Happy Birthday!

Dear Nick,

I can't believe it has been two years since you joined my world. Do I say that to you every year? I am sure I do, and I am sure it won't be the last time. There will be many things your mom will say to make you roll your eyes, but like this and so many others, you just have to suffer through it.

You are amazing! I can't believe how much you have grown in the last year. I look back at photos from your 1st birthday, and you still look so much like a baby. Now, you are a toddler through and through.

Your vocabulary has exploded. I wish I could name all the words you could say, but I would be here until next year. You are currently in the "what's that?" phase. You need to name everything and when you don't know the name, you ask. You also love to repeat everything.

Favorite foods right now, pancakes and macaroni (or Can-cakes and macahoni as you say it).

You are a playing machine. You love to play with your cars and tractors. Your favorite things to spot are school buses and motorcycles. You get so excited when you see either of those things.

Nick, right now you have many favorites, and you add to them daily. Each day with you is a new adventure. You grow, love and live more life than anyone I know. You have been such a blessing in my life. I love you more than anything in this world little man. I am torn each day between wanting to watch you grow up, and wanting to keep you my little boy forever. Please remember, no matter how big you get, I will love you more than anyone else in the world.

Love you,

Mommy

Birthday Party!

We had a busy Thanksgiving to say the least. Thanksgiving day was a great day. No matter what we are doing, or where we are, the one thing that I am most thankful for is Nick. He is growing and changing so much, I almost can't believe it. It seems as though he learns a new phrase a day. He has graduated from his high chair into a booster seat, at his own request. He has even started using the potty (though that is a whole other post!) There are many times I wish I could stop time. Of course, he has his moments as well - moments that make me want to fast forward time a minute or two.

I had Nick's birthday party Friday - it was great. We had lots of friends and family that were able to attend as they were in town for the holiday. Nick didn't understand exactly what the party was for, or about. He also seemed quite bewildered that all these people he knew were all together in one house, but he was happy to go along with it - especially since it meant he got a cupcake!

Nick's Baptism

When the Pastor at church tells you that "He's never had that happen at a baptism.", all you can do is smile!

I was a little late in getting Nick baptized. The first year was just crazy, then I had to take the classes. Baptism is only done a few Sunday's a year, so we had to wait for the next one to come around. Sunday, November 7th, Nick was baptized. It was a wonderful service. I was very lucky and blessed to have many loving friends and family there to witness it.

I was worried about Nick behaving during the service. He loves to talk and point and tell you what things are, so I was sure he would do something to disrupt the service. To my surprise, he did great. He talked a little, but it was fairly quiet.

Then came his moment. Father Tom picked him up, facing the baptismal bowl. Father Tom told Nick he was going to put his hand in the water, and put it on his head. Before Father Tom could do it, Nick stuck his hand in the water then put it on his head. Father Tom said "Man, you don't even need me." The whole church erupted in laughter! It was hilarious. Father Tom continued with the baptism.

So many people came up to us after church to tell us how Nick stole the show. It was definitely a moment I will never forget! I love that my child can provide me with such joy, laughter, and pride.

Nickisms

It has been a while since I have written. I realized last night, that there are so many new and wonderful things that Nick is doing, I needed to blog about it so I will have it to remember. He grows and changes so much that I know in a short time some of these great (and not so great) things will be gone.

Nick's vocabulary has grown exponentially. He has a ton of words that he says - too many to name. Most I can understand, although there is a few that he repeats over and over that I can't quite get. I try the context clues, but still can't get it.

He is really starting to string words together, we aren't up to sentences yet, but he does do 2-3 words at a time.

Nick LOVES his Cul Brain (Uncle Brian) - and asks for him everyday. He even goes to the back door calling for Uncle Brain in the hopes that we will hop in the car and go see him.

He loves to tell you what certain animals say:

Puppy : "Fruft" (Ruff)

Kitty: "Mauw"

Duck: "Cack, Cack"

Cow: "Moooooo"

Lion: "Raaaar"

Can-cakes (pancakes) are his favorite breakfast food, made even better with Bacon. Oni (macaroni) is his favorite dinner time meal. He also likes chicken.

Every morning on the way to school he looks for school buses - his favorite thing to spot. He loves to spend time outside and swing!

There are many other fantastic things that Nick does. He makes me smile and laugh everyday!

