Talking on the Phone

Benjamin has been away at his grandma's house for a few days now.  I really didn't expect to hear from him much during this time.  He's normally not much for talking on the phone.  I would have lot a lot of money if I had put a bet on that one.

He called twice yesterday morning at home and talked to Scott and Sawyer, and then left a message for me at work.  Then Oma tried to get him to talk to me when I called back from work, and he wouldn't do it.  I could hear him saying, "NO! No, no, no!" in the background (now there's the Benjamin I know and love).

Then last night, he called again and wanted to talk to Sawyer and then Daddy.  Then Scott asked him if he wanted to talk to me and he said (what else), "NO!"  So I went upstairs to get a shower.  I no sooner got out of the shower and Scott says, "You missed a phone call.  Benjamin called and wanted to talk to you.  He's going to call back in about 10 minutes"  I was touched -- and sorry that I had missed him calling for me yet again.  So when the phone rang again, I was ready and waiting for him.

He told me they had gone to Ohiopyle and seen the "wavy water" (rapids) and gone to the cabin.  I'm glad he's having fun with Oma!  I miss him, though!  I think he misses us too -- and that's why he's been so talkative and calling us so much.  It's kind of nice :-)  I know Sawyer misses him, too!

You're So Smart!

Went on a little trip with Sawyer today so we could pick up his new glasses.  When we arrived, he was looking at some Vera Bradley sunglasses cases that were on display.  He picked one up and said, "Mommy, it's your purse!"  He held up one of the cases for me to see, and sure enough, it was the exact same pattern as my own Vera Bradley purse. 
"Sawyer, you're so smart!  That is just like Mommy's purse!"  I know that my kids will have lots of little moments where they surprise me, and this was certainly one to add to my list.  Sawyer was so proud of himself!  He also thought that this meant that the sunglasses case was mine to take with me.  I tried to explain that we needed to leave it at the store. 

So we now have TWO pairs of glasses for Sawyer that hopefully he will wear, especially considering that the wire-rim pair from Wal-Mart has been mangled so many times.  We will see...but at least Dr. Cheng can't say we're not trying.

There's a First Time for Everything

Oma called this morning.  Apparently, Benjamin wanted to talk to his mother.  Really?  Okay, I'll take it when I can get it.  So we chatted for a minute, and then...wait for it...Benjamin asked to talk to Sawyer!  So I took out the phone and let them talk for a minute.  Sawyer told Benjamin that he was eating popcorn, and Benjamin said, "that's so silly, Sawyer!" 

This is a big deal because Benjamin is not fond of talking on the phone AT ALL.  So for him to ask to talk to anyone that way is AMAZING! 

Well now Sawyer and I are off to get his new glasses.  Let's hope we can get him to wear them!!!

Where's Benjamin?

Benjamin and his Oma have always had a special bond.  She has taken him for periods of time ranging from one to three weeks since he was an infant.  I think Benjamin would rather be at Oma's house than most other places most of the time -- well except for maybe the playground. 

Yesterday Benjamin, Sawyer and I drove over to Oma and Poppy's house.  Benjamin would be staying for the week with Oma.  He was super excited about this and flapped around a bit in anticipation of his week away.  We stayed for dinner, and Oma and I chatted about things on the back porch while Benjamin and Sawyer played.  After a while, Benjamin said to me, "You can go home now."  Apparently he was ready for me to scoot! 

So after giving the boys a scrub-down in the shower, I got Sawyer ready and we headed for home.  It's almost an hour to drive home, and when we get off of the turnpike, we are about 2/3 of the way home. 

I was just pulling onto the off ramp and getting out my ticket when Sawyer piped up from the backseat, "Where's Benjamin?"

I had to laugh out loud!  Had it really taken him over 1/2 hour to realize that he was alone in the backseat?  So I finally said, "Sawyer, you silly goose!  We left Benjamin at Oma and Poppy's house.  He's going to stay there for the week.  You get to spend some time with just you and Mommy.  Would that be all right?"

Sawyer thought about this for a minute.  "Yes.  I'm your sweetheart!" 

