We were driving down one of the roads in Pennsylvania recently (it's literally a half hour north of us) when I saw one of these common road signs: Pass With Care.
It really struck me, because K is rapidly passing her brother in a lot of key areas, even though she's only 15 months old. But she still tries to help him with his language, getting dressed, or sitting on the potty. She has a little potty to sit on too (completely diapered, though, we're not doing anything with her yet) right next to her brother. She gets a concerned look on her face while she watches him and yells, "NO!" very loudly when he tries to get up before he's finished his duties. Bossy little thing.
She uses phrases regularly now, like "want to get down", "want juice", "milk please thank you", etc. And we are amazed by it because it's a first for all of us. A had some language, but I can't remember if it was ever this much.
Her motor skills surpass her brother's, too. While he was a climber, he lost a lot of his physical abilities apparently when he lost some of his communication skills. His OT is working on a variety of strengthening exercises for his gross motor skills. Running and jumping constantly has only strengthened certain muscles a certain way, and he lacks in big ways in other areas, especially hand strength and core abdominal strength. He has just started climbing into his car seat by himself in the last 6 months or so, and still needs help sometimes. K, on the other hand, has mastered stairs, climbs up on the couch and on chairs regularly, and can make it all the way up into her high chair and try to buckle herself in while you go to the bathroom. And then she'll cheerily holler "HEY!" when you come out and start looking for her (because it's far too quiet).
At least I haven't found her on top of the refrigerator. Yet.
She's working on climbing out of her crib; I am going to have to move the dresser that's beside her crib, because she can grab the top of her rail and put her feet on the top of the dresser. She hasn't hoisted herself out yet, but I suspect this is because as soon as I hear her wake up I'm in there to get her. I've caught her in the act, but haven't seen her go over. Again, I'm assuming this is a (very short) matter of time, so we're about to get creative. She already scales baby gates with ease. We had to put her playpen in front of the stairs with 70 pounds of dogfood in the bottom (in the bags of course) so she can't move it out of the way like she did the chairs and boxes. She can't quite make it over the mesh from the outside, it's JUST BARELY too tall for her. From the inside, the floor of the thing is higher up the side so she can scramble out with a little effort.
As she makes her new discoveries, she somehow senses that her brother needs help with some things, so she tries to do so. It really is funny when she tries to dress him (something he's still needing assistance with, but she is almost better at it than he is right now) because he gets this long-suffering look on his face that's about the same intensity as the determination on hers.
A is doing well with paying attention now, much better than ever before. He will wait for his ABA therapist or his OT to give him directions if they're sitting at the table. If it's free play, he knows that too and will do whatever he wants. He actually engaged in some nice pretend play yesterday ~ a rarity for him ~ so that was really neat to see. Miss Jenny, his ABA therapist, has a huge Clifford the Big Red Dog puppet that she uses to eat, sleep, drink, kiss, etc. as a visual aid. A took it and started repeating some of the targets they were working on, but came up with his own scenarios. Most excellent.
We're working on adjectives still. He's got colors down (red car, purple flower, etc) but now we're working on big and small, short, tall, and so on. It's a process, but he is a very smart kid and generally only has to be shown something once or twice before he's got it. At least, now that he's got some forward momentum. There was a long time where the communication gap between him and everyone else was great enough, he tuned everything out and didn't seem to get much of anything.
We're excited to see where the next few months take us! And even as his sister passes him, she still does it with care.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
Carpe Carp
Our goldfish, Wakko and Dot, have decided that nearly a full year of rooming together was too much tension for them to bear, so they had to lay eggs. Lots of 'em.
Goldfish are a type of domesticated river carp, so the babies would like algae or river plants to hide in. Unfortunately, real plants don't last long in our small tank, so we did what any technologically savvy modern American would do: we set up a small net box called an aquarium breeder in one corner. This way Mommy and Daddy don't cannibalize the entire lot (although with the number of eggs they've laid -- twice -- this perhaps isn't such a bad thing. Our fish have laid eggs twice in three weeks.).
The next step is catching the fry (baby fish). (Hence the title, Carpe Carp. Seize the Fish.) They are so small, they fit through the holes in the fishnet. I had to put a knee-high stocking over the net portion so they wouldn't fall through. They are also lightweight enough to swirl crazily around the tank if you move the net too fast ~ even though the water displacement is extremely minimal, it's still enough to toss them around like ships on stormy waters.
So after about a half hour of giving the babies concussions, we managed to scoop five or six into the breeder box. The rest will just have to fend for themselves in true Survivor:Fish Aquarium style. The lucky few have recovered from their recent shock and are darting about normally.
