Regression

When we went away last weekend, I anticipated the change in routine would throw Ryan off a bit for a couple of days.  I predicted the usual forms of regression - loss of useful language, potty accidents, the occasional tantrum. I did not expect the return of behaviors we haven't seen in months. Don't get me wrong - there have also been plenty of the expected regressions.  I'm talking about additional stuff, above and beyond the call of duty.  Ryan's putting in some overtime. Like, when hanging up the hand towel in the bathroom, Ryan has reverted to only allowing one inch of towel to remain visible.  Alternately, he will hang the towel so all but one inch sticks out.  He had stopped doing both of these things months ago. We also had a solid month or so without Ryan's insisting on stimming on his fork during meals.  Now, the fork is once again waving in front of - and way too close to - his eyes (and mine). He has started asking to watch tv shows he hasn't watched since winter. And after we turned off the light at bedtime tonight, Ryan lay in bed laughing maniacally to himself.  He used to do that a lot, but he hadn't done it in maybe a year. I wish I could walk around inside his head and see how revisiting these behaviors is helping him re-acclimate to being home.