Words i never realized would come out of my mouth: "Keegen! Get your FACE out of the TOILET." (He's ever so proud of his potty successes and likes to watch the contents swish away but today was a little too up-close-and-personal).
Speaking of too up-close-and-personal, I've joked that Keegen is so small that i fear he'll fall in the toilet. Darn thing looks like it's about to swallow him up when he sits on it. But i never imagined he'd fall into the toilet while standing up peeing. He was standing on a step to reach the toilet, peeing, when he shifted on it a bit and somehow the step slipped and he fell INTO THE TOILET face and hands outstretched first. So. What do i do? I pick him up (stifling my disbelieving laughter), wipe him off, stand him back up on the step to try again. And what happens? STEP SOMEHOW SLIPS AGAIN AND HE FLIES IN FACE FIRST AGAIN! Thankfully, after he got mad at me for laughing he was quick to forgive and laugh, too. No. You're right. We will not be using that step EVER again for that purpose. Should this be one of those blackbox warnings for parents? Do not let your child pee alone into the toilet due to risk of drowning???
And finally, i thought this was funny. You guys know the song "Say" by John Mayer? Yes? No? Anywho. We're sitting at Taco Bell tonight for a lovely dinner of hydrogenates, Grade F meat, fluorescent fake cheese and who knows what else and "Say" is playing overhead. Bode asks, "Why is he saying Sandwiches Make Sense?" (as opposed to Say What you Need to Say). (sing with me now, "sandwiches makes se-e-e-nse, sandwiches make se-ense"). Love it. Just like his father hearing things that aren't there.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Jeri Rocks!
I can't remember if i've posted any of these before.
my absolute fave
We had a photo session way back in July with my friend Jeri while we were visiting family in DC. It was my intention to do it to get a decent shot or two of the boys and hopefully a good one of the three of us as a gift for Doug.
To preserve in my memory, we did it at my favorite place in Columbia, MD--Lake Elkhorn. It was about 8:45 when we arrived and already hot and sticky. The boys really responded to Jeri's mild promptings and, in the end, Bode really got into it. When the photographer asks, "What does a pirate say?" this is when the adult(s) in the shot are supposed to keep their smiles fixed and the children are to respond. NOT the other way around. Lesson learned.
Jeri is MAGIC. There were so many photos to choose from (Oh, the agony!). See the proof below.
Keegen was fantastic for the first half of the shoot. And when he was DONE, Bode had warmed up and was ready to go. It actually worked out really well. The final shots were the ones of the three of us. Keegs looks a bit, well, done in the final selection, but it works.
And after only a year (well, i got the prints in November, but a year since the shoot), these puppies are matted, framed and ready to go up on my wall. Wonder how long it will take me to do that...
my absolute faveWe had a photo session way back in July with my friend Jeri while we were visiting family in DC. It was my intention to do it to get a decent shot or two of the boys and hopefully a good one of the three of us as a gift for Doug.
To preserve in my memory, we did it at my favorite place in Columbia, MD--Lake Elkhorn. It was about 8:45 when we arrived and already hot and sticky. The boys really responded to Jeri's mild promptings and, in the end, Bode really got into it. When the photographer asks, "What does a pirate say?" this is when the adult(s) in the shot are supposed to keep their smiles fixed and the children are to respond. NOT the other way around. Lesson learned.
Jeri is MAGIC. There were so many photos to choose from (Oh, the agony!). See the proof below.
Keegen was fantastic for the first half of the shoot. And when he was DONE, Bode had warmed up and was ready to go. It actually worked out really well. The final shots were the ones of the three of us. Keegs looks a bit, well, done in the final selection, but it works.
And after only a year (well, i got the prints in November, but a year since the shoot), these puppies are matted, framed and ready to go up on my wall. Wonder how long it will take me to do that...
Strawberry Fields Forever
june 16th
I've had a hankering for a pick-your-own experience for a long time now. I was foiled last fall when there were no apples to pick in the entire state of Colorado due to a severe frost. No homemade applesauce for me! This year? I found a fantastic little farm just an hour and a half away where we could pick strawberries.
