October 27, 2011 · 6:01 pm

The Sweet Taste Of Victory

Yesterday was picture day at school and Dylan wore a shirt with a collar.  It was a big deal, an all the way to the moon and back kind of a big deal.  He hasn’t worn a shirt with a collar in a really long time, an all the way to the moon and back kind of a long time.

In the morning, I took a chance and offered him a surprise (the double-decker bus from “Cars 2”) if he would wear one of the nice shirts collecting dust in his closet.  I really didn’t mind if he wore a t-shirt, but I wanted to test the waters because he’s had some impressive breakthroughs recently.  Unexpectedly, he said, “Okay.”  I restrained my astonishment and simply told him I was proud of him for choosing to wear a really cool shirt for his school picture.

After Dylan agreed to wear the nice shirt, he said please and thank you a lot during breakfast.   Then, without being asked and without asking for help, he put his sneakers on all by himself, and when we got in the car to go to school, he buckled himself in his car seat.

When Dylan started OT, our therapist said we’d see results immediately.  I was skeptical, but I’ve come to realize that small successes, like having the confidence to put on sneakers independently or sleeping without Pull-Ups, are positive (and necessary) steps toward tackling the big challenges, like eating new food, going upside down and wearing pants.

The best part about Dylan wearing the collared shirt was that he was as proud of himself as I was of him. Ironically, Riley pitched a fit about his nice shirt, cried all over it and ended up wearing a t-shirt for his school picture.  At dinner, though, Riley tried broccoli and cheese ravioli (and liked it), but feeding Dylan was a battle.

No victory there, but this one…


…yeah, this one tasted sweet.

Leave a comment

Filed under clothing, confidence, sensory processing disorder

October 24, 2011 · 3:24 pm

Huggies

In a lot of ways, this blog is like the baby book I never had enough discipline to keep or the scrapbooks I’ve never had enough energy to make.  I like to think Dylan and Riley will be proud the blog someday and read it as a way to get to know me from a different perspective.  At the very least, it will help me hold on to the memories of the remarkable things they do and say that might otherwise get lost in the haze of their childhoods.

For instance, Huggies.  I’m not sure if it was Dylan or Riley who started it, but when either boy says “Huggies,” they stop what they’re doing and hug each other. It’s quite simply adorable. Huggies can happen any time, anywhere.

This one happened at the pumpkin patch on Saturday morning:


Huggies also has the magical ability to diffuse the thorniest of situations.  If I see a fight brewing over Legos, the couch, or which book to read at bedtime, I simply yell “Huggies!”  Of course, it’s best when it comes from them.  It’s a precious act, and it’s what I hope is the foundation for a lifetime of love and friendship. 

A few days ago at the park, Riley introduced a little girl to Dylan by saying, “This is my best friend, Dylan.” (Yes, I almost melted right there on the park bench from the sweetness of his two and a half year old words and voice.)  My mother and her brother have been estranged for more than six years.  It’s heartbreaking for my mother, and sadly, my uncle and his family have never met either of my children.  My sister and I are close, but we live far apart.  In fact, I haven’t lived near her since we were kids in bedrooms across the hall from one another. 

I don’t know where Huggies came from, but I’m cherishing it while it lasts because watching the boys’ relationship grow (and watching their sweet hugs!) gives me a hopeful glimpse at their future as loving brothers and best friends.  And if they ever fight over who should take care of Mike and me when we’re old and wrinkled, I’ll know exactly what to say.  “Huggies!”

Leave a comment

Filed under brothers, friendship, gratitude