Mumford

Just in case you have never heard me mention it before, Paul is a really fussy kid.  His definitely has good and bad (and worse) days but all days include bouts of uncontrollable crying and projectile vomiting especially if it is a therapy day!!   Boy, some of his therapist have really earned their stripes!

I have basically come to the conclusion that it is a mix of a few things.  He can’t speak so it is obviously his way of communicating his discomfort or displeasure.  Partially, it is behavioral, and sometimes he is just tired or his stomach hurts and other times just overstimulation.  There is also the possibility that he is a 2 year old with a terrible personality ... but I don't really think that is it :)

We have come up with a few tricks that seem to help.  If you have seen us, you probably know about the patting.  He loves it …especially on the face.  Weird, I know.  People ask me all of the time why I am slapping him on the face.  I swear, I have carpel tunnel in my wrists from it ... I pat everyone now ... I can't stop.

The second and more consistent of the two is music … and more specifically, Mumford and Sons.  Everyone that sees that child transform from a complete hot mess to my beautiful smiling boy with the first several bars of “I Will Wait for You” is amazed.  The child will stop mid-scream almost without fail!  It. Is. Crazy.  He prefers Mumford over pretty much any other music out there.  We speculate that he enjoys the instruments they play or the tone of the singer’s voice … Whatever it is, it’s magical for Paul.

Exhibit A

We play it a therapy and it is sometimes the only way we can get him to stop screaming …. We call it hipster therapy.  Everyone is glad he has decent taste in music.

 

Exhibit B



He has a visual impairment and although he has some functional vision which continues to improve, using his vision is a lot work for him.  Listening to music is easy and brings him comfort.  Every single person in our family knows every word to every Mumford and Sons song at this point.  I could put this album on repeat and he would be happy for hours just sitting and listening.  We are a bit burnt out.

Sometimes, I feel he is talking to me threw the lyrics of the songs. I imagine in my mind that they are P's words to me ... Giving me hope and strength not to give up.  Maybe I am just a crazy lady that has been traumatized but I find a beautiful and sad comfort in it, so I am sticking to that story …  

 

MUMFORD & SONS - NOT WITH HASTE LYRICS

 

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They'll fulfill our dreams

And we'll be free

And we will be who we are

And they'll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste

As it keeps my heart and soul in it's place

And I will love with urgency but not with haste

: