The weather has been delightful lately! The boys and I enjoy lazy afternoons in our yard when Tyler gets home from school, blowing bubbles, coloring with sidewalk chalk and playing hopscotch. We had a busy, fun-filled, exhausting week and even more fun over the weekend at a friend’s birthday party. The joys and wonder of little boys bring big smiles to my world.
Bubbles take us away to a happy, carefree place. It is so peaceful to blow bubbles and watch them take flight, especially on a windy day -- hundreds and hundreds of bubbles, spiraling up and spiraling down, filling our yard with magical goodness. I had forgotten we had a large bubble wand that dips into a shallow pan, so I got it out and the boys were mesmerized by the gigantic bubbles that were created. It didn’t take long for the fight to begin, over who would hold the wand. Turn taking did not work very well. I guess this means I need to get another one. Luckily for me I found our big bubble wand in the dollar area at Target. The cool thing about this wand is when it’s windy, we don’t even have to blow the bubbles; they just form and blow away. This windy weather is making me look forward to getting a kite and and flying it high through the park with the boys.
We had a birthday party today for Luke’s sweet friend Ben. I was hesitant if we would all go, or just Luke and I. Sometimes birthday parties are difficult for us with Tyler, he gets over-stimulated and upset and can easily have a meltdown. This is unusually frustrating and embarrassing, especially when you don’t really know someone that well. Ben’s mom approached me in the hallway at school and asked if we would be able to go to his 3rd birthday party. I told her we would be there if I was able to find a sitter for Tyler. She told me to go ahead and bring him. I hesitated, and then explained my situation to her -- that Tyler had autism and birthdays were hard for us. She smiled, looked at me and reassured me that this would be fine. She also told me that she used to work with autistic children, so it eased my mind. I am so glad Susan and I talked -- we had the most wonderful time at Ben’s birthday party today, bouncing in the bouncy house, running around in their backyard and swinging. Luke also enjoyed playing in the sandbox and baptized their dog, Pete, in sand. I was embarrassed, but she thought it was hilarious and took a picture.
Today was a testament to how well Tyler is doing, to be able to go into an unfamiliar environment, be at ease and have fun and not tantrum or get over-stimulated. This also helped me to relax and enjoy myself. I have not felt this way at a birthday party, ever! Thanks so much Susan. I am always on guard, ever the watchful parent, following Tyler around to make sure that he is behaving appropriately. I think I can get used to this! Another beautiful thing about today is that Tyler stayed clean and dry in his big boy underwear. Potty training has been an uphill battle, but finally, things are working out. Hip hip hurray, Tyler!
I am looking forward to more birthday parties and beautiful days, with big blue skies and the sun glistening on the boys’ precious faces. I am also looking forward to the happy times that come from taking chances. I need to be more fearless! Today taught me that, and boy did it feel good.
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