In and Out

James can be a stubborn little muffin.  So, when I see that he is enjoying some PT-ish play I try (however successfully) to cultivate it.  This morning he wanted to play with his dinosaur toy that bounces balls around the room.  For the first time, he was interested in what was inside.  So, we worked on putting the balls back in and I think he began to understand the concept.  The fine motor aspect of holding the small ball with one hand is still difficult, so it is hard to tell, but I think the positive encouragement helps (that seems to be the ticket).

We also worked on "in" as he got a ride sitting in a box.  Thanks for that idea, Daddy!

As you can see, he liked the freedom of being shirt-less.

With love.

Sit for Soccer

We may have to take James to every soccer game in the area, it seems to be great therapy for him.  Yesterday, he decided he wanted to sit up to watch Aunt Becky's soccer game.  He sat, propped up and attentive, for a little less than a minute which is a huge record for him!  Yay, James!  Yay, Aunt Becky!

We may be on to something.  James loves his soccer ball (or any ball for that matter) and did some playtime PT yesterday.  Mark held James' legs together with a ribbon to help him balance and propped him up against the couch to play ball.  He sat, throwing and catching, for several minutes before he decided he had had enough.

We'll keep looking for fun, new motivation to get this child sitting!

Propped and playing catch!

Sitting for soccer!

Hanging out with Great Grandma.

This video is for Mark's parents.  It looks like James inherited Mark's soccer skills.  :D

With love.

Dancing King

James is quite a stylish dancer.  I have been extremely impressed by his musical timing and have been even more impressed by the impact good music makes on him - it is an automatic happy switch.  Below are a few examples.  I apologize in advance for the Carly Rae Jepsen, I think that song has been in another video.  My favorite is the last video, Mark kept James entertained for ten minutes with his own "musical stylings."  James' usual musical timing is a little off though.  :D

With love.

James in a Box

Anybody want a present?  :D

With love.

Happy Easter, Take 2

I think Easter was the best day ever for James.  We surprised him by sticking him in the car first thing in the morning to head to church which made him super happy.  Then he got to see three groups of his favorite people: our neighbors, my side of the family, and Mark's VA side of the family.  He was pretty excited about all the socializing.

We bought him a truck for his Easter basket since he can't have candy and we thought he would be pretty excited about it.  So far, not much excitement.  We were hoping to show him how to roll it while sitting up and maybe that would motivate him to want to sit but all he wants to do while sitting is kick or throw things.

Here are a few pictures, beginning with James' first Easter egg hunt.

Working on getting the egg into the basket.

He decided he didn't want to pick up any more eggs.

Snuggling with Daddy instead of hunting.

James and his buddy checking out their eggs.

With love.