Yesterday was our outing for therapy. We met at a local apple ranch that has a train, orchard, pumpkin patch and animals to feed. Our first stop was, of course, the coffee bar before we headed outside. The first animals we saw were the horses, which are fun, Mr N wants to stick his hands up their nostrils....
Next we headed to the feeding area and got the kids some corn feed for the chickens. We could have spent all day feeding the chickens. The kids thought they were great, until Mr N got his thumb pecked, then he realized they make tasty food and time to move to better animals. He quite enjoyed feeding the goats (I think they are a tad icky, thankfully Katy helped him feed them). There were two calves that were absolutely precious, baby cows are my favorite. We just pet them, we didn't feed them. After feeding the first group of animals we headed to the duck and goose pond, all fun and games until a goose decided Mr N looked tasty and nibbled on his head. I'm telling you the kid is so cute even the animals want to eat him up.
The train ride really made the kids happy, Mr N sat perfectly still in his seat just taking it all in as we circled the ranch and went through a couple of tunnels. I was, in fact, a wee bit worried that he would not enjoy it and we'd have to stop the train and disembark, but my little man loved it.
The kids loved the trip to the apple ranch so much, we plan to go back when the grandparents come to visit next week. I can't wait for them to experience the joy with the kids.
Once we left the apple ranch the kiddos were ready for lunch so we stopped for a healthy meal at Taco Bell. Yes, my friends, that is sarcasm. Neither of the kids were super interested in eating, but we tried. They overheard Katy and I talk about going to the park after lunch and would have preferred to skip the lunch part all together.
At the park the kids ran around, E mostly stuck with Katy, while Mr N was super attached to Mommy. There were quite a few other kids there, so that effected his willingness to play uninhibited.
After therapy time was done we stopped at the store for some milk before we headed home for the day. By this time Mr N was ready for his nap, I put him in the ergo and E in the "car cart" and hit the dairy aisle. Mr N dozed off while we were shopping and was asleep within moments of being put back in the car.
So why the outings? Why the doing normal, mundane things for therapy? Remember all the posts about sensory input about Mr N getting easily overwhelmed? These outings are great for gently getting Mr N more exposed to new things. While I can, and do, take the kids on outings by myself, having the therapist there to help Mr N get out of the car, or to encourage him to hold her hand are very beneficial in helping Mr N step a little outside his comfort zone. Yesterday we made four stops, that is four times into the car-seat and four times out of the car-seat, that is major progress over the last six months. I don't think Daddy and I would have attempted that even just a few months ago.
More on Mr N's speech, I know I talk about it constantly, but it's become sort of an obsession, just trying to look for progress. Today I had ran upstairs for something, when I came back down he said "hi, what are you doin?" wow, that is five words strung together. Thursday he voxed Susie and said "hi, I wuv you, hi Susie". I'm so amazed and proud of his progress. He also voxed Susie some gibberish along with "what are doin?" this morning. Thankfully she's pretty tolerant of undecipherable messages from my kiddos.
Today we have a play date in the park with our friends, so I'm excited for the kids just to get out and interact with other kiddos.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Colors & Carseats
The kids are eating goldfish crackers and listening to kids songs (100 songs on iTunes for $9.99). I look in Mr N's bowl and he had eaten out all of the yellow and orange goldfish, leaving the green and red ones. I am just so happy to see that he recognizes different colors and seems to have a preference.
Therapy went pretty well this morning, Mr N has been pretty clingy and cuddly the last couple of days, I'm starting to think he's coming down with something. He doesn't have a fever and isn't complaining or acting like anything hurts, but he doesn't complain when he falls and skins his knees and elbows either.
We did some bubbles outside, Mr N did some fruit cutting, balloon play, dancing, and ball play, of course. Mr N loves to throw stuff, I'm not sure if he gets sensory input from it or if he's just like his uncle who threw anything and everything (and most likely still does). As much as Mr N looks like his Daddy, I certainly see my brothers in him quite often.
Nap time came a bit before therapy was over, but he seemed to really need the rest today so we didn't fight Mr N on it.