We invited Kristen and Kate and Jack (because if anyone likes PYO more than me, it's Kristen. No doubt). We met up and carpooled to the farm and it was the fastest, most enjoyable drive i've had to Denver yet (it's actually in Brighton, just past the Denver airport). Most enjoyable because the kids were totally entertained with each other. Very novel having friends in the car for a "road trip." And therefore, Kristen and i got to gab the entire way there and back.
The farm was darling. Wonderful red barn. Roosters cockadoodling to greet us. A ginormous pig that delighted the kids. To get the the strawberry fields, we had to take the "berry train," a hay wagon, essentially, which the kids loved, too.
these kids are awesome
I got about 2/3 of a flat, which was plenty since i'd just made freezer jam the week before. We've enjoyed these berries with whipped cream and ice cream and i just dipped a bunch in melted semi-sweet chocolate (lazy woman's fondue!). Soooooo good!
i love this picture! makes up for not getting one on mother's day! check out keegen's face, hands and empty container...
I've had a hankering for a pick-your-own experience for a long time now. I was foiled last fall when there were no apples to pick in the entire state of Colorado due to a severe frost. No homemade applesauce for me! This year? I found a fantastic little farm just an hour and a half away where we could pick strawberries.
We invited Kristen and Kate and Jack (because if anyone likes PYO more than me, it's Kristen. No doubt). We met up and carpooled to the farm and it was the fastest, most enjoyable drive i've had to Denver yet (it's actually in Brighton, just past the Denver airport). Most enjoyable because the kids were totally entertained with each other. Very novel having friends in the car for a "road trip." And therefore, Kristen and i got to gab the entire way there and back.
The farm was darling. Wonderful red barn. Roosters cockadoodling to greet us. A ginormous pig that delighted the kids. To get the the strawberry fields, we had to take the "berry train," a hay wagon, essentially, which the kids loved, too.
We got out to the fields with our boxes to fill and set the kids loose. They did a great job only picking the ripe ones and eating lots as they went along! Keegen had to have eaten an entire quart, easily. Bode was less voracious, but enjoyed some, too. It's an organic farm and i LOVED being able to paw through the plants and not worry about pesticide/fertilizer residue. And loved even more that we could just pop the berries in our mouths without worry. Oh, and they were so tasty. I got home and told Doug that i am spoiled now, having tasted these sweet, fresh berries. Yum!
Bode searching for the perfect berries
Bode searching for the perfect berries
these kids are awesomeI got about 2/3 of a flat, which was plenty since i'd just made freezer jam the week before. We've enjoyed these berries with whipped cream and ice cream and i just dipped a bunch in melted semi-sweet chocolate (lazy woman's fondue!). Soooooo good!
i love this picture! makes up for not getting one on mother's day! check out keegen's face, hands and empty container...Happenings
Mother's Day: I was given a menu of options for the day in book form that the boys worked on with Doug. A menu of many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as activity choices for the day. The choices were impressive. For breakfast alone we had cinnamon rolls (my faves from a can), orange julius and eggs benedict. As for activities, I went with the simply hang out with the family as well as rest a lot since i wasn't feeling well then.
Bode's Preschool Graduation: He is on to kindergarten! Hard to believe sometimes. He wouldn't participate in the presentation the kids put on or walk in the graduation "procession", which made me sad only because he'd been willing to do things like this a few months ago. But i had to remind myself that I hate performing and being in front of a crowd, too, so i understood it. It's not always just his sensory processing issues. He knew all of the songs and what they were going to do. He'd fully participated during school to learn them. But when it came to performing in front of a bunch of parents he couldn't. We did get some fun pictures later...
I will be saving his preschool eval in Bode's school file (as if i'm so organized) but wanted to save it here, too. His pre-reading, writing, math, science; etc. skills were all appropriate, but i wanted to highlight what the teachers wrote that i think says a lot about how much progress he's made. In "Social/Life Skills," (the ones i worry about. I don't fret about academics, it's how he can process, behave, integrate and socialize in a school setting that worries me),
* in response to "demonstrates respect for authority" she wrote "always."
* "Engages in social play with others," Cooperates with peers," "Demonstrates respect for property," and "Follows instructions" she wrote, "Can be hesitant at times, but has come a very long way socially."