There are a few less fun things - the tantrums, oh the tantrums! Luckily, he doesn't do it often, and there is often and underlying reason (hungry or tired). There was an incident yesterday morning involving a dirty diaper and Nick apparently trying to "change himself" that resulted in a complete and total clean-up, but most days are absolute joy.

I love my little man and can't imagine my life with out him!

Growing Pains?

Nick has been going through a rough couple of weeks. I don't know if he is growing or switching schedules or what. Lately he has not been sleeping well. He goes down just fine, but around 1 am he wakes up and screams. I try milk, rocking, etc. Most of the time, he will sit contently in my lap, then sit up and start talking to me. While I LOVE any opportunity to have a conversation with my little man, 2 in the morning is not my ideal time of day.

This doesn't happen often, but last week it was 3 nights in a row. Of course, they had to be all on work nights, none on the weekend. He usually sleeps all night on weekends.

He also hasn't been eating well. Last night I struggled to find something he would eat for dinner. we settled on peanut butter crackers, yogurt and blueberries - which is pretty healthy, even if it isn't a "traditional meal".

Regardless of growing pains, sleepless nights, or mealtime struggles, we had a great weekend. Sunday consisted mostly of dancing in the rain. He is obsessed with rain right now. Loves to say "It's raining". So Sunday, when we had a few light showers, outdoors we went. Why shouldn't we take a little time to play in the rain?

All Done

Nick loves to say "all done". We started it when he was a baby as sign language. Mostly he uses it when he is done eating. There are other times he uses it as well, bath time, etc. Sometimes when he doesn't want to be in the car, he will tell me "all done".

The other day he was napping. Usually when he wakes from his nap, I can hear him stir a little over the monitor, start babbling, then talking, calling for various people. The other day, all I heard when he woke up was "all done". I thought it was so cute. It made me laugh.

A few days later, we were in the car. Nick wanted to sing, so I was singing to him. About three verses into the song I was singing, he said "all done". Somehow that wasn't so cute. Guess he confirms what everyone else thinks about me... I can't sing.

Two Evaluations

It was a big couple of days for Nick. He was evaluated by ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) - and they determined he no longer was in need of their therapy! At first I was a little stunned, then as it sank in, I gradually got more excited and was almost in tears. - Literally-. I remember when we started this journey, after the scary medical stuff was out of the way, the next big hurdle was Nick "catching up". I remember hearing lots of issues from various people and most therapists and doctors cautioning that he wouldn't caught up till age 3 - and even then there would be delays.

While ECI - determines him caught up, I in no way believe my child is a super child by reaching this level now - at 20 months. More so, I realize that these so called "tests of ability and development" are really inaccurate. Any child can pass or fail on any given day- mostly due to the fact that they are toddlers and on a whim can decide to cooperate and not cooperate.

Don't get me wrong it is important, and while I fully recognize and see the value in it- sometimes I feel like the prematurity causes a little more scrutiny than that of other kids. I think if he weren't' a preemie - and wasn't doing some of the "developmental appropriate" stuff, no one would see any red flags. Cause the truth is - he is walking, talking, and running. He is a normal toddler.

I remember 20 months ago when this was all new and fresh and scary. Back then, I worried about every little detail and every little development. I fretted that he wasn't sitting, or standing or walking. Truth is, they all do it, and in their own time, preemie or not.

For now I take a cautious optimistic stand that all is going to continue to go well. We do have the option to go back to ECI if I and his doctor thinks it is necessary.

For now that is one less appointment I have to make every other week! Whew!

The formula study appointment was Monday. I don't know the results for that. They have to mail them to me. From what I observed, Nick did a great job. He could point to photos and do things that I was a little blown away by. His biggest issue was paying attention - but he is 20 months old. Surely the build that into the test!

Day Care Days

Nick started day care last week. Up until then he was in the care of a great woman in her home. I loved that environment for him, but the commute was far (20-30 minutes extra each way). There is a great day care right near the house. So great, in fact, that there is a waiting list. I have had him on the wait list for a few months. He was set to begin Aug. 2nd.



So far, the transition has been fantastic. I was so worried that he would be a little overwhelmed with all the new stuff. I think I was more worried about the routine. Up until now, if he was tired, he slept, if he was hungry, he ate. Now, he eats on schedule, naps on schedule.