While baby napped, I tried to teach sissy how to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on our wooden xylophone. I took the liberty of using permanent marker to help her learn her notes. Like this...
.JPG)
She doesn't quite have it down, but she thinks it's awesome when Mommy plays it, so that's a good start.
Now I'm gonna climb up on my soap box for just a minute. This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, so I'd like to raise awareness for all parents. Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. THIS IS HUGE! Seriously, this is a huge problem. Parents are constantly running their kids to the doctor for minor bumps, bruises, fever, etc. Parents take precautions by vaccinating, baby proofing their homes, putting in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors....yet fail to properly keep their child restrained in a vehicle. It's unfathomable how this is overlooked by so many parents. It's estimated that 72% of child restraints are misused and could increase the risk of a child being injured in an accident. There is no excuse, if you are a parent, read your car seat or booster seat owner's manual. Watch YouTube videos that have been made by professionals. Take your vehicle and car seat to an inspection station. Here is a link, search by your location....it's right HERE again!
You thought I was done? No, I'm not done. Here is a link http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html
to more facts and guidelines for parents and caregivers. Laws are finally changing to help protect our precious children. I'm actually going to post some of the guidelines. This is the information hospitals should be forcing parents to watch before they leave the hospital.
~ Birth through Age 2 - Rear-facing child safety seat. For the best possible protection, infants and children should be kept in a rear-facing child safety seat, in the back seat buckled with the seats harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limits of their particular seat. The weight and height limits on rear-facing child safety seats can accommodate most children through age 2, check the seat's owner's manual for details.
~ Between Ages 2-4/ Until 40 lbs - Forward-facing child safety seat. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (the weight and height limits on rear-facing car seats can accommodate most children through age 2) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat buckled with the seat's harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds; many newer seats have higher weight limits-check the seat's owner's manual for details.
~ Between ages 4-8 OR until 4'9" Tall - Booster seat. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (by reaching the upper height and weight limits of their seat), they should ride in belt positioning booster seats. Remember to keep children in the back seat for the best possible protection.
~ After age 8 and/or 4'9" Tall - Seat belts. Children should use booster seats until adult seat belts fit them properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (not the neck). When adult seat belts fit children properly they can use the adult seat belts without booster seats. For the best possible protection keep children in the back seat and use lap-and-shoulder belts.
~ All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an air bag.
~ Place children in the middle of the back seat when possible, because it is the safest spot in the vehicle.
Okay, I might be done now. I had to edit out a lot so I didn't sound so heartless and judgmental. But these are precious, innocent lives being lost for absolutely no reason. Please, please, please keep your children safe.
Edit: I wasn't quite done. Here is an image that will help guide you on where the chest clip goes (should be even with the armpits) and to determine how snug the harness should be. Just remember, it's a chest clip, not a belly clip.
.JPG)
Therapy went pretty well this morning, Mr N has been pretty clingy and cuddly the last couple of days, I'm starting to think he's coming down with something. He doesn't have a fever and isn't complaining or acting like anything hurts, but he doesn't complain when he falls and skins his knees and elbows either.
We did some bubbles outside, Mr N did some fruit cutting, balloon play, dancing, and ball play, of course. Mr N loves to throw stuff, I'm not sure if he gets sensory input from it or if he's just like his uncle who threw anything and everything (and most likely still does). As much as Mr N looks like his Daddy, I certainly see my brothers in him quite often.
Nap time came a bit before therapy was over, but he seemed to really need the rest today so we didn't fight Mr N on it.
While baby napped, I tried to teach sissy how to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on our wooden xylophone. I took the liberty of using permanent marker to help her learn her notes. Like this...
.JPG)
She doesn't quite have it down, but she thinks it's awesome when Mommy plays it, so that's a good start.
