James had a great OT session yesterday.
First of all, let me say that I am thrilled that James has progressed from missing all OT sessions (despite our best efforts) to managing his own school schedule and being ready for the remote OT sessions on Google Chat.
Second, each session is different, with his OT teacher being flexible to accommodate how James' day is going. This keeps James interested.
Today I got to watch some sensory breaks with stretches, breathing, and a sensory brush. His therapist then caught sight of the practice guitar on our kitchen chair, and turned the session (which had been stalling out) into an impromptu play session with guitars. He got James to strum a bit, then played songs and invited James to guess the song that he was playing and to sing along. It was great!
James is still not exercising much (and our heat advisory is not helping that) but this does help get him moving around and shaking things out. It also gives him an opportunity to engage with someone in a playful, back and forth manner, which James loves.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Thanksgiving 2017
Rarely have I looked forward to a four-day weekend with relief as I have this year. I don't have to go or be anywhere except the family dinner on Thursday. I love baking, which is a middle-aged surprise for me. I don't bake anything fancy, I just feel a relief and satisfaction doing it, admiring my handiwork, and sharing it with others.
This year I baked cornbread and lemon loaf, having fun with all the tins I bought recently from Sur La Table on sale. I also made a salad and served up my simple green beans in my new casserole dish (on a sale within a sale) with rooster designs by Jacques Pepin.
James is interested, but still says "no thanks" when I ask if he wants to try some. He had pizza for Thanksgiving, but he managed to sit at the table with us through dinner, despite all the anxiety over the animals that he might encounter at his grandparents' (dog was in his kennel, cats were snoozing in a back bedroom). He looked like he was enjoying himself.
After dessert, (he tried pumpkin mousse pie and liked it!) He found a quiet spot, periodically ambushing his cousins with "can we do Hide and Seek now?" Just before Thanksgiving wrapped, the cousins indulged him in two games. James was delighted. Thank you, cousins!
While I helped with the clean-up, James politely shut himself in the laundry room with his Kindle, so the dog could come out of his kennel and the cats reclaimed their house. We looked for deer on our way home (a new fascination for him) but found none.
The next day, I discovered three things:
James is interested, but still says "no thanks" when I ask if he wants to try some. He had pizza for Thanksgiving, but he managed to sit at the table with us through dinner, despite all the anxiety over the animals that he might encounter at his grandparents' (dog was in his kennel, cats were snoozing in a back bedroom). He looked like he was enjoying himself.
After dessert, (he tried pumpkin mousse pie and liked it!) He found a quiet spot, periodically ambushing his cousins with "can we do Hide and Seek now?" Just before Thanksgiving wrapped, the cousins indulged him in two games. James was delighted. Thank you, cousins!
While I helped with the clean-up, James politely shut himself in the laundry room with his Kindle, so the dog could come out of his kennel and the cats reclaimed their house. We looked for deer on our way home (a new fascination for him) but found none.
The next day, I discovered three things:- James likes (regular) pumpkin pie.
- We are both thrilled to hear Christmas music on the radio.
- He likes The Ramones (he came in at the end of Spider-man: Homecoming).
He likes pumpkin pie!!!! That practically counts as a vegetable, right?!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
DVD Dividend
James recently watched Madagascar again. This time, Mr. Louis Armstrong struck a chord. Pun definitely intended. For the past three days, James has been playing, replaying, and re-re-re-replaying What A Wonderful World.
At first he asked questions about why they used the song in the movie. It's a bit trickier to explain than you'd expect.
Then he started to sing. And it was one of the coolest, sweetest things I've heard in a while. We sing it in the car. We experiment with the timing. I'll try a different song and James will stick with this one, grinning ear to ear.
Then we found this:
Makes a nice break from the everyday and national crazy going on right now.
At first he asked questions about why they used the song in the movie. It's a bit trickier to explain than you'd expect.
Then he started to sing. And it was one of the coolest, sweetest things I've heard in a while. We sing it in the car. We experiment with the timing. I'll try a different song and James will stick with this one, grinning ear to ear.
Then we found this:
Makes a nice break from the everyday and national crazy going on right now.
Friday, December 02, 2016
Ieine Kliene Nacht Music
Instead of reading together at night before bed, James has been asking for me to play videos of classical music. He picks the titles from his Baby Einstein DVD collection. Last night, we were fascinated by this recording:
Wow! I can literally "see" the music. It's fascinating that someone could think up these intricate interweaving of music and then note it down. I wonder if Mozart saw this in his head?
It reminds me of the Matrix:
... which is probably why James likes it!
Wow! I can literally "see" the music. It's fascinating that someone could think up these intricate interweaving of music and then note it down. I wonder if Mozart saw this in his head?
