Making Breakfast

Even though school was cancelled yesterday James' educational therapist was able to come to the house for a session.  It has been awhile since we've seen her and it was very beneficial!  She pointed out that James is bored with his toys because, occupationally he is still working on the skills associated with the toys, but mentally he is farther ahead.  So, for him to have a longer attention span he needs more imaginative play.  So, this morning, he made me breakfast:

Next time we may try "cooking" with something in the pot (like applesauce) for him to taste.

With love.

Communication

James is learning so much and my favorite thing to see is his communication progress.  He picks up signs so quickly.  In the last week or so he learned "dad", "car", and "thank you" (and how to use his hand to blow kisses, thank you awesome school teachers for giving my son another flirting tactic :D).  I need to make it a point to teach him a new sign each day.  He is also making new noises, babbling like crazy, and solidifying his words.  He always said "hi" well, but it is now much more distinct and he also added "hello" ("hawoah") to his greetings.  Today I read him "Go, Dog. Go." and when we finished he handed it back to me and said something that sounded like "again".  So I read it again.  He handed it back to me and said "again." So we read it a third time.  I think he is realizing he is rewarded when he communicates.  That, however, has become a problem with eating.  He uses his "eat" sign and then refuses to eat.  We are in the process of breaking that habit.  We realized that we have to transition him from "yay, that was new" to "now you know how to use it, use it the right way."  I think we are getting better at it.  It is also difficult when he uses the sign for "please" so well (and adorably).

Signing "dad".

One of the best ways to teach James new words is to affirm him when a sound resembles a word.  For example, I went upstairs tonight while Mark was cooking dinner and James shouted something at me that sounded like "come back."  So, I responded "Come back?  I will be back in a minute."  It seems to really help him connect his sounds with actual phrases.  That is how we affirmed "hello."

We are off to start another week.  I hope to have more for you soon.

With love.