Lonnie is going to be in a school production of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. She has only told me about one number, but she is so excited because she gets to be the "sun" while other children dance around her. I hope to get some good pictures.

I was reading a blog posted by another mother of an autistic child and she spoke of the difficulties of getting him through the night as he frequently wakes up and she has to comfort him until he goes back to sleep. Although he is a toddler of about 3 or 4, his bed is a crib with some kind of tent enclosure that is zipped closed to contain him. I was kind of shocked at this. I think if I woke up in the middle of the night all alone in an enclosure like that, it might upset me. She then spoke of getting to go back to bed with her husband. I guess to some, the sanctity of the marriage bed is inviolate, but to me, the needs of the child should have precedence.

I understand the need to protect the child from getting up and wandering around at night, but when this became a problem with Lonnie, we simply put her to sleep in our bed. When we did, she stopped getting up at night. She just needed that security of having someone close by.

It took a long time, but my husband and I were content to let Lonnie sleep with us until she was ready to sleep in her own bed. When she woke up in the night, all she had to do was reach over and touch me, and go back to sleep...much less stressful on everyone. She now sleeps happily in her own bed, with a nightlight on, knowing we are just across the hall. She still wakes up sometimes at night, but is not distressed.

Oh, by the way, I finally found the Minnie Mouse costume in Lonnie's size and have ordered it. I know it's a long way till Halloween, but at least she will have the dress in her closet.