Dear Addie,
And just like that, summer seems to be in the rearview mirror. I mean, other than the fact that it was freakishly hot here in NC and was nearly 100 degrees this week, but I digress. Clara and Gabe have been back to school for a while now, and it's just you and me for a few more weeks before you become a big 8th (gulp) grader.
Now as much as I'd like to own the title of super fun, activity-planning Instagram-worthy mama, I still have everyday household chores and errands to run, so as best as I can we make everything as fun, yet educational as possible - because just about everything has a learning opportunity right?!
Get hyped, we're running errands! Exciting I know.
Let's take the Dump for example - we inevitably find ourselves here at least once a week (usually with cardboard). The bins are designed with a number system: Garbage #3, Cardboard #2, Metal #1. Now not being, let's just say the cleanest of places to visit, I have you stay in the car and point to which number you think I need to go to with whatever I am holding. This is probably our most challenging real-life matching game, but you are definitely getting better at it and when you get it right you stim with excitement. Who knew the Dump was so fun?!
Next up is the car wash or what feels like the hurricane version of "It's a Small World" from Disney. The steady flow on the track almost feels like being in the little boat from the ride and all the fun colors dropping down on the windows brings great joy to you. I'm not sure when your affection for the carwash switched but when you were a baby it wasn't nearly as exciting as you find it now. You even help vacuum after! Yes Vacuum! Which you hate in any other environment, but that high-powered carwash vac is the bee's knees to you, so after you're done using it to suck your hands, legs, feet, and shirt - you will run it past the floor in an attempt to at least look like you're cleaning. A great time is indeed had, but you have questionable vacuuming skills, my dear. I'm on to you Ad.
The next errand we like to run is "The Store" as you call it or the grocery store. You love this because you have a very important job to do on each visit and if you're good you get a Gatorade ;) But I need to back up a bit to talk about your "job" and why it's your job. Heads up, it's gonna get deep for a minute. You see Addie, parenting a child with different needs like yourself can feel pretty scary sometimes, especially if they are prone to elopement like yourself. My worst fear is you will elope and won't be able to give anyone information on who you are or where you came from. Now we've tried a lot of different devices, bracelets, tags, you name it, truth, you are MacGyver so they all come off in one way or another. The reality is we just needed to hone in on you knowing your name and perhaps more importantly your phone number when asked. Now anyone walking this journey knows that's easier said than done, particularly for nonverbal kiddos. Ok, the deep parts are done. Last year by your second week at your new school you were able to do both. Now having said that you say your name is "Miss Addie" which I giggle at every time, and I know that's not how you were taught as you added that all on your own. A girl that demands respect - I love it lol! Your phone number is not something that we talk about all the time so we discovered ways to keep practicing it and "The Store" is one of those places as it's attached to my shopping rewards where you manually type it in at the check out. Insert your important job and a job you do with absolute perfection!
Addie, for the next few weeks it is just the mommy and "Miss Addie" show. We might not have extravagant plans every day, but we will make the best out of every day.
Forever proud of you.
Mom
댓글