Saturday, August 5, 2017

Dance Party, So Big, and First Steps

We've been told by Rowan's therapist at ABA that he loves dancing. They'll play musical chairs during group sessions. Instead of going around in a big circle around the chairs, Rowan's jumping and moving, having his own little party. We hadn't seen this until Sunday afternoon when the radio was playing. As soon as a fast paced song came on he ran to the kitchen to be closer to the music and danced all over the place. He couldn't stop giggling, having a good time. Char was quick and got some video of it before the moment passed.  
I've made a realization today as I was fixing Anastasia some chicken for lunch. We've bought our last bit of baby food or formula-EVER. It's bittersweet. I'm amazed she's made this much progress over the summer. But my babies are getting bigger!

We're done having kids, 3 is plenty for me. On top of that another baby would be most likely be born premature and / or run a high risk of having autism. I don't think I could do the NICU life with 3 other kids needing me at home and knowing that the outcome of a preemie isn't always as good as Anastasia's experiences were. I know some families that have multiple children with autism but I don't think I could balance it very well. Who knows though, right? After all, you don't know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.
On Monday Rowan's therapist got caught in traffic, promptly followed by getting a flat tire. Rowan is the first child of the day to the office, so they were locked out until the other childrens' therapists came in for the day. Rowan's therapist was over 45 minutes late, which wouldn't phase your average child. However, it totally through off Rowan's groove for the rest of the day. 
 Tuesday was jam packed with speech and occupational therapy for Rowan. Plus physical therapy for Anastasia. His speech therapist is thrilled with the signs of "more", "water", and "all done" he's been using since her last visit. With the mixture of signs, words, and PECS he's really come along way in his communication skills. 

His OT therapist is going to work on his bath time and diaper changes going more smoothly. Right now he HATES both of those things to the point of trying constantly to run and hide or screaming at the top of his lungs. She also taught us how to do deep pressure on his joints and brushing his arms and legs lightly to help relax him at night. She took a look at his weighted blanket for us and will think of ways to get him to use it or a weighted vest to help out when Rowan's feeling anxious.  

As for Anastasia's walking, her physical therapist believes it's just a matter of time and confidence. There aren't any physical reasons for her lack of walking, which is reassuring. Also Rowan's speech therapist is comfortable with Anastasia's communication skills thus far. (A nice perk of of having a speech therapist visit you twice a month).
Later that night, Heidi Anne was trying to play in her room when the babies knocked down the barricades (A.K.A baby gate). She started reading "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to them. They climbed onto the chair and watched her perform. I could only get Anastasia to look at me and Heidi didn't want a picture in her nightgown. Notice a car by Rowan's side? He carries at least 1 around with him at all times, even takes cars to bed with him the way another child may cuddle a teddy bear at night. 
Wednesday Rowan said "Hi Mom!" a few times. I think he's trying to get my (or his therapists) attention because he tells them "Hi Mom", too. During dinner he said "Hi Mom. Cookie?". I said "Hi Rowan, no cookie." He then looked around the table and said "Hi Mom. Water?" While signing "More". So he was communicating "Hi Mom, [More] Water?". I love seeing him making strides. 
I adore one of his ABA therapist, Morgan. Both of them are sweet to him. But Morgan always has a smile on her face and tries her hardest to write down every single word he says or interaction he makes. That way we don't feel like we're missing out on anything. She's going back to school in the fall, meaning we might loose her. I asked to stay with her, no matter her schedule, but we won't know for sure until next week. (The fall schedule starts on the 14th of August). If we lose her, it just means we'll have to find our new normal (again). We're constantly adjusting what "normal" is for us. Right now, it just means the average weekly routine.  
Thursday, Anastasia got me up early at 5:45 am. She was bright eyed and bushy tailed. She was playing "So Big!" with me. She'd put her arms up and down high over her head so quickly that it looked more like she was doing the wave single handed. Anastasia would even try saying "So Big" with me, it came out as "Oh Bi." Which was adorable (it would have been cuter at 7 or 8 am-ish). 

On Friday, Anastasia took her first real steps! She went from Dad to the sofa and then back to Dad. She walked further every pass. Anastasia would fall down, we'd cheer "Yeah!" while clapping our hands, she'd then clap for herself. Then repeat the whole process. It was amazing. (Sadly, my phone was dead). 

Rowan had a great day at ABA. He was saying so many new words. Things like "Cupcake", "Triangle", "Circle", "Oink". Apparently, there is a book at the ABA facility that makes animal sounds. Rowan loves to press the dog barking and the pig oinking, but will cry if the cow makes a "moo" sound. Even just "mooing" in person to "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" can make him cover his ears. I'll take their word on this instead of experimenting for myself.  

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If you cant say anything nice, then dont say anything at all--Bambi