My buddy Jack

Things have been pretty quiet around here...

Jack is doing well. He's so bright and funny and keeps me on my toes. His newest thing is washing his hands...he cannot get enough! I guess that's what we get for being so germ conscious all those months! He'll even try to trick me into getting his hands washed. He knows after each meal it's time to wash hands. So he'll take a bite, and exlaim "ALL DONE" and point to the sink. Ooooh no, Jack -- mommy's onto you!

He's talking quite a bit. His words aren't perfect, but if you spend enough time with him -- you'll get the point! Some of his new phrases are "GET IT" - "GET BALL" - "ALL DONE" - "NO" - "UP HERE" - "MAMA HELP" - "GO BYE BYE" - along with about 75 other words...he's come so far. I am so proud of him. He likes to repeat and label things right now. If we're in the grocery store and we pick out bananas he'll let me know...he'll shout "NA NA!!!!!" so everyone ELSE knows we're getting bananas too!

Another shopping note: You know those people that sell balls in stores know what they're doing too. Jack's favorite toy is a ball. So those HUGE wire bins that hold balls are simply torture to parents whose children love balls. You can't miss it...you can't turn back...you HAVE to push your cart PAST the ball rack. Sooo poor Jack. "BALL??" "BALL!!!!!" "Yes, Jack -- very good. Those ARE balls." Insert sad little Jack face here. "BAAAAALLL????" "Oh, look, yes. Look at all those balls." We're almost past...and Jack's turned all the way around in the cart. "Ball." "Yes. When we get home we'll play ball." I may be asking for trouble by saying this -- probably jinxing myself...but Jack does not throw tantrums. He's very easy going...he's my BEST buddy. He goes everywhere with me. Even a trip to Wal-Mart is fun! He loves people and won't think anything of tapping someone on the back if they're close enough. He communicates so much with his little face and personality. He charms everyone he meets...this will be good for Jack, but may get him in trouble too!

He's working so hard in therapy right now. He knows he works hard. His occupational therapist is amazing with him! I wish all of you could join one of our sessions. Jack will now willingly use his right hand for things. You can ask him "Give me 5" and he'll offer you a slap on the hand with his left automatically. Then if you point to his right hand and ask, he'll try soooo hard and will give you 5 with that one too! He's learning to pick things up and release with his right hand. I can see how hard it is...I never thought we'd get as far as we are with him using that hand. It's like I get to see small miracles over and over. Every parent should be so lucky!

During physical therapy he's working hard on weight shifting...he tends to not like to have all of his weight on one foot -- so we're doing a lot of activities that require this. Like kicking a ball...stepping on soft rubber stepping stones and putting one foot up on a step. Our PT is also working with Jack and standing independently. Right now he's getting very good at standing with his back against the wall. He's made so much progress in the past few months! We are getting a new walker called the crocodile. You can check it out here: CROCODILE REVERSE WALKER

Jack's surgery is coming up very soon. I am nervous. Just because he's my little boy and I hate to see him go through anything like this. I know he'll be fine. We have several appointments coming up -- our schedule is packed at the end of this month.

He also goes back to school Aug. 28th. We got a little newsletter in the mail. I am sure there will be many new friends for Jack to meet when he goes back. There's an open house and preschool art show at the end of September. I can't wait to see Jack's work on display! I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures.

Well, time to get Jack in the bath tub! Have a great day!

Oh, and anyone on myspace? Wanna be my friend? Feel free to add me!

http://www.myspace.com/angamc