This is Only a Test ...

James has always used his feet as a second pair of hands. Exhibit A:



When he was exploring his hands with his mouth, that meant all four of them. If we gave him something to play with so we could get his diaper changed on the changing table (because otherwise it was like trying to pin a diaper on a thrashing ferret), all four hands would be used to explore and handle the play thing.

What is it with the feet?

I get the going barefoot thing because I do it too. I just can't see using my feet to help me read. Or fling (not kick) items across the room. Or being used to help tell me about a new object.

Maybe I should try it. Even Mommies can learn something new every day.

Puppy Love

James has a new love. It's the Scavenger Hunt game for Clifford the Big Red Dog on the PBS Kids web site.

Oh. My. Goodness!

He really gets into looking for the items, and is getting good at saying their names. I think he's doing a bit of echolalia for the locations that he has to choose from, but wow, he is turned on!

And this evening, his sister sat with him and coached him even more on the words. I am happy for several reasons: James is practicing fine motor control and verbal skills with this game. He is getting social interaction with his sister. They are playing nicely together! And he feels like a winner.

Thanks, Clifford, Cleo, T-Bone, and Mac! Signed, a very grateful Mommy

Making Plans, Saying 'Bye

Today was filled with busy conversations. We may be zeroing in on a preschool/daycare location for James to attend three days a week next year, with his SHAPE assistant in tow. The biggest hurdle will be the tuition, because I am not working. However, we may be able to get some assistance from the Regional Center, which could help make this a reality.

Especially nice for me is the fact that the assistance becomes available if I go back to work or school. I am definitely interested in going back to school. It's been almost two years since I was actively out there doing web developer work on a regular basis. I am sure there's a lot to get caught up on, although thankfully enough remains the same for me to keep my head above water.

Paperwork has been filled out and submitted to help get our daughter on a better track at her school for first grade.

This afternoon we had our end of term party for the CATS Program. While it was sad to goodbye to some of the wonderful people who were part of our lives for several months, how much we all learned! And some great connections were made. I am hopin to participate again next year.

And now, James has just come up to me and used his pop sickle stick as a tongue depressor on me. He made me open my mouth and go "Ahhhhh", and then he said "Doctor." OMG, he is play acting!!!!!

Tipping Point

... from playing well with sister to chaos and sibling rampages is ... about to be reached.

It's like watching a nature show. He circles his sister. They are communicating with arms, raspberries, and "yyyyyyyep!" She responds with dancing about, singing "daffodils! look at me? have you seen a really big ship before?"

He snatches up the big, red "We're #1" foam finger ....

... and the fun's over. She whines and yells as she chases him down, and he runs from her room, screeching with glee. She catches him in the hall.

"No!"
"Ahhhhh!!!"
"That's MINE!"
"No!!!!!"

I have reached my tipping point. The red wine is tipping out of the bottle, into the glass. Alderbrook Zin, 2003.

Bed time comes now!

What is That Thing?

James has a new game. He points up to the ceiling and asks "Table?" before looking at you expectantly.

I have no idea where this came from. It's been going on for almost a week. Today, we had a change-up. Still pointing upward, he will ask "Swing? Table? Watermelon? Monkey?"

My husband says the "Watermelon?" is a giveaway that he is trying to be silly.

He could be right.

But then again, it could all be about the "table:"

Planning for Next Year

James' preschool teacher came over this afternoon to talk about plans for summer school as well as preschool and SHAPE sessions for next school year. He will have good people, whom he knows and likes, working with him this summer -- yay!

The thought for next year is to have him continue services and academics with the preschool four mornings a week, then do a daycare two afternoons a week with a SHAPE person, and continue with a SHAPE session Friday mornings. I am liking the sound of this. My homework is to scope out day care places and possible costs involved.

James is making good progress, already completing 3 of his 5 IEP goals set in November. His teacher reports he is a little more agitated while at school, but otherwise continues to reach new achievements, particularly in speech and toilet training areas.

For a while today, James was overwhelmed: His teacher, AV, E, and his Daddy were all in the house at the same time. Nana and his sister popped in & out. Grand Central Station, that's us. Normally, I bring James home for an hour or so of down time before SHAPE starts with just one other person. It took a while to calm him back down and get him to focus on his tasks before I could melt back down the hall to the home office and close the door.

And I'll bet James is still not happy that his Daddy took him to school this morning in the van, not the blue car! Buddy, I know you like your patterns and habits, but it's time to flex a little. Love ya!

Mothers' Day Poetry By James

Mommy?
Mommy!
Mommy-mommy-mommy!


Mom!


*big smiles*



Music to my heart.