Dad: "OK. Level 1 or level 2?"
Gulliver: "Level 2."
Dad: "Irons or Woods?"
Gulliver: "Irons."
And so together they read the golf book…..
Monday, July 30, 2012
Golf
Gulliver: "Dad read golf book again."
Dad: "OK. Level 1 or level 2?"
Gulliver: "Level 2."
Dad: "Irons or Woods?"
Gulliver: "Irons."
And so together they read the golf book…..
Dad: "OK. Level 1 or level 2?"
Gulliver: "Level 2."
Dad: "Irons or Woods?"
Gulliver: "Irons."
And so together they read the golf book…..
Speech Therapy
Gulliver began working with a Speech Therapist last August 2 - 3 times per month because the "charts" said he should be using a variety of words, but he really didn't have very many. So we started speech services to be on the safe side.
Unlike PT & OT where we've had the same therapist the whole time, we've bounced around a little bit with speech. We've mostly worked with Heather and Lindsey up until last month. Now we've started working with Dee, who first met Gulliver when he was just 3 months old (she also holds the role of Services Coordinator, so we meet with her every 6 months at formal evaluations). Gulliver likes all three of them, so it's worked out fine.
We do a variety of different activities during our appointments. Much of it is just play, and using a variety of words and sounds. Other things included mouth and tongue exercises, like picking up Cheerios with the tip of the tongue, licking icing from a spoon, playing with a baby in the bathtub filled with bubbles to work on "B" sounds, blowing a cottonball across the table, or singing songs that include mouth and tongue movements.
Gulliver has always shown very strong receptive speech skills. We knew he understood what we said to him from a very young age. And his vocabulary was always very large, demonstrated through pointing at different pictures in books on demand and using sign language. It just took him awhile to get his words out.
When Ga Ga was here in June, she started taking an inventory of how many words he used. We came up with a list of 200 without trying very hard.
It's amazing how far he has come with his words -- and now sentences. He uses 2 - 3 word phrases regularly. And 4 - 6 word sentences are starting to evolve more and more. He has this quirky habit of using opposites... so if I say, "fall down," he says, "fall up." Or if I say, "in the car" he says "out of car." Nothing wrong with that, it's just interesting how quickly he processes all these opposites (on / off, soft / hard, in / out, up / down, hi / bye). He still gets frustrated at times when we don't understand what he is saying. But it's tough to keep up at times because he picks up new words so rapidly. He often mimics what we say, even when the conversation does not include him. And often times we will observe him playing by himself or laying in bed whispering words and phrases over and over to himself. It's fascinating to watch his little brain in motion.
----------------------
During our recent 6 month evaluation in June, we discussed what an amazing little boy Gulliver is and how far he has come in the past year.
For Gross Motor skills, he had been tracking in the 20 - 30% range (25 - 75% is considered average) for his adjusted age. The most recent results put him at 37% for locomotion and grasping and 50% for stationary for his actual age. That's. A. Huge. Leap!
For Fine Motor, he went from 12% to 21% in 6 months. Wow!
Our focus for the next several months is on motor planning, formally defined as "the ability of the brain to conceive, organize, and carry out a sequence of unfamiliar action." We'll work on "2 - 3 step" activities, which include things like cutting paper with a scissors, riding a tricycle, doing a variety of obstacle courses, and playing with manipulative toys like beads, blocks, and balls.
We are eligible for the Part C program until Gulliver turns 3 in October. So we'll keep working with our therapists until that point. Then we re-evaluate to determine what, if any, steps we take next.
Unlike PT & OT where we've had the same therapist the whole time, we've bounced around a little bit with speech. We've mostly worked with Heather and Lindsey up until last month. Now we've started working with Dee, who first met Gulliver when he was just 3 months old (she also holds the role of Services Coordinator, so we meet with her every 6 months at formal evaluations). Gulliver likes all three of them, so it's worked out fine.
 |
| Playing trucks and blowing the pinwheel with Lindsey |
Gulliver has always shown very strong receptive speech skills. We knew he understood what we said to him from a very young age. And his vocabulary was always very large, demonstrated through pointing at different pictures in books on demand and using sign language. It just took him awhile to get his words out.
When Ga Ga was here in June, she started taking an inventory of how many words he used. We came up with a list of 200 without trying very hard.
It's amazing how far he has come with his words -- and now sentences. He uses 2 - 3 word phrases regularly. And 4 - 6 word sentences are starting to evolve more and more. He has this quirky habit of using opposites... so if I say, "fall down," he says, "fall up." Or if I say, "in the car" he says "out of car." Nothing wrong with that, it's just interesting how quickly he processes all these opposites (on / off, soft / hard, in / out, up / down, hi / bye). He still gets frustrated at times when we don't understand what he is saying. But it's tough to keep up at times because he picks up new words so rapidly. He often mimics what we say, even when the conversation does not include him. And often times we will observe him playing by himself or laying in bed whispering words and phrases over and over to himself. It's fascinating to watch his little brain in motion.
----------------------
During our recent 6 month evaluation in June, we discussed what an amazing little boy Gulliver is and how far he has come in the past year.
