Well the rain appeared (afterall it was a Bank Holiday, so rain is expected!) but Toby was undeterred and continued bouncing and swinging regardless (minus trousers and nappy of course!)
He loves the garden and we have lots of sensory type things dotted about – things that twizzle, spin and generally catch his eye. He is highly stimulated by fast movement and so when the wind catches these and sets them in motion he dances on his toes delightedly whilst appreciatively making excited whooping noises.
Towards to end of the day the rain stopped and we had a fabulous sky at sunset. The garden smelt wonderful – all damp grass and spring blossomy and my little guy couldn’t have been happier. Some days it feels that autism is a curse but then moments like this make me realise that Toby is unencumbered by material issues and that simple pleasures rule his world, and, if we can provide these for him, he may well grow up to live a happier and more fulfilled life than most.
little cotton rabbits 
The only reason I’m not in floods of tears now, is because I’m not the only person in the room, so I will leave now, and go and sniff elsewhere! You are a fantastic mummy and I wish I had your patience 🙂 I’m glad you all had a wonderful weekend 🙂
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Hi Julie
You have created a lovely space for Toby with lots of sensory stimulation for him. He obviously loves his garden. What a beautiful sunset.
Marie x
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Every child regardless of their strengths and weaknesses can lead us to a new understanding of our own little world, we just have to remember to be open to it.
I love all those rainbows, everybody should have lots of rainbows.
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Your words about Toby are truly lovely. The photo of him on the swing is so sweet. Glad you all enjoyed the weekend. I know what you mean about the smell of the garden after the rain.
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What a wonderful garden for any child. We are still waiting for the rain, oh how my garden needs it the grass is already turning yellow and it is only May.
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sounds lovely – and i love your yard ornaments for toby!
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Lovely post and pictures! Especially the one of Toby in the swing.
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Bless.
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Beautiful pictures for a beautiful day. What a wonderful mom you are to Toby – so understanding and you are providing a lovely place for him to thrive!
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Very true, Julie. We all have so much to learn from each other. Good on you for being aware enough to learn from Toby.
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Ah the ‘no nappy swinging time’ I know it well, (my little girl, not me!). Sounds like you both had a great rainy bank holiday.
Victoria x
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What a lovely sentiment, he’s lucky to have the right Mummy who understands him.
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I’ve heard that the “autistic mind” is much purer as it does not understand guile or deception like other mere mortals. Enjoy your nature boy!
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I just love your basket of heads, it cheered me up a lot!!!!! You are a very talented busy lady, well done, inspirational.
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Julie I know how long it must have taken you to find joy in Toby’s autism, it took me much longer to “get over” what appeared to be a disability. Once I started enjoying these types of moments with Bailey I found the path ahead of us was so much clearer.
Bless you Julie and that beautiful boy of yours.
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And today my youngest got up and dressed herself, flatly refusing any help. She wore her back to front dress with pride all day long, until about 4pm, when she stripped off and ran around in the drizzle, then ate dinner in that attire! Happy tykes.
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I love your yard! When I get a yard someday, I want to have stuff like that in it!
I think one of the reasons I enjoy working with kids with autism is because they love a lot of the same kinds of things I do… like gazing at colorful, spinning objects, swinging, and jumping around in the rain! And they don’t care if anyone stares at them… they’re totally in the moment, all the time! 🙂
– AnGeL
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