Clap, Clap, Clap!

Carson is a rock star!  That's not new news of course but what is new - Carson is clapping!!!!!!!!!!!!  What adds to the excitement is - he taught himself!  This was not something we purposefully taught him.  I'd been seeing him do it for a few days, but it took me a bit to realize he was clapping!  

I finally figured it out this weekend - Adrianna was entertaining us with a song, and I began to applause - what shocked me was when Carson starting giving his applause as well!  Was awesome!

We got it on video here.

Very sleepy boy at Seattle Children's
Hospital this week. And yes, he helped me
put on this shirt  :)

Verbally, he is just continuing to amaze us.  He is mimicking and repeating so many words now. He's been mimicking sounds for a long while now - but now he is mimicking words.  It's incredible and so beautiful to hear!  He is moving toward connecting the words with the objects... so far he has "mama" and "Kogo" (aka our dog Kobe) down pat and a few other words.  Love witnessing the progression of communication with him!!!!

Yesterday when his food was gone, without me saying it first, Carson said "all gone" by himself.  Was so incredible.  Of course he wouldn't do it again for the camera, but that's a-okay.

Also showing his rock star abilities - when I'm putting on his shirts, he will now extend his right arm to help me put his arm through the sleeve!  He has done it a few times on his own, or will respond when I ask him to extend it and tap his elbow.  Can't wait for assistance with the other 3 limbs someday, but for now, I'll take the help with the right arm  :)

And just because I love to share about my son - his laugh is incredibly contagious.... tonight I caught daddy cracking him up, on video.  Wanted to share the video!

The dreaded "no"!

Happy boy

It's been a week since our last round of ABM sessions.  Carson has continued to be a talking champ.  He just loves to gab right now!

He is consistently and purposefully saying "mama".  Yes that's right - he loves me!!!  :)

He has also said "dada" which makes Kevin thrilled.  Typically when saying daddy, it's been in a whisper and he just says "da".  It's been a joke in our home that people will starting speaking Kevin's name with reverence from here on out.  Now he's moving from a reverent "da", to a loud and proud "dada".  Quite exciting.

And probably the word most feared by parents - "No" - has now been uttered.  He isn't using it properly yet but he at least knows how to say the word.  haha.  But I'm sure the meaning behind it is around the corner  :)

Carson loves petting (and kinda hitting) our dog, Kobe.  Kobe loves to lick Carson like a popsicle. It's a mutual relationship of being in each others personal space.  Just this week, Carson has been saying "Koko" for Kobe.  So now Carson smiles at the mention of Kobe and says her name.

Lying on right side

Also this week - we starting working with Diane, Carson's TVI (teacher of the visually impaired) to work on feeding.  We typically put his food right on the tray of his high chair, but are now going to consistently use plates and bowls.  Part of this is teaching Carson to know when all his food is gone and giving him opportunity to ask for more.  As part of this, we always make a big deal of saying "all done".  Carson is now saying that back to us  :)  And it seems that he is making the connection to what that phrase means!

Happy on his right side

With physical changes - he isn't rolling completely over much anymore.  I think its because he dislikes being on his tummy so much.  But even though he's not rolling to his tummy, he is really getting the hang of rolling to his right side!  Carson has always hated being on his right side - his head or his body.  But even right now as I'm watching him play on the floor, he keeps rolling to his right side.  So great to witness him learning his body and his 'place in space'.  It's so exciting!

Keep it coming little man..................

Hugs, Tummy Time & Rocking Out... A Good Day

Today was a good day.

Morning loves from sissy

While waiting for Carson's ABM session this morning, Adrianna kept giving Carson hugs and kisses.  It just made my morning!  Carson DID receive a bath tonight though as Adrianna told me after giving hugs - "mommy, Carson needs a bath - he doesn't smell very good".  hahaha.

ABM session on his tummy

During our 2nd session today, Naomi worked with Carson while he was on his tummy.  He was well supported with pillows and blankets so he was comfortable.  He was so great the entire time.  On his tummy is his least comfortable or happy position - but he did excellent today.  Naomi is working with him to help him organize his body so that he can continue being successful in his new rolling achievements (among other things as well of course).  It was just uplifting to see him so content in that position.

Loving his new rocking
chair!

Then tonight we received a belated Christmas present from grandma and papa - a rocking chair!  Carson loves to rock.  His only rocking has been in his high chair - where he can literally move his chair from one side of the dining room to the other.  This new rocking chair will let him rock his little heart out - and be safe in doing so!!!!  He fits in it great.  We are using a velcro strap just to 'be safe' but he sits tall and strong in it!!!!  When I first put him in it, he immediately starting talking away and enjoyed rocking.  I even captured a video of him.  He rocked even more after this video - what a stud he is.

It was a good day.

Rollin' and a Rockin'

Sleeping with his head
to the right!  Now he's
rocking towards his
right!  RIGHT on!  :)

It seems like all I'm doing right now is posting awesome updates on Carson.  NOT COMPLAINING in the least.... its just a bit surreal.

So, not only has our boy becoming a rockin 'roller' from his back to his tummy towards his left side, but now while on his back, he's rocking to the side towards the RIGHT!  Not quite ready to roll to his right, but we have never seen him wanting to be on his right side - let alone intentionally moving in that direction!  We've witnessed it a few times the last couple days.

My son is awesome.... that's all there is too it.