We'll see what they look like. Should be interesting, because although both are fantail goldfish, Wakko is white with very long fins, and Dot is a calico with shorter fins. They're still pretty much clear right now and extremely tiny. They won't get their normal color for weeks yet.
Goldfish are a type of domesticated river carp, so the babies would like algae or river plants to hide in. Unfortunately, real plants don't last long in our small tank, so we did what any technologically savvy modern American would do: we set up a small net box called an aquarium breeder in one corner. This way Mommy and Daddy don't cannibalize the entire lot (although with the number of eggs they've laid -- twice -- this perhaps isn't such a bad thing. Our fish have laid eggs twice in three weeks.).
The next step is catching the fry (baby fish). (Hence the title, Carpe Carp. Seize the Fish.) They are so small, they fit through the holes in the fishnet. I had to put a knee-high stocking over the net portion so they wouldn't fall through. They are also lightweight enough to swirl crazily around the tank if you move the net too fast ~ even though the water displacement is extremely minimal, it's still enough to toss them around like ships on stormy waters.
So after about a half hour of giving the babies concussions, we managed to scoop five or six into the breeder box. The rest will just have to fend for themselves in true Survivor:Fish Aquarium style. The lucky few have recovered from their recent shock and are darting about normally.
We'll see what they look like. Should be interesting, because although both are fantail goldfish, Wakko is white with very long fins, and Dot is a calico with shorter fins. They're still pretty much clear right now and extremely tiny. They won't get their normal color for weeks yet.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Ay, mon! It's Potty Time!
So, we've started the....what attempt are we on now? I've lost count. We're trying to do some potty training with A.
This is the second week.
He's not getting it. He will sit on the potty for 10 minutes, we'll pull up his pants (he still needs help with that) and then he'll run straight to the corner and pee in his undies. Doesn't faze him, but it sure rattles us. Thank God for Pergo flooring. We've tried rerouting him back to the potty, but he just holds it. I've tried taking him every half hour, every 20 minutes, and every 15 minutes. Doesn't matter. We even put the cotton briefs on him, figuring that maybe the pullups were wicking enough moisture away that it was still comfy even if he'd peed himself. He's gone in the potty all of 3 times in the last 2 weeks, and I've done everything short of standing on my head to praise him and act excited when he's actually done so.
He doesn't get the reward system of M&Ms/whatever (I've heard one for pee and two for the other) or stickers that get put on a sheet, whether for the sheer joy of sticking something on something else or for the cumulative effect (if you get 5 stickers, you'll get [insert object here]). Nor does sitting vs. standing have any effect. Although he will try to reach in after Cheerios to eat them. Toilet paper just sinks and dissolves.
Any suggestions? Anyone?
Any one? We'll try just about anything, as long as it's not harmful to him. Would he still be able to walk if we duct-taped his heinie to the potty? Just (mostly) kidding...
This is the second week.
He's not getting it. He will sit on the potty for 10 minutes, we'll pull up his pants (he still needs help with that) and then he'll run straight to the corner and pee in his undies. Doesn't faze him, but it sure rattles us. Thank God for Pergo flooring. We've tried rerouting him back to the potty, but he just holds it. I've tried taking him every half hour, every 20 minutes, and every 15 minutes. Doesn't matter. We even put the cotton briefs on him, figuring that maybe the pullups were wicking enough moisture away that it was still comfy even if he'd peed himself. He's gone in the potty all of 3 times in the last 2 weeks, and I've done everything short of standing on my head to praise him and act excited when he's actually done so.
He doesn't get the reward system of M&Ms/whatever (I've heard one for pee and two for the other) or stickers that get put on a sheet, whether for the sheer joy of sticking something on something else or for the cumulative effect (if you get 5 stickers, you'll get [insert object here]). Nor does sitting vs. standing have any effect. Although he will try to reach in after Cheerios to eat them. Toilet paper just sinks and dissolves.
Any suggestions? Anyone?
Any one? We'll try just about anything, as long as it's not harmful to him. Would he still be able to walk if we duct-taped his heinie to the potty? Just (mostly) kidding...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Adventures in Chicagoland
I had a terrific time two weeks ago in Chicago. I was able to witness (and take part in) nearly every form of art imaginable ~ including painting. The conference center we were at was doing a project for people in the Dominican Republic and wanted the attendees to paint a picture or abstraction of "hope" to send to them. All week, people added to the ginormous canvases that were prominently displayed in the main walkways.
