Speech

Eating a green bean!!

Hippotherapy, Session 7

It's cold at the barn this morning! If you look closely you can see he has a hat on under his riding helmet.

Multiple stations set up on the barrels for an activity.

Working.....

... to make a Jack-o-lantern!!

After finishing it, he used the pumpkin as a riding tool. Holding it over his head works his abs and challenges his balance.

Thanks for the ride, Ellie.

After riding, it was into the farmhouse for OT. Since he sees Ms. Nikki on Wednesdays also, she's able to spend more time working on the important areas. She does food work at the rehab center on Wednesdays, and with the Hippo sessions on Fridays, has been able to spend MORE time on food. So, on Fridays, after 30 minutes on horse & large motor skills, she focuses on fine motor skills in the house. It's really helped Andrew make big strides developmentally in a short amount of time and we are very fortunate to have an OT who is trained in both areas so we can have that carry-over.

Love the intense concentration as he works on his cutting skills.

This is what the cutting practice resulted in. Ms. Nikki cut out the pumpkin, Andrew cut out the facial features. Even though you can't really see his full face, you can tell he's excited & proud!

After cutting, he did more practice writing his name. He practiced each letter individually first, then put them all together. He had just a little help with a reminder of how to make the D but the rest was totally his own.

Speech, Session 2

Andrew had his second session of speech this morning.  Due to a last minute schedule change, he actually got to see Ms. Dana again.  First up was a round of BINGO with "wh" questions.

Then, it was some work on negative-- which bowl is NOT full.

And finally, snack.  Green jello, tapioca pudding, animal crackers, juice and mixed fruit (with focus on the peaches in it).  Since he saw Dana last week, she wasted no time getting back into things with the jello this week.  No smelling and such first, just right to touching it to the tongue.

It seems in ST, a drink accompanies snack.  The thought being if the child doesn't like the taste of something, they can take a drink and wash it down/get rid of the taste.  Andrew just likes to drink it because he doesn't get juice boxes often.

Smelling a peach.  He didn't get it very close the first time, so Dana helped hold it to his nose to make sure he got a good whiff.

And by end of the session, touching a peach to his tongue!!!  Seems like nothing to you & me, but for Andrew that is a H-U-G-E accomplishment!

Dr. Visit-- 20 Months

Andrew had his 20-month check-up with the doctor this morning.  The first time we've been in there since his 16-month visit!  Definite improvement from the weekly visits we were having between 12 & 16 months, when he got his ear tubes.

Height: 32 1/2" (35th percentile)
Weight: 23lbs 15oz (18th percentile)

His percentiles both went up-- with a huge growth spurt in his height.  He grew 2 inches!!!  Good thing it's summer, or we'd be buying new pants because the others would all be too short! 

His weight has also gone back up in percentiles, which made Dr. Jim happy.  He lost a lot of weight between 12 & 16 months when he was so sick... so he had a lot to make up.  As picky an eater as he is, I was impressed he gained as well as he did!

Everything else looks good, too.  No problems with his ear tubes.  And no worries about his poor eating habits.  Dr. said just keep offering a variety of things and not to make a big deal out of it if he doesn't eat.  He'll get there eventually.  Language development is on track.  Same with motor. 

Just a happy, healthy, growing, little boy!


ETA:  I neglected to mention he also got 2 shots-- DTaP/Hib and Measles.  Still behind on those since he was sick at 16mos and couldn't get any.  And we delayed MMR and decided to split it up, which will also mean longer.  But, doctor says he's fine and we'll get him caught up eventually.  And, given the way he's running around laughing and being crazy... it doesn't seem the shots affected him much.  :)

Now & Then

June 2, 2007


June 9, 2008


Yes.  Same pool (minus the sun canopy).  Same shirt.  Same swim diaper (can't believe they still fit).  Same  sun hat.

