The weeks have been just flying by. In-between rushing to appointments, working on some household organization projects, and just living the days have been going by so fast. I can't believe its practically February!
This past month has included so many positive changes and growth for Cade. He is continuing to do well with his signing and picking up new signs faster than we can learn them. His vocalization skills also have gotten a lot better. New words this month include ball, spoon, bown, and night night. He has also picked up the skill of tattling, which is super cute to watch him do considering he doesn't really talk. It looks a little something like him coming up to me and pointing to my husband or my daughter (depending upon who he's telling on) and saying Dada, Dada, Dada, and a bunch of random whining sounds as tears stream down his face. His therapists have commented on how expressive his non verbal skills are too. You can literally read his mind and tell what he is thinking both good and bad. :)
The accomplishment that I am most proud of this month is how much Cades' diet has expanded in such a short amount of time. It was my new years resolution to have us all eat healthier more wholesome foods. Not for weight loss purposes but in-between some of my personal vitamins being deficient, Cades obsession with macaroni and cheese (and not eating any protein, fruits, or veggies period) and my husband being almost as picky I really just wanted to work on it. I think we will all feel better in the end. Cade started occupational therapy and a feeding program the beginning of this month and his therapist has been really great at getting him to play with, touch, and just tolerate new foods being near him. At home we've really been consistent on putting a tiny bit of everything on his plate that we're having and not pressuring him. If he eats it great, if not fine. (I think before I was making too big of a deal to play the please take a bite game.) Needless to say so far this month he has been eating mixed nuts (he LOVES pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds), chocolate almond butter (kind of like nutella), whole wheat hearty bread, and get this FRUIT!! He's actually consuming raspberries and strawberries and devouring them like he's eaten them for months! I don't even remember the last time that we've made mac and cheese. In reality it was probably a couple weeks ago or so but for a little boy who used to have to eat it every day we're making huge strides! (And he actually prefers penne pasta with olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese now!)
My goals for him (and us) for the next month (end of February) are to verbalize 2 new words, learn 2 more signs, and add 2 new foods to his diet. Hopefully we can blow this through the water!
