Spencer Looking Sharp

Taken at Grandma's on Thanksgiving Eve.

One Of Those Days

I'm tired. I don't want to be a mommy today. I want the day off.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

These guys have the joy we're supposed to have this time of year. Sure brings back college memories of Chamber Singers and madrigal dinners.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas

Ally's Play

I just observed something about Ally's play that I've never noticed before. He often plays by himself. We (his therapists and I) have always thought the he perseverates on cars and trains because he likes the wheels and mechanics. What we haven't noticed is that he is engaging in pretend play with the vehicles. They are always facing each other or him (yes, the toys have actual faces), and he makes them "talk" to each other! I thought he was just babbling gibberish to himself, but today I heard them tell each other "Come on!" and call each other by name (Toby and James). I think he was even trying to make them kiss after I kissed him! He also says "choo choo" and makes the whooshing steam sound.

I know I'm always talking down the boob tube, but I think the Thomas the Tank Engine video actually helped teach Alex this kind of play (watching "Cars" at his Aunt Chappy's last weekend probably didn't hurt either). That doesn't mean I'm going to let him watch more television, it just means I won't feel so guilty when I do.

Potty News

Spencer went pee-pee on the potty! Spencer went pee-pee on the potty!!! I sat him on it after bath (I've done this once or twice before). I told him to push out his pee-pee. First he pushed out some gas and tooted, then I told him to push again (and made a hissing sound) and he did it! He actually understood what I meant and he did it! He's also been telling me when he's poopy, and when he toots he says "poopy." I guess it's time to start reading up on potty training. Woo hoo!

What a voice!

http://www.mattnathanson.com/

Alexander's Diagnosis

We made another visit to the developmental pediatrician today. The boys have been seen bi-annually by this practice since just before they left the NICU. At their last appointment four months ago Dr. T suggested that Alex might fall under the autism spectrum and that she would like to keep a closer eye on his development. Today we visited again, reports from his various therapists in hand. After inquiring as to my observations about Alex's development, attempting to evaluate him (he was very difficult to engage), and reviewing the reports from his therapists, Dr. T delivered the expected diagnosis: PDD-NOS.

As Dr. T explained, reaffirming my already strong beliefs, the diagnosis changes nothing. Alex is still the same child. The diagnosis is simply a tool to help Alex get the services that he needs. I know Alex is going to be fine. He may always be different, but he will learn how to get along the best he can in this world that expects everyone to be the same. What matters is that he is healthy and happy. What matters is that Alex knows that he is unconditionally loved, and that he always believes in and loves himself.