As I have mentioned in a previous post, I really enjoy this time of year. But I am noticing that the long list of holiday things I enjoy is becoming shorter and shorter every year. For example, one of the things I use to have fun doing was taking pictures of the boys for our family Christmas card. It’s fun when they’re babies. They just sit there and look cute. That has all changed. Alec would have his tongue sticking out and Matt would have his finger up his nose, and if not, he’d have it up Alec’s nose. When they weren’t doing that, they were pulling each other’s hair. I don’t need these type of Hallmark memories. One year I became so frustrated that I actually took the picture of them while they were sleeping. They looked so peaceful And I tell you what, it was the best picture I had ever taken! It was even featured in a local magazine!
This year I have a new task that I am tempted to cross off my “Fun Things to do at Christmas Time” list. And that is decorate the house. Understand that I would never choose not to decorate the house for Christmas. The kids would be devastated. Besides, it’s tradition. I just don’t find it as fun as I used to. No, I am not becoming a Scrooge. I am not just being lazy.
I am not a perfectionist so decorating isn’t usually so stressful for me. It is for Matthew. Matt has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) tendencies. He has not been diagnosed with this disorder…yet. This obsessive behavior he has is more related to his autism. I’m going to cut to the chase….it really really SUCKS!
Let me give you an example. As he was closely examining the little artificial tree for the 17th time yesterday, he noticed one of the little bulbs was burnt out. It was hard for me to notice it, especially since all the others work. Now if you are like me, you will just tuck that bulb behind a branch and ignore it. But not Matthew. “OH NO!!!!”, he shouts. “We have to fix it!!”. So I get into the box where I placed a spare light bulb. I removed the old one and placed the new one in. It was such an incredibly tight fit, I couldn’t even get it to completely connect. It actually broke while I tried pushing it through and stabbed my hand. “Matthew, it doesn’t work, but it’s ok, we can hide it.” I said as I placed the old one back in. “OH NOOOOOO!!!” he screamed. Then the wall kicking began. I wasn’t exactly in the mood to restrain him, especially since I had blood gushing out of the palm of my hand from the broken light bulb.
“Matthew, don’t hurt my house!” I said.
He kicked harder screaming “It’s broken!!! Christmas tree is stupid!” The wall kicking turned into tree wrestling so I grabbed hold and restrained him until he settled.
*sigh* Only about 3 1/2 more weeks of this?
Oh Mandi!!! I hope your hand is mending and your house is okay. I did have some bad news. In southern California the kids have the whole Thanksgiving week off from school, so it might be coming.
On a bright note. I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks and let me know how I can help! I had a lot of fun in August enjoying Matthew by himself with Jack and Alec by himself with Jack too. Jack can’t wait to see his “friends Matt and Alec”
Meghan