Same boy. :)

Seventeen Months

 My sweet, baby boy,

Another day... another week... another month.  It is so hard to believe you are seventeen months old already.  I look at all you can say & do now, and it makes me so happy and so proud to see.  But, in the same moment my heart swells with pride at one of your new acheivements, it also feels a sense of sadness at losing my little baby.  Something I'm sure will not change over many, many years.

You started out month seventeen with a case of the flu.  I took you to the doctor for your scheduled check-up, but it ended up being a sick visit as you had a 102 fever, runny nose & cough.  The dr ran a test to confirm influenza.  It meant no shots at this visit, but other than the flu you checked out just perfect.  You continue to be our little peanut... hitting the charts in the 15th percentile for height (30 1/2") and only the 8th percentile for weight (21.4 lbs).  I'm sure part of the weight is because you lost so much when you were sick a little while back.  Either way, the doctor said you are proportionate and gaining weight and that is all that matters.  Of course, I already knew you were just perfect.

Other than that bout with the flu, you have remained fairly healthy since having your ear tubes put in.  We're no longer making weekly visits to the dr... thank goodness!  You had a little cold last week, and I expect many of those in your early childhooh years, but that's it.  You had your one month follow-up for your tubes last week.  One tube is plugged, so we're working to clear that, but everything looks good.  And the lack of illness leads us to believe they are definitely working.

We celebrated your second Easter.  You visited the Easter Bunny... and hated him.  You didn't cry as much or as hysterically with the Bunny as you did with Santa Claus, and in your picture, you're not crying at all... but you definitely didn't like him and cried through most of the visit.  Easter morning, we brought you out to the living room and you were excited to see your basket sitting in front of the fireplace.  In it, you found a book, a bubble blower, and several plastic eggs.  Some of them filled with Little People and some filled with different snacks you like.  You found more eggs "hidden" around the room, and with each one you would grab it and come running over to me, sit down on the floor and wait for me to open it and show you what was inside. 

After finding all your eggs, we played with the bubble blower for a few minutes, then showed you the present that had been sitting behind your basket.... a play tunnel.  You were very excited as we opened it up, and immediately crawled into one end to crawl through it.  We let you play as long as we could before it was time to get ready for church, and you got mad when it was time to put it away.  We enjoyed the service at church, and in the afternoon we went to Mamaw's & Grammy's to visit and have dinner.  It was a great day, but all the excitement made it hard for you to settle down and go to sleep that night.  You stayed up until after 11!

You've long had a fascination with fish, so this month we finally purchased an aquarium for your bedroom.  From the minute we carried it in the house and set it up, you have been thrilled about your "ish."  First thing in the morning, you want to go see them.  And when we're home, you spend lots of time standing on your stepstool in front of the tank watching the "ish ish ish."  You wave at them and say hi, and when it is time to leave the room, you tell them bye.  Definitely a worthwhile investment.

You've also taken quite a fascination with birds.  You love to watch Mamaw's parakeets and have realized that the chirping noises outside are from "bird."  This week, we set up  the birdfeeder near the front window so you can watch the birds outside.  You stand at the window chanting "bird. bird. bird" even when the "bird" in the feeder is a big, fat squirrel.  When the house is quiet first thing in the morning, we can hear the birds chirping outside, so you go running to the window to look for them.

This month also brought an end to our time at school.  For many different reasons, Mommy left her job and is now home with you again.  The hardest part of my decision was knowing it meant you would have to leave your friends... just when you were beginning to really adjust and do well.  But, Mommy and Daddy both felt it was the best decision for our family and I know you'll continue to thrive.

Your vocabulary continues to grow almost daily.  While I was eating a salad at lunch you walked up and said "bi" to ask for a bite.  You only wanted a crouton, but Daddy and I were both shocked at how you asked for it.  A couple weeks ago, while still at school, you went over to the buggy (4-seat stroller) tried to climb in it and said "wa" (walk).  I'd never heard you say the word before and didn't realize you even knew what it was... let alone to associate it with the buggy you hadn't been in for quite some time.  The next day you saw your wagon in the garage and again said "wa"--- so clearly your brain is processing faster than we give you credit for sometimes.

