Hi there!

The world at times is a wonderful and inspiring place. For our family, the world was much more than that this week. Our son made sure that it was by quite simply achieving more than anyone thought he could at this point.

Not only has he continued with his counting, he now counts everything (up to three, then he starts over.) He’s learned that holding up his fingers and extending them one at a time is the perfect chance to practice this new skill, and even though he hasn’t figured out how to extend his index finger, he’s begun counting from his little finger backward. It’s still counting to three, which is an accomplishment for any two and-a-half year old, let alone a child with autism.

Yesterday in therapy he completed every single task. This is a first for Lil’ B., who has a severe aversion to both puzzles and books. This time however, he sat through the book and completed the puzzle with a bit of help from Miss Sandra and his mother, who was lucky enough to have the day off. The look of accomplishment in his eyes was enough to make this particular father beam with pride.

In the past few days our son has become completely annoying. He either wants to monopolize 100% of your time and attention or he is argumentative, willful and prone to tantrums when he does not get what he wants. In shot, he’s acting like every normal 2 year old, which is something we were not ready for but can’t complain about. We were never sure he’d act like an average child at all, so even though the terrible two’s aren’t what we were hoping for as a first look at his personality, it’s a welcome view nonetheless.

He is, in fact, acting so much like a normal two year old that last night when I told him that it was not time to play with his blocks, his response was “Yes Blocks!” This went on for a while, finally terminating with the bag of blocks being hurled across the living room (by Lil, B.) and a trip to sit in his room and think about just why it’s not OK to throw blocks at your mother (enforced by me, as mom was in no state to deal with him at the moment.) The terrible two’s at their worst! I love it!

The topper for the week happened last night. I was siting outside enjoying a bit of peace, quiet and nicotine (Don’t start. I don’t smoke around my family or other people that are uncomfortable with it. Take the consideration for what it is… I value their lives and yours.) Lil’ B. had been running up to the door and waving “hi”, which is new for him. Apparently my attention was drawn away from the door, so I didn’t see him make a return trip to wave.

Then I heard what is probably the most wonderful thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Out of the blue, in a very clear voice my son shouted “Daddy! Hi!” and waved like a madman.

I was too shocked to wave back, but I made it up to him with lots of love and tickles.

That’s it in a nutshell. I’d love to prattle on, but for now the housework and work-work beckons and i must go.

Peace, I’m out.