1/19/10

At our last parent support group meeting at Tyler's school we talked about our hopes and concerns for the upcoming year but also reflected back on 2009. The most significant change we see in Tyler compared to a year ago, is his ability to cope in a variety of situations. Whether it's giving up a preferred toy, going to a new surrounding, being around new people, or being around large groups, lights, etc. He seems to be able to tolerate much more than he used to, and as a result, we are able to do much more than we used too. This weekend was a perfect example. Ben started soccer this past Saturday. I wasn't quite sure how Tyler would handle the new surrounding and I also wanted to be there to support Ben in this new endeavor as I knew he would be anxious about it all. So I made sure both Steve and I would be able to go. We brought a bunch of toys for Tyler to play with and he did great. NI fact we didn't even have to get out anyu toys for the first 15 minutes or so, he was enjoying watching the kids. Then he played with his toys for a bit, then he got up and ran around the gym and we let him since it didn't seem to be harming anyone. Anyway, I realized that we could totally manage soccer with one parent if we had too. There was a time not too long ago that I would have had to find ways to support Tyler just getting out of the car and walking to an unkown place and into unknown doors, etc. I would have had to transition him with objects, coaching, swinging him, etc. Now I just tell him what we are doing and lead him in the right direction and he handles it all pretty much like any other kid. Wow... it's amazing to think we've came that far. Ok, and the second biggest thing is that Tyler has become a fully independent eater, FINALLY :)))) There are occasions when I want to sneak in a green vegetable or something I'll hide it in a bite of pizza or something that's really liquidy that we'll assist but in general, he's eating all on his own. AMAZING. We still have a ways to go in other areas obviously...speech of course, peer interaction/socialization, and his sensory issues with food are still an issues but now he's more leaning towards spitting out the item vs. vomiting which is obviously far preferred :)

Since we couldn't afford to get Ben into preschool and couldn't figure out a way to make the schedule work, we agreed to get him involved in more social activitse and that's how soccer came into play. In this soccer class, they learn drills adn how to follow directions and of course there is that peer interaction. Ben had a great time at first but then seemed to get a little insecure about it all and the middle of class was hanging around us and then we made him go back and join circle time at the end. So all and all it went about how we expected. we really want him to start learning he can't do what he watns when he wants and we want him to learn to be patient, and play with kids who he's not familar with. You see, Ben hasn't had nearly the socialization of other kids his age becuase of Tyler. We tended (for the reasons mentioned above) to avoid a lot of activites becuase it was just so darn hard to get Tyler there, keep him calm, etc. and then it seemed that no one had fun when we actually decided to go somewehre so it wasn't worth it. Therefore, Ben really hasn't had much opportunity to socialize outside of daycare, and there's only one other child there his age. WE definetly hope to get Ben into preschool in the fall. Especially now that we seem to be making headway with the potty trainign. We've done away with diapers except at bedtime/naptime. He seems to have less accidents this way. I checked the blog from one year ago today to see what my main discussion point was and it was how we were starting to potty train Ben.. 1 year later, sigh.

In terms of speech, had a dream the other night that Tyler said "bye bye" and then he said "baby bear, baby bear, what did you see?"..... it was a great dream. i think I am having them more often now because he's making more sounds now. He's really trying hard to make the consants.. we've been working the "b", "l" and "m".... lately and he's doing very well.