More Observations

Today Zachary and I went outside to water the garden in the backyard. We discovered that Sandy had thrown his automatic watering system in the yard (the ones you get at Walmart). So I went to pick up the two pieces of the base and was re-attaching them. In the meantime, Zachary had walked over to where Sandy had thrown the plastic top part that holds the water, carried all the way to the front of the steps, turned it upside down, grabbed the hose, and was attempting to try to fill it up although he didn't know how to twist the handle to make the water come out. Wow!

I just don't think about how much he actually takes in when he watches me do things. I'm glad he likes to help. I'm trying to take advantage of that as much as I can. He would still rather throw the towels on the ground that I have folded than help with that...but...one chore at a time :)

So many sweet moments of Mommy-hood. I'm starting to look more forward to the next Baby....but we're not pregnant yet, just to clarify :)

Observant Little Ones

I say it all the time but it's true. Children grow so fast and surprise us all the time with how much they know. Zachary observes much more than I realize.

It was just last week that Zachary and I were hanging around upstairs on a cold morning not long after Scott left for work. We read books, played with various toys, banged on a few of Mommy's instruments and were lounging around. I was learning to work with our new ATT set up and using the upstairs remote in the process. Well of course, every 18 month old toddler would like the colorful, new looking remote that Mommy is using as opposed to the old, gray and black remote that he's seen every day he can remember. So Zachary would try to get me to hand him the one I was using, but I on the other hand tried to get him to use that colorless gray one. Instead of getting upset and throwing a fit like he's done in the past, he takes off, turns around, and slides down the stairs on his tummy.

"Okay??" I thought to myself.

A few minutes later Zachary returned from downstairs with a remote that matched the same one I was using which goes to the downstairs TV. I remember the sudden surprise that overcame me when I realized what he was holding in his hands. I congratulated him and praised him for his observation. We both sat on the floor and were both happy at that point with our colorful remotes.

Adult students with Mental Retardation Very Informed about Election

A music therapist sent a story out to our music therapy list serve about her adult students with mental retardation in her social skills class. I found it very moving and inspiring.

I've quoted her story below:



"I taught my social skills class today like I usually do (adults with
mild retardation; one or two with moderate retardation) and it was a
great experience; our theme of course was Election Day. All but one
voted (she is a Canadian citizen and so can't vote obviously). These
folks, even given their cognitive limitations, were far better
informed and asked better questions than most people. We walked about
how in other countries women often don't have the rights they do in
the US; and Amanda brought up that in some countries; people with
disabilities are killed or at best ignored. Touchy subject...so I
asked "why do you think it is that way?" Luigi said "because in those
countries they think people with disabilities are worthless and cost
too much money in education and services". This from a person with
autism......I told them I did not agree, and people in the US did not
agree generally with that--that people with disabilities can and do
contribute--just like they do. They knew most of the names of the
elected officials in our state (the main ones) and a lot of the
cabinet members. Made me want to study and read more as I realize I'm
not always as informed as I should be. These guys keep me on my toes!
I have a lot of respect for them.

Then we set up and decorated for a "get out the vote" luncheon and it
looked great when we were done. It is for everyone in the building
where these classes are held (the rest of the building are various
professional offices; so all those folks were invited to lunch.

Kathleen"