These past couple of weeks, Landon has been keeping us VERY BUSY!! Ever since I caught him on video taking his "first steps", he has suddenly turned into a WALKING machine!!! lol Much to my surprise, Landon has been spending more time in the vertical position. I wasn't sure how this walking thing was going to go.......a few steps today.......a few more next month!!! NOPE......this little boy just can't get enough of it. He pretty much spends most of his time PRACTICING........and that practice has paid off. I have come to LOVE Landon's little penguin waddle.....and I love how he keeps his hands up near his shoulders to keep his balance. WOW......this was so WORTH waiting for!! We are really starting to see Landon's "personality", you know, the toddler version!! He sure is one determined little boy. If he should fall, no discouragement on his part, he just gets right back up again........and he will keep on going until he masters it!! More video to come!!
LOVE that:)
It seems Landon isn't going to stop at just walking! The boy is really on the move! We now have a climber, too!! WHOA! For the past 2 weeks when I have gone into Landon's room, I have found him standing up (grunting), and then I noticed him trying to lift his leg on the crib bar(which is on the lowest setting)!! YIKES!! This naughty little boy is now trying to CLIMB out of his crib!! SERIOUSLY??!! THIS EARLY?!
DON'T LOVE that:(
One of my biggest fears is of Landon falling out of his crib. Well, it is a long way down for a little boy who is 20lbs and only 31" long!! It's just a matter of time before he conquers this too!! Ugh! I don't think I am ready to move Landon to a day bed yet. He is only going to be "2" this Friday!!! I just can't see him in a "bed" yet......he would look more like a doll or stuffed animal in it!! lol I am also not ready for him to fall or climb out of a bed and get into lots of other mischief!! YES, he sure is cute......but he sure can be naughty!! After all, he is a boy:) I'm just so afraid of the can of worms that we could be opening! It's just too soon!!
I posted a comment on FB and got lots of feedback. I am still interested in hearing more about what YOU did with your little one(s)!! Please........HELP!! The crib tent cover was suggested too.....I'll have to look more into this! Landon is an explorer AND he is determined. How long will it be before he figures his way out of that too??!! Well I guess it could buy me time, right?!
The reason I am really getting concerned is because this past weekend, Landon was so determined to climb an ottoman at a family birthday party. Once he set his site on the ottoman, he was more determined than ever to conquer it. After about 5 or 6 failed attempts, he put his frustration to good use! YES, the boy succeeded.......and then.....HE WOULDN'T STOP!!! Oh, and did I mention that he can climb onto our couch now.......just wish he could find a more graceful way to get off!! lol
It's very interesting in this world of "delays" that he would be right on track in the terrible two's department! Correction.......he is actually ahead of the game!! lol Although I am very happy for Landon's gross motor explosion.......I am so not ready to have 3 boys on the go!! Boy am I in TROUBLE!!!
Note to self: Be VERY CAREFUL what you wish for!!
Changing direction here........
Our local support group 21FrienDS is collecting recipes for a Mother's Day fundraiser! We are trying to collect as many recipes from our families & friends to make this a successful event. Do you have a favorite dish, smoothie, dessert or appetizer that you like to make?? Care to share it?? All recipes will reference the person sharing as (Landon's T21 friend/family, Landon's OT, Friend of the Gomes Family. etc.) Please include your name & where you are from. You will also have a chance to purchase these cookbooks on line, too!! All proceeds will go to 21FrienDS for parent seminars, group activities, education materials, etc.! I would love for some of Landon's blogging buddies to be included!! Please share!! You can email me your recipe at:
kelbelle101@comcast.net
or you can fax them to me at: 508-997-4520.
We are collecting recipes until this Friday, February 11th......which just happens to be Landon's 2nd birthday!!!
Also, Kim, 21FrienDS' group leader has officially introduced our support group to Face book. If you have a chance, stop on by and "Like" our page or request to join the group!! (you can find the link on my FB profile page) We cover the Southeastern, MA area from Cape Cod to Rhode Island!! You do not have to be from our area, sharing information and ideas with other support groups (both near and far) and networking can only make "OUR" Ds community that much stronger!! Thank you Kim for giving us the opportunity to share our children with others and for giving others the opportunity to learn more about Down syndrome (FIRST HAND)! Our kiddos are touching and opening hearts.......EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!!
Showing posts with label climbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climbing. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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:)
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