Shadowplay - Wordless Wednesday

Boys Will Be Boys - A Different Perspective

I grew up with four younger brothers. Four boys who climbed trees, played with and captured bugs and who have more scars than you can count from bike and skateboard mishaps. Typical boys who always were in need of a bath, happy and dirty. 

When Spencer was born, I was so happy to have a little boy to experience all those moments with too. This time as a mother compared to the teenage sister who wished her naughty little brothers could stay clean for just one day.

This was not to be so however. If you have read my past posts about Spencer and his special needs, you will know that Spencer does not play appropriately or even have the know how or thought to do things most eight years have come naturally. 

I am an outdoors person. Give me sunshine and fresh air! Taking Spencer outside takes planning and constant activities to keep him interested. He LOVES going for walks and playing in his pool. That honestly is the extent of his interest. He has no idea what to do with himself outside. He never asks to go outside, never. He just doesn't think of it. Some days that in itself breaks my heart a little, it really does. 

Lately I have been exploring my photography skills, or lack thereof. This can be difficult most days as I try to find "subjects" around our yard or neighboring field while at the same time keeping Spencer occupied. 

A few days ago, I made the decision to go into the freshly cut field behind our house and take Spencer with me. I am so glad I gave it a try because my boy actually played and had so much fun! At first he just walked next to me wondering what we were doing and why we had to be so quiet. After a few minutes, he wandered further behind me, just walking in the field. I was so happy to have some time to take a few pictures! I could see him out of the corner of my eye, walking, looking bored as can be. Then I heard his laughter...and turned to see this beautiful sight!

What's so great about this? He is playing in a mud puddle, right?

Yes, but he is playing!! Like little boys should. Spontaneously!

 

 

Having the time of his life by the looks of it! I can imagine other moms possibly being upset over this. Dreading the mess and clean up. Telling their child to "Get out of there, right now!" I egged him on and took pictures! Sure did! Go Spencer. Be young and free. Enjoy "Being a boy". After all, at the end of the day, these are the moments we live for, the moments that no one but our children can give us.

Summer Goals

Summer finally decided to show itself for a few days this week here in Wisconsin. Spencer and I took advantage of the sunshine and spent as much time outside as we could. I set up Spencer's pool Sunday night out on the deck. As soon as I unrolled the pool to blow it up, Spencer was sitting in the middle of it as he does every year, not caring whether or not he had any water to play in. The smile on his face was priceless.

Swimming is one of the few things that keeps Spencer's interest. It pulls him away from the t.v. and boredom of being an only child that does not understand pretend play. He has never once done any pretend play. His idea of playing with toys may be spinning the wheels on a car or seeing how far that dump truck can make it across the room if he stands on his bed. So, my challenge is to find and explore new ideas to keep us busy besides the walks to the park we can't wait to start.

I am open to any ideas! He is very interested in computers and animation. Particularly if music is incorporated. His teachers use a touchscreen at school so I have done the same at home along with headphones to keep out distractions for him. He loves the Starfall website. His attention span while it has grown, is still only minutes at a time. For instance, if we get out the play dough, he may have already lost the great enthusiasm he JUST had by the time I have gotten the top off the first color. He will say "all done" and that is that!

I realize this is one of the most unorganized blog postings I have done. My boy may be sweet but he is complex. I never know quite where to start.

"I'm a cucumber, not a pickle.". Larry ~ Veggie Tales

Cuteness

Enough said...

Pweese

I have said before that Spencer while almost 6, is developmentally delayed with some autistic tendencies. He is, for the most part, a very happy engaging little boy. He doesn't communicate well including his needs or wants. For instance, I leave out one bowl and one cup within his reach so he can bring them to me if he is hungry or thirsty. His way of telling you what he needs is to take your hand or push you, gently, in the butt towards his goal and then say, "Pweese", or if appropriate "more". He is learning in his own time and in his own way. The key here is that he is learning.

Tonight we went for a walk down the street before dinner. Later, Spencer brought me his shoes and said, "pweese." He has NEVER ever done this before. When I put them on he pushed me towards the patio doors to go outside. I am thrilled! This was such a priceless surprise and one that makes my heart sing! I now realize I will need to leave a pair of his shoes available for him to use when communicating his wants to go outside. I am slightly obsessive about our shoes being put away, but would gladly leave every single pair (and I have a LOT) out if it means Spencer can "talk" to me about what he wants.

Had to share my Spencer's triumph.


I have unwillingly affected my child's interests. I love trees. Spencer has a habit of stopping by this tree every time we walk this way and taking time to appreciate it. It is one of the prettiest on the block.
I dread the day when he will be too old for me to carry and kiss and hug at will.

If you can say nothing else of me, you must admit, I have a killer fashion sense when it comes to stylin' shoes!

Spencer is outgrowing naps and after a day in the pool and a walk, he basically rolled over and passed out at bed time.

No Fail Stress Relief

At the end of a stressful workday, I am blessed to have this little man to help me wash away the turmoil of my rewarding yet overbearing job. No matter how tired and worn down/out I may feel, a walk with Spencer and it is a distant memory. His laughter as we walk down the street along with the smell of a neighbor's fresh cut grass or someone walking their dog (aren't all dogs in their own way adorable?) are not comparable to much in this world we live in. At least for me...

This is the Mom is slow and takes too many pictures look.
Skipping to the playground.


You still have that thing? I thought it's batteries would be dead by now.

No walk can be taken without these. Being my shallow self, I bought these because of the embroidered design on the side. No thought for comfort, as usual. They are called "casual shoes". Best walking shoes I have EVER had. New Balance, try them, you will not be disappointed!

