One thing evaluators keep pointing out to us, each in their own way...is how bright they think LuLu is underneath the disabilities. I have to concur. Take these examples from this weekend.

She was drawing a picture of herself having surgery. This is a recurring theme of her artwork - hospitals, prisons, orphanages - they all show up often. But her artwork is VERY detailed - this time complete with a heart monitor. As she was telling me the story that accompanied this picture she said, "You see that heart monitor?" And then she draws a straight line. "That's when I flat lined." I quizzed her about what that meant and she told me. "My heart stopped beating and I nearly died." Of course the whole story was make believe. But she has taken to convincing acquaintences that she's had some incredible surgeries or medical procedures. Many of them start to buy the story before I intervene. It's not totally the same as "crazy lying" but it is both annoying and amusing at the same time. Medical conditions are one of her major obsessions and she loves to work them into the conversation. Making up medical conditions is a great way to start a conversation with a grown up. For Mom, though, it is stressful and embarrassing. I just continue trying to take it all in stride.

Speaking of taking it all in stride...at dinner with friends last night she asked one of the women "So how do people catch VD?" After nearly choking on her dinner, the woman asked "Where did you hear about VD?" "I read it on one of those big signs on the highway." Obviously she had seen a public service billboard somewhere, but she hadn't been on the highway since last Tuesday and this was just now coming out of her brain???? Needless to say, we all had a good laugh.

Yesterday LuLu and her Super Dad returned from the pool and SD said to me "you better strike while the iron's hot." Then he proceeded to tell me that he had discussed with LuLu the need for her to shave her armpits (a sticking point for a few weeks around here as LuLu had adamently refused my attempts at this emerging hygiene issue, saying she wanted to be like dad). So I asked LuLu if she needed help shaving while she took her bath. She agreed, but responded "Whose razor are we going to use?" I told her that sister had taken her razor to church camp, so I guessed we'd use mine. "We can't use yours Mom, it's not sanitary." She persisted adding "I've read all about it...it's not sanitary." But she correctly read my body language and mounting frustration, and quickly added to it, "but I'll do it your way." At this point, Super Dad and I lost it in laughter on the floor. Here she was all OCD on the sanitary conditions of my razor, but also trying very hard not to be oppositional. Poor kid. We compromised by using a disposible razor I had. But still, life with LuLu is never dull...not one moment!