Last Day with Ms. Debbie...

Today was Tyler's last day with Ms. Debbie. Ms. Debbie took care of Tyler for 15 months. She quickly became a big part of our lives. How could she not? We dropped our son off with her for at least 9 hours per day, 5 days per week.

I love that I was able to drop him off in someone elses home. Her house was less than 10 minutes from ours, at the end of a street in a culdesac.

She saw him more than we did on most days. While it took me a while to actually admit that, it is true.  Here they are, the morning of his last day:

The change in day-cares happened when I realized that sometimes the things you dont want to do are the things you have to do. Tyler was very loved at his day-care and I don't have any regrets.

Ms. Debbie,
Thank you for taking care of our only son. We trusted you wholeheartedly with him and will always be grateful to you for the love you gave to him and to us. We'll miss you!
Love,
Jess, Matt & Tyler

Where Are Your Words?!

Where to begin? Its hard to summarize thoughts and feelings that weigh us down every day.

At Tyler's 18 month appointment (which occurred about two weeks before his 18 month birthday), Matt and I spoke with Tyler's pediatrician about developmental concerns we have had for Tyler. Tyler's pediatirician openly shared her concerns with us as well, and mentioned that he scored positively for Autism on a screening. She, of course, shared with us that a screening does not mean a diagnosis, however it was still hard to hear.

We made the decision to re-open Tyler's evaluation through the CDSA (Children's Developmental Services Agency). If you recall, we tried to obtain services several months ago. We were informed that while he was developmentally delayed in three of the five criteria, it still wasn't enough for him to qualify for services. We felt (as well as our Pediatirican) that it was appropriate to pursue this again further. Our pediatircian asked if we would rather pursue speech therapy (to help with communication) or pursue occupational therapy (to help with walking). We informed her immediately that being able to communicate with Tyler was much more important than anything else. She agreed.

So here is where today's post comes in. Today was Tyler's speech evaluation.

I'll summarize it with two pictures and then a whole lot of words:

Tyler and his "evaluator." I can't remember her name but she was so good with him!

He was a big fan of the playroom!

Dear Tyler,
Today, mommy and daddy took you to downtown Durham for a speech evaluation. Daddy picked you up at day-care and took you to the center. Mommy met you from work. We met with Dana, your CDSA case worker. We also met with your evaluator. Mommy can't remember her name but she was very kind and gentle. You did so well! As soon as we got in the building, we placed you down and you followed us as we walked into the "testing room." You were your lovable self. You engaged well with everyone and even waved a few times. You laughed and giggled as toys and cars were zooming towards you during the games they were playing with you. You walked all over the room. You looked up at the ceiling and said, "Yah. Yah." We think you were talking about the "light" in the room. You came over to daddy and I for comfort when you needed it. You didn't cry once (except when you fell, but that was legit!) When asked, you even took a bottle and fed a little baby doll. Where did you learn that? When you were given a comb and were asked to brush your hair, you put the comb up to your head. Where did you learn that? We are in awe of you. You are so special and worth every bit of worry we place into you!

After you were done playing, we talked with the evaluator about you. They told us that your communication is that of a 9 month old at this time. While it was a little hard to hear, it was the truth and we knew it too. They also highlighted your strengths. They said you have a great personality and are so fun to be around! While they said there is concern for developmental delay, they had a hard time believing that you could be autistic. The evaluator told us that while you would qualify for speech therapy, they think the best plan for now is to let you have fun in your new day-care for a month or two and see how you do!

They really said it best...just when mommy and daddy start feeling really concerned, you do something out that we aren't expecting you to do, it just takes you longer than others your age. Let's take walking as an example. Up until recently, when you took three or four steps between the couch and the coffee table, we were pleased. But then, listen to this, you literally, overnight, started walking! I'm not talking about a few wobbly steps before you crash on the floor, I'm talking about actual walking, from room to room, holding objects! You are so good and steady on your feet!

We came up with a plan. We are going to focus on two signs with you. We are going to focus on "more" and "all done" for the next month or two. We are going to let you explore your new "school" and new "friends." We are going to be really verbal with you and overexaggerate everything with sounds and reinforce it with words.

Most importantly though, we are going to enjoy you. We promise to try not to analyze every move you make. If we do, forgive us. We are human, your parents and want to give you the best we can. You are the love of our life and have brought us more joy than you could ever imagine. Thanks for being you. You are so sweet and adorable. Just when we think we can't possibly love you anymore, it happens....

We love you!
xoxoxo always,
Mommy (and daddy)

Change is Coming...

