There's A Difference

There is a huge difference between believing that you are capable of doing something but then seeing you do it. I have always sworn that you are able to do so much more then you show, that there is a wall keeping you from showing us what you really know, and that I have to believe there is a reason to keep pushing academics, language, and social so hard.

I will admit though, there are days when I have to wonder if my expectations are really too high. That yes indeed there are other reasons you are unable to learn and we should change or focus onto more life skills, or that I should start looking at alternative learning options for you - ones that do not emphasize language and academics. I have to wonder sometimes if I am pushing for no reason and that I need to meet you where you at. Let me tell you, if I did that I know for a fact our life would be easier. But I also know for a fact that if I did that, I would not be allowing you to reach your full potential, to thrive, and to continue to show pieces of your personality everyday. I mean, who knew when I adopted you just shy of two years ago you would love being the center of attention walking down the middle of the mall? Yes, that is you in the green sunglasses, hat on backwards, puffy vest, and a little dog thrown in just for fun.



Recently, I have finally been able to take a deep breath and realize my expectations are not to high. It is coming faster and stronger on some days as opposed to others but everything we have worked so hard on is finally starting to click. All of the skills that your therapy team worked endless hours on in VA are coming a little easier to you. You have started to relax, allow yourself to make mistakes, and most importantly... you are now allowing yourself to take risks! I am seeing you look for new adventures in your social skills, academics, language, and life skills everyday.

Today, we went over to mall so you could play indoors for awhile (honestly in hopes that you would take a little nap later :) You started with your "silent stalker"routine to a group of older boys who were playing tag. For about the first five minutes you kept checking back in with me but then I watched you go off on your own. The boys did not really notice that you had joined their game at first but then you went right up to one, smiled, tag him on the chest and ran away. I smiled to myself - watched you glow with pride for a moment - and the game continued. It is these moments that I know you are thriving for more socially. That I need to continue to find social opportunities for you where you are accepted and pushed by peers.

School has been working on your numbers and one to one correspondence. You have needed a lot of help with this just as you have in the past. Today though we sat down together, device set up in front of you and a little candy on the side to motivate, and you counted! You demonstrated the concept of one to correspondence for numbers 1 through 3. Yes, a baby step, but a huge step in the right direction. Again, it is in this moment that I know you are thriving for more academically. That I need to continue to push your academic concepts and the progress will come.


We have been working on expanding your device usage to labeling pictures. As we increase your vocabulary you have more items you can talk about which will ultimately help expand your language and conversational skills. I have taped up pictures all over the house at your level to increase your interest in talking about a variety of things. This weekend we were able to share a few moments talking about some of these pictures and you used your device to label a few. In this moment I was able to see your interest in animals. A few months ago you did not have the concept, or maybe just wouldn't show it, of labeling but today, you showed me I need to continue to push and your passions will help motivate the direction we move for the future.

So, the long and short of it baby, it really does help mommy to see you do these things. I am so very proud of you for all you continue to do while still working through moments from your past. This week was also a week of nightmares, sleep disruptions, mood swings, bathroom accidents, and some behavioral difficulties - but you have pulled through. You have taken a deep breath and allowed yourself to move forward. You are continuing to grow and I am so lucky to have you as my son as we continue on this adventure together.




Keep on Truckin Baby
Love
Mom