This looks more like fun then therapy!

We had an awesome OT/ST day. Anthony said "open" and lots of babbling. And he is much more willing to try new sounds lately. Which is awesome to hear.

We are just seeing an explosion in development so to speak. The OT really pushes Anthony in areas that he really needs some help in. Mostly Anthony has a fear of new physical actions. For example jumping. He stiffens his legs sooooo much. Not sure if you guys remember but a long time ago when Anthony was first cruising he did the same thing. Its a normal reaction to fear, to stiffen yourself. And he does it when he is introduced to something where he has to move differently. This could also be attributed to his ears being blocked for so long and his balance feeling different. Anthony didn't like swings, or going up and down stairs. They probably made him feel really dizzy! So now we are showing him through play that those feelings are gone and not to be afraid anymore.



Anthony is now walking up and down stairs all by himself (even the big scary stair case in our house!) He's stomping his feet and dancing, he's falling into foam pits and wanting to do it over and over. He's going down big slides and swinging from the trapeze in the gym with out wanting to let go the instant he's on it. He's starting to peddle a tricycle, roll in a barrel, play in a ball pit with out feeling scared he's going to sink in it, ride a bouncy horse with out wanting off. Anthony can sit and play short board games with out getting.... well bored! He's matching cards together (front of car, back of a car pictures) He's using sign language more to help with frustration when he wants something (huge help!)

Just so many wonderful things i have witnessed in the last few weeks!

"Snow"

Today Anthony got to experience his first "snow". It doesn't snow where we live, but our town had a little event where they set up snow areas for kids to play in and they had other activities and crafts as well.



Our friends came up with their little boy and daughter and we all hung out. The boys had an awesome time playing in the snow.



They also had fun sliding down the big slide with their daddies!



After that we went out to lunch and the boys had a wonderful time running around the little water fall. Too bad it didn't occur to me to take pictures of that.

Its so nice to be able to go out and do things because as you all know..... ITS RSV SEASON! This is our first year we are allowed to go out and be normal. This is the first year Anthony doesn't have to get synagist shots. We still get our flu shots, still use antibacterial gel when we leave busy places, still take our vitamins and things. I guess what I'm trying to say is we aren't going out there ASKING to get sick, but we are trying to just live our lives like "normal". And normal feels pretty darn spectacular!!!!

25 weeks 4 days

A little more then a week and I will be past that horrible milestone that this whole pregnancy has been focused on..... 26 weeks 6 days, the day my water broke with Anthony. Larry and I have decided we are going out to celebrate on the 18th. I will be 27 weeks then and that will be the longest I have ever kept a pregnancy (been pregnant 4 times) .



As for how everything is going. Its going pretty well! Ashley is a mover and has her feisty moments that I enjoy. I love feeling her kicks, even if they are on my bladder. I'm just thankful to feel her so much. Doctor appointments have been going well. While I have been "grounded" from long distance travel from both the hi-risk and the OBYN I can't say that I disagree. I just really want to get out of the 2nd trimester!! I just want Ashley to get here safe and to never see the inside of a NICU ever again. One day at a time right?

I also have experienced something else that is new this time around. Strangers have been noticing that I'm pregnant. Last time I was put on strict bed rest at 20 weeks so only my doctors really saw me pregnant. But this time I get to stay out in public! Our neighbors that we don't talk to often noticed my baby bump the other week. And last night while Larry and I were out to dinner the waitress asked me when I was due! Its sorta neat for people to notice. Maybe I'm weird, but I don't find it annoying at all. If anything it makes me smile.

What we did today.

Today Anthony and I stood in a line for over an hour for us both to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Given Anthony's lung issues, and my current pregnant status it was the right choice for my family

Anthony did amazing waiting in line. No stroller was needed. Just had lots of snacks on hand and he pretty much entertained himself. I was pretty thankful for that crack in the wall outside their building, that kept Anthony entertained for quiet awhile. He kept looking into it wondering where it went. lol

When we got back to get our shots he never cried. I let him watch me get my shot so he knew it wouldn't hurt that bad, and that mommy wasn't afraid. Gotta set that good example right? =-) I was just so proud of him! I expected a lot less out of a 2 year old.

He's such a good kiddo.