Now I'm gonna climb up on my soap box for just a minute. This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, so I'd like to raise awareness for all parents. Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. THIS IS HUGE! Seriously, this is a huge problem. Parents are constantly running their kids to the doctor for minor bumps, bruises, fever, etc. Parents take precautions by vaccinating, baby proofing their homes, putting in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors....yet fail to properly keep their child restrained in a vehicle. It's unfathomable how this is overlooked by so many parents. It's estimated that 72% of child restraints are misused and could increase the risk of a child being injured in an accident. There is no excuse, if you are a parent, read your car seat or booster seat owner's manual. Watch YouTube videos that have been made by professionals. Take your vehicle and car seat to an inspection station. Here is a link, search by your location....it's right HERE again!
You thought I was done? No, I'm not done. Here is a link http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html
to more facts and guidelines for parents and caregivers. Laws are finally changing to help protect our precious children. I'm actually going to post some of the guidelines. This is the information hospitals should be forcing parents to watch before they leave the hospital.
~ Birth through Age 2 - Rear-facing child safety seat. For the best possible protection, infants and children should be kept in a rear-facing child safety seat, in the back seat buckled with the seats harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limits of their particular seat. The weight and height limits on rear-facing child safety seats can accommodate most children through age 2, check the seat's owner's manual for details.
~ Between Ages 2-4/ Until 40 lbs - Forward-facing child safety seat. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (the weight and height limits on rear-facing car seats can accommodate most children through age 2) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat buckled with the seat's harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds; many newer seats have higher weight limits-check the seat's owner's manual for details.
~ Between ages 4-8 OR until 4'9" Tall - Booster seat. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (by reaching the upper height and weight limits of their seat), they should ride in belt positioning booster seats. Remember to keep children in the back seat for the best possible protection.
~ After age 8 and/or 4'9" Tall - Seat belts. Children should use booster seats until adult seat belts fit them properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (not the neck). When adult seat belts fit children properly they can use the adult seat belts without booster seats. For the best possible protection keep children in the back seat and use lap-and-shoulder belts.
~ All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an air bag.
~ Place children in the middle of the back seat when possible, because it is the safest spot in the vehicle.
Okay, I might be done now. I had to edit out a lot so I didn't sound so heartless and judgmental. But these are precious, innocent lives being lost for absolutely no reason. Please, please, please keep your children safe.
Edit: I wasn't quite done. Here is an image that will help guide you on where the chest clip goes (should be even with the armpits) and to determine how snug the harness should be. Just remember, it's a chest clip, not a belly clip.
.JPG)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
A little brag
Mr N's speech has been progressing daily, it's such an astonishing thing to see. He strung several words together today and now I'm kicking myself for not writing it down or blogging it when it happened.
He did a couple of other pretty awesome things today. The first, he had finished eating a Popsicle outside and gone back inside. But before long he came outside and said "help up". I followed him in, he climbed up on the new stool Grandma made for Mommy and wanted to wash his hands at the sink. It's the first stool that he can actually reach the faucet, so I'm pretty excited to help teach him that part of washing his hands. Anyhow, he put his hands under the water, held his hand out for soap, rubbed his hands together, then rinsed them. When he was done he dried his hands and said "done". Washing hands has been a "self help" skill that they want to see mastered in therapy. We've been working on it, but it typically requires a few prompts to get it accomplished, today was the first time he asked to wash his hands.
The second thing I need to brag about is his mad puzzle skills, we all know he can do puzzles even the 26 piece alphabet puzzle. Today we set up the train set along with the farm set, we also pulled farm and train pieces from 3 different puzzles to fancy up the farm. When we went to put it away, I took all three puzzle boards and handed Mr N the pieces to all 3 puzzles, 2 of them are farm puzzles, 1 is a train puzzle. While he was working on that I picked up the train set & pieces which also includes a cow and a horse, and I put away the farm. He quickly put all the pieces where they went and helped me put the farm pieces in the correct bin along with the putting the farm pieces in the correct bin. I was quite impressed. They are all Melissa & Doug sets so a lot of the horses, cows, barns, sheep, etc look very similar but he sorted it all out without any trouble.
I'm so proud of my baby boy.
