All Done

Sadly, we've been on an ABM hiatus for over a month now due to sickness.  Cannot wait for the flu season to be OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes - I'm ALL DONE!

But that's not what else is "all done".  Even though we haven't had any ABM sessions recently, Carson is continuing to expand his vocabulary.  I have been working on him saying "All Done" when he is done with his food or drink.  And now he can give us his first command!  "All Done".  He says it loud and proud.

Its backfired in a way since we are struggling recently with getting him to take in enough fluids each day - and its hard when he not only physically tells us he doesn't want his drink by pushing - but is now verbally telling us "all done".  So cute - so frustrating - so wonderful.

I wanted to post a video of his new found words!  And this is him being 'nice' about it. haha

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..................

"G" is for great!

Tuckered out in-between sessions today

Today during our 7th & 8th ABM sessions, I started hearing Carson use the G consonant sound.   It took me awhile to realize it - but this was a consonant he has never used before!  

I thought I was imagining it but Kevin confirmed - G's are new  :)  Very exciting!

He did great during both sessions.  He did some gentle movements in a more sitting position today and did well.  He loved it when Naomi used each finger from his hand - to count each toe on his feet... with a slow fun song.  

The other thing we've picked up on this week, when I'm sitting quietly for awhile, while he and Naomi are working together, he'll start to say "mamamama" waiting for me to reply to make sure I'm still there!!!  xoxoxoxoxox

We are loving our time with Naomi and so excited to see what is to come!