Two Bits (bit 1 of 2)

For the longest time, James was pleasantly pleased by everyone and everything (excepting vacuum and blender-type noises). Although I was pretty sure he knew who I was, I felt like I was on par with the cat, a bottle of milk, or anything that spun: pleasantly enjoyed while it lasted before being succeeded by the next pleasant thing.

After reading about some common signs of autism, I noted that while he did go up on his tip toes, flap his hands, turn in circles, and jump up and down when excited, he did not line up his toys or exhibit compulsive behaviour. Until he started closing all the open doors in the house. Then all the lights had to be either on or off (and our house has multiple light switches for the lights, so he'd put on quite the light show trying to get everything either lit or unlit).

Then he started latching on to his blanky, carrying it with him wherever he went. This made me happy, because it's a key developmental milestone, and made me feel I was getting to know James better as he showed real preferences.

Here is James with his Bear Bankee, a hand-me-down from a cousin (thank you, cousin!):



Now James adores his Bear "bankee," and wants it to go almost everywhere with him. He must be tucked in with him before going to bed. There is only one thing he wants more than his blanket, and that is his family. This makes me super happy. His number one favourite right now? His Mommy. This warms my heart, except if I need to go to the garage to do laundry, or say goodbye to someone out front. Then there is a problem at Mission Control ... it's called a meltdown.

Personal POPCORN

Remember dialing on your phone to find out the correct time?

P-O-P C-O-R-N

Now gone the way of the dinosaurs. Except if you have children (and/or neurotic pets).

No later than 5:20 am, most mornings:
  "Mommy!" *pause* "A-MOMMY!! Open Door? Peese?"
  "Mommy? Is Morning! Goo' morning! Open door!"

Except this morning. James went off at 3am and 6am.

Luckily, he took a snack and a nap after the first awakening.

Lucky he is cute.

Go Fish

              

Reminds me a bit of how our budgets get passed ...



Big sister is teaching little bro and doll daughter to play cards (aka "I Win Again!")

At least James is learning his numbers and is practicing some fine motor control. Oh, and turn taking.

No Friggin' Way

Speaking for myself and James, I would never submit him to this treatment.

Personally, I consider it to be a form of lobotomy.

World Explorer: Preston Winery

Today we went to one of our favourite local places for a rustic lunch -- Preston Winery. Everything is artistic, organic, friendly, and thoughtful. The kids love to chase around the myriad cats who own the place. The chickens have amazing feather colours and patterns. Everywhere you look is a still life in nature and man-made materials, with rich, soothing colours.








James loves to play with water He was at this fountain for quite some time. Until he suddenly soaked his shirt. Then, he could not ask to get home fast enough. He wanted a new, dry shirt!


I am glad he is having so much fun with exploring his world. He was using some words on this trip to tell me about what he was seeing and interested in:
-- "Mommy: come see cat."
-- "Mommy, is a airpane!"
-- "I want more chips, puhhhhleeze!"

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Sleepy Bugged

James stretched his afternoon nap into a quasi all-nighter. He bounced awake at 3, happy & ready to play with Mommy. No.

I got him a drink of milk and a small snack (because he didn't really eat lunch, let alone diner) and then got him back to bed.

Repeat at 5. And 5:30. And 6. That's when I threw in the blanket and got up with him.

Now he is out running errands with his dad. I am thinking of catching up on some of that sleep.

Adventures in Baking

Chapter 4.5 -- James discovers the oven

Well, we had a deadly 40-minute gap to bridge until SHAPE started. They kids were tired and I am trying to cut down on the TV. I decided to have the kids help me make and bake scones.

One of the first things I do is turn on the oven. Luckily I always peek inside the oven when I turn on the gas, because this is what I saw there, lying on a baking sheet:



After I went "OMG!" and laughed hysterically a bit, we got down to business. It was good OT for James, who has trouble holding a fork and using it to stir dry ingredients and low muscle tone in his hands.

His big sister got a kick out of being the mentor, and they both loved kneading the dough.





(Shhhhhhhh! Don't tell her that James and I made them again today by ourselves)

I think it was good for me to cup my hands over his to help him gish the dough with his fists. He'd hold the dough, but not scrunch it. He needs more scrunch action. Darn. I think we'll just have to bake again!