..........PERHAPS!!
When I picked Landon up from daycare today, I was presented with Landon's very FIRST piece of artwork. And I was informed by his teacher, that Landon did this ALL BY HIMSELF :)
*SIGH*
Sure makes this mama proud:)
Showing posts with label Ds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ds. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Progress! Progress! Progress!
I feel so AWFUL that I have not posted on Landon in a while! I have about 5 drafts (4 now) still waiting to be completed. We have been soooo busy.....boy does time go by quickly. Landon has been making some GREAT GAINS over the past month and a half, and honestly, I have enjoyed having a front row seat to this show. Often times, I can't even get to the camera to catch some of these moments on film because I am overwhelmed with excitement. Now that he has mastered these new beginnings, I am excited to finally share them with you. (pics and video coming soon)
So, here is what Mr. Landon has been up to these days.........
SITTING
Landon is now an utter "pro" at getting himself in and out of a sitting position. He pivots, is able to extend to both sides to reach for things without losing his balance. This is very exciting because he now can play with his toys without falling on top of them and banging his head. He transitions very well from belly to sit, side to sit and vice versa. Looks like he's been doing this for years:)
CRAWLING
Landon has also mastered the "commando crawl". Boy is he fast. He had been pulling himself on his elbows for some time and dragging his legs behind him. Of course this started at school.......I actually saw Landon do this about 1 week in. He's always holding out on us. This stage seemed to move quickly because he started using his legs shortly after that. Now he alternates using his feet and knees as he is moving. And on occasion, he will pop up on all 4's and rock and then dive forward. We are still working on that coordination piece. He will however go through the motions if we keep our hand under his belly. I am hoping that he will catch on soon!
STANDING
Landon is starting to bear more weight on his legs......FINALLY!!!! He is now learning that if he extends those little frog legs of his, he CAN and WILL reach new things. This has been ongoing progress for the past month. He is now able to bear most of his weight on his own with minimal assistance. I am so amazed by his good posture. And, he is quite PROUD of himself when he does this and will demand APPLAUSE......by himself and others!! LOL Now we are working on extending the amount of time he can hold his weight. Slow progress, but progress none the less.
CLIMBING
Landon has been working on climbing. His therapists use the couch cushions to make steps up to the couch. He amazingly does very well with this. Especially when he has his eye on the prize........his red sensory ball......he LOVES that thing!!! It's funny how he knows how to push off of his feet and use his arms at the same time. He looks so coordinated. Hmmm, if we can just get him to use that coordination on crawling on all 4's!!!
FEEDING
Landon is finally starting to accept the transition from purees to "real" table foods that require him to actually chew. This gain is a more recent one. And a very welcome one at that. This is one area that we really struggle with. His menu now consists of: toast w/ hummus, Gerber Graduate Cereal Bar, puffs, Cheerios, bananas, yogurt, cheese, bread. He has mastered these foods. Next on our list is: scrambled eggs, more fruits and veggies and adding small pieces of easy chewable meats. We are hoping to form a decent table food diet so that we can get off of the purees. Landon has had such an issue with swallowing vs. chewing his food. His ST now sees him 2x's a week, once which is strictly communication and the other is shared between communication and feeding. With the help of Landon's therapist, we have started using the "Jiggler" and some chew bars to stimulate his muscles. Then we alternate every few bites with a food that requires him to chew with a puree. We are starting to notice that he actually tries to chew the puree now. He's finally catching on!!!!
Landon is also doing more self feeding. He holds his bottle on his own now. He will challenge us at times........but we "usually" win! He loves to hold his own spoon. And with guidance, he is able to find his mouth:) It's not always neat, but hey, nobody is perfect!! LOL This is a very messy task, but one that we encourage wholeheartedly. It is extremely helpful that his teacher's at school practice with him. Landon has also got a great pincer grasp. Once he is able to locate his food, he does rather well picking it up. Now if we can just get the food to his mouth. We still have to guide his hand to his mouth as most times he would prefer to feed his eyes or his hair. LOL
We are making great progress with the "honey bear cup". Landon closes his mouth completely on the straw now and waits in anticipation for the fluid to come out. He is not actually sucking the water through the straw yet. We are still squeezing it for him. However, on occasion he is beginning to suck the fluid as we squeeze. As for the sippy cup, Landon would much rather bang it on his tray or bite on the spout. Again, on occasion he will actually take a few sips on his own, but he seems to be more partial to the honey bear.
