Hands On

This week has been filled with exploration, joy, and renewed hope.

Austin has been functioning (uh, that's the word our therapists use, I like "working") more toys than I've ever seen before!

And it's not just making the toys function...it's the level of interest he's shown. Period.

A few months ago, our OT timed how long it took him to initiate play with a toy. Seven minutes he roamed around aimlessly.

It's more like seven seconds this week!

Not only that, he's manipulating them in such a purposeful manner. A push of a button is sometimes accidental for him. But, spinning, pulling, sliding, different switches is no accident!

It may seem like a small deal to some. But, for us, every single little push, spin, or slide is cause for excitement.

I love to see those little hands working!

Taking a break...Man that playing is hard work!

Can't forget what a pro is he becoming at self feeding. He can pick up every last crumb!

It's pretty tough these days to get many facial expressions of him. He's always on the go...I usually have to get those in his high chair!

And, although I didn't get any photos, he was able to use his sippy for the entire course of dinner yesterday! We've been struggling with that from day one. IF he showed any interest in trying himself, he couldn't quite figure out to tip it up enough to get something out. He's been up and down with interest/functioning since September of last year. Still needs work, but this is the best he's ever done.

AND, he's been making yet another new sound! He's been blowing on his hands...or sippy cup...or whatever he can find to put up to his mouth! Hilarious! I need to get him a horn or something before he quits! Ooh, or maybe something to blow bubbles!

I heard the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend...Hopefully Monday I'll have some fun pool pictures to post!

By the way, forgot to mention. He's pitching fits again! Sounds horrible, I know...But it's really really REALLY great that he's doing this again! He's expressing his opinion. It's at appropriate times or I'd be worried, because it's not like him at all to cry. He cries when he sees his bottle and wants it...or sees his bib and doesn't want it! He's grabbing and holding my arms when he doesn't want down. That has NEVER happened. EVER! I honestly don't know what is causing this change. He started this the day before Klonopin so I know it's not that. But, the fact that it's continued since then is a relief that the new med is not hampering this. I'm just praying that it continues as we increase the dosage.