We went to visit Santa after hours tonight, Sophia was already tired as she had a short nap today meaning things would either go amazing OR be a train wreck. I dreaded going and the entire time put a smile on my face knowing she wasn't going to sit with him and prayed that there wouldn't be a meltdown.
We got to the mall a little early, went in and got our number, it was nice and calm. I was still on patrol, scanning, worrying, making up 25 scenarios in my head of things that could set her off and go wrong. Before we knew it our number was up and it was Sophia's turn to see Santa, they asked "how can we make this a good visit for her?" I gave a list of helpful tips and they followed every single one.
Again it was awesome!!!

But that wasn't what made this trip special, it was what Santa said to me that made me realize how great of a trip we had tonight.

After about the 11th time of me saying "sorry" to the staff for Sophia running around and refusing to sit Santa walked over and told me "stop saying sorry!" He told me "you have nothing to be sorry for, she's a wonderful little girl and quite well behaved." He also went on to tell me to relax and enjoy her the way she is because she's perfect.

Thank you Santa!!

You. Are. Awesome!!!

You made me realize what a successful trip tonight was, we might not be able to do things the conventional way, but our girl is happy and that's a win.

Signed,
One Happy Autism Mommy