COMMUNICATION
This area took a backseat while Landon started cruising in other areas. We are happy to say that Landon has picked up on his signs again and is continuously adding to his signing vocabulary. His favorites at this time are: hi and bye-bye, more, eat, milk, all done, bath, book, dog, music and mama. However, we are convinced that Landon understands WAY MORE than he is capable of signing, at this time. He is also becoming more vocal and making lots of sounds. His favorite thing to say right now is "YEAH", while clapping his hands (of course)!!
We are so proud of Landon and each of these accomplishments. And believe me, we have celebrated each and every one of them........BIG!!! This little blessing amazes me every single day with his will and determination. With each new skill he acquires, he is one step closer to being just as independent as his brothers and his peers! Once again, proving that........HE IS MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT:)
Keep up the good work, Landon!!! We are so proud of you:)
So, here is what Mr. Landon has been up to these days.........
SITTING
Landon is now an utter "pro" at getting himself in and out of a sitting position. He pivots, is able to extend to both sides to reach for things without losing his balance. This is very exciting because he now can play with his toys without falling on top of them and banging his head. He transitions very well from belly to sit, side to sit and vice versa. Looks like he's been doing this for years:)
CRAWLING
Landon has also mastered the "commando crawl". Boy is he fast. He had been pulling himself on his elbows for some time and dragging his legs behind him. Of course this started at school.......I actually saw Landon do this about 1 week in. He's always holding out on us. This stage seemed to move quickly because he started using his legs shortly after that. Now he alternates using his feet and knees as he is moving. And on occasion, he will pop up on all 4's and rock and then dive forward. We are still working on that coordination piece. He will however go through the motions if we keep our hand under his belly. I am hoping that he will catch on soon!
STANDING
Landon is starting to bear more weight on his legs......FINALLY!!!! He is now learning that if he extends those little frog legs of his, he CAN and WILL reach new things. This has been ongoing progress for the past month. He is now able to bear most of his weight on his own with minimal assistance. I am so amazed by his good posture. And, he is quite PROUD of himself when he does this and will demand APPLAUSE......by himself and others!! LOL Now we are working on extending the amount of time he can hold his weight. Slow progress, but progress none the less.
CLIMBING
Landon has been working on climbing. His therapists use the couch cushions to make steps up to the couch. He amazingly does very well with this. Especially when he has his eye on the prize........his red sensory ball......he LOVES that thing!!! It's funny how he knows how to push off of his feet and use his arms at the same time. He looks so coordinated. Hmmm, if we can just get him to use that coordination on crawling on all 4's!!!
FEEDING
Landon is finally starting to accept the transition from purees to "real" table foods that require him to actually chew. This gain is a more recent one. And a very welcome one at that. This is one area that we really struggle with. His menu now consists of: toast w/ hummus, Gerber Graduate Cereal Bar, puffs, Cheerios, bananas, yogurt, cheese, bread. He has mastered these foods. Next on our list is: scrambled eggs, more fruits and veggies and adding small pieces of easy chewable meats. We are hoping to form a decent table food diet so that we can get off of the purees. Landon has had such an issue with swallowing vs. chewing his food. His ST now sees him 2x's a week, once which is strictly communication and the other is shared between communication and feeding. With the help of Landon's therapist, we have started using the "Jiggler" and some chew bars to stimulate his muscles. Then we alternate every few bites with a food that requires him to chew with a puree. We are starting to notice that he actually tries to chew the puree now. He's finally catching on!!!!
Landon is also doing more self feeding. He holds his bottle on his own now. He will challenge us at times........but we "usually" win! He loves to hold his own spoon. And with guidance, he is able to find his mouth:) It's not always neat, but hey, nobody is perfect!! LOL This is a very messy task, but one that we encourage wholeheartedly. It is extremely helpful that his teacher's at school practice with him. Landon has also got a great pincer grasp. Once he is able to locate his food, he does rather well picking it up. Now if we can just get the food to his mouth. We still have to guide his hand to his mouth as most times he would prefer to feed his eyes or his hair. LOL
We are making great progress with the "honey bear cup". Landon closes his mouth completely on the straw now and waits in anticipation for the fluid to come out. He is not actually sucking the water through the straw yet. We are still squeezing it for him. However, on occasion he is beginning to suck the fluid as we squeeze. As for the sippy cup, Landon would much rather bang it on his tray or bite on the spout. Again, on occasion he will actually take a few sips on his own, but he seems to be more partial to the honey bear.