I am happy to report that he has adjusted fantastically. (Is that a word?) The first day he walked in with me, and was so excited about all his new friends - he almost forgot that I was there. When I requested a kiss and hug good-bye, he obliged, but went right back to sitting at the table with friends (3 girls I might add) - and playing.

It has really been a good thing so far. He is eating dinner better, he naps for the entire nap time during the day. He is genuinely happy to go to school. Every morning when I tell him we are getting ready for school, he smiles and says "cool!" (school).

The only problem we have had was the nasty eye infection he picked up at the end of last week, but I guess that comes with the territory. For now, happy and healthy and loving his new school!

Next week Nick will have two developmental assesments. I can't wait to find out how he is doing. I know that chances are he will still be behind in some areas, but I know that he is quickly catching up. His vocabulary is starting to explode, he is growing and learning! It is so neat to watch him grow.

This is from a recent photo-shoto at work. I loved the idea!

Catch Up... Again

I feel like I have done nothing this month but play catch up... and I guess the blog shouldn't be any different. I wish I could say nothing much has been going on, but we have been really busy. Nick continues to grow and change and learn at amazing rates. He talks so much now - most of which I can't understand. I do relish the fact that I can understand him more than others. He absolutely amazes me with his knowledge. He only has to see things once or twice to be able to repeat them. He loves to copy mommy. (I am learning to watch what I say and do). It is so amazing what little sponges they are at this age.

I wish that I could say that I have some great video of all these things, but the moment the video camera comes out, all his energy is immediately focused on getting to the camera. So, most of my video is closeup views of his nose, with his little hands reaching beyond the camera.

I thought yesterday it would be a good idea to save a few things for posterity sake on the blog... things that I can't wait to go back and read many years from now.

Nick LOVES blueberries. If he sees them, he immediately shouts "Berries" until you give him some. He eats them at least once or twice a day.

Nick loves to be sung to and listen to music. His top favorite songs right now are itsy bitsy spider (or "piper") as he calls it. He puts his little fingers together and requests "piper" until you sing it.

He also loves Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and Pat-a-cake.

When he hears music on the radio, on a commercial, or just on t.v., he will start stomping his feet, and waving his hands and saying "Nance, Nance" (dance, dance). If he is really excited about the music, he can usually put a little spin in there right now.

Nick knows body parts, and loves to point them out on himself as well as others. Some of the favorite ones to point out are nose, eye, teeth, ear, belly (a big favorite), toes, hair and tongue.

Nick can count to 5 when prompted.

His absolute favorite thing to do right now is "Go Bye-Bye". He doesn't care where he goes, as long as he goes.

Life is always fun around Nick. He amazes me, and makes me laugh more than anything I could have ever imagined!

A few photos from a recent family wedding:

Nick dancing at the wedding with his Aunt Crissy Toes!

A Lot of Catch Up

It has been a while since I have updated. I have been so busy, time has just gotten away from me. Here is a quick update of what Nick and I have been up to with pictures!

The week after Nick went to the doctor - he got sick. His first illness (you know, other than that whole premature in the hospital for 3 1/2 months thing). This was the first time he has run a fever and I had to actually take him to the doctor. How blessed am I that we went 18 months? He ended up having a virus, that causes a high fever (103.7). No antibiotics because it was a virus, just waited it out. I was at home with him a few days and while he was medicated with Tylenol, you could not tell he was sick! He was a wild man, into everything. I think at one point I asked him why he didn't want to lay down and cuddle like you do when you are sick. He responded by running in the other room to get into yet another cabinet and pull everything out.

Next thing on the to do list - getting Nick his first hair cut! I always envisioned a head full of curls, but sadly, he did not get my full head of thick hair, so while I was trying to let the curls grow, he just started looking scraggly. So first haircut was a must. My brother decided he could do it - and did a really great job.

Next came the 4th of July. I bought Nick the cutest pair of plaid shorts in red, white and blue. Unfortunately, I bought them a while back and he did not grow into them as I had intended so, my wonderfully envisioned 4th of July photos of him didn't turn out as planned. That's ok though, because he didn't really cooperate either.

He did really enjoy the corn on the cob on the 4th of July! (Notice the new haircut)

I am trying to get Nick used to wearing shoes all day. It is a challenge. While he loves to wear his Yews (Shoes), he likes to take them off, put them on, take them off, put them on etc. We are working on it. I bought him some tennis shoes that tie (harder to take off). He gets so excited to put them on every morning.

