there for my big kid, without any distractions, without Nick. Oh the guilt of a mother!
However, something happened, something that stood out for me as a big WOW moment.
Bright Side of Life facebook status: Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to take Nick along to a specialist appointment for Thomas. Nick was amazing.... For 45 minutes he sat through the waiting and the consult. He did not need ANY screen time! HUGE! :)
How far we have come.......
I have been berating myself for not doing enough with Nick during this holiday season (four weeks so far and another one to go). All those days and hours wasted! Too much screen time all round! Lost opportunities and missed interactions. Oh the guilt of a mother!
But...
The success of our above outing/appointment serves to remind me of all that we have achieved during the last few weeks.
Bright Side status: We are getting brave! Yesterday, we took Nick with us to visit friends and have lunch (I took food for him!). Tomorrow night, we are taking him with us to visit friends and have supper (I will take food for him!). #nonickysitter #throwninthedeepend #itsworkingoutwell
Bright Side status: Nick's new milestones for today: First ever late night out with the old's. Happily ate supper away from familiar surroundings. Very relaxed about missing normal bath time routine. #tiredbuthappymum
Bright Side status: Nick on top of a mountain and wearing shades!! It was quite a business climbing over small rocks to get to the edge! Very proud of my boy! :)
Bright Side status: There has been a lot of exercise going on over the last few days!!
Bright Side status: Hey, guess what....We are at a party (a very low key one!) AND Nick is with us!! Another first! Happy New Year to you all.
Bright Side status: With a little help from the iPad, Nick made it until 10:30pm! He did great. :). Goodbye 2012. Hello 2013.
Bright Side Status: Nick loves books! He is turning each page as I read the story. We pause a lot to make comments on what is happening in the story. Nick is very engaged and always keen to add his own opinion.
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Bright Side status: Nick coped well for about 20 minutes until a baby started crying... then he used his iPad. :)
Bright Side Status: We got seriously lost trying to find our friends house. I was muttering at the husband as we were over an hour late. Nick gets our attention.... he holds up his fists and makes the 'sign' for "cross". He then said... "Sh..it". Very appropriate! :)
(NO STRESS FROM OUR NICK... VERY CHILLED BOY!)
So, there we have it....
Our first ever *family* holiday season together, where we haven't had to make a plan for a Nickysitter!
As my husband said, "I feel normalized!"
~*~
I wish to thank Dr Gutstein, RDI and Kathy Darrow for empowering me as a parent and for guiding me on how to guide my boy. Nick may be severely autistic, however, the last two years have shown such wonderful progress. Onwards and upwards.
~*~
I don't generally post about Nick on my personal facebook page, however, I had to share the following....
Thank you all for your wonderful support. xx
P.S. Thomas is fine... he just has to have four wisdom teeth out at some stage!
