Lately, my daughter Avery has been experiencing some rough nights. Just as Max did at her age, she is unable to sleep through the night. Could be night terrors, could be a case of the munchies, or it could just be her logical brain telling her, "I am awake... it's time play". Since the birth of our kids, my wife and I have always taken turns, getting UP with the kids. For most families this only lasts a year or so, with Autism, it has been 9 years.
God bless Zoe (our typical child), she has learned how to sleep through anything: Thunderstorms, fireworks, barking Reggies (that's our dog), and now Avery.
Lately, Avery will wake up around 1 or 2 in the morning, at first she will jump around, laugh and arrange her toys in an artistic way. After about 30 minutes it is either time for her to let us know, "I am bored with this, time to play" or she falls back asleep. Last night was one of those "I am bored with this, time to play" nights. Since Avery is non verbal this generally starts with crying and banging on her door.
This is when my wife or I (whom ever is "on call") spring into action. We take her downstairs and start the what is she trying to tell us game. Last night was a bonus as Max joined our party.
Max was easy, he wanted food (that's what he always wants). Max had Nutella for the first time, and boy he loved it! OK, One happy autistic child taken care of, back to Avery...
Avery wasn't hungry, I know this because when I presented her with her usual favorites, she pushed them away and said, "Uhhh" (which means NO!). She wasn't thirsty, I know this because she threw her cup on the floor (point taken). She reluctantly got into her swing and started spinning, we refer to this as her "Cirque Du Soleil" move, but she was still crying. She was trying to tell me something. The television was already on, Max was watching Phineas and Ferb. I checked the guide and low and behold, UP just started.
Avery stopped spinning and was instantly enthralled. We watched the entire movie, she loves the Dog, Max loves Kevin the bird, and I loved sitting in a room with two happy kids. I also have a soft spot for the movie UP, it ranks up there with my other favorites like: Animal House, Scarface, Good Fellas, Caddyshack, Casino, Godfather 2, and any Zombie movie (all of which are not very kid friendly).
Tonight, I am sure will be more of the same, and the next night, and the next night... I wouldn't trade my life for anything... Especially since I now have UP on DVR, and Nutella in the cabnet... Oh, and it is my wife's night to get up with the kids!
Carly Fleischmann is one amazing girl, and the more I read about her, The more I love her. She is a such a good role model, not just for kids with autism, but for all kids and adults too.