He did a couple of other pretty awesome things today. The first, he had finished eating a Popsicle outside and gone back inside. But before long he came outside and said "help up". I followed him in, he climbed up on the new stool Grandma made for Mommy and wanted to wash his hands at the sink. It's the first stool that he can actually reach the faucet, so I'm pretty excited to help teach him that part of washing his hands. Anyhow, he put his hands under the water, held his hand out for soap, rubbed his hands together, then rinsed them. When he was done he dried his hands and said "done". Washing hands has been a "self help" skill that they want to see mastered in therapy. We've been working on it, but it typically requires a few prompts to get it accomplished, today was the first time he asked to wash his hands.
The second thing I need to brag about is his mad puzzle skills, we all know he can do puzzles even the 26 piece alphabet puzzle. Today we set up the train set along with the farm set, we also pulled farm and train pieces from 3 different puzzles to fancy up the farm. When we went to put it away, I took all three puzzle boards and handed Mr N the pieces to all 3 puzzles, 2 of them are farm puzzles, 1 is a train puzzle. While he was working on that I picked up the train set & pieces which also includes a cow and a horse, and I put away the farm. He quickly put all the pieces where they went and helped me put the farm pieces in the correct bin along with the putting the farm pieces in the correct bin. I was quite impressed. They are all Melissa & Doug sets so a lot of the horses, cows, barns, sheep, etc look very similar but he sorted it all out without any trouble.
I'm so proud of my baby boy.
Compassion
Last night E face planted off the arm of the sofa onto the floor. I held her while she cried, Mr N came over and asked "wha happen?" I told him E got an owie, he climbed up next to us and stroked her head over and over saying "okay" (it's okay) and "alright" (it's alright). Mommy got a little teary at this exchange of compassion for his sister.
Therapy started off poorly today. We started by attempting to dress him, that did not end well. The first hour of therapy involved mostly Mr N cuddling Mommy while Katy attempted to get him to engage or even acknowledge her, to not avail. Finally, he decided to get to playing with Katy and did well the rest of the day.
Soon after Katy left we began Operation Nap Time, it began with Mr N taking a nap while Mommy tried to get stuff done, but quickly the sleepies took over and Mommy joined the napping game.
I think my brain hasn't woken up all the way yet, so we'll keep this post short and sweet.
Therapy started off poorly today. We started by attempting to dress him, that did not end well. The first hour of therapy involved mostly Mr N cuddling Mommy while Katy attempted to get him to engage or even acknowledge her, to not avail. Finally, he decided to get to playing with Katy and did well the rest of the day.
Soon after Katy left we began Operation Nap Time, it began with Mr N taking a nap while Mommy tried to get stuff done, but quickly the sleepies took over and Mommy joined the napping game.
I think my brain hasn't woken up all the way yet, so we'll keep this post short and sweet.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Look!
Can I just say how proud I am of my little man? What an amazing little dude I've been blessed with in my life. He amazes me day after day with his progress, his new words, his ability to learn new things.
After a very busy weekend I was anxious to see how Mr N would do with therapy this morning. When Katy arrived Mr N was pretty intent on cuddling with a blanket on the sofa. It didn't take very long for Mr N to get involved and start playing. He did some great work the play doh rolling it with the rolling pin, pushing his thumbs into it and patting it flat with the palms of his hands. Mr N also engaged in some sensory seeking behavior, he took the big bears and would pull them on top of him and just lay there under the weight of them. Once he came to find me, gave me a hug, then ran back to the play room.
He is very much responding well to Katy and staying engaged during the entire 4 hours of therapy. It's great seeing him do so much. Today he pointed and said "look" to Katy to get her attention, it's a new word. New words during therapy is like bacon on a cupcake.
We've started eating lunch during therapy since it goes until 1:00p. Today the kids had Ramen noodles, crackers and a banana. Mr N ate all of his noodles and most of E's noodles. I was pretty excited to see him eat so much!
After therapy ended Mr N headed to bed for a much needed nap, it was a nice long nap while E begged to go to the market as soon as he woke up. This resulted in E saying "he's awake" every time he stirred a bit. Once he finally woke up we ran to the market for apples and muffins. The market stopped carrying the muffins E likes so we made our own muffins out of banana bread batter with some mini chocolate chips added. E thinks they are the best thing ever, she even saved 4 of them for Daddy.
