Great Expectations

I was running today, without tunes because I had to keep an eye on Jax on the playground. Without tunes, my mind tends to wander and today was no exception. I began to think about what I expect from Jackson, and what I expect from Callahan. I thought about what I know other parents with special needs kids expect from their kids and what parents of "normal" kids expect too. It occurred to me, that most times, parents of "special" kids want their children to be treated the same as other kids. I mean, if my son isn't listening, I expect you to call him on it. If he's doing something he shouldn't, please let him know that it isn't acceptable. In all these ways, I want my son treated like other kids, so in what UNIVERSE is it OK to not treat him like other kids? In what universe is it acceptable and appropriate to pigeon-hole him and determine that he will just reach "this far". Like the all powerful Oz knows just how far he will reach? Really? Really. I'm tired--can you tell?

Cheap Plastic Pooh Rings

Jackson came home from school today and did his usual: drop the book bag, lose the coat and get a snack. Then he came to me to show me his Pooh & Piglet rings. I asked, "Where did you get the rings?" He replied, "Joe"
So, I'm wondering to myself if this is right; check his bag to see if there is a note from the teacher, then can't help myself calling her.
Turns out, there was a birthday celebrated in his class today. We decided it was quite likely that Joe decided to give Jackson his ring so he could have Pooh & Piglet. How sweet is that?
And, how awesome that Jackson actually communicated with me about something that happened at school relatively spontaneously!
Happy Day!

"Get in the Game"

Tonight was the 4th and 5th grade music program at the elementary. I am without words to express how proud of Jackson I am. It was an event full of triumph, a testament to how far he has come.

Others may not appreciate the significance of the fact that he was able to sit patiently, listen to others perform and be quiet and still. He did this for the first 20 minutes of the show. Prior to the show starting, I was able to "drop him off" at his classroom with his teacher and his peers. I honestly never imagined I would be able to leave him and have him be THAT independent. And, God bless those kids in his class; kids he's grown up with, kids who understand and accept him, kids who look out for him and include him. They were signing each other's shirts and a couple of the kids actually asked him to sign their shirt and asked to sign his....

Let me just bask in that for a moment. Wow!

I was very proud of how he was able to follow the steps and songs, how he managed to hold it together when the crowd applauded. I was teary-eyed as they sang "I am a champion". The message was basically, in my own way I am a champion.

There just aren't words for how much this gave back to us. We were actually able to invite his grandparents to come and see him sing. Just like other kids, parents and grandparents we had a "normal" night. I sat next to my mom and really couldn't believe it. My son has come soooo far. I am just soooo very proud of his accomplishment and so very grateful to all the people who helped bring him here!

Print contains the message

I teach reading, all day, everyday to kids struggling to learn to read.
The ironic thing is that I cannot teach my own son to read.
Sure, we've been working on it for years but somehow, it just hasn't clicked yet.

Today, Jackson cut out a Wubbzy picture from one of his magazines.
Then he glued it into a notebook and wrote:
"C B P T W W"
as he was writing he said, "look at pirate wubbzy" very deliberately.
This is HUGE!!!!
I'm thrilled that he's 'getting' print contains a message! I *think* he's even got about 50% sound symbol correct in his recording. I'm elated that he choose this activity on his own and wasn't prompted to "write" something.
How exciting that he is beginning to grasp the value of print!

Pine Wood Derby

Last weekend was Jackson's last Pine wood Derby competition as a cub scout.

He did a great job, and know's "the drill". I'm including a couple of pictures. He finished right in the middle of the group and we were pleased he had fun.

This year, we used a "skin" from Hobby Lobby instead of the mess of painting (actually Jax preferred the skin, he didn't want to paint it). For the record, that skin was a major pain and I wouldn't use one again, but Jack was pleased with his car and it did well.

I can't believe we're 'done' with cub scouts.

Update

Jackson has been feeling a bit punky lately. We went to visit the doctor (whom we both love dearly) only to find out there isn't an ear, nose or throat infection. So, he's basically just got a bug. I'm reminded, again, how limited his communication is. He isn't able to say, "Mom, I just feel like crap, nothing in particular hurts." Which would have saved me the $40 office visit, but I'm happy to pay to know it's just a bug.

He's been thrilled to get outside and play a bit more, though he didn't much this weekend. Earlier this week it was warm enough for him to shoot hoops, swing on the swing set and generally run around the yard.

We're excited that this summer he's going to be a bat boy on a youth league team for the first time. I'm certain he'll be excited to be part of a team again. He's going to love being at the park, I'm just hoping he'll understand his role on the team. Thank goodness he's working with a willing coach and caring kids who will support him.

Daylight savings time is kicking our butts...what kid wants to go to bed when it's still light out? And, by the way, how do you help a kid that already struggles with sleep issues to adjust to 1 hour less in the night? I just don't get it...