Knock Knock

So, I wasn't there, but Grace's Para related this story to me:
The Para needed to change Grace. The paper that they put on the changing table was out. So, she gave Grace the empty roll and pushed Grace in her wheelchair to the nurse's office to get more. Coming up to the nurse's office, the door was shut. Without prompting, Grace leaned forward and knocked on the door. Then she tried the handle. A few seconds later, the nurse opened the door and saw Grace with the empty paper roll. She said, " It looks like you need some more paper, " to which Grace instantaneously signed, "Please." A whole conversation and unprompted communication. The Para was so excited to share. Now, as I tell everyone the story, while in Grace's presence, she knows I am talking proudly and she smiles like she knows that she did something great.

Mommy's little Helper

Grace and I spent almost an hour washing dishes (dishwasher is broken at the moment), building suds castles, spilling water everywhere, then sweeping and mopping the floor. She had a blast splashing in the water and throwing small bowls of water on the floor. She looked proud to help sweep with the broom

Long time not blogging.

It's been over a year since I last wrote on the blog. I thought, well, maybe Ishould give it up. But, someone reminded me, lately, that it is really great when I notice and remember the tiny special moments I have with Grace, now and then. Those moments are important and precious. So, I'll keep trying to post things when they come up. She is darn cute and definately worth it!

Grace using ipodtouch

Upon purchasing this ipodtouch last September and getting several inexpensive and free apps, Grace has learned to touch with her finger. She puts out her finger on her own. She still reaches for my hand to help hold her hand but she is the one moving her hand where she wants to go with only occasional "forced" movement by me. In other activities I have been encouraging Grace to touch objects with only her finger versus her whole hand. Using her finger has helped in letting me know which choice she really wants.

Mom, can Grace say "Yes"

The other day, Ellen said to me, "Can Grace say 'yes'?" I told her, "Yes, well sort of." Ellen interrupted and asked, "Does she move her whole upper body forward and back?" I excitedly said yes she does and asked Ellen what had happened. Ellen and Grace were sitting on the floor playing. Ellen began offering kisses and then started asking Grace if she wanted kisses. Grace leaned forward and back and Ellen gave her a kiss.
We've worked on whole body movement for "yes" in therapy and I try to incorporate it into Grace's days. And now look, she can do it on her own. Yeah!

Happy Walking

Grace has always been a one step forward, 2 step back kinda girl.

Two ears

In the early morning of today, Grace woke up and wanted to play. I wasn't ready to play so I just laid down next to her and pretended to play. Eventually, she rolled over on to her tummy and she wanted a kiss. So I tried to kiss her but got her ear as she turned her head at the last moment. Well, she thought this was real fun and I continued to give her little kisses on her right ear. After a bit of fun there, she worked hard to turn her head and that's when I realized she wanted kisses on her left ear, also. We've been working on body awareness in therapies for some time now but I think Grace already knows she has two ears. Awesome.