COMMUNICATION
This area took a backseat while Landon started cruising in other areas. We are happy to say that Landon has picked up on his signs again and is continuously adding to his signing vocabulary. His favorites at this time are: hi and bye-bye, more, eat, milk, all done, bath, book, dog, music and mama. However, we are convinced that Landon understands WAY MORE than he is capable of signing, at this time. He is also becoming more vocal and making lots of sounds. His favorite thing to say right now is "YEAH", while clapping his hands (of course)!!
We are so proud of Landon and each of these accomplishments. And believe me, we have celebrated each and every one of them........BIG!!! This little blessing amazes me every single day with his will and determination. With each new skill he acquires, he is one step closer to being just as independent as his brothers and his peers! Once again, proving that........HE IS MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT:)
Keep up the good work, Landon!!! We are so proud of you:)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Test Scores..........
............at 14 months old.......blah.......who needs them??
So, another 6 months has passed, and this morning Scott, Landon and I found ourselves sitting on our living room floor with 4 of Landon's 5 therapists for his IFSP review. I must start off with letting you all know how much we just LOVE our EI team. I would not trade any of them for ANYTHING! We are so fortunate to have been placed with such a wonderful and caring group of therapists. These are a group of women, who I truly feel, BELIEVE in Landon's abilities and GENUINELY care about him.
The morning started off with Landon greeting his therapists with tons of smiles and lots of cuteness. He really is such a ham..........and, quite the flirt. Any other day, this technique, would be Landon's way of getting his therapists to go easy on him. lol That's right, he sure is one CLEVER little boy!! Then......the "TEST" began......ugh! Landon was asked to do lot's of tasks, you know, perform on cue! Ha!! As much as our little munchkin loves attention and as social as he is, Landon does what Landon wants to do...........WHEN.......he wants to do it. Definitely a LEADER......and we love it:) Some things he nailed, some he missed. He even surprised us here and there. I guess you could say he is well rounded....lol:)
Then, it was "result" time. You know, the "SCORES", that charts your child's abilities to those of a "typical" child. Hmmm, first of all, Landon HAS Ds and with that comes delays. Second, he is being tested on what he will do right then and there, not what he does (and is known to do) on a daily basis. Personally, I feel that this test is negative based and focuses on the areas of delay. After much discussion, Scott and I have come to the conclusion that we are strength based parents. We are choosing to focus on all the things that Landon CAN and WILL do and we are so proud of each of his accomplishments. Although this test is mandatory, we have chosen not to have the results read. Nope. This assessment will go straight into Landon's binder where it's white paper will yellow over the years. All we know is that Landon is thriving, learning new skills and reaching milestone's. And his timeline is 100% OK with us. Scott and I will continue to provide Landon with all the tools necessary to help him reach all of his goals and Landon will choose how and when to use them.
Being part of this blogging community has really helped me to keep things in perspective. I have been so inspired by so many of your children. I truly see what our children are capable of doing. It's not about comparing where our children are at any given moment but rather celebrating those moments WHEN they happen.............and together, we will:) And for all our kiddos hard work.........I give them all a score of a perfect "10"!!!
So, another 6 months has passed, and this morning Scott, Landon and I found ourselves sitting on our living room floor with 4 of Landon's 5 therapists for his IFSP review. I must start off with letting you all know how much we just LOVE our EI team. I would not trade any of them for ANYTHING! We are so fortunate to have been placed with such a wonderful and caring group of therapists. These are a group of women, who I truly feel, BELIEVE in Landon's abilities and GENUINELY care about him.
