It was going to be a long, busy weekend. Events were planned for Friday night, Saturday AND Sunday. I was apprehensive. How was James going to make it through all of it, especially after a full week of school and therapy?I should have known better. James was, as ever, the penultimate trooper. Friday was the easiest. We were going out to a swank party for our friend's 50th birthday party while James stayed home with Grandma and Grandpop. Not only was he an angel boy, he was in bed by 8 PM. PERFECT! He needed his rest for the next day. A birthday party in New Jersey. Thankfully it was outside (as James tends to get obsessed with their massive stairs) in an enclosed yard with swings and balls and a bouncy pit. The hostess even hired an autistic-friendly "fun bus" (like an OT gym on wheels). James wasn't keen on the bus, but when he saw the sweet gals who ran it, he changed his mind. It is amazing that he is so swayed by beauty! As requested, he completed all the "tasks" (mini trampoline, rock wall, slide) but then wanted to get off. Funny, unlike the other kids, he saw the "fun bus" as work. He preferred to run around the yard and play catch. After pizza, it was getting chilly and they were moving the party inside. Since James isn't a cake boy, (and since we started from Brooklyn and had another party the next day), we took the opportunity and headed down to the beach house. Just in time to pick up Dad at the bus stop! Now the next day was the BIG test. It was his new cousin's christening. We already decided to forgo the church. Why test his patience and risk diverting attention from this important event? Besides, this way, James could become comfortable with the house before it filled with people. And it worked! My in-laws have an adorable cozy house with lots of rooms and stairs and James made himself quite at home. So while the baptism took place, we wandered around and checked everything out. Unfortunately, he set himself up in the living room and wanted to watch his DVD. Since he had already made it through Saturday without movies, I allowed it. It gave him something to concentrate on as the house filled with "strangers." I sat at the foot of the couch for most of the afternoon too. These two "tricks" really helped to ease him. He occasionally got up and wandered or got a tortilla chip from the buffet. I know he was apprehensive as he kept catching my eye as he roamed, but he DID it. No whining, no hiding, no having to isolate or calm him. He took trips to the potty without issue too. While having James in a corner watching TV is not ideal, it is progression. When these guys had their engagement party, James began howling immediately and we left before it really began. At their wedding, we lasted about 20 minutes more (although I must lay some of the blame with the late hour and the well-intending but tipsy party-goers). I am also sure that it helped that there was a beautiful young lady with brunette ringlets who gave him lots of attention and had no qualms about filling his silences during their "conversations." Is "cousin-in-law" a term? Sounds too distant or clinical for the appreciation that I feel for this little girl who helped my son feel comfortable and his mom feel "normal."
All in all, I think the weekend was a resounding success! That said, THANK GOD we have no plans for this weekend. Mom and Dad need a little relaxation time!
