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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

"Good night, Daddy!"

Last night, as I was working on getting Janey to sleep, she jumped up and went out to the kitchen where Tony was.  A very common occurrence, usually because she wants to ask for food of some kind, but not this time.  Tony came over to me a few minutes later and said "Did you tell Janey to come tell me good night?" I said I didn't, and he said "She came out here and came up to me and said 'Good night, Daddy!'"  And that is huge.  She has never, ever, ever done something like that spontaneously before.  She sometimes, once in a while, would say something like that if I specifically asked her to, if I said "Go say good night to Daddy", but on her own?  Never!  To say we were thrilled is an understatement.  It's the kind of thing that Mr. Ken, her ABA specialist, and also everyone at school has been working on for years and years, and last night was the latest example that it's finally catching on.  It's a great example of what I need to work on---faith that in time, whether Janey seems to be showing results or not, she will learn.  It's hard to wait until a child is eight to hear them tell you good night for the first time on their own, but I dare say it's a lot sweeter after that long of a wait!

3 comments:

gail said...

Hello Suzanne,
I've just discovered your blog and have read a few of your recent entries. My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when she was 5. She is almost 9 now and I really identify with your description of night waking and meltdowns. I also identified with the leaps and bounds and some set backs that you describe. I loved the fact that your daughter said goodnight to her dad. Recently my daughter has taken to telling me that she loves me without 'copying' me first. I feel quite astounded and emotional when she says this (it is usually followed soon after by a bout of name calling, etc. in a Jekyll and Hyde way but you can't have everything!)I love your blog and I think you are doing a wonderful job.I think I am too, actually. Bravo, all of us. Love Gail xx

Sophie's Trains said...

Wow she is doing so well. First the tea party, now this. It is great. And you know you are right, its all the sweeter because you waited so long.
I believe they absorb all the stuff we do and it comes out when we least expect it. That's my experience anyway.

audball said...

Aw, she's making such awesome strides! Yay, Janey! And I'm loving the updated pic you have of her; what a beautiful girl! :)