* Bode's comment to identifying numbers was, "I am good at numbers." Love the healthy self-esteem there.
* Their comments in general--"Bode was exceptionally responsive and cooperative. Would say, "Yes, I can do that." He was outgoing, very fast and accurate. He nailed all his letters, sounds and numbers. I cannot express how much i will miss Bode. I have seen him come a long way socially. Bode is inquistive and eager to learn. Pays a great deal to detail and is extremely observant. Hope to see Bode this summer" (at the preschool camps).
I was so happy reading these comments. It confirmed for me that he was in the right school this year. That they loved him and understood him and really guided him in a lot of his progress. He has been so excited every morning to go to school. I've seen him go from the kid who stands alone to the side of the room for a very.long.time trying to warm up to the kid who jumps right in as soon as we hit the door.
My Birthday: I am now exactly twice the age of my mental age/age i feel i should be. Yowzas. We had cake for breakfast and then spent some time on a garage sale the boys wanted to do (of all things. It all started with a Max and Ruby episode "Ruby's Rummage Sale..."). Anyway. We did that for a few hours and then headed to Boulder to go to the farmer's market there. It's a great market and we came home with some flowers for the backyard, some Boulder Popcorn kernels that i so love and some gluten-free baked goods. It was a laid back day and i enjoyed just spending it with the fam.
My Birthday Extended: The weekend after my birthday, Doug's gift to me was a solo trip to Salt Lake to meet my sister so we could spend the weekend together. It was great. No kids, no household worries, no plans. We ate a lot and shopped a lot. Yummy Morelia's, Sweet Tomatoes, Jamba Juice, Cafe Rio, Market Street Grill, Iceberg...We saw our aunt, uncle and grandma, too. Good times.
Bode's Preschool Graduation: He is on to kindergarten! Hard to believe sometimes. He wouldn't participate in the presentation the kids put on or walk in the graduation "procession", which made me sad only because he'd been willing to do things like this a few months ago. But i had to remind myself that I hate performing and being in front of a crowd, too, so i understood it. It's not always just his sensory processing issues. He knew all of the songs and what they were going to do. He'd fully participated during school to learn them. But when it came to performing in front of a bunch of parents he couldn't. We did get some fun pictures later...
I will be saving his preschool eval in Bode's school file (as if i'm so organized) but wanted to save it here, too. His pre-reading, writing, math, science; etc. skills were all appropriate, but i wanted to highlight what the teachers wrote that i think says a lot about how much progress he's made. In "Social/Life Skills," (the ones i worry about. I don't fret about academics, it's how he can process, behave, integrate and socialize in a school setting that worries me),
* in response to "demonstrates respect for authority" she wrote "always."
* "Engages in social play with others," Cooperates with peers," "Demonstrates respect for property," and "Follows instructions" she wrote, "Can be hesitant at times, but has come a very long way socially."
* Bode's comment to identifying numbers was, "I am good at numbers." Love the healthy self-esteem there.
* Their comments in general--"Bode was exceptionally responsive and cooperative. Would say, "Yes, I can do that." He was outgoing, very fast and accurate. He nailed all his letters, sounds and numbers. I cannot express how much i will miss Bode. I have seen him come a long way socially. Bode is inquistive and eager to learn. Pays a great deal to detail and is extremely observant. Hope to see Bode this summer" (at the preschool camps).
I was so happy reading these comments. It confirmed for me that he was in the right school this year. That they loved him and understood him and really guided him in a lot of his progress. He has been so excited every morning to go to school. I've seen him go from the kid who stands alone to the side of the room for a very.long.time trying to warm up to the kid who jumps right in as soon as we hit the door.
My Birthday: I am now exactly twice the age of my mental age/age i feel i should be. Yowzas. We had cake for breakfast and then spent some time on a garage sale the boys wanted to do (of all things. It all started with a Max and Ruby episode "Ruby's Rummage Sale..."). Anyway. We did that for a few hours and then headed to Boulder to go to the farmer's market there. It's a great market and we came home with some flowers for the backyard, some Boulder Popcorn kernels that i so love and some gluten-free baked goods. It was a laid back day and i enjoyed just spending it with the fam.
