Chapter 1: A Day in Our Lives

As I reflect on last night, I hope the good sleep Owen had continues into tonight. He woke up eager to start his day, excitedly announcing that he wanted to go to the pool, asserting that since he had slept through the night, we could indeed go. I confirmed his excitement.

Owen is becoming more independent in choosing his clothes, but I find that I need to tread carefully with our decisions. His preferences can shift rapidly, leading him to request his yellow shirt, only to immediately want his green one instead. Unfortunately, the green shirt was not clean, so I gently suggested he could wear it another day. While waiting for the bus outside, I noticed him checking his pants, lifting each knee as if to ensure they matched. Sometimes, I ponder whether it would simplify things if he consistently wore blue; yet, I worry about the implications if he ever needed to wear a different color. This is where my overthinking tendencies kick in, and I must remind myself to pause before spiraling into endless possibilities.

When the bus finally arrived, Owen's excitement was palpable—it was as if he had just won the lottery. The sheer joy on his face as the bus pulled up was enchanting, and I am truly grateful for that moment. Off he went, all smiles, to his happy place.

After school, I was already dressed and ready for the pool, and he couldn't have been happier. His determination today was impressive; he leaped off the ladder repeatedly, often without seeking my hand for support. At one point, he was even clasping his own hand to give himself the courage to jump. As we were leaving, he was very close to dipping his face into the water while sitting on the ladder, making me feel hopeful about his diving board goal.

He expressed some distress about Monday, worried about potential storms affecting his plans. It’s difficult to comprehend how this shapes his perception of daily life. He struggles to articulate his concerns, repeatedly asking if he will go to school on Monday. All I can do is assure him it should be fine, despite not knowing for certain. Perhaps my overthinking can come into play here as well.

I am grateful for the progress he has made and the milestones he has reached. Tomorrow, he will visit his grandmother after baseball, and he is absolutely thrilled about it. Every day holds potential; it’s our choices that shape our experiences. Let's aim to make each moment extraordinary. Sending smiles and joyful vibes!