At one point during Mr N's nap he woke up and needed cuddled to which I gladly obliged. As I laid there holding him looking at his perfect face, touching his perfect toes, loving my perfect little man, I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to have the precious child in my life.
After a very busy weekend I was anxious to see how Mr N would do with therapy this morning. When Katy arrived Mr N was pretty intent on cuddling with a blanket on the sofa. It didn't take very long for Mr N to get involved and start playing. He did some great work the play doh rolling it with the rolling pin, pushing his thumbs into it and patting it flat with the palms of his hands. Mr N also engaged in some sensory seeking behavior, he took the big bears and would pull them on top of him and just lay there under the weight of them. Once he came to find me, gave me a hug, then ran back to the play room.
He is very much responding well to Katy and staying engaged during the entire 4 hours of therapy. It's great seeing him do so much. Today he pointed and said "look" to Katy to get her attention, it's a new word. New words during therapy is like bacon on a cupcake.
We've started eating lunch during therapy since it goes until 1:00p. Today the kids had Ramen noodles, crackers and a banana. Mr N ate all of his noodles and most of E's noodles. I was pretty excited to see him eat so much!
After therapy ended Mr N headed to bed for a much needed nap, it was a nice long nap while E begged to go to the market as soon as he woke up. This resulted in E saying "he's awake" every time he stirred a bit. Once he finally woke up we ran to the market for apples and muffins. The market stopped carrying the muffins E likes so we made our own muffins out of banana bread batter with some mini chocolate chips added. E thinks they are the best thing ever, she even saved 4 of them for Daddy.
At one point during Mr N's nap he woke up and needed cuddled to which I gladly obliged. As I laid there holding him looking at his perfect face, touching his perfect toes, loving my perfect little man, I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to have the precious child in my life.
Wild Weekend
Friday started off with sleeping in (for 15 minutes) then breakfast, cuddles and a movie. Ahhh blissful laziness.
Our relaxation was only temporary, we then met up with some friends and headed to town for some last minute necessities for the wedding. Next time we will prepare better so we can take the kids to the park after shopping. Mr N fell asleep on our way to town, so I put him in the Ergo at the first store we went to, then foolishly left the ergo in the car while we went to the grocery store. He typically likes to ride in the car cart with E, but Friday he was not having it. He walked or had me carry him the whole time.
We arrived back home with the tools needed for cooking. I was asked to bring pasta salad for 10 people, so I found a great recipe that included in bacon. What I lack in personality, I make up for in bacon recipes. I made Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad and it was delicious, if I do say so myself. It took a few hours to get all the bacon baked and chopped up.
Saturday we started off with a parade, bounce house, and lattes. It was our town's annual festival, the parade started at 9:00a. The kids love the parade, this was our second time going, it's hard to believe we've lived up here a year already. After the parade ended we headed to the coffee shop for some caffeine, since we left home in a hurry. With lattes in hand we headed for the park where all the booths and chili cook off was located. First we had to pass the bounce house, which was very enticing to the kids. E chickened out after observing all the big kids playing recklessly, but Mr N was determined to get his bounce on and go down the slide. He bounced about half a bounce before he headed for the slide, which required some Mommy interference. The big kids were pushing, shoving, climbing up the slide and not letting any of the little kids use it. Mommy cleared the ladder and slide for Mr N and he happily slid to the bottom to a waiting Daddy. We then hurried away from the bounce house to avoid going through that again.
Unfortunately, we had quite a hot Saturday so our time at the festival was quite short lived, we bought a bottle of water, said hi to some friends and then headed for the car. On our way to the car E reminded me that we needed new library books so we made a short detour for some reading material. Upon arriving home the kids & Daddy cuddled and played while Mommy put together the pasta salad. Mr N skipped his nap altogether, but so kindly fell asleep on the way to the wedding and slept through most of it.
The reception was outside so the kids played until the injuries were more abundant than the enjoyment. Daddy took the kids home to bed while Mommy stayed and danced like a fool. I caught a ride home with our guests and dragged my tired body to bed.
