Yesterday I was exhausted. I know, I know, what else is new? But seriously, I just wanted to relax and veg out after work. And since it was just Teo and me at home, I was praying he’d let me relax. He did.
Bed
After tidying up and feeding him, I went to relax on my bed. Normally, he’d give me tops 15-20 minutes before demanding my attention. And sure enough, about 15 minutes into my book, he came and said, “Please” and “Bed”. No, he wasn’t asking to go to sleep. It was only like 5:30. He was asking for his air mattress. I got up and went to help him get it – thinking he wanted it for the living room. But nope. He wanted it in mine.
I hesitated. A part of me just wanted to spend the entire evening in bed. After all, that’s my happy place. Me, bed, a glass of wine, and my kindle and I’m such the happiest of girls. But if I put the mattress in my bedroom, what if he wanted to sleep there? That meant at some point he’d probably end up sleeping in MY bed- which meant I wouldn’t get much sleep. Decisions. Decisions. Since it was so early, I gave in.
Candles & Dinner
About 10 minutes into my reading again, I looked up and he was handing me the ac remote. Then about 15 minutes later, he brings me a candle to light. Dude was on a roll. He was happy as a clam bouncing between my bed and the air mattress. Sitting on the mattress and looking at himself in the full length mirror and giggling. Coming to snuggle and pinch me.
Then he comes back with his ipad to ask for “Sausage”. I made it. Soon, he’s putting out all the lights around the house. Even came to drag me to the Christmas tree to plug that out too. Kid really wanted to enjoy the candles in my room. Of course, shortly after, he brings his ipad to ask for “Pizza”.
Date Night and Slumber Party?
After every request, he happily returned to my room to chill with momma. It was how we spent the entire evening until he finally fell asleep just before 11. Honestly, that’s about as quiet an evening as I can get with Teo. LOL.
I’m not complaining though. My teen hung out with me. He communicated his wants and needs. He was happy spending time with me and, in his own way, he was pretty social. I got snuggles and love. As I sat there watching him giggle with himself wondering as I usually do what the hell is going through his mind, I couldn’t help but smile. It might not seem like much to many, but to me? This is growth and improvement.
Optimistic
A couple years ago, I didn’t think we’d be here. He’s making so many requests – trying to communicate using words, his ipad and sign. He’s social – enjoying being around others. He’s eating so much more of a variety of food. Yeah, I head into 2022 with no real complaints. Teo and I have grown a lot in the past two years (no smarta$$ comments about my weight, please!). Seriously, I’m honestly excited to see where we will go in 2022…
Happy New Year! Be Safe. Be Happy. Be Ready to continue our work for true inclusion….
Love this!!! And you will continue seeing more and more improvements in Teo!!! He’s such a smart young man and he will show you that he can do so much more! I believe in him! In the meantime, keep being that wonderful MOM that you have been! Happy New Year!