First Official Visit

After weeks of waiting for Dylan to get started with Infants & Toddlers, the person helping him with his speech finally came today. The first time I met her I had some reservations about how she would be with Dylan because she didn't try to talk to him or anything. Today she jumped right into it with him, which I loved. He caught right on with the toys she brought, and somewhat paid attention to the words she was repeating. But honestly, who can pay attention with new toys around? Here's what she had to say about today:

"Dylan had a wonderful session. He warmed up quickly to the provider and was very interested in the bag of toys. We worked with the shape sorter(triangle, square, circle). Initially Dylan needed hand over hand to help him place the shape appropriately. On his 2nd and 3rd trials, Dylan used trial and error to complete the task independently. Dylan was very attentive while working with the peek-a-boo blocks. Initially he only covered the base but with encouragement and model he stacked the blocks. He responded to requests and followed simple directions. Dylan was very quiet today, he used actions/gestures to get his needs met."

That last part was so cute. Anyone who spends time with him can agree that he's a pretty quiet little kid, but he's making up for it physically. Whenever he got all of the shape blocks inside the container he would grab my hand, raise my arm, and set the container in my hand. He'd then pull off the top on his own as if to say, 'Thanks, I got it now.' I felt like a robot. When I put my hands behind my back he went looking for them when he needed my help again. It's so cute to see him from somewhat of an outside point of view. I try to just sit back and let his 'teacher' do her thing, which gives me time to really watch the little things he's doing, like when he raises his eyebrows or clenches a hand while he's using the other one. He's a quiet dude, and we love him!

He's finally attached to something, and I'm jumping for joy! He was never a pacifier kid and still isn't attached to any toys or stuffed animals, and to a degree it worried me. I like knowing if he has preferences at all, outside of picking between Blue's Clues and the Backyardigans. Before he was born we bought two little green 'softy' blankets that I fell in love with. One is green with lighter polka dots, and this one is brown and green checkered with little elephants. The elephant softy has become his cape. He loves dragging it around and brings it to me so that I'll wrap it around his shoulders. Man I just wanna scoop him up and squeeze him. Cute little snuggly dude.

Just Because....

Little Man love, love, loves cameras. When he sees that I have one, he freezes and usually gives a cheesy little half grin. And yes, his shirt says 'Barf Vader'. I love my nerdy extended family.

We're In Trouble

You know, it really irked me the day that Dylan has his first evaluation for I & T. She said it wasn't good that he wasn't taking us to or pointing at things he wanted. I told her that when he wants things, he finds a way to get them. Too bad she wasn't here last night to see the Monkey in action. First try....

Yeah, that last little bit from him was a 'Hey Mom, I reeeeally want Dad's wallet that's up there. Help me, please.' Dude didn't need help from me at all. That little ledge combined with the wall and he did just fine. Second Try....

Success! This was the second time getting up there. He wasn't exactly happen when I took the wallet from him after his first attempt. I wanted to see how far he'd get. I kept saying 'No way, holy crap. Look at him!' I made him do it again so that I could share it with the online viewing audience. Practice makes perfect. Nothing is safe anymore.

How To Make A Tired Dylan.....

Directions:

1. Get a Grandpa & a Dylan

2. Count to 2

Oooone.....Twoooo.....

3. Now say 3 while tossing the little one in the air

Threeeeeee!

4. Remember to catch the little dude on his way down. We're trying to make sure the Mom(me) doesn't have a heart attack.

5. Repeat if necessary. I can guarantee that Dylan will think it is.

6. Grab the camera and snap pictures of the wonderful result of Grandpa's hard 'work'.Such a fun collection of plaid. I love Dylan's shorts.

Anyone else noticing that the dude always seems to be wearing the same few outfits? I really do change it up more often, I promise!

Question

Where did this big boy come from? I mean, I know he was kind of huge when he was born, but come on. As much as I love his independence now, I miss the squishy days where he had no choice but to be cuddled. It's just a matter of time before he's a 'Sunbean'. *Sigh*

Floating Feet

Last night as I was typing away, Dylan was finding a new way to work out. Well technically, Andrew was getting the workout. Basic start, just a "Hey, I can put my arms over these".

"Hey Mom, look!"

And wrapping up with a "I'm practically flying. Hey Dad, can you see me? This rocks!"

Andrew was very patient with me as I tried to snap pictures. Not surprisingly, I ended up with more fuzzy ones than clear. Dylan loved it though, even stopping to check the shots I took before going back to Andrew for more. (And no, none of those things in " " were actually said. The little man has decided to express himself in non-verbal ways. Sometimes it's mime, other times it's dance, but mostly it's just running around and climbing the couches, if that can be considered communication.)

Dylan Has Upgraded

Sandals are easy, but my big ol' honker shoes, now that's different. The little man has a habit of bringing your shoes to you and slipping them onto your feet. If he's not busy doing this with everyone that comes here, then he's managing to walk around in them himself. Watching him last night with my sister's high heels was hilarious, along with one of the evaluater's heels a few weeks ago. My shoes are a completely different story. They're big and clunky, and as cute as they look on him, he can't quite get them on me. I think the big problem is he keeps trying to drag my feet to them, instead of the other way around. At least he's cute to watch.

I love the last little 'hands on hips' bit, as if he's proud of his work. "That's right Dad, I did it!"

It's Like Lookin' In A Mirror

A bit ago I talked about the brainwashing Dylan has gone through when it comes to my Dad...check here. There's ever more of that going on, and Andrew didn't even notice it. Today I walked into Dylan's room while he and Andrew watched The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. See any similarities?
I was laughing so hard when I took this picture, I'm surprised it came out relatively clear. I love my dudes.