Change is coming...coming soon...in six days! Tyler will be starting a new "school." Anxiety producing? Yes. Tyler has been going to his current in-center day-care with Ms. Debbie since he was 3 months old. It is all he knows (and all we know). We are very comfortable there and he is loved an incredible and unbelievable amount. It was a really tough decision, but one we feel good about for many, many reasons.

What we have already learned as parents is that there is no right answer to a parenting question, other than to follow our gut and instinct as Tyler's parents and to be on the same page with eachother. We're being lead in this way, so we're following.

To prepare for Tyler's first day of "school," it was suggested to us that we bring him for "craft hour" so that his "teachers" could meet him. Why am I putting these words in quotes? Well, they are new to us! Thinking of Tyler with teachers and being in school is hard. He is getting bigger and things are changing!

I knew that taking Tyler to his new school was a good idea and important, but I also felt nervous about taking him there. What if he cries the whole time? What if the crying turns everyone off? What if the other kids don't like him? What if he won't share? What if the teachers think he is too much work? What if he won't leave our side? What if we don't like it there? All of these thoughts ran through my mind repeatedly.

Flash forward to today. He did great! We even forgot "puppy" and "paci" at home and he didn't need them once. Here's a snapshot:

This is shortly after story time. He really enjoyed listening to the story that his teacher read and also enjoyed the songs they sung afterwards. Tyler was given a "purple" thing to hold. I have no idea what it is called. He didn't mind holding onto it.

Somehow, he acquired two. I'm pretty sure one of the other kids gave it to him. They must have known he was about to be the new kid on the block.

Tyler was pretty quick to explore. He was drawn to the books (shocker), but also those stairs in the background!

This picture makes me laugh and isnt too surprising. Over the last two or three days, Tyler has been really into "sitting" on items. He likes to sit in the chair in his bedroom, sit on a step and at this point in time, quite frankly, would sit on Matt's head if he would let him. The second I saw this couch, I figured Tyler would end up on it.

My personal favorite story of the day comes from...craft time! Tyler has not had this experience before so I figured we might be in for an adventure. To start, let me just tell you that Tyler did not like it when the "teacher" put the cape over his head. We finally got past it and things were going well. The craft of the day was fingerpainting. The teacher put the fingerpaint on the paper and Tyler swirled his fingers right around in the paint. It surprised me, as we have had to work with him on a number of sensory issues.

Impressed and proud, it was going well, until.....Tyler stuck his finger painted hands in his mouth. Bad news. Crying immediately occurred and he declared his "craft time" to be over. The other kids were watching him and were so impressed with his attempt to "eat" his fingerpaint that they all did it too! Super special, let me tell you.

Classic:

Anyways, the rest of "craft time," Tyler spent exploring the rest of the classroom. He really liked this bottle filled with green water. He had a great time, until he tried to throw it in the trash can repeatedly and we told him "No." He's not a huge fan of "No." pretty independent :)

This was his favorite new activity. He loved climbing up the stairs and scooting down them on his bottom. He must have gone up and down the stairs at least 10 times.

All in all - a huge success for his first hour at his new "school." More posts to follow about our new adventures with "school" once it starts next week! Stay tuned!

Zoom, Zoom...

Everyone clear the roads, Tyler's on the move and he's got places to go!

Stride Rites Are Waterproof...

As I was preparing Tyler's bath for the night by filling the bathtub with water, I heard a "plop" sound in the toilet. I turned around, to find Tyler, standing over the toilet seat, watching his $50 pair of Stride Rite shoes float peacefully in the water. Thanks, buddy!

While his shoes were taken out of the toilet, washed and left to dry, he relaxed before bed:

Grandpa Uss Is In Town...

Yes, that is right! Grandpa planned a last minute trip to come see us! Grammy was at the beach and Grandpa had a weekend unplanned. I love that he decided to spend his weekend with us!

Grandpa bought Tyler this radio flyer. It took him some time to warm up to it, but by the end of the weekend, he was trying to climb in it himself and was pushing the buttons to listen to the music it makes!

Tyler and Grandpa

Playing with his train set from Auntie J:

Stories before bedtime with Grandpa!

Tyler laughing while playing with Grandpa!

On Saturday, we took Tyler to the Marbles Museum again. We figured since he is walking now, it would be much more entertaining for him and we were right about that. He had a great time!

We had a great time with you, Grandpa! Thanks for always putting us first!

Random Tuesday Fun...

I had a random day off on Tuesday so we made a couple of trips...