My Birthday Extended: The weekend after my birthday, Doug's gift to me was a solo trip to Salt Lake to meet my sister so we could spend the weekend together. It was great. No kids, no household worries, no plans. We ate a lot and shopped a lot. Yummy Morelia's, Sweet Tomatoes, Jamba Juice, Cafe Rio, Market Street Grill, Iceberg...We saw our aunt, uncle and grandma, too. Good times.
Keegen's 2nd Birthday
Keegen's birthday was April 22nd. Really?! Keegen is already 3? My my how time does fly...
Here comes the Birthday Boy!!
One of our new favorite books
We floated a couple balloons in his room the night before and hung streamers in front of his bedroom door. And we had the traditional yellow cake with chocolate frosting cupcakes with/for breakfast. I'll stick with that combination until one of them decides to have a different opinion! He opened his presents in the morning, too.
For his "party," the family met at Itz for lunch. Itz is sort of like Chuck E. Cheese. A pizza/pasta/salad/hot dog buffet. Rooms to eat in ranging from a sports room, a cartoon room, a drive-in. We chose the drive-in and watched Happy Feet in the dark while we ate. Then we went to the game room and played until we were out of credits. His favorite game? Not sure, really. We all enjoyed the duckpin bowling. Bode and I bonded over skeeball. The boys liked the racing games. We had another cupcake after games and for a party favor, B and K each got a Bakugan and were very excited since our 10-year old neighbor just introduced them to them just the day before and they think they're super-cool.
At three, Keegen, you're a hoot. Loud and fun and silly. Non-stop talker. And still a little lover when you want to be (lots of hugs and NO! ON YOUR MOUTH! kisses). You've realized you have an opinion about things and don't necessarily go with the flow on everything, but for the most part, you're still easy-going. You have no interest in riding your trike, but you're riding a two-wheel scooter surprisingly well. You play well with Bode and try your darndest to keep up with him and his friends. You're not a great eater, but will eat an entire flat of berries in one sitting if i'd let you. You are a very social kid and go up to complete strangers everywhere and strike up conversations without the least bit of hesitation. You are excited about your baby sister and talk about her while patting my belly. I'm so glad you're ours!
Here comes the Birthday Boy!!
One of our new favorite booksFor his "party," the family met at Itz for lunch. Itz is sort of like Chuck E. Cheese. A pizza/pasta/salad/hot dog buffet. Rooms to eat in ranging from a sports room, a cartoon room, a drive-in. We chose the drive-in and watched Happy Feet in the dark while we ate. Then we went to the game room and played until we were out of credits. His favorite game? Not sure, really. We all enjoyed the duckpin bowling. Bode and I bonded over skeeball. The boys liked the racing games. We had another cupcake after games and for a party favor, B and K each got a Bakugan and were very excited since our 10-year old neighbor just introduced them to them just the day before and they think they're super-cool.
At three, Keegen, you're a hoot. Loud and fun and silly. Non-stop talker. And still a little lover when you want to be (lots of hugs and NO! ON YOUR MOUTH! kisses). You've realized you have an opinion about things and don't necessarily go with the flow on everything, but for the most part, you're still easy-going. You have no interest in riding your trike, but you're riding a two-wheel scooter surprisingly well. You play well with Bode and try your darndest to keep up with him and his friends. You're not a great eater, but will eat an entire flat of berries in one sitting if i'd let you. You are a very social kid and go up to complete strangers everywhere and strike up conversations without the least bit of hesitation. You are excited about your baby sister and talk about her while patting my belly. I'm so glad you're ours!
Sprink Break in Pictures
Spending Spring Break in DC, there was so much i wanted to do and so many people to see, (go downtown to see the cherry blossoms, hit a Smithsonian or two, see a friend in Maryland; etc) but i ended up taking it pretty easy and was just happy to be there, to feel well and to spend time with my family and a couple friends.
