50 days of River

Fifty days of River: Connection, isolation and everything in between.

autism

  • Day 50:Not the End, Just the First Fifty

    So here we are. Day 50. When I started writing back in July, it was less about telling a story and more about surviving one. Seven long weeks stretched ahead of us with no Nursery, two children at home and me already tired before we’d even begun. I wrote one day at a time because Read more

  • Day 47: Pirates, Picnics and the Deep Dark Wood

    A Slow Start to Sunday I asked Kike to take Summer to swimming this morning. I’d gone to bed fairly early but I just couldn’t face another 9am club. It still meant I was up with River but once he’s got his breakfast and his shows, he’s pretty easy company. I haven’t done a full Read more

  • Day 46: Not a Superpower

    A Broken Night and a Slow Start We had more potty problems through the night and it carried on through the day. I think River may have caught a little bug. Kike’s not been well this week, so it could be connected. He had to work this morning, which left me with both kids. Thankfully, Read more

  • Day 45: Potty Progress and Finding Myself

    Broken Night River’s night was broken. Twice he wet through his sheets. I’m not sure what caused it. To be clear, River isn’t fully potty trained yet. Last summer we worked so hard on this as he was starting Nursery and I knew what children at that age are supposed to do. At the time, Read more

  • Day 42: Umbrella Hunts and Train Tracks

    Mornings on Repeat Honestly, it’s getting silly now. My alarm went off at 7am. I got up, showered and went to check on River. Asleep. He stirred only when I stood there watching him, mumbled “Hello Mummy” and shuffled to the toilet rubbing his eyes. That was the extent of our morning together, just enough Read more

  • Day 41: First Day Back

    My alarm went off at 7am this morning – yep, an alarm. The first day back at work for me was the first day River decided to sleep past 7am! I crept into his room to check and there he was, fast asleep… only for a few minutes though. He must have sensed my presence. Read more

  • Day 37: Nostalgia, Preparation and Limitations

    Slow Morning Recovery Well, I was broken. I stayed in bed till 11:30am, leaving the kids to their iPads and snacks, only getting up to make them lunch. I slowly worked through the chores: dishwasher, kitchen, laundry – the usual. I was determined to preserve my energy, as I had plans later. River entertained himself Read more

  • Day 36: Running on Empty

    Morning Whistle Chaos The tiredness is not going away. I slept again till 8.30am but still feel awful. My spoons have well and truly run out. Summer and River were on their iPads for the morning while I did my usual clean-up and second breakfasts. Summer went to make her bed and found an old Read more

  • Day 35: Pyjamas, Pirates and Puppies

    I asked Kike to get River up this morning. I was just too tired and knew I’d need my energy for the day ahead. Those two extra hours in bed were pretty nice. When did 8:30am become a lie-in? It’s funny how parenthood completely resets the definition of “rested.” A Pyjama Day I took the Read more

  • Day 34: Dino Parks, Soft Plays and Party Invitations

    Morning Wake-Up Bank Holiday Monday and I had my friend come to visit with her daughter. Long-time readers might remember her – my friend from Day 9, the one who met me for drinks in ‘Big London.’ I had my usual 6.30am wake-up call from River. He still hasn’t realised he can just climb out Read more