Sunday started a wee bit late, but we got loaded up and out the door, we were only a few minutes late to meeting. Afterwards we headed to some friends to barbecue, chat and let the kids play. Mr N was quite the Daddy's boy on Sunday, I don't think Daddy minded one bit. I hope the kids never take for granted how great their Daddy is and how much he loves them. He is an amazing man.
After an exhausting, fattening weekend we came home and crashed.
Our relaxation was only temporary, we then met up with some friends and headed to town for some last minute necessities for the wedding. Next time we will prepare better so we can take the kids to the park after shopping. Mr N fell asleep on our way to town, so I put him in the Ergo at the first store we went to, then foolishly left the ergo in the car while we went to the grocery store. He typically likes to ride in the car cart with E, but Friday he was not having it. He walked or had me carry him the whole time.
We arrived back home with the tools needed for cooking. I was asked to bring pasta salad for 10 people, so I found a great recipe that included in bacon. What I lack in personality, I make up for in bacon recipes. I made Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad and it was delicious, if I do say so myself. It took a few hours to get all the bacon baked and chopped up.
Saturday we started off with a parade, bounce house, and lattes. It was our town's annual festival, the parade started at 9:00a. The kids love the parade, this was our second time going, it's hard to believe we've lived up here a year already. After the parade ended we headed to the coffee shop for some caffeine, since we left home in a hurry. With lattes in hand we headed for the park where all the booths and chili cook off was located. First we had to pass the bounce house, which was very enticing to the kids. E chickened out after observing all the big kids playing recklessly, but Mr N was determined to get his bounce on and go down the slide. He bounced about half a bounce before he headed for the slide, which required some Mommy interference. The big kids were pushing, shoving, climbing up the slide and not letting any of the little kids use it. Mommy cleared the ladder and slide for Mr N and he happily slid to the bottom to a waiting Daddy. We then hurried away from the bounce house to avoid going through that again.
Unfortunately, we had quite a hot Saturday so our time at the festival was quite short lived, we bought a bottle of water, said hi to some friends and then headed for the car. On our way to the car E reminded me that we needed new library books so we made a short detour for some reading material. Upon arriving home the kids & Daddy cuddled and played while Mommy put together the pasta salad. Mr N skipped his nap altogether, but so kindly fell asleep on the way to the wedding and slept through most of it.
The reception was outside so the kids played until the injuries were more abundant than the enjoyment. Daddy took the kids home to bed while Mommy stayed and danced like a fool. I caught a ride home with our guests and dragged my tired body to bed.
Sunday started a wee bit late, but we got loaded up and out the door, we were only a few minutes late to meeting. Afterwards we headed to some friends to barbecue, chat and let the kids play. Mr N was quite the Daddy's boy on Sunday, I don't think Daddy minded one bit. I hope the kids never take for granted how great their Daddy is and how much he loves them. He is an amazing man.
After an exhausting, fattening weekend we came home and crashed.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Power, Playdates and Pomegranate
Yesterday we had a scheduled 8 hour power outage beginning at 8:00am which I forgot about until 8:00am when the power went out. This changed up our plans a bit for the day since I hadn't made coffee yet. Mommy sans coffee is nothing to mess around with, so for yesterday's field trip we went for coffee, walked downtown, then cruised the market. Doing normal things with the therapist is great for Mr N to get used to others. When we got to the coffee shop Mr N let Katy unbuckle him, but not get him out. It will take baby steps and probably quite a few outings before he lets her get him out, but he is becoming more and more familiar with her and more comfortable with her helping him.
The coffee shop has a nursery in the back so while I imbibed in some coffee, we walked around the nursery and the kids explored the area. There is a tree house that the kids climbed up into, there is a small stage where they have summer concerts, and a grassy terrace for concert goers. The kids wandered, explored and found things to play with; including a wagon, tonka truck and rock. E pretended she was a cat and "hid" in the tall grass while Mr N threw the rock up the hill, then back down the hill.
