Changes

First day of Preschool 2009. Danny was so excited to start school again this year. That's a far cry from the reluctant daily school boy of 08-09. The only reluctance he showed today was for Mom's incessant photo-snapping. "I don't like pictures!" And who can blame him? It's not like they have any meaning to him.

Ready to make a break at the slightest sign of
weakness from the photographer.

I have never been prouder of my little man than I have been in the last few weeks. He has been through major changes that would have any normal 4 year old reeling. Our Wonder Sitter quit suddenly the first week of August. She has watched Danny since he was 4 months old. She has aided for him at preschool for the past two years. I think her dog, Izzy, is his best friend.

Making his way to school
from the parking lot.

Yet, Danny has risen to the occasion. I was prepared for regression. For more potty training "accidents" and refusal to comply with tasks he associates with Wonder Sitter. Boy, was I mistaken!

A recurring issue for our family has been Danny's refusal to do things at home that he does readily for the Wonder Sitter and others when away from us. Things like use his cane or a fork and spoon (not interchangeably). A biggie for me has been the potty training issue. For well over a year now he has been fully trained away from home but the moment he's home it's as if he's never heard of a toilet. I have been at wit's end trying everything I could think of to rectify the situation. Low and behold, Daddy-O and I just realized that Danny hasn't had an accident since Wonder Sitter quit.

I don't know what to think of that. I don't want to read too much into it or I'll make myself crazy.

Using his cane like a pro.

It's a good thing he doesn't need to see where he's going...
because he really needs a haircut.

He also doesn't shut himself away in his room listening to music for hours as soon as he gets home for the day anymore. His scripting (repetitive phrases and conversations) has actually morphed into real conversation and age-appropriate pretend play. Most of the symptoms of autism that he was driving us crazy with are gone. In fact, two nights ago I switched up or bedtime routine without notice. Instead of asking him what music he wanted to listen to I sang the question in a baritone operatic sort of voice. Without skipping a beat, Danny answered me in the same sing-song style; engaging in a varied back & forth for a good 10 minutes. No repetition. No mimicking. No autism in sight.

Danny with his awesome VI Instructor, Marlene & Eileen,
checking out the play kitchen.

And he has taken to his new daycare like a duck to water. He is the oldest one there. He's never been the oldest before... I think he loves it.

Circle Time where we meet all our new friends
for the first time.

All of this just goes to reinforce that change isn't always bad and that God gives us what we need not necessarily what we think we want.