Fire Works

Sometimes "social stories" are for setting the scene, and other times its for debriefing. Either way this link is to a really cool craft project that can be shared both before and after fire works to talk about the what to "expects" and "wasn't that great fun stories." 
http://www.myubam.com/pdf/imn/fireworks.jpg   
Not everyone gets excited about fire works - but Christopher does enjoy them.  In fact I am thinking that after the 3 days of fire works that we planned to attend he may be will have a hard time when they are all gone.

Cutting up the rug.

"Mommy dance-n me?" "Ah come on!"  "Pees?"  OK buddy lets go . . . . into Hawks room where he has a stereo.  We pop in his favorite - Elvis's Greatest Hits.  And we dance, jump, run and spin.  This went on for a good 20 mins.

Eating and stuff.

Eating a variety is a challenge.

Eating enough has been my worry.

But  . . . . this past week or so Christopher has told me when he is hungry, and asks for lunch.  So with that I know he is feeling and recognizing his hunger.  Yeah!

Tonight has been busy - so I haven't had a chance to eat yet - while putting him to bed my stomach rumbled loud and he said - " Mommy you are hungry, you need lunch."

Mardi Gras

Ok this actually occurred back in March but just getting to posting. 

I had painted my nails (something I rarely ever do) and Christopher took notice.  And wanted his done too.  He enjoyed it until he realized that he couldn't just wash it off.  So I got the remover and took the paint of his thumb nail.  FREAKED OUT!  Wanted it painted again.  So now fast forward to April, most of it has naturally worn off and we haven't revisited nail painting. 

Also funny to note - that he was holding his nose during the process, claiming "it stinks!" Well yes dear it in fact stinks - the price you pay for beauty.  Ha ha . 

We also spent some time talking about which finger was which color.  Kinda of an interesting way to learn colors.

While sick.

While he was sick he mostly wanted to be left alone.  Who doesn't.  On this day I think he found comfort sitting under the umbrella watching TV.  

New Tire Swing

This tire swing is the latest addition to our toy/play collection.

Gone is the baby swing, here to stay is the tire swing.  

He is able to use at free will, no more mommy lifting him into the baby swing.  Now he can come and go on the swing on his own.  He is loving it, using it often everyday.  

The added benefit to this is that, shhh he doesn't know this, but it is also another therapy.  Yep, when he's swinging he is strengthen his eye development through the movement and having to refocus on surrounding objects. 

First Long Walk of the year.

We went for a walk to the farm. 

  He walked the whole way there and back - stayed with me and listened for cars.  I asked him to show me how to get home as we got closer.  Just before our house he exclaimed - "HOME" and ran through the brush and past the chicken coop.  Fun!  So looking forward to Spring and Summer with him.  Time to get out of the house! 

"I am fishing"

"Fishing" was his idea.  I had told him that we
were not jumping in puddles today.
Too cold and still a long walk
back home, and despite that we normally
allow for freedom to jump in puddles he
actually listened and followed my request.

Sitting to watch cows eat.
Its is so nice to know that I can tell
him now the fence is hot don't touch it,
AND he gets it.  

This walk was so wonderful.  The air only slightly chilled. The sun setting of the farm.  Christopher exploring along the way.  Christopher following directions.  Christopher walking both ways.  And I never once had to address a mini melt down of his, or chase to catch him from running away, or be fearful of his darting into a car, or fearful of him touching the electric fence.  He has come such a long way from last years walks, when I used to have to bring a stroller just in case I needed it with all kinds of snacks, toys and drinks to keep his attention. 

CROUP! YUCK!

At home sitting with cool mist before we left for ER.

At Baystate - pretending to be a Lion in the Lion Cage (Crib)

ROAR

Watching Scoobie Doo waiting for Daddy to come rescue us.

Thank you all for your well wishes. 

Sat night he had first bout with it and we were able to manage at home.  Sunday night was a completely different story.  We took him to ER - from there we were brought to Baystate via Ambulance. 

He was such a trooper! Three pokes to get IV.  He was really brave.  Samarra's (classmate friend) Grandfather was one of the EMTs that transported us to Baystate last night (rather this AM).  Christopher was awake from 9pm last night till just before we arrived at Baystate just before 2am.  He kept saying "I go home now" .  He slept right through till the early Dr rounds at 6:45am and then fell asleep again on our way home at 1:00.  The IV ended up on his left hand with a board to hold it still, to which he replied "Oh, come on!" when he realized that he couldn't use his hand.  But he tolerated it and didn't try to remove it.  The security band on the other arm was more upsetting to him this morning and it took about 15 mins for him to get over that then no problem. He is still sleeping now.  He will be pleased to find himself at home I am sure when he wakes up.  

He had two breathing blow by treatments and IV push of the steroid, so I suspect that we should have a good night sleep tonight and that he will return for school on Tuesday.  We have follow up apt with Dr. in a few days.

Well looks like we are back in diapers for now.

