Nightmares and Comfort

Had a bit of a victory tonight/this morning with my little boy who is 3 years old nonverbal and level 3. He had a nightmare, which on the face of it sounds bad, but here’s the thing. He’s never sought one of us out before. He just took whoever came, fought them a little, and then would realize all was well, let us change him, comfort him, and put him back to bed.

Well, tonight he showed preference. Now, usually he goes to my husband for A LOT and I can’t blame him for that. Heck, my husband is my rock too. Tonight was his night to step in if the baby needed something. But tonight he ran to where I sleep (yes, my husband and I sleep in different rooms because he snores like it’s an Olympic sport), curled up in my arms while sniffling and let me comfort him. No fighting, pulling hair, scratching, or anything.

Just a scared little boy who wanted his mom for a cuddle. Which, of course I gave him while singing to him until he was bubbly and happy again. After a long cuddle, quick change and story time he’s resting peacefully and I’m so happy.

As a parent of a nonverbal child, this was a big affirmation of love from my son. I never get to hear him say it, but I occasionally get to see him express it. And I am on cloud nine.