The morning started off with Landon greeting his therapists with tons of smiles and lots of cuteness. He really is such a ham..........and, quite the flirt. Any other day, this technique, would be Landon's way of getting his therapists to go easy on him. lol That's right, he sure is one CLEVER little boy!! Then......the "TEST" began......ugh! Landon was asked to do lot's of tasks, you know, perform on cue! Ha!! As much as our little munchkin loves attention and as social as he is, Landon does what Landon wants to do...........WHEN.......he wants to do it. Definitely a LEADER......and we love it:) Some things he nailed, some he missed. He even surprised us here and there. I guess you could say he is well rounded....lol:)
Then, it was "result" time. You know, the "SCORES", that charts your child's abilities to those of a "typical" child. Hmmm, first of all, Landon HAS Ds and with that comes delays. Second, he is being tested on what he will do right then and there, not what he does (and is known to do) on a daily basis. Personally, I feel that this test is negative based and focuses on the areas of delay. After much discussion, Scott and I have come to the conclusion that we are strength based parents. We are choosing to focus on all the things that Landon CAN and WILL do and we are so proud of each of his accomplishments. Although this test is mandatory, we have chosen not to have the results read. Nope. This assessment will go straight into Landon's binder where it's white paper will yellow over the years. All we know is that Landon is thriving, learning new skills and reaching milestone's. And his timeline is 100% OK with us. Scott and I will continue to provide Landon with all the tools necessary to help him reach all of his goals and Landon will choose how and when to use them.
Being part of this blogging community has really helped me to keep things in perspective. I have been so inspired by so many of your children. I truly see what our children are capable of doing. It's not about comparing where our children are at any given moment but rather celebrating those moments WHEN they happen.............and together, we will:) And for all our kiddos hard work.........I give them all a score of a perfect "10"!!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
And then.....something like this happens!!!
As parents of children with special needs, we often find ourselves having to make difficult decisions. We want so badly to live up to the standard that "parents know their children, BEST". So we inhale, take a deep breath and dive into that intimidating ocean of knowledge, grasping at bits and pieces of information that we "THINK" and "HOPE" will be valuable information.
When Landon was three months old, I had to return to work. It wasn't easy going back when all I could think of was how much faster would Landon do things if I was home (working with him) all day long. And, would those who were caring for him know exactly what he needed. Ha, who was I fooling, like I knew myself, what his needs were. Yes, those first three months were filled with doubt and worry. After all, raising a child with special needs was suppose to be more work. But as time past by, I slowly began to realize that I was overanalyzing.........everything. You see, Landon, was my third and youngest son. It's not like I was new to motherhood. I should be a pro by now. Why would Landon be any different. And so that first big decision was made, Landon would go to the same preschool/daycare with his big brother, Elijah. And with a deep breath, I dropped Landon off for his first day of school, and off I went to work. (And.....I survived!!)
I often find myself playing devil's advocate with every decision Scott and I must make, "in the best interest of Landon". Always doubting and second guessing the choices we make. Some decisions come a little easier than others, while others cast the darkest shadow of doubt.
You see, last week, Scott and I received Landon's "transition papers". Yes, Landon received papers to transition from the "infant" room to the "toddler" room. I was a bit surprised, not that Landon would be transitioning to that room(because we knew he would), but so soon?? Scott and I had been talking lately about how people see and treat Landon like he is still this cute and cuddly infant, and although he is cute and cuddly, reality is - Landon is 13 months old. Peers his age have already transitioned. Landon is the only child in the infant room. Maybe I should have said something sooner, or maybe, I just wasn't ready. Landon has been "visiting" the toddler room for a couple of months now. He loves circle time and music. I have actually been informed that Landon is the page turner during story time and that he is the life of the party when the music is turned on. Yes, music to my..... "heart"!! I "KNOW" that Landon should transition, but, I also "KNOW" that he still has needs. You see, Landon can sit independently....but he cannot get into a sitting position on his own. And what about snack time.......Landon cannot walk over to the table, sit in a chair and feed himself. And communication?? Landon has a hand full of "signs" but is pretty much (with the exception of making sounds) non-verbal at this time. How will he communicate with his peers??
