SOOC Saturday: Explorer

I really like this picture. All the patterns of circles and lines in the background make me think that this might be how James first hears things around him that are so difficult for him to filter and process: conversations, cars, phones ringing, and other children yelling. And here he is, moving away from the white noise. Stepping out to explore on his own.

For more SOOC Saturday pictures and stories, visit Melody at Slurping Life.

Friday Free Day

More fun at the pool!

Today was one of those rare days of unscheduled simple pleasures. We all woke up late and refreshed. James and I enjoyed the back yard under leafy branches and cool (from overnight fog) clear skies. We had conversations about little things.

I had conversations with James. Woah! This seemed like a lightyears-away dream last summer, and here we are doing it!

James seemed a little anxious because today was not fitting into any of his patterns: Daddy was here and not at work. No SHAPE visitors were coming by. There was no school bus. And we weren't hurrying to get anywhere. What was going on?

I tried to explain the ideas of "holiday," "summer vacation," and "free day" to James. We made up a picture chart of what we were doing that day. He and my daughter kept going over to look at it and seemed reassured. It helped my husband and I as well!

I had a nice workout in the late morning while my husband took the kids to lunch and then took them swimming. It was the high point of their day. My daughter kept going underwater (a new skill, and we are so proud of her!) and James seemed to want to only put his feet and lower legs into the water today. I was glad I slathered sunscreen all over his exposed areas. I took him around the pool in my arms, but we mostly spotted airplanes and splashed by the steps.

Afterward, we enjoyed snowcones! It was 2 for the price of 1 this afternoon, and we had the lime and cherry flavours to prove it. James and I took turns feeding each other. He was so tickled to be feeding Mommy. He also ate 3 bananas from the Take One Free platter by the check-in counter and an oatmeal raisin cookie.

Summer is here! It's really here!

James and the Cat

James was early today because the cat got him up by meowing outside his door. I persuaded James to play quietly in bed for an hour and I got a nice rest while he did that. I tossed the cat outside, after feeding her a bit, so she won't go after the wrens and mockingbirds.

James does not like this cat. I am not sure why. He liked our other cat, who was old and gentle (and not too bright). Maybe he distrusts a smaller animal that can move more quickly than he can?

The cat would love to be friends. She jumps up next to him on the sofa. This freaks out James, however, and he will kick her off the sofa, if I am not there to stop him. I am trying to teach him to pet her softly, but it's uphill work.

What really puzzles me is that if any of the cat's fur touches him, he yells "OWWW!!" This is one of the softest, fluffiest cats I have ever had, BTW.

And: James loves his Nana's cat. Who is elderly and slow-moving. And a relentless moocher and lap grabber. Hmmmmmm.

Special Exp. Wednesday: The Swinger

One of the first things my husband and I loved about this house was its back yard. It was meant for children to play in, with a lawn, fruit trees, and enclosed swing set play area. Best of all for us was no house towering over us on the other sides of any fences, so it feels really private.

This is the first year that both kids really have played in the yard. I was so happy to see them enjoying it that I grabbed my camera. One of those low-key moments that I hope to look back on for many years to come.

First, James has been using the swing set! The kid who screamed if you tried to get him anywhere near a swing, up until a year ago, is now heading outside several times a day to swing, in his own unique style:









And when he gets bored of that, he and his sister play together in the sand box with purple sand:



Visit more special moments at Special Exposure Wednesdays.

Lazy Days Ahead

Last day of summer school today for James. He will have programs this summer, but for now his mornings and afternoons have lightened up quite a bit.



Time to stop and smell the popsickes!

Special Exp. Wednesday: Bowling for Autism

Yesterday James and his classmates walked from their school, across lots, to the local bowling alley. There they enjoyed an hour of bowling in a nearly deserted building. Bumpers were set up, to eliminate gutter balls and increase the scores. A tubular ramp was brought out so all the kids had to do was hoist the ball to the top and help it roll down the ramp.








Seven little boys shrieked with glee and played for almost an hour. They took turns, they brought the two bowling balls to their pals. They helped push the ramp from lane 1 to lane 2 and back again. They learned a new word: "spare." They cheered, jumped, and ran. By the end of the session, they were taking each others' turns and bowling in whichever of the two lanes took their fancy.

Heck, some even decided they didn't need the ramp anymore and gave the ball a push, after which it s-l-o-w-l-y meandered down the lane, lazily careening off a bumper or two, until (just as the adults gave up hope) it would give a last gasp and knock over 6 pins at the end of the lane.

New to me: The world's cutest little bowling shoes (size 10):


Little boys and bowling: perfect!

Come Out And Play

New dilemma this morning -- make food for those headed off to school & work, or go out back and play per James' invitation?

Unfortunately, I chose the food prep. But I *wanted* to be outside! This is the first time James has gone out to play in the morning and come back to ask me with good words to come out and play.

I think I will make the food ahead tonight for tomorrow, in case he wants to play again.