Apraxia of Speech . Week 28

Ryder had two sessions of therapy - Private Speech Therapy, and his last with the Early Intervention Therapist.

Although we started a bit rough back in September of last year, our family really has grown to appreciate and enjoy this Therapist.  Ryder was able to form a connection with her, and in the last 1/2 of his sessions, he was would look forward to her twice monthly visits.

Ryder participated well during the therapy, and was able to work on some new sound patterning concepts.

When she needed to leave, as usual Ryder wanted to walk her to the door.  However, this time, instead of letting her leave, waving and telling her goodbye, he made a run for her car - saying "nee (me) go wif (with) xx, deas (please)?!"  He has never done this - I think it was how much we built up that she wouldn't come back...regardless, it was so sad. He cried as we walked back into the house.

Ryder also did well with Private Therapy.  He really likes his SLP, and she is so great at providing new activities to keep Ryder's attention.  And, of course, the fact that she bought him his own train stickers that he gets at the end of each session, doesn't hurt!

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Ryder's progress, overall, is still slow.  But, there is progress.  This past week we've noticed Ryder initiating more conversation - not just limited to when he is asking for something.  He has started telling Patrick and I his observations of his surroundings, as well as talking to his brothers.

One-step-at-a-time.

CASNA

Duck Pond . 07.01.2012

After hosting our HomeGroup BBQ, we had leftover bread that we couldn't eat before it went bad, so we made plans to head to a nearby duck pond to feed them!  The Sunday before last, following church, we went to the pond, where we took a picnic lunch so we could stay longer.

Such a fun time!

Self portraits with my babies!
Jarrett (left) hasn't quite grasped the idea of a closed-mouth kiss.  Harvick (center) couldn't be separated from his juice.  And, Ryder (right) refused to smile, but was willing to stand with me!

We try to give Jarrett (left) and Harvick (right) as many opportunities to walk as we can - it is much easier with only one baby at a time to naturally do it more often!  Ryder enjoys helping, and will often take time to help each brother!

It's so nice that we have the duck pond nearby, and it seems as though it is a relatively-well-kept secret!

Aerospace Museum . 07.08.2012

With the Aerospace Museum at the Roy 1-15 freeway entrance/exit, we pass by it often.  In the past few weeks, Ryder has really started noticing the airplanes, and looks forward to seeing them.  The museum is free (they accept donations), and is open 7 days/week.  Knowing this, we headed there on Sunday, after church.

Ryder was so excited when we pulled into the parking lot, exclaiming "airplane" as he pointed to the planes outside.  We decided to tour the inside museums first, and end our time walking around a little outside.

Harvick fell asleep on the way there, and didn't wake up when we took him out of his carseat (a rare occurrence), so we carried him around a little, until he started to wake up on his own.  Jarrett loved to see the planes as we walked around, and Ryder was eager to be the leader - pointing out which direction to go next.  He especially loved the planes suspended in the air!

Happy boys!
(Harvick in orange, Jarrett in blue)

I tried to get a brothers picture, but no one was thrilled with the idea.
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Once we got outside, Ryder was happy to look at the planes, but was disappointed he couldn't go inside any of them.  I think he had the impression that he was going to be able to enter them because he had the opportunity to do so at the recent Air Show.

Another fun activity with the boys.  This one will be even better when Harvick and Jarrett are consistently walking on their own!  As a souvenir, we picked up a postcard ($.35...we're big spenders!) of a plane, to put in the boys' gallery frame wall.

Ryder is already requesting to go back!

Aquatic Center . 07.09.2012

Another Monday at the Aquatic Center!

Getting to the Aquatic Center after a full day of work, preparing dinner for everyone, getting in swimsuits, lathered in sunblock, loaded, then unloaded from the car, into the center, and ready to get in the water...well, it's a ridiculous amount of work.  Three kids, ages 2 and under (for another week!) makes for a lot of opportunities for everything to take an atrocious amount of time.

But, it's worth it.  Completely worth it!

Unfortunately, the Reed Family wasn't able to make it again this week (feel better soon!), but our neighbor and her 3 kids met up with us there.  Ryder is getting more daring in the water, and seems to enjoy it more each week.  Harvick is the most timid - he is okay with the water, but not enthusiastic about it.  Jarrett...he's in love with the pool - the kid is willing to crawl (at near the speed of light) into water much too deep for him - he has to frequently be pulled out, and redirected so that he remains safe!

I've never really looked forward to Mondays...but, as long as the Aquatic Center is open, I think Monday nights will be one of my favorites each week!

