Monday Surprise
Our autism journey

My head hit the pillow and I was out. I woke with a start, searching the bed, looking on the floor, no Owen. I laid back down from the sitting position, he slept all night. He slept all night. I can’t believe it, he slept all night. It was after five, this doesn’t happen often. I looked on the floor again. Sometimes he doesn’t make it to my bed, he will fall asleep on the floor and I move him. I walked to the kitchen, opening the gate as I went, and I hear Owen getting out of his bed. I’ll take it. He might have slept longer if I hadn’t made noise. I can only think the exercises are starting to work. He is finding a calm in his body and we are working together to find the right amount that works for him. I don’t want to get too excited, because many factors could have come into play with him sleeping all night, but for now I will sit and bask in the glory of it all, because tonight will be a whole new ballgame. I can hope and pray we are onto something, but one night doesn’t change my expectations of how tonight will go. Owen is very alert this morning. He is starting to cover his ears to block out things he doesn’t want to hear, this includes my singing. Owen doesn’t always want to do something he doesn’t want to do, who does, because of this I have to be careful how I approach him. I tried to get him to sing songs with me this morning and he didn’t want to do it. I still sang, but he kept yelling no. This is the point where I have to watch his reactions. There is a point where it helps him and there is also a point where I can push him too far. I’m still learning the difference and why it matters. I’m learning if I do things always on my time or my way he doesn’t necessarily respond as well, in fact he will retreat from the learning experience or into himself. I can watch the change, his mouth changes into a biting expression, his eyes move to the corner and he won’t look at me, he makes a noise, and I have to find a way to get him back to focusing on me again. Learning how to help my baby is daunting some days. Trying to find what motivates him and keeps him focused and inspired, while also letting him be a kid, keeps my mind spinning. I am thankful for all the connections he is making and how far he has come. I dream of the day it is easier for him, for us. Today and always find what motivates you. Go after your dreams and make today matter. Smiles to all and donut daze!

