5th March 2010

The ZOO!

The weather is moving towards spring, so we took advantage of a beautiful Friday to get reacquainted with the zoo again.  It has been a while, but we got a family membership for the next year and I suspect it will be well used.

We had to explain to Zora that putting out your hand to a goose is probably not a good idea.  (there is a reason the phrase “getting goosed” was invented)  She kept going up to the geese and telling them “Hi, my name is Zora.”, fully expecting them to answer.

She spent considerable time trying to convince us that it would be a good idea to take the sheep home with us.

Zane told us later that this was his favorite part of the Zoo.  Each kid was given a quarter to put in the feeding machines.  Zora chose to feed the sheep, Zane wanted to save his for the trip back out of the “Children’s Farm” area to feed the fish and swans.  He got more than he bargined for when the food wasn’t enough for some hungry swans.  (definitely related to the geese)

Our last stop was the Chimpanzee habitat.  They were active and playing around and Zane was just facinated watching them and couldn’t be pulled away when I noticed one up next to the window.  Zora noticed though, and stood and watched for a while.  She kept saying “Hi”, and every time she said it, the Chimpanzee nodded back a “Hi” type nod.  It was really neat.

posted in Autistic Life, Zane, Zoo, Zora | 1 Comment

3rd March 2010

copycat

Daddy takes his shoes off, Zora sees it, runs over, takes her shoes off and carefully lines them up next to dads. lol

posted in Giggle, Zora | Comments Off

3rd March 2010

Moment of stillness

posted in Zora | Comments Off

2nd March 2010

Swim Lessons and Safety

As we get closer to summer the class sizes are probably going to be at full capacity from now until next fall again, which means he isn’t as “one on one” as is ideal.  (but he is still in a small group).  A few weeks ago we told him that he either needed to get his hair cut, put it in ponytails/braids, or wear a swim cap (lycra, so it doesn’t hurt).  He loved the swim cap, and when I went to order one for him I decided to get the brightest orange color I could find (he likes orange, and it stands out the best in the pool).   It helps keep him more visible so he is a little safer.  It also helps us be able to see him from across the pool and in the waiting area, so I know if he has been under too long…he keeps practicing holding his breath under water and it is necessary, but making me crazy.   The only thing I wish I could find is one that is tighter AND bright orange.  He loved the deep pressure of the original cap.

Both kids are doing well, making steady progress.  This week Zane was finally able to float successfully.  Zach worked with him on it, and he is able to maintain a floating position until you actually say “Zane, you’re floating!”, then he stiffens up and loses the float.  Progress is good.

posted in Autistic Life, Swim, The Kids, YMCA | Comments Off

2nd March 2010

Tuesday: Oma Day

Tuesday was packed with activity.  The day started with Zora at preschool (as usual) and Zane doing a bunch of literacy/comprehension testing (not usual).  Since both kids were occupied, and mom was slated to come up that day, she came early so that we could go out for breakfast (very unusual).  It was a really fun morning for us.  A wonderful, relaxing breakfast, followed by some quick shopping, then back to pick up the kids.

Zane requested Ci-Cis for lunch, and since he had worked so hard all morning, we went there over Zora’s objections (she wanted McDonalds…for the playground.  Zane doesn’t like McDs burgers and Zora often requests Ci-Cis herself, so he won this round).  Both ate well, then, in reverse of the normal procedure, Zane and my mom went to play (Exploration Place) and Zora went with me.  I had a WIC appointment to get that reinstated and she had to come with me.  The appointment took most of the afternoon, most of it in waiting rooms.  She was a trooper though.  She didn’t even cry when they did the iron test (finger prick) and it was almost alien for me to have a child that easily followed directions (like where to stand to weighing and measuring).

By the time we got out of our WIC appointment, Mom and Zane were leaving Exploration Place to come back to our side of town for some ice cream at Braums.  Zora and I picked up Zach and met her there.  Zora wanted chocolate chip ice cream, Zane wanted birthday cake flavor and orange sherbet.  Zach was in the middle of a project at home, but he stayed long enough to eat and socialize a little before heading back home to finish up his project on the computer.  (he met us later at swim lessons).

Here is Zora right after showing us where she got her finger prick, and not quite sure why the adults started laughing like 12 yo boys when she enthusiastically showed us her finger.

After a while, Zane picked up the camera.  Here are some of his photos:

And then Zora wanted a turn:

And me, from my cell phone

We had so much fun, but the adults were WORN OUT by the end of the day.

posted in Autistic Life, Giggle, Photos by kids, The 2 Opas (J's Parents), Zane, Zora | Comments Off

  • Zane's age

  • Zane is 22 years, 3 months, and 1 day old
  • Zora's age

  • Zora is 18 years, 3 months, and 5 days old
  • Random Quote

  • Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. — John 14:27

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