Who is the Therapy Really For

After an hour and a half of OT today, I was ready for a nap. I don't know about Adeline, but it wore me out. Don't get me wrong, our OT is fabulous. But what it takes to get the Belle, to feel right in this world, goes against my every sensory need.

Today was pudding. Working on combing the powder and milk with her hands was a challenge. Eventually, she warmed up and was thrilled to have Miss Dot hide objects that Adeline had to dig for. Needless to say a bath was necessary, really for both of us. I was sweating bullets watching the whole thing.

In the end I try to remind myself that this therapy has gotten Adeline to the top, if not over, the art hump. If given the time and attention she needs to warm up to an art activity, Adeline will happily participate. OT has also helped Adeline become comfortable in grass and mulch. She still won't do it barefoot but walking across our yard is something she will do with shoes on. Adeline is getting better with loud noises and lawn mowers. Just yesterday I brought the blender in from out of the garage. I might get away with blending in my own house! Clearly Adeline is making progress. I don't see much progress on my front though. The mess still stresses me out.

Interior Design, I Think NOT! Architect, I Think YES!

Savannah is getting older. With that comes an independent mind. What I think doesn't necessarily get adopted as quickly as it once did. Many of you know that I am pretty big neat freak. I try very hard to "let it go" but am still pretty neat. Savannah thinks she is neat. She loves order. She folds her clothes and reorganizes her drawers, lines everything up in her art desk and will even try to clean up my bathroom from time to time (it is the one room where I truly "let it go.")

Lately, Savannah has been decorating her room. She used to do this before her weekly playdates but now, it seems like an everyday occurrence. My girl can get lost up in her room for hours and when I open her door, I have to plaster on the smile as I am always greeted with, "Look how I decorated my room Mommy!" It takes everything in me to not maker her put it all away. Instead, I try and let her express her individuality and hope she doesn't become the old lady that owns 20 cats and can't find the front door through her horded piles of junk. My relief comes twice a month when I take a bucket and remove it all for the cleaners. Savannah and I both end up rather giddy. I am happy that it is gone, she is excited at the prospect of redecorating it all over again.

Note that the tape is tipped on its side for added appeal.

I personally think she should put her energy into building. One day she took cardboard lid, computer paper, scissors and glue stick up on the island for a couple of hours. Come to find out she made a reinforced bed (headboard and all), table and surfboard for the girls' Sesame Street characters. She told me, "Now we can start working on pretend play with the girls mommy." That's my Savannah.

Although the craftsmanship doesn't translate, I thought I would include some pictures.

Quiet is Never good