Model Trains . 07.07.2012

While in Huntsville on the 4th of July, a family friend let us know about a local model train club that has built a permanent track around a park, and offers rides on (some) Saturdays.  The trains are built to-scale, and the track looks just like the real railroad.

After looking it up online to confirm dates, we headed there this Saturday morning.  It turns out the club is a lot more laid back than we had anticipated, so although they advertised they would start at 10:00, rides didn't start for another 30+ minutes.  Luckily, since we were at a park, the boys were able to play on the playset...although, it did take some convincing to get Ryder to play - once he saw the train, all he wanted to do was watch it!

We thought Ryder would ride the train by himself, but as he went to sit, he requested either Patrick or me to go with him...so, I went.

After going around with just Ryder, everyone got on the train, and we all went for a ride.

(Jarrett with me; Harvick and Ryder with Patrick)

We broke up the time with more playing on the playset, and then ended our time with Patrick and Ryder taking one last ride.

While I was with Harvick and Jarrett, I thought I would try to get a picture of them together...as usual...it's not so easy....

Ryder loved the trains!  The price is perfect - they run on donations, and we were told an average donation per ride is just $.50.  I'm sure we'll be visiting again soon!

Harvick & Jarrett . 14 Months

14 months old
.
24 pounds, 5 ounces (Harvick)
24 pounds, 13 ounces (Jarrett)
.
(Compare to Ryder at 14 Months)


Wow!  Another month!  These babies are growing faster than I can keep up!


Harvick is walking.  Full on walking.  Jarrett...well, he can walk, but typically chooses not to do so.  He has two brothers that will bring him toys, and he hates to give up the speed of crawling for walking.  Harvick will drop to crawling when he is playing/chasing his brother(s), but walks when he is playing on his own.  Ryder seems to be enjoying this new development as well, as he is frequently trying to help his brothers walk - Harvick will walk well with him, but it Jarrett's cooperation depends on his mood.


Harvick has cut an additional 2 teeth on top (4 on top, 2 on bottom, total), while Jarrett has only cut 1 additional tooth this month (bringing his total to 2 on top, 3 on bottom).


Harvick and Jarrett have officially transitioned to "regular" food at all meals.  They were slower than their older brother, but it was good we waited a little longer - the boys have done well with the switch.  Harvick remains the better eater typically, but he is also more likely to protest eating completely.  It seemed as though Jarrett wasn't as good of an eater, but it turns out he is just slow - very slow.


Both boys are happy babies.  They definitely have their own personalities, but it is so fun to watch them interact with each other.  Ryder continues to do well, overall - but, being the oldest, with 2 siblings so close in age proves to be frustrating at times.  Harvick and Jarrett are also, now, to blame for this, as they will intentionally do things to Ryder to make him upset.  That being said, all 3 boys are good with each other most of the time!

(Harvick)

Harvick and Jarrett get a bottle of milk each morning.  On days we're busy/running late, Patrick or I will feed both babies.  Recently, Ryder has decided to join us, and will drink a cub of milk as well!

(Jarrett)

Ryder enjoys giving his brothers rides in the wagon.  He's very careful with them, as there is only one seatbelt, so the brother in "front" is just sitting (and, yes, the top picture was from June...BEFORE it got so hot!).

Jarrett (left) and Harvick (right) frequently get into things with each other - here, Harvick was emptying a toy box, one item at a time, and handing them to Jarrett, who in turn would throw them to the side.  They frequently will often toy boxes using this method!

Jarrett (top/left) and Harvick (bottom/right) love to help with the dishwasher.

Harvick (left) is typically messier than Jarrett (right) when eating (this time was worse than usual!).

Being silly outside.

Playing together!

Bath time!
(Jarrett on top, Harvick on bottom)

Apraxia of Speech . Week 27

No therapy this week.

Ryder had been scheduled to have Private Speech Therapy; however the SLP had a sick child, and had to reschedule.

Ryder's vocabulary is finally seeing a consistent increase.  Ryder is attempting to say more sounds/words, and is increasing in his accuracy.

Last week's assignment to work on "bee" and "boo" has gone well this past week - Ryder has actively participated multiple times in this specific worksheet; however, he still is saying "dee" in place of "bee".  We have literally practiced this sound thousands of times.  Ryder can say the "b" sound (buh), and a long "e" separately, but can not combine them.  If you parrot Ryder, he recognizes when you say it incorrectly.  It's frustrating, but we have seen with other words, the effort is worth it.

One-step-at-a-time.

CASNA

Treehouse Museum . 06.30.2012

Last Saturday we took the boys to the Treehouse Museum - with it so hot outside, it was a fun way to spend time together, doing something the boys all enjoyed.  And, since our last visit, Harvick and Jarrett have grown so much!  They LOVED spending time there!

