He Sat Still Folks!

I have to share this!

Cooper had a cold yesterday. I am kind of worried that he might have an ear infection which would mean that his tube most likely fell out. Ugh. I can’t even think about it. It seems to be gone today though.

sitting stillAnyhow, I picked him up from daycare and for the first time in 2 years we rode home in silence. Usually, he ‘chats’ the whole ride. It borders whining with a bit of pointing and shrieking. Oh, to know what is in that kid’s head! I’d give anything.

So, we get home and Cooper kind of moped in the house. Usually, he RUNS and turns on the cartoons and grabs a snack while I get his milk. He just sorta stood in the door so I knew he wasn’t feeling well. Cooper is usually a little blur running circles around me so it was strange to see him just standing there. I think I said something like, “Cooper, your eyes are blue?!?! I had no idea!!”)

When I was little my mom always made me a bed on the couch when I was sick. I have tried this in the past with Cooper and no go. The kid could be on his death bed and he would still stand at the TV. But, we have seen so many improvements lately I figured it was worth a try.

I made him a bed on the couch and he laid there for an hour. I have NEVER, EVER, EVER seen Cooper lay ‘awake’ anywhere. Yes, you read that right. Cooper is 3 and he has never laid on the couch or the floor or wherever. And has only just started sitting in a chair to read books. So, for 60 glorious minutes, he watched cartoons and played with Scout.

Now yes, I know he didn’t feel well, but he allowed himself to rest. This is a huge milestone. After he had dinner he spent the rest of the evening snuggling mom and dad. And then went to bed and slept 12 hours.

It’s the simple victories in life that get you through the day! (I actually saved these pictures on my computer under the names, “first time sitting still” and “still sitting still.” That’s how big this is to me!)

Sitting still 2

 

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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6 Comments

  1. mummytohenry on February 28, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    Aww bless him. Sorry he’s not feeling too good, but amazing he’s stayed still!! Everybody needs a bit of rest when they are poorly. Hopefully it’s done him the world of good.
    I have to laugh though, I joke all the time about Henry not staying still. My friend who has a little boy around same age as Henry always has rest, chilled out time every day. When he’s poorly he sleeps all day too. Not Henry! Henry charges round the house, climbing, jumping, banging, rocking back and forth on the couch banging his head (!!), dancing. The list goes on! When he’s poorly he very rarely sleeps, which is probably why he takes so long to recover from the simplest of things. More recently he has started to chill out a bit, he’s become a bit obsessed with some games on the iPad which he can bash and swipe at so he tends to rest while learning/playing on that.
    Get well soon Cooper! 🙂



    • Avatar photo findingcoopersvoice on March 1, 2014 at 12:45 pm

      Sounds familiar! Both of my boys are total movers!! I can’t wait for summer so we can burn some of this energy. I read a quote somewhere about boys and dogs. Run them till they can’t move and they will be happy as can be!! Fits us perfectly.



  2. VeganDee on March 1, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Oh my goodness! Hope Cooper is feeling better, but what an amazing milestone for the little dude. Take care.



  3. Genevieve on March 2, 2014 at 4:30 am

    I hope he feels better soon.



  4. christabella611 on March 2, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Sending warm feel better wishes to Cooper!



    • Avatar photo findingcoopersvoice on March 3, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks! The little prince is still down in the dumps and he gave it to us all:-)