You have definitely moved into toddlerhood with the start of the tantrums.  They're never bad.  And rarely last more than a minute or two.  But, you know what you want and make sure to show your displeasure when you don't get it.  You whine and scrunch up your face.  If that doesn't work, you'll try crying.  Or fake crying... just to see how far it will get you.  I have to refrain from laughing when you fuss and put your head down in your hands to make it look & sound like you're crying... even though you really aren't.

You still love "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and "Rainbow Rob" keeps you occupied for quite some time when we're at church.  Bath time is still a favorite.  You love "Bubba" (Pepper) and many times chase her off to the other room because she tires of your constant affection.  If we don't have to wake you for anything, you consistently sleep 10 hours at night.  Still wake anywhere from 1-4 times to nurse, but from the time you go down, it is 10 hours-- almost to the minute-- before your head pops up and you're ready to start your day.

You love to pretend you're talking on the phone.  You have an old cell phone you play with and it is one of your favorite toys.  Amazingly enough, you know just how a phone conversation should work.  You put it to your ear and say "'lo" then you chatter and babble for several seconds before saying "bye."  It is so cute to watch and hear!  And when you're leaving (or just pretending to leave) you love to wave and say "bye-bye."  Often times, you'll often throw in a "ee-uh-lay" (see ya later), too. 

Your eating habits are still not great, though they are slowly improving.  Your most favorite meal is breakfast, and you love your yogurt and cereal.  Chicken nuggets are your favorite dinner.  Anything bread or cracker or dry cereal is also a hit.  You've recently discovered cinnamon life and it is quickly becoming your favorite snack.  You get so excited when you're ready for a snack that you start laughing and dancing when you see us getting it out for you.  The first day you had it, you made sure to say "mmmmm" after every bite.  And Mommy was thrilled when you held and ate an entire banana yesterday!  Touching anything soft/squishy has been a struggle, so that was a big step in the right direction.

You constantly do things to make me smile.  And you constantly fill our lives with joy.  I love every minute of watching you grow... and every minute of loving you more.

I love you, my little one!

Love always,
Mommy

Enough

The blog has been so full of talk of sickies lately, I decided we've had enough. It's true, sickness has definitely been a big issue the last several weeks. But, despite not feeling well, Andrew has continued to move along in his development and seems to have something new every day. So... this is more of a "well baby" update... with a few pictures, too!

His new favorite game is to cover his eyes with his hands, say "A-dee" (Andrew) and wait for us to say "Where's Andrew?" Once we do, he'll uncover his eyes and say "bew" (boo). Yes, "boo" has an e sound in it. It's more of a bee-oo. Cute, of course. He likes to play the game when he's sitting in his high chair. I'm not sure if it's for attention, when Eric and I have been talking more with each other. Or if it's boredom. Or simply done with his meal. I'll have to be more observant there.


"Brown Bear, Brown Bear" has become his most favorite book. We have it at home and in his classroom at school, where he carries it around much of the day. He calls it "Bee-bee-bee-bee" but we're very clear about what he means when he says it. He likes to turn to the last page where it recaps all the animals. He points at the dog and says "woo-woo" (woof, woof).
.

Which would be his newest thing this week. If we ask him what the doggy says, he'll say "woof, woof, woof." Then he makes us laugh by 90% of the time following that with his version of "No! No! Pepper!" Because, when the doggy at our house barks, that's usually the phrase that follows.... NO Pepper! I'm sure the times he doesn't answer the question about the doggy is simply because he's tired of performing it over and over.... since we ask about a million times a day just because it is so cute to hear.

Evening bath time with daddy has also taught him that the duck says "whack, whack." He doesn't answer that question as easily yet, but he's getting better at it. He also tends to answer it better if Eric is the one to ask him. Evidently, Mommy's duck quacking isn't as good as Daddy's.