"Yes buddy, you are my sweetheart."  I love these little guys! 

You're Kidding Me, Right?

Here's a little story about our sweet Sawyer that happened a few weeks ago.  All four of us were riding in the car on our way to the local home improvement store.  A car in front of us stopped for no apparent reason in the middle of the road.  Scott waited for a minute, then beeped the horn at the car.  A little voice from the back seat hollered, "You're kidding me, right?"  Scott and I both busted out laughing because it sounded exactly like something I would have said.

The next morning I fired off this little gem to Poppy, Auntie Boff, and a few other friends in an email.  Everyone seemed to get a good chuckle about Sawyer's comment.  (Hey, at least he's repeating THAT kind of stuff.)  Poppy must have shared this story with Oma, because she called me later that evening.  The call went something like this.

"Amy, hello.  What did Sawyer say in the car the other day?"

"You're kidding me, right?"  I responded.

"I'm sorry I bothered you, Amy."  Oma replied.

"No, Mom.  That's what Mason said. 'You're kidding me, right?'  I was telling you what he said."

"Oh, I see.  That was pretty funny.  I was trying to tell Auntie Donna and couldn't remember."

Goodness me, that Oma thought I was annoyed at her for calling me!  But I was just trying to tell her what our little cherub had said.  Sometimes you just can't talk to your mom...

Playground Days

We are solidly in the playground days this year -- for both boys, finally.  If I took them every day, they would go willingly.  This is why I need to work on getting that swing set in the back yard as soon as possible. 

Sawyer is doggedly determined in every way.  He has been climbing on the jungle gym, and he finally figured out the rope ladder.  It’s really not made for little kids.  The rungs of it are about 14 - 16 inches apart, which is quite a feat for someone who is only about 3 feet himself.  He kept trying, and finally worked it out in his mind how he could successfully maneuver it and make it up to the top without cracking his noggin.  I think in part, or course, he wants to keep up with his older brother Benjamin.  It’s only natural. 

It’s fun to watch Benjamin as well.  He’s getting more and more socially sophisticated.  He just asked a girl on the playground if she would like to play tag.  I’ve never heard him be quite so engaging and initiate a game like that before.  Of course, it is a friend from school, and one that he has spent quite a bit of time with.  I don’t think the game will last very long – Benjamin loves to run, and he’s pretty fast.  I was right – she gave up after a couple of turns.  Benjamin just laughs and laughs as he runs.  It cracks me up to see him being such a mischievous little soul!

I sure am enjoying watching them.  They are growing so fast!  I hope they get at least a few summers out of the swing set…once I get it.  Then I have to get Daddy to put it up; that’s the fun part for sure.

Three Years Later

Three years ago, our lives changed in an instant.  Our first-born son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS on the Autism spectrum.  This changed our lives dramatically in many ways.  We have become accustomed to strangers in our home for a variety of therapies, as well as our younger son participating in several studies through Pitt's Child Development department.  We have diligently worked with early intervention specialists and now the local school district to do everything in our power to assure that our son has every opportunity for long-term success and being able to thrive in a world that is not friendly to him.
In November, we were forced to go without a TSS in the classroom, and by the time we got all of our insurance nightmares worked out, decided that Benjamin no longer needed the support.  He has managed to complete the school year without any supports, and I hope for his sake that this trend continues.  The less accomodations he needs, the better off he will be.  If he can find ways to cope with his sensory issues on his own, he will be much better positioned for life later -- and eventually when we won't be able to help him.
Benjamin has made AMAZING progress -- and we are grateful every day for the people who have helped him in both large and small ways along his journey.  It humbles me when I think about how many people it has taken for Benjamin to get this far.  I also know that I consider myself fairly lucky as I sit in our support group.  We have had our challenges, but I have encountered parents who have many more challenges than I will ever encounter.  And so this makes me grateful for the fact that my son lets me hug him (well more like squeeze) and actually communicates with me on some level most of the time.  (His favorite phrase right now is "I don't want to talk about it!")
I can only imagine where we will be in another three years...I hope the future still looks as bright then.