After the coffee shop we walked through downtown, nothing was open so it was really just a walk while trying to get Mr N to hold hands. This is not usually an issue with him, but yesterday he was not cooperating. While we were walking through the produce aisle at the market the sprinklers came on which excited Mr N. He started saying "water". I've noticed that as time goes by his words get clearer and easier to understand. Water used to be one of those weird words that sounded nothing like water, but now it starts with a "w" and has two syllables. While him learning and saying new words is exciting and encouraging, I'm even happier when he starts pronouncing things better. Progress is such a beautiful thing.
Once we arrived back home Mr N did some painting, puzzles and ball play with Katy. Then he started playing with the toy food again, he really likes dumping it on his body, rolling in it, then throwing it. We've been redirecting the throwing aspect into throwing it back into it's tote rather than at people or across the room. He dumped, rolled, and threw the food a few times before moving onto playing with blocks. He also wanted to throw the blocks, but they are hurty and unsafe so we put the kibosh on that.
By the time therapy ended it became pretty clear that no power, which directly resulted in no water, was not something we were prepared to handle. We had plans to go visit a friend who has kittens, so we set on our way for our little play date. Mr N was asleep within 2 miles of leaving home, which left me hopeful that he'd continue to sleep after we arrived. That didn't happen. Instead, he woke up as soon as we got there and cried for quite a while. He kept wanting to go back out to the car, but he finally settled down.
Both kids loved the black kitten and Mr N was very gentle with her. Mr N also let my friend pick him up 3 times, we were both pretty surprised. Her kids are 5 months and 17 months, eventually Mr N was playing nicely with the 17 month old. The kids had fun and so did Mommy. We intend to have regular play dates with our new friends.
Amidst the chaos yesterday, we did receive a phone call from Mr N's pediatricians office letting us know they are sending a referral to the neurologist and we should hear from them within a week to get his appointment scheduled.
No pomegranates were harmed during the posting of this blog.
The coffee shop has a nursery in the back so while I imbibed in some coffee, we walked around the nursery and the kids explored the area. There is a tree house that the kids climbed up into, there is a small stage where they have summer concerts, and a grassy terrace for concert goers. The kids wandered, explored and found things to play with; including a wagon, tonka truck and rock. E pretended she was a cat and "hid" in the tall grass while Mr N threw the rock up the hill, then back down the hill.
After the coffee shop we walked through downtown, nothing was open so it was really just a walk while trying to get Mr N to hold hands. This is not usually an issue with him, but yesterday he was not cooperating. While we were walking through the produce aisle at the market the sprinklers came on which excited Mr N. He started saying "water". I've noticed that as time goes by his words get clearer and easier to understand. Water used to be one of those weird words that sounded nothing like water, but now it starts with a "w" and has two syllables. While him learning and saying new words is exciting and encouraging, I'm even happier when he starts pronouncing things better. Progress is such a beautiful thing.
Once we arrived back home Mr N did some painting, puzzles and ball play with Katy. Then he started playing with the toy food again, he really likes dumping it on his body, rolling in it, then throwing it. We've been redirecting the throwing aspect into throwing it back into it's tote rather than at people or across the room. He dumped, rolled, and threw the food a few times before moving onto playing with blocks. He also wanted to throw the blocks, but they are hurty and unsafe so we put the kibosh on that.
By the time therapy ended it became pretty clear that no power, which directly resulted in no water, was not something we were prepared to handle. We had plans to go visit a friend who has kittens, so we set on our way for our little play date. Mr N was asleep within 2 miles of leaving home, which left me hopeful that he'd continue to sleep after we arrived. That didn't happen. Instead, he woke up as soon as we got there and cried for quite a while. He kept wanting to go back out to the car, but he finally settled down.
Both kids loved the black kitten and Mr N was very gentle with her. Mr N also let my friend pick him up 3 times, we were both pretty surprised. Her kids are 5 months and 17 months, eventually Mr N was playing nicely with the 17 month old. The kids had fun and so did Mommy. We intend to have regular play dates with our new friends.
Amidst the chaos yesterday, we did receive a phone call from Mr N's pediatricians office letting us know they are sending a referral to the neurologist and we should hear from them within a week to get his appointment scheduled.
No pomegranates were harmed during the posting of this blog.
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