Eating is slowly improving. He still won't touch fruits or vegetables... though I can still sometimes get pureed stuff in him. Applesauce or yogurt in the morning are always a hit and well eaten.... but the rest of the day, he wants only stuff he can feed himself... that doesn't feel wet/cold/slimy or any other odd texture. About a week ago, we had chicken nuggets for lunch at school and he decided he likes them. So, when Mamaw came for her weekly dinner visit the next night, she brought Andrew his first Happy Meal. He ate 3 1/2 of the 4 nuggets, and a handful of french fries.


So, grocery shopping last week included a bag of chicken nuggets. I'd be happier if it were green beans or peas or bananas or something a little healthier. But, I'm happy to have found something he'll eat. Next shopping trip, I'll be going through my Deceptively Delicious cookbook for a few recipes to try for sneaking some fruits & veggies into him. He decided he likes blueberry muffins, too... so I'm sure there are other things I can put some healthier items in and get him to eat.

Last night, we went to Steak-n-Shake for dinner, and Andrew had their chicken tenders & french fries kid's meal. Eric and I celebrated that it means we can now go out to eat and not have to worry about remembering to pack food in the diaper bag. He'll actually eat something off the menu!! And most every place (certainly the ones we visit) have nuggets/tenders of some sort.

He's learning to stack blocks. At school this week, he stacked 5 before the tower fell over. Not too bad... especially considering that they're really NOT good stacking blocks and I can barely get them to stack higher than that. We went to Once Upon a Child last night to look for a block set for him, but didn't find anything. The couple of sets they had were pretty banged up.... and for the price, we can spend another buck and get him a new set from Target. Which, is probably what we'll end up doing today. We did score a good deal on a wooden Noah's Ark/Animals shape sorter, though!

That's all the new stuff I can currently remember. He changes so much every day. Especially with the "words" he'll suddenly start using, when the day before he had never said them. I'm hoping after the ear tubes, those will become even more clear/understandable... especially to people who aren't Mommy or Daddy. Sick or not, he's doing his best to not let it get him down and to keep right on being a toddler.

And then it happens....

..... Andrew insists on feeding himself at dinnertime, now. I'm sure it's a "peer pressure" thing since all the kids at school feed themselves. Andrew does at school... sort of. Not much of the school menu is stuff he eats, so he mainly self-feeds the dry stuff--- waffles, pancakes, crackers, etc.

But, at home... he wants to do it all. Including the mashed sweet potatoes he had this evening:

He's actually starting to get the hang of the spoon:


"Spoon? Who needs it?"


Can you find Andrew under all that mess?

Sleep!

He did it!!! Andrew finally slept through the night! We've had the occassional 4-5 hour stretch. But those have been few and far between. Typically, he's up every 2-3 hours to nurse. Sometimes 4. With being sick and such lately, sometimes every hour.

Last night, he went down at 9:30. And didn't wake to nurse until 5:15! Almost 8 full hours!!! Twice he woke and I thought he was going to want to nurse, but he quickly went back to sleep on his own. The second time, I thought for sure it wouldn't last, and ended up tossing and turning myself for nearly an hour before I could get back to sleep. No waking though. He nursed a couple of times bewtween the 5:15 waking and about 7, but then went back to sleep until a little after 8.

I woke up with a stiff back from sleeping so hard and so long in one position. I didn't have my usual wakings for me to shift. But, hey. I'll take it!!

100 Days...

... of watching you grow.
... of getting to know you.
... of seeing you move on the outside, instead of feeling you on the inside.
... of meals at Mom's Cafe. Open 24/7.
... of experiencing so many "firsts." First smile. First laugh. First time rolling over. And on and on.
... of enjoying your smile.
... of changing diapers. (nearly 1,000 at this point, give or take)
... of having fun at playtime.
... of sharing our families and pasttimes with you.
... of comforting your tears.
... of the greatest joy we have ever known.
... of never-ending happiness.
... of loving you.

From this:


To this:


... in 100 Days.