Gardening, goofing off and autism

I've been having some lovely times with B. lately. He is determined to jump with two feet off of the ground, so we stand in front of the mirror and jump together. We also do a sped-up type of jogging, which I think is inspired by the Wiggles. He loves to be swung back and forth with my arms under his armpits, watching himself in the mirror (although I don't know how long my back can keep that up). I feel connected to him when we do these sorts of things. He'll look right at me and smile, and maneuver me into a position to keep me doing what he wants. If I work at it, I can get him to say "jump" or "swing", but sometimes I'd rather let him enjoy what we're doing.

I was just saying to someone that B. doesn't name his letters anymore. I figured he still knows them, but has moved on to other things. Then tonight in the bathtub, he started picking up foam letters, saying the name, and throwing it into the air behind him. He may not do it again for months, but it was nice to hear it. A little trip down memory lane.

I can't even begin to say all the things G. is doing lately. Naming his colors, trying to count things, giving me kisses. He also sometimes calls some of his ducks "mommy" and "daddy", but still not his actual mom and dad.


J. is doing great at school, and giving me a real run for my money at home. He is so jealous of any time I spend with the twins. But when I try to take him somewhere for special "mommy time", he wants to bring the twins. I can't figure him out, but I'm trying hard to stay calm and understand what he needs.