Christmas Is Upon Us

The kids are enjoying their break from school so far. Alex will begin a short break from therapy during the holidays as well until after the new year, as we enjoy celebrating with family and traveling a bit. Alex is always so cooperative when I work with him on his speech in our every day setting. I almost feel he's getting bits and pieces of therapy all day even without sitting down and having a game plan, so I shouldn't be so worried about a break in therapy, right? He's on such a roll right now and having a terrific spurt in his speech that I just hope a break won't interrupt that.

Today we did a great activity with our Easy Does It for Apraxia - Preschool materials. I took a picture of a postal mailbox and glued it to a piece of paper around the edges so that it formed sort of a pocket. We cut the door so that it opened and we could slide "mail" inside. We used small rectangular shaped green and red paper (Alex's Christmas cards to his friends, ha) and glued "stamps" on each one, practicing "pu-t on" and "pu-sh". When the letters were all ready to send, we would practice saying "o-pe-n" and "pu-t in" or "go in m-ail". Alex did so well and he loved this activity.

I look forward to enjoying the kids opening their gifts, three each, representing the gifts given to Jesus by the three wise men. This year both of the kids are really into books, so they both got books, board games that are age appropriate, and each will get a toy. Alex will get something Thomas the Train, of course, and Sarah will get something Barbie princess. I am hosting my family's Christmas this year, complete with a birthday cake for Jesus. The kids are going to love it! I have very much enjoyed the Christmas season this year. I can't believe Christmas is already upon us! Merry Christmas! I look forward to sharing the progress Alex will make in the new year!

He can say his name!

Since the day Alex was born, he has been affectionately called "Bubba" by his big sister as well as all of my family and my husband's family. Ok, so I've been quite guilty of this myself. I've even caught myself saying "Bubba (last name)!" when he was in trouble. Yeah, this is definitely a story for the baby book. Anyway, just after his third birthday Alex quickly learned how to spell his name by sight, by spelling it out loud "Ay, El, Eee, Kek" and even writing it since just after his third birthday. However, just after he would spell his name, he would say "Bubba" as if that is what he just spelled. I get so tickled at him. Even though Alex can spell his name easily, he has struggled with putting the sounds together to say his own name. I asked Alex again what his name was yesterday and to my surprise he answered, (concentrating) "Ah-ul-eh" ... the "x" is still a struggle, but the other sounds blended so well together. I was so excited. What an accomplishment for my little guy! Yay! He can say his name! We will continue to work on saying his name as he also learns to say Sarah, and Daddy as well.

And The Why's Begin

From the time my Sarah turned two (now five years old) I can remember drowning in all of her "why's". Why mama? Why mama? WHY!?! Because of Alex's speech disorder, this is something that hasn't come easy for him. I'm sure he's been thinking "why" for quite some time, but just yesterday I asked Alex not to do something and he said, "WHY mama?" It came out just as clearly as that. I had to just smile and give my boy a hug. It's still amazing to me how excited I can become over such little accomplishments. I know how hard my boy has worked for the past two years in speech therapy. I'm so proud of him, and even thankful for the many "why's" to come!