Andy is happy to be at school, and squeals and claps when he sees his friends there. Andy doesn't always need a nap after school. Sometimes, I can see that he's very tired, so I lay him down. Other days he is full of energy, and wants to play with his toys when he gets home.
Lately, a respite worker has been coming over to relieve us by watching Andy for several hours a couple times a week. This has been so awesome, because it gives us time to spend with our daughter alone. It is hard to go out in public with Andy, because he gets very loud, and can have meltdowns. It is a nice change to go out to restaurants or to do an activity without Andy being there. We are far less stressed and there is less anxiety about being out.
My daughter really appreciates all the time I have been spending with her. We both took a sewing class together last night. She really feels we are bonding again, which we haven't been able to do for a long time. We are trying to live our lives and get through each day as best we can.
There are times that I still feel sad about Andy's situation, but I don't let it linger for more than an hour or two. I try to distract myself by doing other things around the house, and planning events to get together with large family, or plan activities to do with my husband and daughter. Life is what it is and we have to deal with it and keep moving forward.
