Happiness

Recently I had a conversation with my sister-in-law who also has a son with autism. We were discussing how we do too much for our boys that they could really do themselves. Prior to that conversation I had been trying to teach the bug to do some things for himself including taking his dish to the sink when he is finished. They really are simple tasks that I have just done for him thinking it was easier and faster. But I have come to the realization that in the long run, it doesn't help him learn if I do it for him. So my sis in law and I are both trying to focus on letting them do things for themselves.

It is wonderful to watch because I feel like he is in a very teachable spot right now. He actually listens to what I say some of the time! So I am celebrating the fact that he now can put his dish in the sink with out being asked. He just says "all done" and does it! I can actually get him to sit at the table and eat! That is a huge thing! Usually he eats on the run.

Another celebration is that he is making his own bed! I have to help him, but everyday he is doing better and better. He is also dressing himself too ! He has been able to do this for a long time, but again sometimes I would do it to save time. I have just determined that I need to let him do it.

These celebrations are simple things, but they make me so happy and proud of my little bug. He is such a light and does the sweetest things. On Saturday we were leaving the grocery store and as I was holding his hand he put his one arm around his big brother and his brother did the same in return. So the walked out of the store and through the parking lot like this. It was such a precious moment. It was one of those moments that I wish I could freeze time. I wish I would have taken a picture!!!

The last thing I wanted to share is that he has started this new thing where after he draws a picture he wants to display it on the wall. He started on Saturday with just a couple and he would pass his masterpieces with a look of satisfaction. Last night he did several, and so we have pictures on the fridge, on two closet doors on walls in the living room and in his room. As he was getting ready for school this morning he kept glancing over and smiling at his accomplishment.

I wanted to show some of his drawings he had us put up, but my camera is broken. So these are just pictures from my cell phone, but they are still cute!