For Gross Motor skills, he had been tracking in the 20 - 30% range (25 - 75% is considered average) for his adjusted age. The most recent results put him at 37% for locomotion and grasping and 50% for stationary for his actual age. That's. A. Huge. Leap!
For Fine Motor, he went from 12% to 21% in 6 months. Wow!
Our focus for the next several months is on motor planning, formally defined as "the ability of the brain to conceive, organize, and carry out a sequence of unfamiliar action." We'll work on "2 - 3 step" activities, which include things like cutting paper with a scissors, riding a tricycle, doing a variety of obstacle courses, and playing with manipulative toys like beads, blocks, and balls.
We are eligible for the Part C program until Gulliver turns 3 in October. So we'll keep working with our therapists until that point. Then we re-evaluate to determine what, if any, steps we take next.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Art Work
It's amazing how much art work we have accumulated in less than 2 months since Gulliver started school. Our walls have never been so beautifully adorned! Here are a few samples of his handiwork… they have dubbed him the "minimalist" at school.
And here's one he worked on with GaGa...
And here's one he worked on with GaGa...
Garden
It's not easy growing at an altitude of over 8,000 feet, but we're doing it… and loving it! When things come easy, I think we tend to take them for granted. When we have to work a little harder, we develop a greater sense of appreciation. So we make the most of every morsel we gather from the garden. What it lacks it quantity, it more than makes up for in quality!
So far we've enjoyed a variety of greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. Green smoothies have become a favorite around here. The mint has finally come around (I mean, come on… who can't grow mint???) and it tastes oh so delicious in my morning cup of green tea!
I like to make eggs for breakfast on Tuesdays so G. has a little extra protein for his busy morning at school. They taste so yummy with onions, cilantro, and spinach fresh from the garden that they really need very little cheese.
We've just started pulling out some beets. It's amazing how much Gulliver enjoys this vegetable. "More beets" has become a regular phrase heard around this household.
Strawberries have not done very well this year as a result of some problems with critters at the start of the season. And the basil is seriously lacking (everyone says not to even bother trying to grow it, but I just love it so much I have to try).
My new favorite vegetable is peas! They are hardy and plentiful, the critters avoid them, and they produce beautiful flowers which turn into delicious peas. And just like strawberries, Gulliver loves to pick 'em and eat 'em right from the vine
1. Pick 'em
2. Wash 'em
3. Eat 'em!
So far we've enjoyed a variety of greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. Green smoothies have become a favorite around here. The mint has finally come around (I mean, come on… who can't grow mint???) and it tastes oh so delicious in my morning cup of green tea!
I like to make eggs for breakfast on Tuesdays so G. has a little extra protein for his busy morning at school. They taste so yummy with onions, cilantro, and spinach fresh from the garden that they really need very little cheese.
We've just started pulling out some beets. It's amazing how much Gulliver enjoys this vegetable. "More beets" has become a regular phrase heard around this household.
Strawberries have not done very well this year as a result of some problems with critters at the start of the season. And the basil is seriously lacking (everyone says not to even bother trying to grow it, but I just love it so much I have to try).
My new favorite vegetable is peas! They are hardy and plentiful, the critters avoid them, and they produce beautiful flowers which turn into delicious peas. And just like strawberries, Gulliver loves to pick 'em and eat 'em right from the vine
1. Pick 'em
2. Wash 'em
3. Eat 'em!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A Sleepy Morning
Gulliver did not wake up until after noon today. I checked on him multiple times and he never even stirred. He was sound asleep, breathing heavy and steadily, so I just let him be. I have no idea why he was so tired. He has been chipper all afternoon. Obviously, we decided to skip the afternoon nap today.
The unexpected extra time this morning gave me a chance to catch up on some blog posts. So it was time well-spent!
The unexpected extra time this morning gave me a chance to catch up on some blog posts. So it was time well-spent!
Alpenglow
The time has come for Monday night Alpenglow concerts. Always a good time! This particular concert was jam-packed with more people than we've ever seen in attendance.
Gulliver had Mark and I cracking up as he busted a move with his high kicks and somersaults.
Any time Gulliver sees a dog -- big, small, black or white -- he wants to go pet it. He is becoming quite the little dog-lover.
Ah, summer in Crested Butte. I sure do love this time of year!
Gulliver had Mark and I cracking up as he busted a move with his high kicks and somersaults.
Any time Gulliver sees a dog -- big, small, black or white -- he wants to go pet it. He is becoming quite the little dog-lover.
Ah, summer in Crested Butte. I sure do love this time of year!
School
We're getting into the groove with the new school schedule. While Gulliver still cries a little bit when I drop him off (although it's never until after I've already left), it gets shorter every time. This week was only 5 minutes.
Every time we pass his school, he gets all excited and shouts out "School! School!" When I ask him where he goes to school, he says, "Yil Red Schoo How-wess." When he goes down for bed on Monday nights, I tell him, "Tomorrow is Tuesday, which means you will go to school in the morning." The first word out of his mouth when he wakes up is "school." When I pick him up at 1:00, his shirt is filthy, his cheeks are bright pink, and he is all sweaty.