The boys had a blast with their cousins Fiona and Chloe. They never grew tired of them and played so well. Doug flew out on Thursday to spend Easter weekend with us, so that was great to have him there.
with my high school friend, Rae's, boys
on the hunt at Aunt Erin's
he's serious about finding his eggs
love this shot of Keegs. They loved the trampoline. We might have to resurrect ours this summer.
finding their Easter baskets under the dining room table
hanging with the Easter Bunny at the RTJ brunch
The boys had a blast with their cousins Fiona and Chloe. They never grew tired of them and played so well. Doug flew out on Thursday to spend Easter weekend with us, so that was great to have him there.
with my high school friend, Rae's, boys
on the hunt at Aunt Erin's
he's serious about finding his eggs
love this shot of Keegs. They loved the trampoline. We might have to resurrect ours this summer.
finding their Easter baskets under the dining room table
hanging with the Easter Bunny at the RTJ brunch
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Happy Birthday to Bode
Bode turned 5 on Wednesday. I've said this to others and i'll say it again. Five is so much older than four. I feel like i'm going to turn around and he'll be off to college in the blink of an eye.
But besides that, Wednesday was a great day. The night before his birthday, after Bode went to bed, Doug and i put helium balloons in his room and taped paper streamers from the top of his door to the floor. He ate the traditional yellow cake with chocolate frosting with his breakfast. He brought cupcakes to his class. He had his first "real" party--with friends at an outside location. Not just family or close friends having a meal and cake at home.
I made three different cakes to accommodate his gluten-free status and have enough to go around at the birthday party. All yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I mean, you just can't go wrong with that combination.
We talked a lot with Bode about his birthday and his party. He was so incredibly excited for his big day. We did a countdown paper chain soon after Christmas so he could keep track. And boy, did he keep track and keep us informed each and every day! Since he shuns any extra attention, we talked to him about the fact that people will give him more on his birthday. That "Happy Birthday"'s will be said and are to be acknowledged, not shyly ignored. That songs will be sung to him. That he has to pay attention to his friends.
His party was at Pump It Up, one of those indoor inflatable play places. They are loud and chaotic and wonderfully fun. But in the not-so-distant past, places like this have stopped Bode in his tracks. He couldn't deal with the sights and sounds and activity around him. He's been back since and functioned really well, but wasn't expected to function well and deal with people paying attention to him. So i tried to prepare him and was curious to see how things would come together.
getting ready for their "race"
But i'm too tired to post about how well things went. So here is most of the email i wrote to Donna, his neurodevelopmental specialist, the woman who prescribed all of his programs that have made such a huge difference, to let her know. Half of the email is a general update on Bode and his progress that i'll include, too.
But besides that, Wednesday was a great day. The night before his birthday, after Bode went to bed, Doug and i put helium balloons in his room and taped paper streamers from the top of his door to the floor. He ate the traditional yellow cake with chocolate frosting with his breakfast. He brought cupcakes to his class. He had his first "real" party--with friends at an outside location. Not just family or close friends having a meal and cake at home.
I made three different cakes to accommodate his gluten-free status and have enough to go around at the birthday party. All yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I mean, you just can't go wrong with that combination.
We talked a lot with Bode about his birthday and his party. He was so incredibly excited for his big day. We did a countdown paper chain soon after Christmas so he could keep track. And boy, did he keep track and keep us informed each and every day! Since he shuns any extra attention, we talked to him about the fact that people will give him more on his birthday. That "Happy Birthday"'s will be said and are to be acknowledged, not shyly ignored. That songs will be sung to him. That he has to pay attention to his friends.
His party was at Pump It Up, one of those indoor inflatable play places. They are loud and chaotic and wonderfully fun. But in the not-so-distant past, places like this have stopped Bode in his tracks. He couldn't deal with the sights and sounds and activity around him. He's been back since and functioned really well, but wasn't expected to function well and deal with people paying attention to him. So i tried to prepare him and was curious to see how things would come together.
