Christmas

We had a terrific Christmas! This was the first year that Katie would see a present and know that it needed to be opened, tearing at the wrapping paper! It was great to see the cognitive strides in "understanding what a present is" that we have not seen in the past.

Sure is loud around here!

For about the last two weeks, Katie has been REALLY loud! Loud in a good way though, shrieking for the fun of it is my guess. We were at Swan Rehab last week where they see a lot of stroke victims and where Katie gets her treadmill therapy.  They see mostly older people and not too many 4 year-olds, at least not when we are there.  It's one big room that is divided in areas, but I could hear Katie all the way in the lobby - having a good time and letting everyone know - shrieking in delight!  I heard someone say to her, "Let's use your inside voice." 

So, I had a conference with Katie's teachers and therapists about her goals and I asked them if she seems to have been louder at school in the past few weeks, which they confirmed.  One of the therapists said that it means her core is getting stronger, that kids can't get that loud until their core is strong enough.  I think she also said something about her vocal cords maturing and her mouth muscles becoming stronger - maybe that was the school psychologist - but anyway, I guess what it comes down to is - all of this screaming is a really good sign!  Paul and I may be wearing ear plugs soon, but it's all good!

A note today from Katie's school Speech Therapist

"At circle time, Katie raised her hand when Miss Rhoda asked, "whose name starts with "K"? ( sign of K was given as only other cue) OMG!!!!  Katie also participated in response by stomping her feet when another child asked for the whole class to stomp for that child as applause. No help was needed for Katie- she knew what to do."

Things Katie does like this simply amaze me!  Guess it's time to start going over the alphabet more consistently at home!