I was able to meet people from 4 other countries (21 were represented, as well as all 50 U.S. states), and enjoyed seminars on everything from vocal artistry to dramatic arts. I also had a fantastic time listening to Dewitt Jones, who spent years as a photographer for National Geographic magazine, and also does work for private companies' advertising departments. It really struck me, while watching his pictures on the screen slide past my vision, that God has really blessed us. He is kind; as a creative God, he allowed this part of Himself to be included in us when we were formed in His image. He apparently felt that this was important enough to add to our beauty ~ I just wish that everyone understood the importance of arts. Since the age of enlightenment, when we (as humans) try to explain everything logically and scientifically, artists capture the mystery that is around us every day, often in surprising ways.
I am refueled and already working on 5 abstract designs for 5 different sets on a current dilemma, am writing some music that will be performed shortly, and am working on a theatrical program set for production at Christmas involving both adults and children. And in my spare time, collaging and scrapbooking ~ but not in the traditional way. See my link to Ali Edwards for the style I like. I haven't actually set scissor to photo since I've been back, with everything else going on.
Which reminds me:
Sorry it took so long to post, but we had to take Aunt H back to the airport, Z's mom has a heart condition that was very serious, and between therapies and K's MRI on Friday, and a music writing session with our group on Sunday I just haven't had much extra time to myself. Kids are in bed now, so I can finish this (I started to write this on the 18th, and today is the 26th....). I know; *wah*, right? ;) More to follow soon.
I was able to meet people from 4 other countries (21 were represented, as well as all 50 U.S. states), and enjoyed seminars on everything from vocal artistry to dramatic arts. I also had a fantastic time listening to Dewitt Jones, who spent years as a photographer for National Geographic magazine, and also does work for private companies' advertising departments. It really struck me, while watching his pictures on the screen slide past my vision, that God has really blessed us. He is kind; as a creative God, he allowed this part of Himself to be included in us when we were formed in His image. He apparently felt that this was important enough to add to our beauty ~ I just wish that everyone understood the importance of arts. Since the age of enlightenment, when we (as humans) try to explain everything logically and scientifically, artists capture the mystery that is around us every day, often in surprising ways.
I am refueled and already working on 5 abstract designs for 5 different sets on a current dilemma, am writing some music that will be performed shortly, and am working on a theatrical program set for production at Christmas involving both adults and children. And in my spare time, collaging and scrapbooking ~ but not in the traditional way. See my link to Ali Edwards for the style I like. I haven't actually set scissor to photo since I've been back, with everything else going on.
Which reminds me:
Sorry it took so long to post, but we had to take Aunt H back to the airport, Z's mom has a heart condition that was very serious, and between therapies and K's MRI on Friday, and a music writing session with our group on Sunday I just haven't had much extra time to myself. Kids are in bed now, so I can finish this (I started to write this on the 18th, and today is the 26th....). I know; *wah*, right? ;) More to follow soon.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Motormouth
A continues to surprise us. Today, at his occupational therapy session, he randomly started saying, "Cow. Milk. Chicken. Egg." This was not related to the activity at hand, which was a car puzzle. He asked for help today several times, at appropriate times. His therapist made sure to look away if he was having trouble, so he would ask for help ~ and he surely did, every time. A also, in the middle of his session, looked straight at Miss Brigid and said, "I'm having fun."
*
She was telling me this in the lobby of her office, and after the shock wore off, I asked A if he had fun today. All he did was smile and go back to playing with a toy car. He apparently also said his sister's actual name today (instead of his usual mis-pronounced word) when she told him they were going to see mommy and sister out in the lobby.
He's turning into a veritable chatterbox. Good.
*
She was telling me this in the lobby of her office, and after the shock wore off, I asked A if he had fun today. All he did was smile and go back to playing with a toy car. He apparently also said his sister's actual name today (instead of his usual mis-pronounced word) when she told him they were going to see mommy and sister out in the lobby.
He's turning into a veritable chatterbox. Good.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Lost in Translation
A lot of what A says is prompted. "Say, 'thank you!'"; "Say,'bye'." (Most parents know the drill. "Say, 'please'?"; "What's this?").
Still, he's been volunteering some words lately (like aiggs and bawberries). He also spits out random quotes from movies or kids' shows at equally random times. Right now he's stuck on the end sequence for Bear in the Big Blue House. (We're pushing the Potty Time one right now). "Thank you bear. You're welcome. Good night. Good night. Friends bye. See you soon. Good night. Bear, moon, big blue house. Come and play." A will repeat this ~ in order ~ over and over and over....and say it in the car, outside, at bedtime (well, I guess that's kind of appropriate), at the grocery store.
Today at lunch, he kept saying, "gotta go fast" and drumming his hands on the table. Then he'd stop, laugh, and do it again.
