Disney Earth Movie!!!

Yesterday, we went with lots of friends to see the new Disney Nature movie, Earth. It was not Will's first movie - we used to go lots when he was an infant & could nurse & go to sleep in my arms in the theater. It was, however, the first movie we've taken him to for him! He LOVED it! He got so excited when he walked into the new place & saw friends. And then that big movie screen - "Wow" (to quote Will!)

There were no words- just animals & music & honestly, he did great for the first 75 minutes. The kids got pretty restless during the last 15 minutes or so. Will loved all the animals - he would wave & yell "hi" or "bye" at them as they entered & left the scene. During chase scenes between predators & preys, Will would say, "Oh No!" over & over! He made several animal noises & gave his arm a workout doing his elephant trunk. He would get so excited & yell, "Look Mommy, Look!" He ate his entire lunch during the movie, which amazed me! I loved our mommy date because I got so much great cuddle time! At one point, he was snuggling with me & his blankee ("gigi"), had his little zanco legs crossed on my knee, & he reached up for my hand, grabbed it, & held on for a long time - precious! During the last 15 minutes or so, he got restless & I let him walk in our row . He walked down the aisle to the big boys & I suddenly heard him saying "ma" - he was giving each of the big boys a big kiss. That's my social, affectionate kid!

I felt a lot smarter after the movie because we sat by some of the bigger boys & they would let me know the names of the various exotic animals we were seeing - it was so educational for me (especially because for some reason, in our version, James Earl Jones wasn't narrating it!!)

After Will's naptime yesterday, I guess he was still on a "high" from our movie date. He had given me lots of spontaneous kisses before his nap & he continued to do that after his nap. We always cuddle for awhile after naptime (& before, & before bedtime, & when he wakes up, & any other time we just need to cuddle) - it's one of my favorite parts of the day. Yesterday, he sweetly cuddled for a while while he finished waking up & then he just wanted to lay back on my knees & laugh. He was being so silly & so sweet that I left him on the couch, grabbed my camera, & returned to film. Sorry it's so long but I just couldn't turn off his laughter! (Remember- hit pause on the green music playlist somewhere to the right so that you can hear Will laughing.)

PS- Just in case you've forgotten, there was a good chance Will would NEVER in his life have been able to laugh like this... much less smile, as a part of his syndrome.

I don't take moments like this for granted- I am so thankful for this sound.

I'm also so thankful for the handholding mentioned above. I'm probably the only person who will tear up in Earth movie this year. I love holding tightly onto that sweet hand.