It reminds me of the Matrix:
... which is probably why James likes it!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
More Moments in Song
James has a lot of time on his hands lately, and was rewatching Jack's Big Music Show. He kept showing me this video, asking me if I remembered it. Yes, but the memory is getting fuzzy.
We started getting silly on the sofa, wrapping each other in blankets and making up verses to the song. It made a nice end to a crazy, hectic day. Belonging feels good, especially affirmed with music.
We started getting silly on the sofa, wrapping each other in blankets and making up verses to the song. It made a nice end to a crazy, hectic day. Belonging feels good, especially affirmed with music.
Monday, December 28, 2015
All Over Presents
Predictably, videos and books were the biggest excitements for James, followed closely by a Joe Cool shirt that we can't wait to show off at school. Big sister's keyboard with sound effects, however, was a strong attraction:
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Happiness Is ...
Joining in song with your dancing son to Chicken Soup With Rice when he exclaims "Sing it with me, Mommy!" at the first chorus.
He and Carole King just made this rainy afternoon fun.
He and Carole King just made this rainy afternoon fun.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Theme Music
I forgot to note that James has added a new dimension to his scripting (also known as echolalia - scroll down the linked page to see a most excellent definition).
He now recites dialog for two people from movies and stories, because he is finally getting into play dates and socializing with his peers. He also likes to script movies when real life provides parrallels. Or just because.
This morning, for example, he had a phone conversation with his aide on an imaginary phone during our drive to his school. He did both parts of the conversation and I think this was part of his preparing himself for school. He scripts from Barney because I am sure he would dearly love to be part of that group in the mornings on weekends (shudder). He might also be looking for a buddy, because he is scripting large exchanges between Buzz and Woody from the Toy Story sagas.
He went through a couple of days of being mad (highly unusual for James) and recited huge portions of Where the Wild Things Are to me. Most notably "I'll eat you up!" And you know, it actually opened a bit of a dialog for us, so I could let him know I understood he was angry ... could he tell me more about why? Usually it had to do with me telling him "no" or enforcing bedtime. I could be wrong in my assessment of why he was scripting from that book, but I don't think so. It fits James' personality of being sweet, funny, and stubborn. I found this scripting endearing, as well as preferable to a sulky tantrum or swearing and throwing things.
Most recent and delightful to me: James has been humming the theme music to The Incredibles. Just before he takes off at a run. When he wears his beloved bear blanket. And the one that almost brought me to my knees with laughter: in the bathroom. That's right, taking a bath, toweling off after, successfully completing a toileting run, washing his hands ... duh-duh-DUH-da-dahhhhhh!
He now recites dialog for two people from movies and stories, because he is finally getting into play dates and socializing with his peers. He also likes to script movies when real life provides parrallels. Or just because.
This morning, for example, he had a phone conversation with his aide on an imaginary phone during our drive to his school. He did both parts of the conversation and I think this was part of his preparing himself for school. He scripts from Barney because I am sure he would dearly love to be part of that group in the mornings on weekends (shudder). He might also be looking for a buddy, because he is scripting large exchanges between Buzz and Woody from the Toy Story sagas.
 |
| Max decoration that's going in his room. |
Most recent and delightful to me: James has been humming the theme music to The Incredibles. Just before he takes off at a run. When he wears his beloved bear blanket. And the one that almost brought me to my knees with laughter: in the bathroom. That's right, taking a bath, toweling off after, successfully completing a toileting run, washing his hands ... duh-duh-DUH-da-dahhhhhh!
James, you are Mr. Incredible!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Car Tracks
We have new tunes for the morning trek around Sonoma County as I drop the kids off at their schools.
#1: The Swisskapolka. I kid you not. It could be worse, and on a good day, it makes me want to polka.
#2: The soundtrack for King Arthur's carousel. If you don't know where it is, never mind.
#3: Theme to Tarzan, wild animals and all!
#4: Ride sound system for California Screamin'. Best if I can time the countdown part to finish just as I hit a hill.
And when the kids are gone? I put on Soarin' Over California.
Good thing we love Disney.
#1: The Swisskapolka. I kid you not. It could be worse, and on a good day, it makes me want to polka.
#2: The soundtrack for King Arthur's carousel. If you don't know where it is, never mind.
#3: Theme to Tarzan, wild animals and all!
#4: Ride sound system for California Screamin'. Best if I can time the countdown part to finish just as I hit a hill.
 |
| Just around this bend is The BEST rollercoaster hill! |
And when the kids are gone? I put on Soarin' Over California.
Good thing we love Disney.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Parade
The kids found something new to play this week: Parade! I remember doing this with my brother. Singing, making music with instruments of all sorts. Sometimes bringing along our dolls and stuffed animals.
James' big sister led the way with her princess wand and musical feather. James followed enthusiastically with his yellow feather/horn. At their grandparents' house, they had actual play trumpets. They seemed just as happy with the feathers.
