My dear sweet Ruby Violet,
Today (ok well 6 days ago) you are 55 months old. Every day we creep closer and closer to FIVE, which truly blows my mind. FIVE it seems so grown up! But we've got months before we get there, so I won't think on that now.
This month has been one of wonder for you. You've been singing more, many times to songs you haven't heard in a long time, and lately often without any music on at all, you'll break out into songs that sometimes I recognize and sometimes I don't. Sometimes when you get particularly excited about a part of a song, it comes out in a screechy scream, which while funny, is also quite loud.
A few days ago we were listening to the I am Sam soundtrack, when Blackbird came on. It's a song I've sung to you since before you were born, and has proven to be a song all about you. You insisted that we listen to it over and over and over, and you sang along, making me cry big fat tears of joy and gratitude for your very existence.
We've spent a lot of time at OMSI, the Children's museum and other various indoor play places this month trying to fill the long cold hours of the afternoon after many sleepless nights. Yep, your sleep is all over the place again, which makes for a very tired mama, but you're also going through a language explosion so I'll deal. You've started using scripts from your favorite books and videos, and while it's not always useful language, it's new language and I encourage what it will bring. Besides, it's pretty funny to hear you act out a Super Grover skit.
Swing time is still a huge favorite. You love to have someone to interact with you while you're swinging, many times playing peek a boo, or singing songs or counting. It's pretty fun stuff.
The annual false spring has arrived here in Portland, so the temperatures have inched out of the 40s and the winds have receded so the bulbs are sending up shoots and the children are set free to play out doors again
Don't worry, we'll get another cold snap, and it will rain almost every day from now until June 15th, but we take advantage of the good days and reacquaint ourselves with the best playgrounds and the sweetest nature walks.
SInce you're going to be FIVE in June, you're officially old enough for kindergarten. I can't tell you how much that freaks me out! I will have a kindergartner? HOW? WHAT? WHEN? Kindy for you won't be as simple as it is for some of your peers. We've begun the process of writing your IEP (Individual Education Plan) and mama is getting acquainted with Portland Public Schools services coordinators and how this will all work out. I've heard it can be a difficult process, and that it's not family centered, and that you never get what you want. Well I guess they haven't met me yet, have they. They don't realize that I won't step aside and let you (or any kid for that matter) get less than they need and deserve. Mama can be pretty nice, but she can also be pretty loud and assertive when it comes to her people, and you my sweet girl are one of my most favorite people.
I'm realizing as I go through this kindergarten process that the world is a tough place for a kid with Autism. I'm doing my best to make it a soft place for you to be, and to surround you with people who want to see you succeed. I sometimes wish I could slow this whole world down, as it moves a bit faster than you can handle, but I can't and I'm doing my very best to keep our little world turning at just the right pace for you.
Again and again and again, Mama