getting ready for their "race"How's Bode, you ask? AWESOME. Where to start? Here's my very rambly report. We're working our way back up to the mile we were at with C/C (creeping/crawling). We had to travel last minute to help family in MO last week and i had him work on programs there, but it's never as much distance as when we're home. He did GREAT with the change in routine. My sister-in-law can't believe how well-behaved my children are. The last time we went out of town/had such a significant change in routine was August for the Aspen Grove family reunion, which was a total disaster. So i am thrilled with how he just rolled with things. His teacher told me, again, today, how great he is doing. How he's "opening up." Today he was teacher's helper. Passed some things out. Showed a classmate how to use his scissors (when asked by Ms. Jeri to do so). At church, he still has a hard time in sharing time. We missed two weeks because we were sick and then out of town. So when we went back last Sunday, he was very hesitant and mournful. Didn't want to sit. I sat him on my lap for literally 60 seconds then said goodbye, and he did fine. I talked to the Primary prez, and she said he does great in his individual class (he's talkative and will say the prayer and participate) but has a hard time in ST (which i knew). But that he sits quietly and seems to be "absorbing" (again, totally agree). She did say if they try to move him or something he's very resistant, so they know to just leave him be. If he were asked to give the talk or prayer, though? I don't see that happening just yet. There's just so much noise, so many kids and activity in ST. I don't know when he'll be comfortable in there. I'll be curious to see whether or not he'll stand at the front this Sunday and let them sing "Happy Birthday" to him??!!!...
.......
I can't do justice to describe how well he did at his party. Oh.my.gosh. We drove three of his friends and they had a blast in the van together (he'll often ignore friends even in his own car because it's painful for him to say hello for whatever reason). At the party he greeted his friends. He ran around and played with everyone and had a blast. He said, "Thank you" when people said happy birthday. He even responded to the PARENTS when they talked to him. We sang a rousing Happy Birthday song to which he said THANK YOU before blowing out the candles! He said goodbye to the kids as they left and thanks for coming. Anyway. One small thing that i noticed that made me happy. He wore a party hat. I saw him sitting in this big inflatable throne eating his cake with this big party hat on. In the not-so-distant past there would have been no way he would have done that. He just popped it on himself. Minor and silly maybe, but one of those big deals in my mind. (i actually stopped and pointed it out to a couple mom-friends to look at my child! look at how far he's come! :))
"I do. What a hat! I like it! I like that party hat!" ...
He also willingly talked to my parents on his birthday. This was before getting gifts and being threatened if he doesn't talk to them (just kidding. i don't do that. but it's tempting sometimes). This is a very rare occurrence and thrills my parents to no end. My mom actually called first and then called my dad at work to tell him B had talked to her, so my dad called right away. He is so happy to hear about his progress and loves it when he'll talk to him. (and thanks to EVERYONE who called to wish him a happy birthday, even if we weren't home to chat!).
So enough about the party. Noises? Still not great. We're at 70% with the now-that-i'm-doing-it-right program. He got all of them but ONE yesterday, but then missed a bunch today. Textures seem fine. He doesn't seem as bothered by the little sock bumps. I don't see him freaking out too much over messy food. etc. Transitions? Great for the most part. Either he'll just say OK and move on to the next thing or have a brief complaint and still comply. That reminds me of "well" in your brain development course...
OH! And he totally CHEATED during C/C yesterday. I couldn't believe it. He was at lap 17 of 35 and i don't always watch him all the way around, but i can hear him. And it was starting to sound short. And he'd come back into the room i was reading in and say, "I went all the way to the green (the start) and back." I got up and watched him and he was turning around at the doorway (way before the turn point). I told him he lost Hot Wheels privileges (he gets to play some PS2 Hot Wheels video games after he does his c/c) and that he'd have to start over from the beginning (he probably only cheated on 5 or 6 but this was the consequence). He lost it. Cried. Yelled at me. I managed to keep my cool (i am honestly so proud of myself with this experience). I repeated very calmly that he had lied and cheated and that there are consequences when we make poor choices and repeated what the consequence was. I told him i was still willing to read to him while he does all 35 laps and that he could find me in my room when he was ready. Less than 5 minutes later he was at my door to tell me he was ready. He did his laps. Had a good attitude. Got it done. And hopefully learned from it. In the past? This would have turned into an all-day ordeal. I would have been so close to child abuse and he would have ended up locked in his room kicking the door.
What else?...
We still have that low frustration tolerance issue that we've had since birth (and if he says, "I CAN'T DO IT!" and swing his arms around one more time when he's asked to put on his coat i'm going to scream!). I think a lot of the time it's when he's hungry (he's definitely his mother's son). Not to give him an excuse, but i do notice he seems to get that way right after school/before lunch. We've talked more about what we do when we get frustrated, and it seems to be helping. But he's definitely got a habit to break.
