See and Count the Blessings!

Tired, Sleepy and HOT

I am tired, sleepy... it's been hot and muggy all day.  Husband was away this evening, the house was a mess, Remy poured things here and there, peed here and there, my daughter kept demanding "I want this (now)" over and over... did I mentioned I was hot and sweaty, trying to clean and please the demands through the contractions? 

Breathe, Kim.  It's OK.  Yes, it was uncomfortable, challenging, and I rather would have been relaxing somewhere in the basement without noise and mess, but that was what I had.

After I finally got both kids in bed, I went into the kitchen just wanting some water and then to retire to my own bed, I saw that there was soaked quinoa that should be cooked.  So I did that.  And after that, I saw that I might as well wash the dishes... and clean the table, sweep the floor, wash the pots - ah, at last!  I pumped myself some water and drank.

Realisation of Countless Blessings
I retreated to my newly painted yellow room, gathered my notebook and charts to fill out for Remy.  I started writing... and I realised how many awesome things Remy did today.  In fact, he's outstanding; I just have to see it.  Despite all the challenges that his sensory "needs" present to me, I am so glad that when the noise settles, and the rippings swept I am able to cherish these precious moments.

Let me just present a few moments for everybody's enjoyment. 

Wiggly tooth

Still wiggling...

"Hurt!"
This morning in Remy's Play Room, Jo was playing with Remy when suddenly he bit her (he's been wiggling a tooth for several days now).  I was taking notes when this happened and didn't see the actual bite.  From there, I watched closely.  Jo said "no, Remy, that hurts.  That hurts."  And she showed him a frown.  Again he went close, and she said "that hurts."  Now, Jo didn't hear this, but I certainly did "hoort" said Remy looking right at her!  he repeated the word "hurt".  He seemed to understand. 

"Aw"
Jo was playing the xylophone when Remy approached her.  She handed him the mallet which he took into his hand.  I think he hit the xylophone twice then threw the mallet on the floor.  Jo's face dropped and said "aw" like out of disappointment.  Immediately, Remy repeated "Aw" - he is definitely listening and responding to us even when we don't realise it.  Jo and I talked about this afterward, of course.  She didn't hear what I did, but will certainly look for these responses from now on.  It's easier sometimes just watching from outside to perceive what is going on.

Greetings
This afternoon, before picking up his sister, Remy and I went to pick up some test results from his ND's office (which happens to be right beside the place where we get our water from).  After obtaining the results, I noticed that Remy was looking right at the receptionist.  It was very cute as his chin just reached the top of the counter to look over.  Before leaving, I got down to Remy's eye level and told him we were leaving and waved, said nothing.  He turned back to the receptionist and said "bye" (not perfect pronunciation, but definitely knew what he was saying) waving (he's still working on this, but his hand does reach higher with every try!) to her.  I couldn't help but just pull my right fist down from the air"yes!"

After we left the ND's, we went into the water store.  Right away, Gary (one of the two gentlemen we see there) greeted Remy with much enthusiasm hold his hand forward as he approached Remy and as Remy approached him.  Remy put his cars into his left hand (he usually holds two items such as cars) and extended his right hand to shake Gary's coupled with a huge smile.  He then took a seat signalling he was comfortable and wanted some fresh water. 

Our visits to the Eco Water store have been examples of growth.  When we first went to the store, I stayed a long time chatting with the manager about water, filtration systems, etc... after the first few visits, Remy became familiar with the friend gentlemen.  I recall him turning around to wave "bye" the first two times we left (I celebrate every time - the gentlemen too).  And every subsequent time, his greetings are more natural and less prompted. 

After Gary stowed the heavy water bottles into my car, I said "bye" to Gary.  Remy was getting ready to go into the car, but realised that it was a good-bye time.  So, he turned and walked to Gary.  I thought he was going to just say "bye" and give a bigger wave (his waves have come a long way since our first visit to the Eco Water store), but he actually gave Gary a big hug! 

I really should video record him going into the store and leaving!

Responding
In the evening after supper, I went on video chat with the kids' Auntie D.  Most of the conversation was between her and Remy's little sister... I was trying to clean up, and prepare for the kids to go to bed.  Randomly, I heard my sister command Remy "clap", and Remy clapped.  I looked at their conversation.  He was in front of the computer looking at her with his hands still at the sides waiting to clap again.  She didn't say anything, so HE said "clap" (may have sounded like "gaAp") and clapped again.  I put down what I was doing to celebrate him, then also threw in another command (this was like his version of Simon Says) "jump, Remy".  Sure enough, he got off the chair and jump a big loud "thud!"  It was a game to him!  So I said "touch your nose", and he touched his nose (and may have also said "nose").  I was very excited!

Alas, I was so tired, hot and sleepy... yet writing, realising the wonderful things Remy did today just fueled me to write this post to share with you.  Thank you, Remy!

And thank YOU for your continued support.  Blessings to you all,