A Few RJC Moments

 Life with RJC is unpredictable. She is so funny and smart and definitely has her own way of thinking. Conversation can be tricky as she has her own unique way of expressing herself (grammar is challenging and limited vocabulary) and she struggles with receptive language (abstract concepts are especially difficult and again, limited vocabulary).

 But in the end, we get there.

So here is a look at a few of our interactions that occurred over the year: 

1. RJC is on her iPad this morning.

RJC: “Can we go on a Safari Brazil?”

Me: Um, no. Sorry.”

RJC: “Grandma’s house!”

Me: “Yes. That we can do.”

She doesn’t acknowledge my response - just goes back to her iPad.

RJC loves large animals.

She will randomly list them off: cheetah, jaguar, elephant, giraffe, alligator etc. She often mentions “Safari” which she learned about from videos and from her multiple experiences on the Safari ride at Disney World (which I think she thinks was an actual Safari). She is drawn to traditional African clothing and likes to play bongo drums.

I am glad that she has enough skills to find videos related to Africa and safaris. An actual safari trip to Africa, with the long airplane trip, heat, and unfamiliar foods, loud noises and smells, would be stressful and would not fulfill her imagined version of what it would be. Add to that the dangers of being outdoors with large, wild animals. I shudder at the thought of her getting excited and trying to pet one. Yikes!

It is fun to catch glimpses of things that bring her joy. There is a bit of sadness for me that this is not an adventure she’ll have in real life, but I am happy that she is quite content with her internet visits.

2. We have been going to the same bagel store for many years and RJC is a favorite customer there. Weve known the owners for over 25 years so they know our family well.

She’s off to camp this afternoon so we stopped by the bagel store to pick up bagels to bring with her.

She finished her bagel, then got up from our table. She went up to counter, shook one of the gal’s hands and said, “See you on August 17!”

When we got to the car to head home, she insisted that we put the bagel store on our calendar for August 17th.

Our gal is a planner!

3. RJC was super excited to get new white shoelaces.

RJC: Mommy, take a picture of shoelaces please.

I get my phone and have her stand up. I lean over a bit so I can point my phone directly down at her shoes.

RJC: CHEEESE!

I couldn’t help it - I literally laughed out loud.

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Sigrid Bruk