ZERO interest in the potty.  Not even trying, so back to diapers for now.  Not sure what else to do.  I don't think that he cares about going in his pants.  I want him to be able to use the potty on his own.  Not because we are bringing him to the bathroom every hour to avoid a mess. I don't want to push him to use the potty and have it unpleasant experience.  Once again I am going to fall back on my previous and still active belief that "when he's ready, he'll be ready."  For now thats the way it goes.  We had a few days this time, maybe next time we can go a week.  For now - back to diapers.  Maybe pull ups - but not till I use the box of diapers that we bought last week.  Then I will only buy pull ups after that.

First encounter with an icicle.

Busted - helping himself to the food in the ice box.

May have just been trying to hind, not sure by the time I got to the kitchen Daddy and Hawk were there too so not sure with all the commotion the true intentions for climbing into the freezer. 

Hair Cut

BEFORE

Well I brave another home hair cut!  Still pretty traumatic but gets easier each time. This time he sat much better though he definitely protested! But with far less tears and a lot more words.  After we were all done he became very upset and confused why his hair was on the floor and WHY are you putting into the vacuum Mommy?  He motioned to put it all back onto his head. 

RUNNING AWAY - PULLING AT HIS ITCHY SHIRT.

ZONING OUT - CRISS CROSS APPLE SAUCE
ON THE HOMEWORK TABLE.

          

THEN DADDY CAME HOME AND HE WAS

WILLING TO LET CHRISTOPHER DO HIS HAIR.

 I PUT A No. 6 GUARD ON SO IT DIDN'T REALLY

CUT ANY HAIR, BUT CHRISTOPHER DIDN'T

KNOW THAT. 

THANKS DADDY YOU WERE A GOOD SPORT!    

THE GUARD DIGGING INTO YOUR SCALP!      

AFTER

 

     CHEESE!  AT THE HOCKEY RINK THE NEXT DAY.

Blood Draw Adventure

Today we had a long and over due put off blood draw scheduled.  Nothing serious, just a routine requirement to satisfy school files.  Well we had about an a little over an hour to kill in between school and the appointment.  Not enough time to drive home, so we headed towards the Dr.s and decided to stroll the Main Street a bit.  We went into the Main Street Department store that has a crazy cool toy area - that was fun.  We took the elevator!  Played with all the toys set out to play with. Then we choose to take the stairs - not sure if it was despite the loud sounds from up stairs (Vacuum) or if it was because of the noise and curiosity that he choose the stairs?  I was surprised - he had so much fun on the elevator and we don't get to do that often.  Also super surprised because the vacuum at the top of the stairs was loud.  Next we went a few doors down to the children's consignment shop and bought a really cool push and go Caterpillar. 

 THEN - it was time to go the Lab.  I felt bad cause we were having such a good time, and even though I told him what we were going to do he didn't get it.  Didn't get that there would be 3 adults there to hold him down and STICK him.  

Well, considering last time took 4 adults this time went much better.  Totally different this time.  This time he was talking to us, "No, No Arm!" "My MC Donald's?" ( A reward I had told him we would do after).  He even tucked his arms behind his body like they were out of sight it would all stop. They tried to find a vane in each arm - no sticking - just looking and decided he was too upset.  The vane kept disappearing.  So finger stick is was.  He was really upset - but very brave.   We think they got enough . . . well I hope so cause I do not want to put him through that again! 

"Ouch Mommy Kiss It"

"Momeee tis shoe"  (Mommy Tissue)

ALL BETTER NOW - GOT MY SIP & FRIES

Who says hammocks are just for summer time!

We hung it real low to the ground so that he can manage to get on and off by himself and should he fall it shouldn't cause injury.  He is having a blast! The rope area makes me nervous so I unhook it when not supervised, just in case! Besides it's kinda of in the way for other activities like riding bikes and driving tractor.  He's gotten real clear to ask when he wants it hung up though. Hawk as been enjoying it too, it was the homework spot tonight.  Wish I had a hammock to do my homework in when I was a kid, maybe then I would have done my homework . . . yeah probably not.   LOL.

"Lets rub noses like the Eskimoses"

"Lets rub noses like the Eskimoses"  Our nightly routine has one more step added.  Each night I lay for a few mins with Christopher before saying goodnight. I rarely stay more than 5 mins if that, it's been working so why mess with that.  Anyway, the past few nights he's taken and grinningly given me Eskimo kisses before I leave the room.  I have been giving Eskimos kisses to both my boys forever.  Its fun and silly.  At first Christopher had never been all that impressed by it.  But now he enjoys the closeness.  Closeness, snuggles and hugs are definitely something we do not take for granted from our little guy, as we are all to aware that we are very fortunate that he desires or tolerates any touching.

Swimming is his "Thing"

I have been taking Christopher to open swim at the Y.  He has been having such a blast, and is getting to be a good little swimmer.  He is completely comfortable in the water.  When I mentioned that we would be going swimming he emerged from his room with a bag over his shoulder and announced "I riddy fur wim"

Today he wanted his floaty off and went for a less buoyant floaty from the Y - which meant much more swimming effort.  He climbed out of the pool no less than 50 times and jumped in on his own over and over again.

He clearly worked up an appetite as he ate TWO full protein bar 1/2 a large fry and his "sip" (small fountain soda) on the way home.

As seen in my own dream world . . . . . . . . .
How cool is this?  This would be so awesome.