Whew! That is all we have been up to for now. This coming weekend is a family wedding - so I can't wait to take lots of pictures of my handsome man in his wedding best!

18 Month Stats

It's a little late, but cut me some slack. I spend every free moment chasing a VERY MOBILE toddler!

So - here is the latest from his doctors appointment last week.

weight - 20.5lbs

height - 31 inches

His doctor was very pleased with his progress. He is catching up and surpassing their expectations at every turn. She was impressed with his walking, running and climbing abilities. She had me fill out a questionnaire about his development. She analyzed it and felt like he was doing fantastic. Starting to catch up to his actual age.

The biggest news, she felt that he could stop drinking the really expensive formula. He is on all whole milk now. That also means he is on all sippy cups - which he loves. The milk transition was wonderful. So far, we have had no issues. The first time he got milk in his sippy cup, he gulped it down. He loved it!

Nick continues to astound me with his absorption of knowledge. He is developing his problem solving skills. I am pretty sure he learns a word a day. His new favorite thing is to bring you a toy, then hold out his hand for you to give it back. Upon handing him said toy, he says "Tank too" (Thank you).

A few of the words in his vocabulary-

Mom (I think he is the only toddler to ever call mom)

Momma

Daddy

puppies

Cocca (Mocha our dog)

Row ( the other dog)

Troy (his favorite neighbor)

Bite

Thank you

Milk

Bye-Bye

Light

Done

No, No, No (this one is usually accompanied by shaking his finger)

Hello

Ok

Uh-Oh

Toy

Book

Car

Shoes

There are probably many more, but these are tops in his vocab.

All of the wonderful things he does and learns is nothing in comparison with the joy he continues to bring to my life every day. I live for that smile, his hugs and his kisses. He is such a blessing to me, and I am thankful every day.

** He doesn't realize you really need water for that, but he loves pulling it through the yard.

** Had to snap this at the doctor's office. They want the kids to wear them before being examined. Thought it was too cute!

George

I don't know when or how it started. It was probably all my fault, mainly because there is no one else to blame. I heard the advice and didn't follow it and now must pay the consequences. Nick has a "George". George sleeps with Nick every night.

Like I said, I don't know how this started. I don't' remember. Every night when I put him to bed, he grabs George by the neck, rolls to his side, sticks a thumb in his mouth and that is how he falls asleep.

For a few weeks months ago, I kept thinking to myself that I needed to take George away and replace him with various other stuffed animals to change it up a bit so he wouldn't get too attached. Before I could do that we had a little diaper leak incident, which lead to washing George, and a bad mommy who forgot to put him in the dryer, thus he was not ready for bed. I prayed when I put him to bed that night, he wouldn't notice the brown stuffed animal that was in his bed wasn't George.

He did. When he layed down, wrapped his arm around... wait, this isn't George. He sat up in bed, looked at me and began to cry. Yeah, I felt about this (see me showing you an inch between my two fingers) big.

He cried for an 45 minutes until he finally fell asleep. But not before he threw the new animal out of his bed.

The next night George was clean and dry and waiting for Nick in his bed and bedtime.

I have managed to keep George as an "at home" toy. Mostly he stays in bed, but every once in awhile George is allowed to venture out of the bed (like last night - we have 2-3 molars coming in and got shots yesterday- can you say cranky baby?).

George always makes everything better.

Single Parent

A friend recently told me how much she admired me for being a single mom and the job that I do with Nick. It has taken me a while to admit to myself that yeah, I am a single mom. Have been the whole time. I haven't really talked about being a single mom, because I never really thought about it much. I don't say this to slight those other single mom's out there. It is a HARD job! I will never take that away from anyone. Being a parent is a hard job.

I guess I never thought much about it, because, I have been alone since before Nick came home, so it has always been he and I. I can only imagine how much harder it would be if you were used to co-parenting and then suddenly it is just you.

Not to go into too much detail, but sadly my husband made some bad decisions in his life and about our marriage. Even worse, he made them at the worst possible time. When Nick was 3 weeks old, and still in the hospital, he came to me, confessed and affair and left. To say that I was taken aback would be the understatement of the year. It was the most difficult part of my life. Nick pulled me through. Concentrating on his health, well being, traveling to and from the hospital every day helped in ways that I can't begin to explain.

I tell this story, partly as a catharsis for myself. To get the truth out, and feel okay with it. The whole ordeal was painful and at times hard to talk about.

