Where Did The Sleep Go Tuesday

Owen slept all night, in his bed, after falling asleep later than normal. He woke up exhausted. I need to try to adjust our sleep schedule. Mine isn’t exactly the best either, falling asleep way past midnight most nights myself. I can tell in general sleep has been helping him though. He’s been able to focus more and express his thoughts. The art of repeat as I’ve always called it is still in full swing. You don’t just answer Owen one time or even ten times on a particular subject you answer it a hundred times or he will repeat a response to you a hundred times. It’s how he processes the moment. He needed to know his schedule this week. He wanted to know when he would see his grandma. He also needed to know if he was going to see his teacher and if he would ride the bus. He wants everything in order. He still hasn’t adapted to calendars or lists that we use. He wants the words. I hung a calendar up with his daily routine. He knows the days of the weeks, he can tell me what he does each day of the week, but he doesn’t understand the reference with the calendar. It will come. We’ve come so far already. He used to cover my hands when I would use sign language and any picture cards I would use got thrown on the floor. And for two days straight I’ve been able to put my hair up without him pulling it down or having a meltdown. He sees the world around him in picture mode. I have to look like mommy but we have been working on the transition of how mommy can look many different ways. I used to cry because he would come running across the room, yelling, and then pulling at my hair if I would even try to gather it on the top of my head. It’s been years since he’s seen my hair wet, but slowing I’m introducing him to the different ways he can see me. I don’t know if I am doing the process right but keeping the meltdowns at bay we’re always my top priority. It’s daunting and lonely some days trying to figure out which way to turn, governed by ever-changing rules of your child. All I want to do is hug his anxiety away, knowing that me holding my hair started the process. Today I’m stronger. I’m learning and growing, like Owen is. Together we are getting through life one step at a time. Know that you are not alone. Find your strength and keep moving forward. Smiles to all and donut daze!