Another store "conquered"

This evening, on our way home from his music class, Ian and I stopped by BJ's.  We just joined this past summer, so he had not been yet.  I used to take him to Costco (which is very similar, but busier) when he was younger.  But the last few times we went he had a hard time with the long check out lines and the noise level.  BJ's is a nice alternative.  It's not as loud or crowded, and they even have self check-out that goes really quick.  After his initial reluctance to enter a new place, he relaxed and actually said hi to several of the other customers.  All in all it was a good experience and I think we can add BJ's to our list of Ian-friendly places!

An Up and Down Day

I could tell when Ian got off the bus that his day at school had probably not been a good one.  He was chomping down hard on his chewelry and he looked kind of frazzled.

The note from Mrs. Penrod confirmed my fears.  She said it was his first rough day of the year, that he was struggling all day.  Since she mentioned that he was covering his ears a lot, I gave him some Tylenol and some juice and let him chill for awhile.

But then he started giving me a hard time, and I had to break bad on him.  We had a little confrontation, and he finally calmed down and we made peace.  Then we went to music class.  I didn't realize until we were half-way there that I'd forgotten his afternoon meds.  Aaagh!  But he seemed to do fine in music class, even if he was a little more boisterous than usual.

So, on the way home I bought him Wendy's for dinner.  Rob had made spaghetti and I was fixing myself a plate as Ian was wolfing down his meal.  He saw the pasta and asked for some.  I put it on his plate and he ASKED FOR A FORK AND HE USED IT!  This is huge.  Usually he just picks it up and shovels it in, which is why he doesn't get pasta often.  But, he ate a big serving, all with the fork.  Now, he was still a mess when he finished, but I didn't care.  He ate something different with no bribery, and he used a utensil.  I'll take it!

St. Giles' Gate

The special needs program at our church started the Fall session yesterday.  This is a fairly new program, and so far we only have two participants.  Ian is one and Nicky is the other.  Nicky is at the other end of the autism spectrum, and I love having Ian interact with him.  Nicky  is a big brother at home, and even though he is younger than Ian, he applies that same dynamic with him.

Ian and Nicky after class in the Parish Hall

Over the summer one of the classes talked about Noah's Ark.  Ian was focused on "cats" and at the end of the lesson the whole class went to see the stained glass window by the front door.  Nicky was very excited to find a cat (or something sort of like one) in the window and to point it out to Ian.  It was so awesome!

While the boys are in class, Nicky's mom and I have a chance to chat and talk about the challenges we have with our boys.  Although the boys are in very different places, we share a lot of the same worries and concerns.  But we also share some of the quirky and endearing things they do.  I treasure that time.

Ian and Nicky

At the end of the class, the boys come out to get us and we all have communion.  It is a modified version, designed to be brief and meaningful to the children.  Instead of wafers and wine, there is homemade bread and apple juice.  Although Ian is not able to read along with the prayers, I am so impressed with how quietly and respectfully he sits.  I think he senses that this is a special time.  The priest and the teachers do an amazing  job with this program, and I am so thankful for it.  And I'm thankful that Nicky and Ian are now friends.