Mother-Daughter Day was great!

Ronin and Daddy were gone for most of the day at his T-ball practice, pool time, and running errands. I haven’t had a day with just CiCi and I in months!!  I took her to our condo pool for a few hours. She loves observing everyone in the pool and waving hi to all the kids passing by. She does a great job walking inside the pool which helps her core strength and then floating on her pool noodle to get those legs kicking.  When she said “all done”, we relaxed in the jacuzzi before heading back up home. After lunch, I took her to the park so she can go run around and play.  But instead, she took my hand and we walked around the entire perimeter of the park, went on the swings, and slides until she verbalized she was “all done”.  During our walks, I asked her what she was thinking, how she was feeling, what did she enjoy most about the pool, and I got smiles or a cute eye glance as we keep walking…I wish I knew what was going on inside her head.  Going to the park and walking around is something she hasn’t done willingly in a few months.  She’s been having tantrums during her transitions lately, so this was such a happy day for her and for me! I used the PECS system so I can show her what the schedule was from place to place and that I think that has helped alot!!

After dinner CiCi went to her usual spot by the window and watched the world go by.  She can spend hours sitting here watching people come and go. I often sit next to her in silence – because  I don’t know what else to say and although I know she loves hearing our voices….I’d love to hear hers too.  I don’t know what she really wants, or likes – sometimes she looks unhappy  and I don’t know why – I don’t even know her favorite color or song.  My reality as a mom and her advocate is to be patient for vast amounts of time. Be patient when she refuses to walk the direction I want her to, be patient when she doesn’t want to go places we want to go – be patient when she doesn’t play “functionally” with her toys and throws it all over the place.  And it’s not always easy being patient.  I have to pick and choose my battles. I do get frustrated. And when I do show it, I sometimes get a big eyed look that reminds me how unfair this all is.

I’m thankful that today was a great day. No tantrums. Our PECS schedule worked today. She held my hand throughout the park and took me for a walk.  I asked her questions about how she is feeling…and she smiled and held my hand. Although I don’t know what she was thinking about when she was looking out the window today, I do know that today was a great day and her hugs and smiles proved it.