First stop: Panera

We ate outside. We set up chairs a couple of feet away from eachother to encourage Tyler to walk back and forth between them. Once we got our food, we grabbed some sugar packets, straws and coffee lids and put them on the chairs. Do you know how much entertainment that can provide to a little one?!

Next stop: Pet Store
Let me tell you, the Pet Store is great entertainment for a new walker. There are items in every corner and large displays to grab onto. Tyler particularly enjoyed the dog toy aisle, specially this ball.

And a random picture from later in the night. I love this picture for so many reasons. First, check out Tyler "reading" his coloring book. He is not interested in coloring. If we say, "Tyler, do you want to color?" He shakes his head "no" repeatedly. ..at least he is honest. He has become attached to a book that my parents gave him, "The Three Little Pigs." The book is recorded in their voice and it has been the first thing he grabs when he is in his bedroom these days. Oh, and while we are at it...check out Matt in the background...coloring. Clearly, if Tyler won't color, he will.

Sling No More...

Matt heard the words he had been waiting on since his shoulder injury in June..."You don't have to wear the sling anymore." Of course, I had to get one last picture before he sent the sling flying.

Play Date with Allie...

Tyler had a play-date with Allie today. I work with Allie's mom at Duke. She is also a social worker.

This is the sign of a successful play-date:

Swinging with Grandma...

We invited Grandma along to the park with us. Tyler loved swinging and cried today when the swing stopped. As soon as he started swinging again, he was content and happy.

Bath, Books, Bed...

Even at 17 1/2 months old, our routine remains the same.

1. Bath Time

Bath time is enjoyable until its time for Tyler to get out of the bath tub. While he's in the bath tub, he likes to splash and play with his alphabet letters. He is not a big fan of getting dried off and would much rather spend his time throwing various items (shampoo, body wash, cups, toys, etc.) back into the bath tub. I often feel that wresting a lion letting him run around naked may be easier than laying him down to dry him off and put on a diaper.

2. Books

Books are incorporated at all times of the day in our house, but one of our favorites is right before bed. Tyler loves picking out books for us to read. He likes to turn the page and has many favorite books.

3. Bed

Obviously, a necessary part of Toddler development :) Tyler likes to play games before bed. He likes to throw his puppy and paci out of the crib. He also likes to play peek a boo. At least for the time being, we can still get him pretty wound up and excited before bed and it doesn't take too long before he is out like a light for the rest of the night.

It's Show Time...

Sometimes, you have to make things a little exciting when you are around a toddler and have other routine "projects" to get done. Today's project was Operation Bathe The Dogs. We needed some essentials to accomplish this task: two dogs, leashes, shampoo, water, toddler, kid chair, sippy cup and snacks.

Exhibit A:

And because we are such great parents, we furthered Tyler's afternoon entertainment by allowing him to watch Matt help one of our neighbors repair his boat. When I say Matt "helped" by the way, I'm referring to his verbal assistance. Matt is still in recovery from his shoulder surgery!

Exhibit B: (please note: boat repair supervisor visible on the right)



Play Day at Marbles Museum!

I had the day off from work today and we decided to keep Tyler home from day-care so that we could all go to the Marbles Museum in Raleigh, NC. I have heard great things about it but nothing can measure up to actually being there. Tyler had a blast! I'll give you the story in pictures!

This is the "Todder's Hollow." We went here first and Tyler took a little while to warm up but once he did, he loved it.

This was hilarious! All of the other kids walked up to this and put their hands on it...but that wasn't what Tyler was after. He wanted to sit on it. He looked like a little glow worm.

Few more pics :)

Vrmm Vrmm...Tyler's in the driver's seat. Other children continued to hop in the car and Tyler didn't mind. For most of the "drive," he had his right hand on the wheel and his left hand laid back against the door.

The most impressive moments of all were the ones of Tyler pushing this grocery cart around. Once he got his hands on this thing, there was no stopping him! He walked all over the place with the cart. He didn't let anything stop him...he ran into parents, kids, items, etc. He also cried when another girl tried to take his shopping cart. He cried again when another girl tried to put grocery items in it. Haha. After 15 minutes or so, we made the decision to abandon the grocery cart before he hurt himself or someone else!

This peg board was great...but probably his greatest source of frustration. He knew the peg went in the hole, but couldn't quite figure out how to make it happen.

This must have been taken during one of the times he did figure it out :)

I think he is going to like sports, especially soccer or basketball. We'll see if my prediction is correct.

And my personal favorite...how could you not love this little munchkin?! We had so much fun together today! I'm just glad I have at least another 14 years to be in the driver's seat :)