Following our new "routine", when we enter the Treehouse Museum, we first went upstairs.  Until Ryder sees the train area, he is willing to participate in other activities.

Ryder enjoyed showing his brothers how to use the instruments...Jarrett (left) and Harvick (right) were barely tall enough to reach!

Drums!

Coloring.
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Harvick and Jarrett found a small boat replica, and had a blast crawling up and over the end...over and over and over...

While Harvick and Jarrett were busy (pictured above), Ryder enjoyed  one of the science exhibits with Patrick!

In the block area!

Ryder started to get impatient, and requested the trains.  He had done well being patient with his brothers, so we headed downstairs.  As expected he LOVED the train area...but, the pictures aren't great...my camera battery died, so I had to use my phone...

Trains!

 Before leaving, Ryder spotted the Fire Truck, and wanted to drive.

(RIGHT: Harvick, Jarrett, and Ryder)

Another fun day at the Treehouse!  We love having an indoor (COOL!) alternative in the summer...and a warm one in the winter!

Fourth of July . 2012

We started off our celebrations one night early - my dad's brother and his family are in town from California, so we invited them over for dinner.  My cousin, Ben, took my camera for the evening - so, all of the pictures were a surprise to me when I uploaded them.  He did a great job!

This morning, we enjoyed breakfast at home - including Mexican Bread from California!  Seriously, the BEST stuff.  Thankfully, my Uncle was willing to make the drive to get it, and then bring it all the way here!!  After breakfast, we headed up to Huntsville for the parade, where we met my parents, brother, and my Uncle's family.  Ryder enjoyed the parade - luckily for him there were several "trains"!  My dad helped him get candy as it was thrown, and he enjoyed having a few pieces at the end.

We stayed up in Huntsville for lunch, then headed back home to let the boys nap.  Even though they went down late, they all fell asleep!  For dinner, we decided to head out to Noodles & Company, followed by dessert at Red Mango!

We decided to forgo the fireworks this year, and let the boys go to bed (still late, but not by several hours!) -  with us working tomorrow, they won't get a chance to sleep in.

Fourth of July . 2012
(at the end of the day)

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Eye Update . Ryder

Patrick and I took Ryder to the Pediatric Opthamologist this morning.  We were told to expect the appointment to take 1.5-2 hours, so we were well equipped with juice and snacks!

The Pediatric Opthamologist came in to do a preliminary, non-dialated, exam.  He initially did not see the cataracts, but still wanted to view Ryder's eyes while dialated, and under magnification.  As expected, Ryder did NOT want the eye drops.  Luckily, we didn't have to wait in the exam room, which allowed Ryder to have a bit of a break.

After waiting, what seemed like forever, we were taken back to the exam room to be seen again.  With a bit of encouragement, Ryder participated in the exam, and only became frustrated with the last "test".  Thankfully, it was something the doctor said wasn't necessary for the purposes of diagnosing the cataracts.

The bad news: Ryder has cataracts, and they are "large".
The good news: The cataracts are not dense, and do not yet affect his vision.

The doctor made the analogy of looking through a windshield.
1: There is something small on your windshield, but you can drive easily by looking around it.
2: There is something covering most of your windshield, but it is clear, and can be seen through.
3: There is something large on your windshield, that is too thick to see through.

Ryder has scenario #2.  The surgery needed for Ryder is not completed until he approaches scenario #3.

Ryder will be seen every 4 months (maximum) until his cataracts worsen to the point of needing surgery.  There's not "if" they worsen, in his situation, it is "when".

While having cataracts is still not the best outcome, the fact that the surgery can be prolonged is good.  The doctor stated the older he is, the easier it is to complete, and the quicker the recovery.  Ryder's cataracts could worsen in the next 4 months, and require surgery to be scheduled at his next appointment...or, we could be seen every 4 months for the next 5 years (maximum - more likely to be within 3 years) before the surgery is scheduled.

The doctor also confirmed the "regular" Opthamologist's opinion that Ryder will have "good" vision for his life.  He will likely be required to wear glasses at some point in the future, but honestly, that will be okay too. Ryder even tried some on while he was in the Waiting Room, and I have to admit it - he was super cute in glasses!  Like father, like son!

Thank you to all of you who reached out to Patrick and me since I posted last week about Ryder's eyes.  Clearly, I use this blog as a journal of sorts, and post things as they happen (when I can!).  What I say here is not meant to be dramatic - it is what I am feeling.  Thank you for all of your support.  We are truly a blessed family!