Big step back

Both boys struggled with therapy today. Summy went back to his repetitive "looping" patterns, and Jack cried he got so frustrated with himself. I admit, I was pretty freaking frustrated myself.

There's always tomorrow, right? It can't always be sunshine blowing up my ass, I suppose...

I cried.

Summy rode the carousel today. He seemed slightly nervous but after picking out his horse color (they both chose brown) he made whinnying sounds and seemed super excited while we waited for the ride to begin. It started to move and he cracked a huge grin. (A far cry from a few months ago when we went for Mother's Day. Summy cried "I'm scared, all done!" as the ride was going, but we couldn't obviously get off.) A few times today he said "I got you" which in Summy's world is SPD speak for "my propriceptive and vestibular systems are in overdrive" But when it was over he said "more?" and cried as we got off. Being able to ride the carousel at the zoo was one of Summy's 4 goals for our therapy "burst" that we are currently in. I could not be prouder. I feel like my heart will burst.

After spending the day at the waterpark, we learned a new goal we might make for both boys will be regarding the water. I'd love to see them be able to enjoy it more.

What a huge step today!

SPD breakthroughs

3 breakthroughs my SPD kids made in the last 24 hours:

Jack:
-climbed a rock wall at the playground without falling off. Realized when he reached an unsafe part.
-played in the rice in a sensory tub
-helped his brother today go down the tall slide at the playground

Summy:
-Went down a tall curly slide by himself after only one time going down with David!!!
-Initiated a kiss tonight at the playground and before bed
*** This is a HUGE ONE!!! Went on a spinning merry go round at the playground tonight!!!

I am so proud. Summy is like a different kid!

Pictures from the 4th

Too many to choose from, as always. I'll share the morning pics from the parade at my mom's house. We spent the evening at my Papaw's and the boys loved the fireworks. Hope your fourth was filled with as much joy as ours was!

Meet my new baby

I applied for a grant/scholarship and was accepted into a week long guitar class through Duquesne University. Today was my first day. We walked in, were given numbers, and they drew from a hat. We got to walk up to a huge table and choose a guitar to keep from TONS of makers...Martin, Taylor, Fender... I got this AMAZING Michael Kelly. I am SO EXCITED! It's my new baby! I went to guitar center tonight and picked it out its own stand and gig bag! LOL!

By the end of the week, I plan to fully rock out on it. I can't believe how much better I can play after one day!!!

Looky looky, we've got a swingset!!

We went from this...




to this




to this!



I am about to go wake the boys up so they can try it out. They are going to be SO excited! I am also happy that Summy will have a chance daily now to attempt going down the slide, and swinging!

Sensory Processing for Mom?

Two wonderful updates for you:

Yesterday Jack tolerated getting in the ball pit for the first time during therapy.
Today Summy did as well!

Albeit during Jack's therapy today when he accidentally got shaving cream on his hand, he freaked out and ran like a hysterical mess around the room, but I think it's huge progress! Jack is also climbing down a ladder better, putting one foot at a time instead of missing rungs, hanging, and falling.

I hosted a ton of friends for book club Monday night and Shannon was so kind as to leave her puppy chow behind. The boys couldn't be happier!



Today during Jack's session the therapist put on some "sensory listening." It was freaking me out. Music with muted channels, things going on in the background, and distortion. It literally made me sick to my stomach. Perhaps I need some therapy myself??