When I picked Landon up from school on Tuesday, I had about a 20 minute chat with his teacher. I voiced my concerns about Landon's transition. Surprisingly, I was met with the ultimate accomodation.........either the teacher or a classroom helper would be watching over Landon at all times. Someone to watch over him as he plays with his peers (in case he falls over), someone (to feed him) at the table that his peers eat and someone to continue using sign language (his current form of communication). This school has been so good to us and so accepting of our EI team. Landon's school will be working with our EI team, building workshops for their staff (if & when needed), to give them a better understanding and the knowledge of working/teaching children with special needs.
I must confess.......although I agreed that it was in Landon's best interest to transition, I still felt a bit hesitant. How will he communicate with the other children? Will he be overlooked by his peers? Will he get frustrated?
And then.........something like this happens!!!
As I entered the toddler room to get Landon, a group of 6/7 children (including Landon) were sitting quietly in a circle for story time. The teacher told me that the class had been practicing and they would like to show me something. She proceeded to ask the children if they wanted......"MORE....BOOK.....PLEASE". And without hesitation the children together......SIGNED.......more.book.please.! And the flood gates were open. I was overwhelmed and speechless. Yes, these children, were between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. And here they were, SOAKING UP, all of this knowledge.......like the little SPONGES that they are. Yes, they were learning and being exposed to sign language....not just because of Landon......but because these teachers truly believe in "INCLUSION". You see, they already knew my fears, and were taking steps to reassure me that this definitely is..........in.the.best.interest.of.Landon:)
Now............who.could.ever.second.guess.that??!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Spread The Word to End The Word
Old & Outdated "R-word" = "retard(ed)"
(in reference to someone or a group of people, directly or indirectly)
New & Updated "R-word" = "RESPECT"
(in reference to EVERYONE)
Today is the day! I pledged..........DID YOU??
(actions speak louder than words)
(actions speak louder than words)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Independent vs. Dependent Sitter
Hmmmm.......so, this past Christmas (Landon at 10 1/2 months old) started sitting up on his own (being propped into a sitting position) for around 1 minute at a time. His therapists were quite impressed seeing Landon doesn't perform on cue! As excited as I was for Landon, I could never bring myself to say that he was an independent sitter. Of course, he still needed the support (so actually dependent) in case he fell. His therapists seem to think if he can sit longer that 1/2 a minute by himself then we could technically say he is indeed an independent sitter. He has such great posture and sits completely straight until you ask him to reach for a toy. Ha! Very cute to see!
This month (at 11 months old) he has begun sitting for longer periods of time (we are talking like 20 minutes at a time) without the constant need for someone to be right by his side. He actually breaks his fall quite gracefully! lol But now I find myself still not able to say he is an independent sitter. Now my excuse is that he can't actually get "himself" into a sitting position on his own (even though he gets closer every day). I'm not really sure what this all means to be honest. Denial, perhaps! I am so excited for Landon reaching this milestone. A very bittersweet moment. It shows just how hard he has been working. Maybe part of me is a little sad that he is actually on his way to becoming a toddler. I have absolutely loved the fact that Ladon has been little for a longer period of time. We all know how quickly they grow! I love to watch the real pure joy he has playing with toys and his brothers now! It's a whole new world sitting up (things really do look different more than 6 inches off the ground). lol:)
Independent..............dependent.............does it really matter?! Landon doesn't seem to think so! So, why should I! He is just enjoying life! Hard work and endurance has really paid off! Well worth waiting for!
This month (at 11 months old) he has begun sitting for longer periods of time (we are talking like 20 minutes at a time) without the constant need for someone to be right by his side. He actually breaks his fall quite gracefully! lol But now I find myself still not able to say he is an independent sitter. Now my excuse is that he can't actually get "himself" into a sitting position on his own (even though he gets closer every day). I'm not really sure what this all means to be honest. Denial, perhaps! I am so excited for Landon reaching this milestone. A very bittersweet moment. It shows just how hard he has been working. Maybe part of me is a little sad that he is actually on his way to becoming a toddler. I have absolutely loved the fact that Ladon has been little for a longer period of time. We all know how quickly they grow! I love to watch the real pure joy he has playing with toys and his brothers now! It's a whole new world sitting up (things really do look different more than 6 inches off the ground). lol:)
Independent..............dependent.............does it really matter?! Landon doesn't seem to think so! So, why should I! He is just enjoying life! Hard work and endurance has really paid off! Well worth waiting for!
I DID IT!!
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