He plays hard. Lately, he has been crying because he doesn't want to come home.
I've noticed recently that he is playing much more independently at home than he has in the past. I have to assume that school may be contributing to this. He just seems more grown up.
Even though I was hesitant to start him in school at such a young age, it's been a really good experience so far.
Every time we pass his school, he gets all excited and shouts out "School! School!" When I ask him where he goes to school, he says, "Yil Red Schoo How-wess." When he goes down for bed on Monday nights, I tell him, "Tomorrow is Tuesday, which means you will go to school in the morning." The first word out of his mouth when he wakes up is "school." When I pick him up at 1:00, his shirt is filthy, his cheeks are bright pink, and he is all sweaty.
He plays hard. Lately, he has been crying because he doesn't want to come home.
I've noticed recently that he is playing much more independently at home than he has in the past. I have to assume that school may be contributing to this. He just seems more grown up.
Even though I was hesitant to start him in school at such a young age, it's been a really good experience so far.
4th of July
No fireworks in Crested Butte this year because of the dry conditions and fire ban (which made Cocoa and Cassie extremely happy and at ease), but still plenty of fun to be had.
Mark had a couple friends in town from Oklahoma City. We all headed to the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast in town first thing in the morning. Gulliver enjoyed checking out the big fire engine as we waited in the long line.
The Fireman's Breakfast is always a very popular event on the 4th and draws lots and lots of people. It's not unusual to wait in line for 30 - 45 minutes. Gulliver was actually quite patient the whole time we waited.
It was worth the wait, though. Gulliver polished off two sausage links and all three pancakes -- and then proceeded to help me finish my breakfast. And that's after he had his usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. I cringe at the thought of our grocery bill 10 years from now!
We strolled through town and killed time until the annual parade started. While I saved a front-row seat near the end of the parade, Mark and Gulliver kept themselves entertained.
Once the parade started, Gulliver joined me on my lap and quickly became interested in the festivities. From bikers and dancers to big floats and Bubba the Bear. He was quite enamored with the plastic ducks given away by the Rotary Club. He even scored a free t-shirt (although it's a little big, so we out it away until next year).
We tried to go to the outdoor concert up on the mountain that evening, but it was delayed and moved inside as a result of poor weather. So we turned around and headed home instead.
All in all, we had a very nice 4th of July!
Mark had a couple friends in town from Oklahoma City. We all headed to the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast in town first thing in the morning. Gulliver enjoyed checking out the big fire engine as we waited in the long line.
The Fireman's Breakfast is always a very popular event on the 4th and draws lots and lots of people. It's not unusual to wait in line for 30 - 45 minutes. Gulliver was actually quite patient the whole time we waited.
It was worth the wait, though. Gulliver polished off two sausage links and all three pancakes -- and then proceeded to help me finish my breakfast. And that's after he had his usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. I cringe at the thought of our grocery bill 10 years from now!
We strolled through town and killed time until the annual parade started. While I saved a front-row seat near the end of the parade, Mark and Gulliver kept themselves entertained.
Once the parade started, Gulliver joined me on my lap and quickly became interested in the festivities. From bikers and dancers to big floats and Bubba the Bear. He was quite enamored with the plastic ducks given away by the Rotary Club. He even scored a free t-shirt (although it's a little big, so we out it away until next year).
We tried to go to the outdoor concert up on the mountain that evening, but it was delayed and moved inside as a result of poor weather. So we turned around and headed home instead.
All in all, we had a very nice 4th of July!
Ga Ga's Visit
Ga Ga came to see us at the end of June. What a lovely visit! Gulliver talked about it constantly the week before her arrival... "Mom, Dad, Gulliver, Ga Ga!" and "Ga Ga car" over and over again. When the day finally arrived, we waited outside to greet Ga Ga when she pulled up in her car. It was a very sweet reunion.
Gulliver escorted her to his beloved sandbox in the backyard almost immediately.
As always, the week flew by. Gulliver and Ga Ga enjoyed lots of good play time together inside and out. She accompanied us to his Sporties for Shorties and Music classes. We enjoyed playing at Rainbow Park and swimming in the pool. Gulliver drinks out of his very own Fiji water bottle any time Ga Ga is around. They played "catch" again and again, trying to master the technique of catching a ball.
Meal time is always a very special time for these two... they talk and laugh and sing and count and play all kinds of games with each other.
Even though they don't get to see each other nearly enough, they are awfully good buddies!
Night night, Ga Ga. Until next time...
Gulliver escorted her to his beloved sandbox in the backyard almost immediately.
As always, the week flew by. Gulliver and Ga Ga enjoyed lots of good play time together inside and out. She accompanied us to his Sporties for Shorties and Music classes. We enjoyed playing at Rainbow Park and swimming in the pool. Gulliver drinks out of his very own Fiji water bottle any time Ga Ga is around. They played "catch" again and again, trying to master the technique of catching a ball.
Meal time is always a very special time for these two... they talk and laugh and sing and count and play all kinds of games with each other.
Even though they don't get to see each other nearly enough, they are awfully good buddies!
Night night, Ga Ga. Until next time...
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