Cheers, kids! I kind of like this shot best: you can see several holidays' worth of decorations on top of the piano. So handy for things like that.
James' big sister led the way with her princess wand and musical feather. James followed enthusiastically with his yellow feather/horn. At their grandparents' house, they had actual play trumpets. They seemed just as happy with the feathers.
Cheers, kids! I kind of like this shot best: you can see several holidays' worth of decorations on top of the piano. So handy for things like that.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Weekend Forecast: Cloudy, w/ Upset Tummy
James has had an exciting week. He loves being back at school with his teachers and friends. the different classroom puzzled him at first, but now I think he really likes having the familiar things in new configurations.
We are having problems with the bus. Again. The driver forgot to come to work and pick them up one afternoon and is just not seeming like a good match for special needs kids. We are trying to resolve this situation.
James was puzzled and a little anxious about going to the second preschool on Wednesday afternoon, but he recognized it from when Big Sister went there and knew some of the teachers there a bit. His regular teacher and SHAPE person were reassuring and I was able to melt away in less than half an hour. I heard that he played well with others and sat and listened to a longish story at story time.
On Wednesday, James topped off a very long afternoon with his last Music Together class. He sang along with every song and tried to beat time with his hands and instruments. He was having a ball! The teacher seemed disappointed that we were not re-enrolling. I'd love to, but all their classes happen when he is in school.
James came down sick yesterday afternoon. Poor guy! He's been resting, but I can tell that he's not feeling well. His temperature shoots up a couple of times a day and I've pulled him off milk. He's had water, popsickles, and some tortilla chips.
He asked for PB&J sandwich tonight so I made him one. He commented "Dat's a *brown*" while I spread the peanut butter and "Issa RED!" when I smoothed out the strawberry jam. He hovered over the counter, watching the ingredients being assembled and said "Is fo James!" He also counted the knife cuts that I made(3) and the slices of sandwich they made (4) -- all triangles, because he dislikes the crusts. Tonight James ate the entire sandwich and kept it down. I hope he feels better tomorrow.
We are having problems with the bus. Again. The driver forgot to come to work and pick them up one afternoon and is just not seeming like a good match for special needs kids. We are trying to resolve this situation.
James was puzzled and a little anxious about going to the second preschool on Wednesday afternoon, but he recognized it from when Big Sister went there and knew some of the teachers there a bit. His regular teacher and SHAPE person were reassuring and I was able to melt away in less than half an hour. I heard that he played well with others and sat and listened to a longish story at story time.
On Wednesday, James topped off a very long afternoon with his last Music Together class. He sang along with every song and tried to beat time with his hands and instruments. He was having a ball! The teacher seemed disappointed that we were not re-enrolling. I'd love to, but all their classes happen when he is in school.
James came down sick yesterday afternoon. Poor guy! He's been resting, but I can tell that he's not feeling well. His temperature shoots up a couple of times a day and I've pulled him off milk. He's had water, popsickles, and some tortilla chips.
He asked for PB&J sandwich tonight so I made him one. He commented "Dat's a *brown*" while I spread the peanut butter and "Issa RED!" when I smoothed out the strawberry jam. He hovered over the counter, watching the ingredients being assembled and said "Is fo James!" He also counted the knife cuts that I made(3) and the slices of sandwich they made (4) -- all triangles, because he dislikes the crusts. Tonight James ate the entire sandwich and kept it down. I hope he feels better tomorrow.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Time to Breathe
It's Friday! It's been a crazy, whirlwind week! Big sister started school and I am juggling five organizations to organize James' new school schedule, which starts next week.
I snapped this shot of James this morning, and I am happy that he is having a few moments of Zen-like tranquility:
He is 3' 9" and is loving trains and planes right now. This morning he asked for "popcorn," which puzzled me mightily. James is not a big popcorn person. Then a light went on: He was watching a Laurie Berkner special last night. So I started it up again ... and voila -- there was a picture of a bucket of popcorn at the start of the show. I had totally missed it. Again, he surprised me; in the nicest way!
I snapped this shot of James this morning, and I am happy that he is having a few moments of Zen-like tranquility:
He is 3' 9" and is loving trains and planes right now. This morning he asked for "popcorn," which puzzled me mightily. James is not a big popcorn person. Then a light went on: He was watching a Laurie Berkner special last night. So I started it up again ... and voila -- there was a picture of a bucket of popcorn at the start of the show. I had totally missed it. Again, he surprised me; in the nicest way!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Too Big
Look at this photo:
It's only my parental opinion, but James is getting too darned big! Look at how his legs are just about read to fall off the edge of the sofa. Seems like only a few weeks ago, his feet stuck straight out.
He reminds me of a cowboy in this one; playing his 2-string guitar while resting at his home on the range.
