Of friends and tics and insomnia

It's 12:15am and I'm wide awake, despite the Ambien I took an hour and a half ago.

Insomnia is fucking kicking my ass again.

Despite that, I wanted to post something good on here, since I know it has been a while.

A couple good things actually.

First, Noah's tic has subsided dramatically, especially the head movements. He still has the throat clearing (verbal tic), especially when he is doing homework or at the computer. Sometimes a day or two goes by and I don't notice them at all.

I know they could (most likely will) come back. I know new ones could manifest. I think though, that we will be ok. The shock has passed; acceptance has moved in.

But the really good thing I wanted to share, is that Noah has a friend. A real friend. Yes, I know, versus a fake friend. ha ha

Maybe I should say he has a friendship that is returned. A best friend that considers Noah his best friend as well.

I met his mom at meet the teacher night and I heard her say "I need to meet the parents of this boy Noah that NBF (Noah's best friend) keeps talking about."  So I went up to her and said "I'm Noah's mom, and all he talks about is your son."

So...blah blah blah...we set up a play date with the boys for last Sunday.

Am I the only one that gets nervous about play dates because it is as much a date between the parents as it is between the kids? I felt like I was headed out on a first date. Granted, it was to Burger King and I was in jeans and no makeup...but still. There was that awkward first conversation, made only slightly easier because we could always fall back on the "so, what's your kids diagnosis" line of conversation.

Of course, I had to keep reminding myself not to say too much lest I scare her away completely. 

Great news though, Noah and NBF had a great time. And NBF's mom and I clicked as well.

When you have kids like ours you worry beyond the typical is my kid hanging out with a good crowd worries. Since Noah is in an emotional support class he is with other kids that struggle with their behaviors and emotions. There are kids in there that I would not consider a good match for Noah, either because Noah would dominate them, or because Noah would be learning negative behaviors from them.

NBF is similar to Noah in energy and impulsiveness. He has a good heart and is kind. I could see the two of them supporting each other and it made my heart smile.

They ride the bus together and it makes me happy to see Noah get on the bus with a big smile as he sits next to NBF every morning.

NBF is coming with Noah tomorrow to karate for buddy board breaking. His mom will be there too. We are both excited to see our boys break boards.

This is the first time Noah has brought a buddy with him to any activity at karate.

Honestly, and yes I know it's probably over the top, but I am so happy about this! I feel like something big and wonderful just opened up for Noah. Something I was afraid was never going to happen.