Charlie sounded out some new words this week:

• Pouch (like applesauce pouches)
• Arthur (his friend who came to visit)

Amanda put a stool by the front window so Charlie could climb up on it and look out. It has been a huge hit and he stands on it multiple times a day.

We had one of Charlie’s daycare friends and his parents over on Saturday and are really glad we invited them. It was nice to connect with other parents of young kids and chat while they ran around. I made some pizzas in the Ooni, we had some wine and snacks, and generally just chilled.

There is something comforting about all being in the same boat and being both unapologetic and understanding when one of the toddlers does a toddler thing and having to deal with that. It is harder to relax when people without kids come to visit and your kid does something weird.

This visit was one of the first times another walking, interactive toddler like Charlie who doesn’t yet understand how to interact well with other kids came to our house, and Charlie had some bouts of jealousy and frustration when things didn’t go as he expected. There were some tears. I can understand that it is tough to see someone playing with your toys, standing on your stool, and being held by your parents. He hasn’t had to share before. It is better for him to learn now than a couple years from now. Still, it is tough to see him frustrated like that, and we snuggled him extra that night.

Charlie and his friend Miles dressed up as Mario and Luigi for Halloween. So cute.

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The saffron crocuses are blooming! I’m harvesting the saffron to make rice, soups, and paellas.

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This week was peak fall color in Peekskill. The weather was also nice. It ended up being one of the more beautiful autumns we’ve had here.

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Currently reading:

• Trust by Hernan Diaz
• Woodswoman by Anne LaBastille
• The Confusion by Neal Stephenson (part of the Baroque cycle)

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I had a conversation with a friend about working with neurodivergent people. I currently work with some neurodivergent folks and have worked with others in the past. Some helpful things I like to keep in mind:

• When working with neurodivergent people, it is best to assume you aren’t working from a shared understanding of any given situation until you make your understanding explicit and have a conversation about it. This eliminates frustration on both sides.
• Assume positive intent. If they miss a call/meeting/ping, don’t assume it is intended. For some, they can get zero’d in on something to the exclusion of other things.
• Try to understand their strengths and weaknesses and try to structure their work to maximize use of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.
• Make as much explicit as you can. Give clear expectations, clear instructions, and clear feedback. Minimize nuance. If you ask them for a call, give a clear list of what you’d like to discuss and why.
  • On the flip side, don’t assume. Ask!

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https://tenpages.github.io/us-level/us.html

There are only 8 US states I haven’t been to!