But i hear things when the boys are playing together like "Keegy, just try. Believe in yourself!" And "Keegs, YOU CAN DO IT!" So, he's hearing the positive talk. And he does try. But has a short fuse.
.......
I can't do justice to describe how well he did at his party. Oh.my.gosh. We drove three of his friends and they had a blast in the van together (he'll often ignore friends even in his own car because it's painful for him to say hello for whatever reason). At the party he greeted his friends. He ran around and played with everyone and had a blast. He said, "Thank you" when people said happy birthday. He even responded to the PARENTS when they talked to him. We sang a rousing Happy Birthday song to which he said THANK YOU before blowing out the candles! He said goodbye to the kids as they left and thanks for coming. Anyway. One small thing that i noticed that made me happy. He wore a party hat. I saw him sitting in this big inflatable throne eating his cake with this big party hat on. In the not-so-distant past there would have been no way he would have done that. He just popped it on himself. Minor and silly maybe, but one of those big deals in my mind. (i actually stopped and pointed it out to a couple mom-friends to look at my child! look at how far he's come! :))
"I do. What a hat! I like it! I like that party hat!" ...
He also willingly talked to my parents on his birthday. This was before getting gifts and being threatened if he doesn't talk to them (just kidding. i don't do that. but it's tempting sometimes). This is a very rare occurrence and thrills my parents to no end. My mom actually called first and then called my dad at work to tell him B had talked to her, so my dad called right away. He is so happy to hear about his progress and loves it when he'll talk to him. (and thanks to EVERYONE who called to wish him a happy birthday, even if we weren't home to chat!).
So enough about the party. Noises? Still not great. We're at 70% with the now-that-i'm-doing-it-right program. He got all of them but ONE yesterday, but then missed a bunch today. Textures seem fine. He doesn't seem as bothered by the little sock bumps. I don't see him freaking out too much over messy food. etc. Transitions? Great for the most part. Either he'll just say OK and move on to the next thing or have a brief complaint and still comply. That reminds me of "well" in your brain development course...
OH! And he totally CHEATED during C/C yesterday. I couldn't believe it. He was at lap 17 of 35 and i don't always watch him all the way around, but i can hear him. And it was starting to sound short. And he'd come back into the room i was reading in and say, "I went all the way to the green (the start) and back." I got up and watched him and he was turning around at the doorway (way before the turn point). I told him he lost Hot Wheels privileges (he gets to play some PS2 Hot Wheels video games after he does his c/c) and that he'd have to start over from the beginning (he probably only cheated on 5 or 6 but this was the consequence). He lost it. Cried. Yelled at me. I managed to keep my cool (i am honestly so proud of myself with this experience). I repeated very calmly that he had lied and cheated and that there are consequences when we make poor choices and repeated what the consequence was. I told him i was still willing to read to him while he does all 35 laps and that he could find me in my room when he was ready. Less than 5 minutes later he was at my door to tell me he was ready. He did his laps. Had a good attitude. Got it done. And hopefully learned from it. In the past? This would have turned into an all-day ordeal. I would have been so close to child abuse and he would have ended up locked in his room kicking the door.
What else?...
We still have that low frustration tolerance issue that we've had since birth (and if he says, "I CAN'T DO IT!" and swing his arms around one more time when he's asked to put on his coat i'm going to scream!). I think a lot of the time it's when he's hungry (he's definitely his mother's son). Not to give him an excuse, but i do notice he seems to get that way right after school/before lunch. We've talked more about what we do when we get frustrated, and it seems to be helping. But he's definitely got a habit to break.
But i hear things when the boys are playing together like "Keegy, just try. Believe in yourself!" And "Keegs, YOU CAN DO IT!" So, he's hearing the positive talk. And he does try. But has a short fuse.
I can't get the italics to go away now. But this is me, not the email. After the party we had dinner at home (Bode requested pancakes, which was just about the right amount of effort i had left in me). He opened some family gifts (and responded with, "This is just what i wanted!" "I love this!" etc. So cute). It was, on many levels, a fantastic day.
the kids saying, "we love pump it up!"--some of the most DARLING children. gives me hope for the future!
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