Everything is washed mom and I did it all by myself.

This morning captain hurricane barreled up the stairs and jumped in our bed. Loudly he exclaimed, “Mom, is it time for you to get up now”? I partially opened one eye and checked the clock. Just as I had suspected, it was only 4:47am. “NOPE” I whispered.

This went on for another hour or so.  Every time there would be a lull in his movement (he crawled into our bed and began rocking back and forth which is a form of stimming he uses when he wants to calm himself down) I would think to myself “ahhhh, he fell back to sleep” only to be reminded a mere 45 seconds later that he was still wide awake and rocking. Oh and now he’s singing. Excellent. The dogs are barking? Of course they are. Husband is snoring and oblivious? Yes indeed!

Finally he jumps up and says “Mom, I’m a big boy, I can get all ready by myself, I will be right back”. I lie there listening to the familiar sounds of assorted daily grooming. My mind is already racing. I hope he remembers to change his underwear, he better brush ALL of his teeth and not just the front ones. I had to stop myself several times from busting in the bathroom and doing it for him as I have so many times in an effort to save time….and my sanity. I always want him to look his very best, he is a reflection of his father and I after all. If he goes to school with a crusty face or jacked up breath it is US that will look bad, not him. I am not having him be the gross unkempt kid in school. Dude’s got enough going against him, ya feel me?

 I laid there forcing myself to “let him be”. By my estimation, he did spend the right amount of time in the bathroom to have properly taken care of the goal. He came back in to my room and stood next to my bed.

“Mom, I am all dressed. I did it all by myself and everything is on right. Even my shirt is not backwards! I washed my hands, brushed my teeth and washed my face. Everything is washed mom and I did it all by myself”.

I smiled, hugged him so tight and laughed while repeating his words “everything is washed mom”. I felt proud in that moment. 7:00 am and I was exhausted and already overwhelmed but I was PROUD. Yes, he is going to be 14 this Saturday and yes, I know that dressing and grooming ones self is something that 5 year old's should be able to do with ease. 

We are not talking about 5 year old's here. We are talking about my sweet boy who Autism, ADHD & OCD cannot stop and who once again has proven to me that if I give him a little room to spread his wings - he will soar.