Last Sunday, we went to a Rockies game. This wasn't Mia's first time seeing the Rockies play. I've gotten a sense of what I need to bring to appease her for three hours of sitting in one spot watching non-animated entertainment.
As soon as we got to our seats we found Mia's Grandpa Chuck had already arrived an ordered himself a soda. Mia, being the entitled little girl that she is, promptly grabbed his soda out of the cup holder and started drinking. I gave Chuck a look as if to say "do you mind that she just did that" and he gave a look as if to say "no" so we both let her continue. "It's mostly just ice anyway" he said. "Perfect, the less sugar the better".
A waiter came by our row and we ordered drinks and popcorn. Like I said, I have gotten a sense of how to appease her for the duration of the game. I handed my phone over to her so she could watch a movie and when the waiter returned with the box of popcorn she was set. Unflappable by foul balls and the cheering of the crowd, she was now in her own world and surrounded by comfort.
About three innings in, Mia started to push her feet against Chuck's leg. She does this with people, it usually can be disarming. It's usually with family and they appreciate that she's making a connection with her. I discourage it because her shoes are heavy and ultimately I don't think it feels great and don't want them to have to be in the position to not know how to ask her to stop. But even after she could no longer kick her Grandpa, Mia was still wanting an interaction.
She grabbed his hand and put it on top of her head. She giggled at the touch and when he playfully took it away she reached to have it back. She was looking at him, admiring her reflection in his yellow tinted sunglasses and searching for his eyes behind them. This was big for Mia. Findng a comfort with a family member who doesn't live with her. Wanting to make a connection, and genuinley finding comfort in that connection. By the end of the game she was climbing onto Grandpa's lap. It was wonderful to see.
