It feels like we are definitely in a period of forward momentum where Archie’s communication is concerned. I have everything crossed that it continues! Some of his new words, recently acquired are: Lolly, Jelly and Squeeze! And whilst he has always understood the signs we use, he had only been bothered enough to master the sign for “More” (it being the fastest route to more cake, biscuits, juice, chocolate, yoghurt, banana, raisins…you getting the gist?!) Well he can now sign for “Bird” & “Biscuit” YAY!!!!!!!! It fills me with such confidence that he will develop his communication, we just have to keep plugging away and keep him motivated! The problem we have now is that he KNOWS how overjoyed I am at the sight of his grubby little palm banging his opposite elbow, that he has demolished the biscuit tin today! Boundaries will be re-established tomorrow….maybe!
Sleep (I know that by merely thinking about this, I have totally jinxed it!) – we have been getting a little more! I ordered a weighted blanket after a friend had considerable success with it. Yes, I know what works for one may not work for another, but at the moment I’m on the willing to try anything/everything bus! So it arrived, and it is a considerable weight – a good 5 lbs. We ordered it from www.sensorydirect.com – it’s the Midi one and it cost £79.95 plus postage. Once he is asleep we lay the weighted blanket over him; he does still make some noise in the night and wakes for a drink around 11pm-12am. Once resettled he’s been going through until 6.30 – 7.00, which is brilliant. I really think the quality of his sleep is much, much better as his body and brain are able to relax more, and make that much needed melatonin. LONG may it continue, lol!
He got a lot of noisy books for his birthday – you know the kind that have buttons down the side that correspond to pictures through the book, and make a variety of annoying noises. It seems to be the way to engage him with books at the moment. He was busy pushing the buttons on one this morning & I wanted to know if he was able to transfer the labels he knows, when they’re presented differently in different media. How pleased was I that he pushed the right buttons when I asked “Where’s the pig…bird…boat…clock…cow…sheep?” Very!!!!!
a little sweet on the side! 