He is attempting to identify new things, though, which is tremendously exciting and frustrating for both A and Z and I. He knows what the object is, but in addition to not being overly verbal, he also has some speech impediments that make translation difficult. He gets frustrated with us for not understanding him and making him repeat it a few times, and we get frustrated with not being able to "get it". It took us forever to figure out that "tornado" is actually "tomato". And "traimamamama" is "train".
One thing that is easily understood is when he goes "Oooeee sinky oooeeee sinky" whenever we change his diaper. It doesn't matter if it's just pee, he'll still say it. Neither Z nor I are entirely sure where he picked this up, but we're guessing it's from school. Despite saying this when we change his drawers, however, he still doesn't seem to equate going to the bathroom with his statement. It's just what you say when your pants are changed.
We are getting fewer "digga digga digga"s and other gibberish in conversation lately, too. As his vocabulary increases, there is a proportional decrease in that activity. Indicating that he was, in fact, trying to communicate and not just tuning us out ~ he just didn't know how to do so in a way that made sense to him. We still get the garbled chatter, especially when he's tired or super excited about something, but it is on a general decline.
Every day is a new adventure.
Speaking of adventures, on a completely unrelated topic, A was terrorizing our fish yesterday with his Buzz Lightyear and Woody the Cowboy figures from Toy Story. He was stalking the fish by chasing them with a character on each side, and then sandwiching the fish between Buzz and Woody. All on the outside of the glass, of course; neither Buzz nor Woody had any deep sea adventures during the course of the...game? The fish didn't seem to notice any of the ongoing terrors, except when A slammed Buzz into the glass (mean mommy put and end to that real quick). I figured if the fish weren't having palpitations, then we were OK. They actually swam over a few times, curiously, to look at the goings-on. No doubt they were wondering if the spaceman or cowboy had any food to offer. I didn't understand the game, but then again, I don't have to. He was entertaining himself, and actually playing instead of sitting in one place, motionless, for hours. How far we've come, in just a year!
Still, he's been volunteering some words lately (like aiggs and bawberries). He also spits out random quotes from movies or kids' shows at equally random times. Right now he's stuck on the end sequence for Bear in the Big Blue House. (We're pushing the Potty Time one right now). "Thank you bear. You're welcome. Good night. Good night. Friends bye. See you soon. Good night. Bear, moon, big blue house. Come and play." A will repeat this ~ in order ~ over and over and over....and say it in the car, outside, at bedtime (well, I guess that's kind of appropriate), at the grocery store.
Today at lunch, he kept saying, "gotta go fast" and drumming his hands on the table. Then he'd stop, laugh, and do it again.
He is attempting to identify new things, though, which is tremendously exciting and frustrating for both A and Z and I. He knows what the object is, but in addition to not being overly verbal, he also has some speech impediments that make translation difficult. He gets frustrated with us for not understanding him and making him repeat it a few times, and we get frustrated with not being able to "get it". It took us forever to figure out that "tornado" is actually "tomato". And "traimamamama" is "train".
One thing that is easily understood is when he goes "Oooeee sinky oooeeee sinky" whenever we change his diaper. It doesn't matter if it's just pee, he'll still say it. Neither Z nor I are entirely sure where he picked this up, but we're guessing it's from school. Despite saying this when we change his drawers, however, he still doesn't seem to equate going to the bathroom with his statement. It's just what you say when your pants are changed.
We are getting fewer "digga digga digga"s and other gibberish in conversation lately, too. As his vocabulary increases, there is a proportional decrease in that activity. Indicating that he was, in fact, trying to communicate and not just tuning us out ~ he just didn't know how to do so in a way that made sense to him. We still get the garbled chatter, especially when he's tired or super excited about something, but it is on a general decline.
Every day is a new adventure.
Speaking of adventures, on a completely unrelated topic, A was terrorizing our fish yesterday with his Buzz Lightyear and Woody the Cowboy figures from Toy Story. He was stalking the fish by chasing them with a character on each side, and then sandwiching the fish between Buzz and Woody. All on the outside of the glass, of course; neither Buzz nor Woody had any deep sea adventures during the course of the...game? The fish didn't seem to notice any of the ongoing terrors, except when A slammed Buzz into the glass (mean mommy put and end to that real quick). I figured if the fish weren't having palpitations, then we were OK. They actually swam over a few times, curiously, to look at the goings-on. No doubt they were wondering if the spaceman or cowboy had any food to offer. I didn't understand the game, but then again, I don't have to. He was entertaining himself, and actually playing instead of sitting in one place, motionless, for hours. How far we've come, in just a year!
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