Again, it is hard to be a single parent. There is no one to turn to when you are busy and your child is crying or getting into something. There are no extra hands, there is no one to turn to when he gets up in the middle of the night.

But I am okay with all of that, because there is no one to share the smiles with, the hugs, and the laughter. I get the privilege of the first smile almost every morning. I didn't miss the first crawl, walk, or word. I know he loves to have "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" sung to him. Then he says in a quiet little voice "row, row, row".

I get so many special moments with my man. And that is something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Another one of those fantastic "moments". Sitting in the car the other day (by the way- check out the new "big boy seat!!") He picks a cell phone says "Hello, OK, Bye" Maybe I should pay attention to what I say on the phone...

All is Forgiven

I could never stay upset at my little man. The smile he give me every morning (even if it is followed by the word "puppy", and a look around mom to find the dogs). Earlier this week I took Nick to the beach to have some photos made. It has been a while, and he has changed so much. I wanted to make sure the capture this fun time in his life.

When?

When did my sweet, loving, happy, baby turn into this whining, toddling, throw himself on the floor and throw a fit, thinks that mommy can do nothing right toddler? And how do I change him back?

It isn't really that bad, but lately, he has had his moments. Tonight, I was "that lady". You know the one, the mom in the restaurant/store/clinic that has the whinny kid, that won't stop whining, crying, or just being an unpleasant child. Yeah, tonight was my first experience being "that mom". The one that everyone at every table around us was probably thankful when we left. Usually Nick is so good at restaurants. He loves to look at all the people, eat, try to get the girl at the table next to us, or the waitress to smile and flirt with him. Not tonight. Nothing I did made him happy/content. Is this a sign of what is to come?

I only hope he makes it through his toddler years! Good thing I love him so much!

Favorite Passtimes

If I am in the kitchen, or even if I am not, Nick's favorite passtime is to pull EVERYTHING out of the kitchen cabinets. I have tried to get him to stick to one particular cabinet - it just has plastic stuff in it. I am mostly successful with that. He knows that is his cabinet, and he routinely drags every single item out and scatters them over the kitchen floor. It makes a huge mess, and loud noises. What more could a boy love?

My Son

Being a mother has been an amazing journey, and I am only 17 months into this adventure. I can't imagine what fun you have in store for me in the future.

On this day, Mother's Day. The world stops to remember their mother's, celebrate their mother's and appreciate their mothers. Today, as I looked at you sleeping, I realized, the true meaning of Mother's day is appreciating you. You have brought more joy, laughter and fulfillment into my life. On this day my little man, I thank you. I can't wait to watch you grow and learn. You are a fantastic son, more than I could ever hope for, wish for, or imagine.

I love you.

Pool Time

Sunday was warm enough here to enjoy our first dip in the pool. I was pretty sure Nick would like it. I was not prepared for how much he would LOVE it. He is a water baby through and through. He floated around in his crab float. He liked that because he could be independent. He did want to get out for a bit, problem was, he thought he could be on his own outside of the float as well.

I held him by the tummy. He would kick and try to splash. He didn't mind water in his face, he even had a splash war with my neighbor P.D. He loved it!!!

The photo below also inspired a discussion among friends about Nick's hair. I so had my heart set on a head full of little boy curls. While his hair is growing - finally, the reality of a head full of thick adorable curls is probably not going to happen. I am a little sad, and not quite ready to get that first hair cut. I know it is long, but technically, it is only long is places. We will see how long I can hold out

Rock Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUo-1Log_CM

I have been telling people about Nick rocking out in the car for a while, but now I finally have it on video. He LOVES music. When ever he hears a song he likes, he gets to movin'. He waves his hands and claps. It is hilarious. I am so glad I finally got it on video. He seems to particularly like pop and hip/hop. The Black Eyed Peas are personal favorite of his right now. (NOTE: The car was NOT in motion when I was filming this!)

Zoo

Last weekend my mom's company was hosting an event at the Houston Zoo. It gave us the opportunity to go to the zoo with out too much of a crowd. I wasn't sure about taking Nick, thought he was probably too young to really know what he was looking at, or be excited. But, since it was for a good cause, and it was a pretty day, I took him.

Although he didn't get the full effect of the zoo, and the animals, Nick really enjoyed himself. There were a lot of exhibits in the children's area that were geared toward they younger kids. We pet goats, looked at porcupines, crawled through tunnels, saw elephants and giraffes. It was a lot of fun!

waiting to go into the zoo

waiting - not so patient to get into the petting zoo. He was very excited to go pet the goats!

