Updates on Past Posts

So here's an update on the last two posts: Josh had an in-home evaluation from the therapist and pretty much I don't know anything about what they decided. August is their 'off' month, so I'll have to wait until September to find out which therapist will be working with Josh next year. They told me some things to do to help his temper tantrums, but now that I look back on it, they didn't give me any actual ideas on what exactly to do. He said things like "replacement behavior" and "redirecting behavior." Well, how does one exactly use replacement behavior when Josh is throwing a fit at the door because I'm using the bathroom? It's not like I'm really able to offer him an alternate activity when I'm in there. So when things resume next month, hopefully I'll be able to get some more concrete ideas on what to do. They made up some picture cards for things like "eat" and "drink" but thus far Josh hasn't grasped the concept yet. We'll continue to use it because it took months for him to be able to use a few signs. Each day continues to bring highs and lows. He's started to say "ah wah" for a rock and is becoming more consistent about saying "Mama." Yet he still melts into temper tantrums for the tiniest reason.

We decided to use some non-graphic polo shirts for Josh to wear to church. Thanks to my mom for picking up some on clearance for us. Our church is having a swap meet next weekend and while I have to work, I hope to send David over with a list of items to look for and perhaps we can get some more clothes that will work for Josh. He'll still wear his white shirt on some Sundays (since I have one, he might as well wear it) but for the most part, I'll send him in some more durable clothes. Josh is also doing better about going to nursery and sitting through church. Unfortunately the nursery worker who he bonded with is having trouble with her pregnancy, so I think she won't be in there any more. This week they were short handed, so both David and I spent time in there helping out with the kids.

All in all, we're very happy with the adjustments Josh has been able to make lately. He no longer sleeps in the crib, never gets a binkie and we're slowly seeing him mature in his ability to be quiet for longer periods of time at church. It helps that I feed him a constant supply of cereal and he has specific quiet toys he's only allowed to have during church. I found I was actually able to listen to the speaker and absorb the message being taught! We'll get all this figured out just in time for #2 to start being a holy terror. C'est la vie.