We've been doing the Music Together program again this summer, and again he is loving it! This week he sat in the teacher's lap, completely at his ease.
It's only my parental opinion, but James is getting too darned big! Look at how his legs are just about read to fall off the edge of the sofa. Seems like only a few weeks ago, his feet stuck straight out.
He reminds me of a cowboy in this one; playing his 2-string guitar while resting at his home on the range.
We've been doing the Music Together program again this summer, and again he is loving it! This week he sat in the teacher's lap, completely at his ease.
Friday, December 12, 2008
New Favourite Tune
I just met this song yesterday. And already it is embedded in my brain x 150 (which is how many times it's been played "by request")
It's all about Rockin' & Talkin' this week! Anyone else been listening to the Kids' Express Train a lot?
Don't get me wrong ... it may be an ear worm, but I am thrilled James is singing and being excited about vocalizing more.
I wonder if I should introduce him to The Bobs or They Might Be Giants? Hmmmmmmm!
It's all about Rockin' & Talkin' this week! Anyone else been listening to the Kids' Express Train a lot?
Don't get me wrong ... it may be an ear worm, but I am thrilled James is singing and being excited about vocalizing more.
I wonder if I should introduce him to The Bobs or They Might Be Giants? Hmmmmmmm!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Crickets
I am listening right now to crickets. It's been a peaceful evening. James' older sister is sleeping over at Nana & Apu's. James got lots of extra attention from daddy & mommy, and he ate it up more than his dinner.
He played the harmonica & encouraged us to sing the A-B-C song in between harmonica choruses. He wrassled with his daddy. He got bath time and extra loving from his mommy at bedtime. He is one happy camper. OMG, I remember the first two years with my daughter, when night times were still peaceful because there was only one child to put to bed. It makes a nice change of pace from the normal zoo-like bedtime routine.
James likes to read The Rainbow Frogs; Caps for Sale; Little Quack; and The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear at bedtime.
After reading to him, I turn out the lights and pick him up so I can hug and sing to him. He *loves* this. I start with Springtime in the Rockies and Come My Love, Come ... and usually finish with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Tonight he also got sings like I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and I've Been Floating Down That Old Green River. (When he is not feeling well, I sit with him in the rocker and sing the theme song to The Rocky Horror Picture Show -- it's worked like a charm with him since he was three months old.)
I love the way he snuggles up to me, sighs, and puts his head sideways on my shoulder when I start to sing. He is getting so big now it's a tight fit. But we'll keep it up as long as we can!
He played the harmonica & encouraged us to sing the A-B-C song in between harmonica choruses. He wrassled with his daddy. He got bath time and extra loving from his mommy at bedtime. He is one happy camper. OMG, I remember the first two years with my daughter, when night times were still peaceful because there was only one child to put to bed. It makes a nice change of pace from the normal zoo-like bedtime routine.
James likes to read The Rainbow Frogs; Caps for Sale; Little Quack; and The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear at bedtime.
After reading to him, I turn out the lights and pick him up so I can hug and sing to him. He *loves* this. I start with Springtime in the Rockies and Come My Love, Come ... and usually finish with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Tonight he also got sings like I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and I've Been Floating Down That Old Green River. (When he is not feeling well, I sit with him in the rocker and sing the theme song to The Rocky Horror Picture Show -- it's worked like a charm with him since he was three months old.)
I love the way he snuggles up to me, sighs, and puts his head sideways on my shoulder when I start to sing. He is getting so big now it's a tight fit. But we'll keep it up as long as we can!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Music is Magic
James has always liked music. He would perk right up if her heard a fun melody on the radio or TV. He has always adored the Baby Eisntein videos. And if someone sings around him: bliss central!
Last year one of my biggest concerns was helping James talk. I was told that "vocalizing" is very important, and often precedes spoken language. So one of the things my husband and I tried was to sing to James and encourage him to sing back a few simple words. My husband also kept bringing home instruments or things that could be used as such. James loves the guitar, keyboard, and lately the drums (!). Introduce something new like a xylophone or glockenspiel and he becomes fascinated. He loves to watch live music performed at our Farmers' Markets.
And yes, singing did help him to vocalize. Now, I can actually hold him before bed or nap time, and we sing together. It is one of the sweetest times in my day.
Last year one of my biggest concerns was helping James talk. I was told that "vocalizing" is very important, and often precedes spoken language. So one of the things my husband and I tried was to sing to James and encourage him to sing back a few simple words. My husband also kept bringing home instruments or things that could be used as such. James loves the guitar, keyboard, and lately the drums (!). Introduce something new like a xylophone or glockenspiel and he becomes fascinated. He loves to watch live music performed at our Farmers' Markets.
And yes, singing did help him to vocalize. Now, I can actually hold him before bed or nap time, and we sing together. It is one of the sweetest times in my day.
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