Just a photo op

Nick liked watching the porcupines. They had a viewing window down low for the younger kids. He kept knocking on the window and watching them move around.

This was a tunnel they have for kids to crawl around in, Nick would crawl a bit, then look back at me. He kept thinking I was going to stop him. He loved it!

Grass??!!!

Sorry it has been a few weeks. Life has just been super busy! We did find some time this weekend to hang out with friends. Our neighbors all got together Saturday afternoon/evening to hang out. All the kids were hanging out, and I put Nick in the grass. He hated it! So much so that the scooted, very quickly, to Annie (my neighbors daughter) and sat on her foot, lifted his legs and wouldn't move. Of course I had to leave him there to run and get the camera.

I tried numerous times to put him in the grass, sit with him, etc. All results were the same. He would sit and hold up his legs. This kid must have abs of steel!

Today was another therapy appointment. I casually mentioned the whole grass thing to his therapist today. She said that he may have a little sensory issues, and we should do some sensory work. Sensory work will be fun - especially for Nick. Playing in pudding and shaving cream, a small kiddie pool full of sand, lots of fun... and messy!!!!

In other therapy news... still taking steps. He is getting more confident. Nick took 10 steps today in a row. Am I ready for this????

just a cute baby photo so he doesn't absolutely hate me later in life...

Almost Toddling

Well, really not almost. Getting there, but slowly. He is still technically a crawler. Nick will take a few steps when prompted. He does seem to want to walk, but seeing as he gets over excited, and thus his head gets way out in front of his body when trying to walk, which then results in a crash, which then results in the comfort that he can just crawl and get there faster. He does really well when he doesn't "realize" he is actually walking.

Tonight, for instance, he was pushing around the dining room chairs, because, you know it is fun to re-arrange furniture. He got one stuck, and walked the two steps to the other by himself, with out realizing what he was doing.

I don't think it will be long before I am indoctrinated into the role of a "toddler mom", but for now, I am content with the happily crawling, thus slightly easier to keep up with,version of my little man.

Anniversary

Yesterday was an anniversary for Nick. One year ago yesterday, I brought my little man home from the hospital, 111 days after he was born. I remember thinking I would never get to bring him home. Now, not only did I bring him home, the first year has already gone by. My how quickly this year has flown. How much he has grown!

In other news.... Nick took a few steps today! Nick still has his therapy every other Monday. Today, His therapist decided to see how well he could do standing on his own. He will stand unassisted on his own for a few seconds. When prompted, he even took a few steps. It won't be long now - but OH I am not ready for this!

the day Nick came home from the hospital

last weekend at the park

Can Someone Please Tell Me....

Can someone please tell me why a child who seems to absolutley love a particular food, so much that he eats the entire bowl of it, will two days later, when trying to be fed the same EXACT food again, spits it out, and furrows his eyebrows at his mother. Yeah, happens alot!

Also, could the same someone tell me how to baby proof when your child figures out that he can stand ON A DOG to get on the couch. Came into the living room the other day to find Nick on the couch. I couldn't figure out how in the world he got up on the couch. Until I saw him do it again. Took a photo, then got him down, again. How do you baby proof this?????

More

I have been trying to teach Nick sign language. I personally, have seen babies and toddlers use sign language to communicate. It is wonderful. They usually pick up the sign language before actual verbal ability and can effectively communicate (with in reason). We have been working on "more" and "all done". Nick has mastered "all done". Especially at dinner time. If he is done, he will do the sign for all done, and means it. Once he has done this, I can rarely get him to eat another bite.

The sign for "more" has been a little slower. I have seen him do the sign, but have not seen him use it consistently. Yesterday, we were sitting during therapy. His physical therapist Mandy has been doing some sensory exercises on his feet to get him off his toes, and ready for walking. She was sitting with him, put a towel over his feet and was rubbing them. She rubbed his right food for a minute or so. I have never seen my child so still. He just sat there and let her rub. She stopped to change feet. Before she could restart on the left foot, Nick did the sign for "more". Guess he does know the sign - and he likes his feet rubbed!

Nick has really been working on the walking thing. He uses his tonka truck to push all around the house. He hasn't yet learned to steer- so we often have crashes, usually into the dogs.