Abby-bird gets the Worm

We all woke up late this morning and sure enough, here we are running late and Abby climbs into bed with me for a snuggle. I learned a long time ago that when Abby decides she wants to snuggle, you had better take her up on the offer, because it could be a while before you get the opportunity again. She was so sweet pushing her nose against mine and looking into my eyes for a few moments, before she'd look away and giggle. From what I understand about Autism, this is a rare occurrence and yet I am fortunate that Abby seems to regard it as a sort of game she plays with me. These are some of my favorite moments.


It was actually a miraculous morning. Generally when we are in a hurry, Abby fights me at every turn. She is a creature of habit and she does not like to be rushed. Who does? But this morning she cooperated in every way and not only did we get outside to meet the bus on-time, but we were early enough that I was able to snap a few photos while we waited.


I often take my camera outside to wait for the bus. You never know what will present itself for a photo. I was focusing in on the new green growth that the previously naked tree was displaying, not paying much attention as Abby searched the ground beside me for new dead leaves to smuggle into the house.


I heard her talking away about something and when I finally looked, she held her hand up to me and said, "The worm is wiggling! It's so cute!"


This is my little girl who FREAKS out when anything sticky, slimy or dirty is on her hands. They've been gardening at school and her teachers have said that she likes the lessons, but does not like getting her hands dirty. And here she is holding a WORM up to me telling me how "cute" it is. She surprises me daily. In this case, I think it's the cutest bird who gets the worm.

All the World's a Stage

I had some shopping to do today, so Bean (my 18 month old son) and I were already in the car listening to Fresh Air on NPR when Abby arrived off of the bus from school. She is always excited when she gets off of the bus and hears "the news" (NPR) coming from the car, because it means we are off for a drive.

Abby loaded up into the car, happy to sift through the various books, toys, papers and dead leaves that she keeps in the backseat between her booster seat and Bean's car seat. She loves leaves. Probably more than I'd like her to. Don't get me wrong. I love leaves too. But I prefer them to be green and still attached to trees. Abby prefers dead, crispy leaves with stems attached so she can twirl them in her fingers. If we let her, she would collect every leaf from outside and bring it inside with her. We indulged her for a while, letting her bring in one or two at a time, but soon we were finding them everywhere. In her bed. In the bathrooms. In the toy boxes. Under the dining table. On the couch. And all it takes is one tantrum with a leaf in hand and she will shred that leaf much faster than any of us can clean up.

So, back to shopping. We went to Target and I let her choose a cheap item from the dollar toy bins. She chose a plastic microphone that makes an echo effect that does seem amplified just enough to be cool, but not enough to drive the parents crazy.

She was so cute with that microphone. Singing all over the store! Every song she knows. Needless to say people on every aisle were remarking on how cute she was. Stopping to listen. From little old ladies to teenagers. I have to admit. My heart was a gooey pile of mush as well.

I've mentioned that Abby is high functioning Autistic. She talks. She sings. She smiles. She makes eye contact. She hugs. We are very, very, very fortunate. So many Autistic kids might never do this. I count my blessings for this every day and try to remember it when I am in my darkest times trying my best to parent her through the outbursts and tantrums.

























Abby loves music. She has quite a repertoire of music in her head already. I'll write more about that later. But for now, here is a video of her singing Sunday-Monday into her microphone. I heard her talk more today than I have in a while. Who knew all it would take was a plastic microphone that cost $1.99.