Sunday was mama and monkey day.

Sunday we needed to run errands. And usually we do this as a family ordeal, especially with the ridiculous heat, but Josh's feet were really jacked up (note: use that referral already! must set up an appointment for him!) and walking was painful. So I opted to go alone. But instead of going ALONE alone I brought my monkey with me for a little mama and monkey time.

Our first stop was the car where he kept doing his signature "Hmmmmmmm" move.



We then went to Sam's Club because we needed staples. Oh the HORROR of going in. We always park by Sam's because it's right by the play area also. Liam walked towards the mall with me just fine. Then wanted to go towards the play area entrance. NOT the Sam's Club entrance.

We had a full out 2 year old tantrum right there. Laying on the ground sobbing like his heart was broken. Meanwhile people had to walk around my child who was blocking a good 1/3 of the entrance. LOTS of dirty looks. Hey. Only one me. Not reacting to tantrum. They end faster if I ignore them. So I got a cart. Tossed my stuff in, picked him up and shoved him in.

Surprisingly he was just FINE when he hit the shopping cart and we went inside and started counting all the signs!



Another HUGE highlight? The industrial fan. OMFG he thought it was just hilarious. I was pretty sure it was sent straight from God to help me keep my sanity in the overly warm store.



Somehow? I got out of there only spending $70 despite the fact that I got dino nuggets, 2 huge bags of veggies, 2 melons, a bunch of bananas, 8 of the super fab save me energy lightbulbs I love, giant box of Liam's bars, salad, and fuck knows what else. Oh! Even a pair of organic cotton shorts for me to wear around. I've NEVER managed to come out under $100. I rock it.

Of course since we were by the mall I DID have to go play happy mama and let him in the play area. But first a LIIIIITTLE shopping and some lunch. Including a $4 belt from the fat person store for me, a tshirt for Josh, and even one for me. Which cracks my shit up. Will have to take a pic of it. It's ghetto fablous but I couldn't resist. Plus 2 shirts for Lil and a pair of pj's for Liam at TCP for freaking $5 total.

However it wasn't until I got to walking past the shoe stores that I discovered it's not actually 2008 but 1988 with these fabulous Reebok new arrivals!



High tops? With the double velcro and everthing? I so was rocking those in elementary school! And florescent at that?! I literally walked back to take that pic I was so horrified.

Also horrifying? How cute my son is.



I have a GREAT story to share about Liam in the play area on Sunday. I wasn't going to let him play because he was SOOOO tired but he saw the area and lunged for it in his stroller and cried so pitifully. He was so patient in letting me take off his shoes. He started to run in then stopped, came back to me (i'm too slow I guess) grabbed my hand and drug me in jumping up and down and giggling.

He did a quick lap around the play area which is fairly typical for him. Then he saw this little boy. GORGEOUS little guy. About Liam's size. Liam goes up to him with the BIGGEST smile and giggle and gives him this gigantic hug!!! Liam? Does not randomly show affection and NEVER notices kids.

Then Liam proceeded to chase this little guy around (in a good way. lol) Liam would go off on his own way but always coming back to this sweet little boy named David. Who also just radiated any time Liam came near. They took turns counting as they went down the slide after each other "3! 2! 1! GOOOOOOO!"

Seriously it was beyond magical.

The interesting part? This little boy had Down Syndrome. Which, in itself, isn't terribly noteworthy. But I wonder if, somehow, Liam sensed something 'safe' within this little boy different than other little boys his own age.

It was just mesmerizing to watch them together. As the dad got the little boy ready to go I went up to him and said, "I know this is going to sound so very strange but I'm curious-how old is your son?" He told me 2 1/2. I went on to explain what had happened between our boys and Liam's autism how my son NEVER shows interest in kids his age and was just so drawn to his son I had to know just a little more.

The dad suggested it might have just been one of those things they 'sensed' about one another. I fully agree. It was a really fabulous fabulous moment. I was sorry to see him go and wish it was a mom and not a dad because I would have totally suggested we do a playdate (which is SO not like me). I just wanted to wrap this little guy up and take him home with me to be friends with Liam. It was just amazing.

The rest of the day consisted of me finding out my son was a thief.



Then a SERIOUS zonk out as soon as we hit the car.



And a bit of a nap as we strolled the car lot.



Followed by a jungle safari with him jungle colored clothing and his monkey on his back.



Mama and monkey time. Was definitely a good thing and something I really need to do more often. And with each kid. I always mean to but most of the time we go out as a whole family. Maybe I'll add that to my monthly to do list. A 'date' with each kid by myself. Even if it is just running errands or meeting up with a friend and their kiddo. Solo time with my kids? Is really amazing.

And as much as I hate the idea of Liam going to school? I really think it will be a good thing for Miss Lil who never got to be an only child. And will get to be one at least 4 days a week for a few hours (possibly more if I get my way dammit! MORE SCHOOL MORE SCHOOL MORE SCHOOL! MORE IS MORE! If we can't have the therapy I want as much school as possible right now!)

And with that I'm off to consider getting my bags together to run some errands this afternoon and possibly meet up with two of my fave homies. I also need to try to get rid of this fucking headache. Ugh.

And stop thinking about the car drama. I hate hate hate car drama. I hate hate hate it. We'll see. Hopefully we have news today regarding the car drama and it can be done once and for all soon soon soon. Will update more on that when it's all finalized (and explain how we have the car but it's not OFFICIALLY our car! *snort* If you've never played the get a car on a weekend with no or bad credit game you might not be aware of how fucktacular it REALLY is.)

~M