A very random update

I figured it's time for an update of random things going on.

Potty Training and pull ups: We're not making any progress at the moment, other than the planned "we're running out of diapers" speech. We're finally down to about 10 bags (long story on how we stock piled them due to Walmart's inability to process a prescription on a monthly basis)

Hugs/Kisses and other signs of affection: This is something Thomas never allowed to happen, and certainly never reciprocated. In the last month or so, he hasn't shown any resistance to the hugs we offer him. This is a big thing for him.

Hair combing and teeth brushing: This is an interesting mix. I noticed just yesterday that he actually let me comb his hair. I did it matter of factly, while he was brushing his teeth. Teeth brushing has now become an obsession for him. It's not the length of time spent that is an obsession, but rather the number of times he needs to do it. I would venture to guess he's been in the bathroom at least 10 times a day for this.

Basic listening skills: We finally broke down and decided to use a completely unrelated consequence if Thomas doesn't listen. "Doesn't listen" sounds vague, but after a few hours of either ignoring us or defying us, it's time for some action. The TV privilege is taken away for a day. After the first time about a month ago, it's only happened one more time (yesterday). We are sure to give all sorts of cues and reminders.

Meltdowns While his meltdowns pale to others, he had a doozy yesterday morning. It included hitting and scratching, yelling, etc. It even included sobbing this time. It seemed that just when we thought he was settled down from one mini-meltdown, something ELSE would set him off. It went on for about 90 minutes, which is very unlike him.

Showers: He's discovered the massage thing on the shower head and absolutely LOVES it. He looks so relaxed when the water is pulsating against his skinny little body.

Sleep HE is sleeping a little better, but WE are not. 'nuf said there.

Smirks and Sneakiness His sense of humor has been shining through. He'll give this little boy smirk that is just funny and cute. THAT cute smirk is what is also a dead giveaway when he's hiding something (he shouldn't even have!) behind his back so we won't see. We had a mystery cocount that he told us a teacher gave him. We called the school and no one knew anything about it. It turned out one of the Special Teachers let him borrow it for a night so he could show us. It certainly would have helped if they told us that.

Shortened school days This is really a sore spot for me. Due to (insert excuse here) his day was shorted from 6 hours to 3-1/2, not including bus time. This means he's on the bus right around the time he'd be down for a nap at school, and then getting home right around the time his meds are due. He won't take a nap at home, so we pay for it all dearly around 4:00 when he gets terribly tired & cranky AND another dose of med is due. We give him the med and he is sound asleep by 5....until 6. Then he's awake til whenever. If we DON'T give him the med, then we get into the not-listening cycle and general unmanageability on all our parts.

So, that kind of sums up Thomas's progress and lack of.