Weekend Bliss

You know it was a good weekend when I haven't blogged for two whole days. Weekends whiz by much too fast in my opinion. I took a poll at work once to see if we could work weekends and have the week off, with the same pay of course. Didn't go over too well as you can imagine. I may have to look for a company with a more open mind when it comes to employee concerns.

Anywho, I have had much stress at work lately due to a market coming up AND a new price list being published. This price list, or as I have named it - Go Away Already, has thousands of formulas within it's 100 pages that I am solely responsible for. My boss, also the Vice President, helps by checking it's printout for me but that is the extent of my help. The market I mentioned takes place in Las Vegas in generates much needed business for us. I try to help our product, upholstered furniture, to sell by making up specials for our salesmen and saleswomen to use. I also make a very detailed list of the product along with pricing for them to use. I make tags that are displayed on every piece of furniture so our dealers visiting the showroom understand our newest product. I love doing this but not both items at once. Some days I feel like ripping off my clothes and running screaming from the room. This of course would cause all employees to quickly vacate and all hopes for help would be gone.

Weekends are my lifeline. Like a lily pad to frog, blood to a vampire or Will Smith's navel to my dreams..., essential and needed...I digress...

My cutie at the park today. He is very excited in talking up a storm here.

Mom, you are in my way!

He is such a polite boy. He is waiting permission to slide down.

Really working his arms to get up those steps. Therapy will like to hear this.

Oh, and Xander says, "What up, ya'll?"

Humidity

The past few days here it has been extremely humid. The only one not complaining is Xander. Tree frogs thrive on humidity, so he is in his glory. The rest of us move in slow motion and wear as little clothes as possible. This is scary on some parts of our street. Some of my neighbors should not wear spandex. It should be a city rule. I think Speedos and thongs should be outlawed as well. Speedos should never have been manufactured, I don't care who you are (courtesy of Larry the Cable Guy). Thongs are ok, when I don't have to look at my neighbor's as she meticulously paints her deck.

Spencer sheds his clothes on the living room floor as soon as he gets home for the day. Diaper attire is fine by me. It's when he decides the diaper has to go that we run into some issues!

I love his little belly. There was a day when I would have given anything to see that. So glad he has maintained a healthy weight.

This is what he does when I try to get a nice photo of him smiling. He really has the art of ignore down pat. He stays like this only blinking as I dance, sing and yodel around the room to get a response.

He finally has mercy on me and gets up and makes eye contact. Of course this involves not one but two balls flying at me. As I put the camera down to catch the balls, what happens. The cutest smile ever. Figures!

He often falls asleep like this. As if he is running and suddenly decides he is tired. I love the night mode on my camera. Better lighting than if the light had been on!

I sneak a quick kiss before I leave the room. He is too cute not too.

Sidewalk Races

Sunday was one of our first nice sunny days. John was putting together our new grill so I decided Spencer and I should take a walk down the street to this cute little bridge someone has set up at the end of the road. I have been eyeing it up waiting for a nice day to walk down there with Spencer. It is also a good time to work on boundaries with Spencer. Our road is not a very busy street yet has a sidewalk the full length. I am trying to teach Spencer the idea that other peoples' yards and the road are not areas he can go without adult supervision. I was so proud of how well he did staying on the sidewalk and listening when I told him to slow down. We must have run up and down the length of the road at least ten times. Not walking, running. Spencer feels walking is for other kids. He has boundless energy!

And we are off! The bridge is wayyyy down at the end.

Almost there. Mighty tough work, jogging, trying to take a picture and working on making sure Spencer stays within the boundaries of the sidewalk!

We made it!"You know, mom, if you ran faster, we could have made it here sooner."

"Follow me to the nearest Elmo movie!"

Wonderful Weekend

I wish weekends like this could go on forever. Stop time and continue to infinity. The weather was sunny and not too warm. I mean, heck, I had so much fun I didn't even blog for two days and that is a rarity. I took advantage of Spencer's playful mood and took a gazillion (one of my favorite non-words) pictures of him. If you haven't already noticed, I can never get enough photos of him. We grilled out, had friends over, played Wii and I put some more flowers out. My eyes are getting better every day and now I only look 90 instead of 100.



Did you do anything fun or enjoyable this weekend? Hope most of you didn't have to work today either. Back to the grind tomorrow...



Can't pass up the opportunity to get a back shot. I think I am going to make a collage of these.

Catch me mommy!

Are you going to play with me or take pictures all day?

We rolled plastic balls across the deck for what seemed like hours. Spencer likes the sound they make.

Spring Green

It rained last night and when I woke up this morning, the grass was a vibrant shade of green. This is my favorite time of the year. It seems for some unexplainable reason that my inner "self" parallels with the seasons. Is anyone else like this? I seem to come alive each spring along with the new grass, blossoms and buds. My mood lifts; my stress levels plummet. I would be content watching things grow and thrive all day. New plants or flowers or even animals' babies like the deer, birds and rabbits that frequent my backyard. This is with the exception of spiders. All spiders are evil and must not be allowed to breed or live. They know of my fear and talk in dark corners, thinking of ways to sneak up on me and then laugh in their webs as I howl and jump around as if on fire. I know you wanted to know this, right? My friend Pam likes spiders but then, she is "different" to begin with. I mean, she is my friend, she laughs at my jokes and eats the food I cook as if she likes it. What more can I say?




The view out my patio door at six this morning.

This tree will be beautiful and full this summer.

It is hard to hold a squirming child and take a picture at the same time.