Pet Rocks [England is evil 8]
Sometimes I think we can be more direct as bloggers at the weekend, when traffic is lower, maybe more rambling, perhaps less slick and maybe more frank?
After several aborted attempts he is eventually lured onto the beach, despite the sand. I cannot fathom the derivation, but the new game, of his own making, works a treat. After nearly an hour of this play, it would be easy to think that his retrieval skills are unmatched.
His phrase is, “I went digging and guess what I found?” whereupon he presents me with a rock with an exceptionally surprised expression on his face and a little gasp. Then it’s my turn to say, “Wow, just as well I brought the bucket!” If I fail to look sufficiently surprised he gives it another go. He is patience personified. I have rarely seen him so content at play with something other than ‘electronics.’
For many this would be dull, especially the constant repetition. It’s probably the sort of thing you do with a toddler, but I really don’t care. I’m sure most parents love to play with their children, but for me, everything is always a group activity. If my other children were present my attention would be divided, and the ‘play’ would be a stresser. Who is doing what? Always on edge waiting for the next meltdown, the next disaster, the next unforeseen and unanticipated danger. May I’ve just forgotten how to relax?
I know we all have them, those sweet moments of perfect intimacy. It’s these tiny huge moments that slip through my fingers. Just for now, for me, one on one, is such a precious treat.
I’m so happy I could cry.
Stumble it!
July 12th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Crying (happy tears) too—-just had a moment with my silly guy. He might be taller than me but he still likes to curl up on the couch like he used to when he was little and I could carry him.
Rocks and sand, mom and son, too good.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:51 am
He is so cute. My little guy is running amuck as we speak with his race car telling me he ran a stop sign.
July 12th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Splitting attention is hard, especially when our kids do so much better with the one-on-one interactions. They are less distracted and stressed, we can hold that straying focus better. Yes I know one-on-one “works better” for most kids- but the improvement is nothing compared with difference to Joey.
It is always nice to have a few moments to give him that extra time, and let him know he is so very loved. For the next few weeks, I’ll have Joey all to myself for a couple hours on Fridays. I’m making big plans!
July 12th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Looks like a wonderful afternoon! Did he get in the water at all? I was wondering if there was a trick to it.. Xander loves the ocean, loves to study it but flatly refuses to dip even a toe in for fear of sharks. *sigh*
July 12th, 2008 at 8:35 am
What a great photo! Hope your holiday stays as fabulous!
July 12th, 2008 at 8:50 am
there certainly seems to be an advantage in having just the one! if only that it is easier to outnumber them…
July 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hi Maddy! He’s just gorgeous with this happy face and big smile! Great photo and a great story. And also great feelings to share with your son. You always make me feel so much better with the way you describe life with autism. Thanks for doing that!
July 12th, 2008 at 10:53 am
What a beautiful interlude. I well understand the joy you must have felt; his joy is fully evident on his adorable face!
July 12th, 2008 at 11:36 am
So sweet. It’s very hard to get one-on-one time, but it is very rewarding. I find vacations are even worse and more stressful! I’m glad that you got some relaxation and sweet time.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Eldest is gone starting on Thurs for 1.5wks btwn grandparents and wkend camp. Can’t wait for some 1:1 w/ the little one. Eldest is just too loud/busy etc to allow for him to get enough attention.
S.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Those moments are hard to come by, no matter what child you have.
July 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Crikey, mine would be digging right alongside of him, looking for shells, rocks, Romans, Picts but I think I’d need something bigger than a bucket
Love the one:one, they’re special moments to capture and bring out to remember at the end of a hard day
July 12th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
A precious moment, thank you for sharing it with us.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Well, really, that photo says it all!
July 13th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Those one on one moments are the best! I’m so glad you got to enjoy one among the bustle of your trip!
July 13th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I despair at times at how few those one-on-one moments are - when your attention is undivided and you are really able to fully connect…
Thanks for sharing a lovely one.
July 15th, 2008 at 3:59 am
that photo is so adorable. Seize the moment!