On The Way Up Again

Is my life working out better these last couple of days because I expect it to? I'm not sure, but the last couple of days have been better. And thanks to everyone who posted a comment or e-mailed me privately. It really helped to know that there were people out there pulling for me.

On Saturday I got up in the morning and discovered that I had lost three pounds (out of 10). This was due to stress no doubt but I'll take it. I have a new diet strategy. Every time I feel like snacking I first make myself go to the freezer and take out a two and a half pound package of frozen chicken breasts. Have you ever really considered how heavy 2.5 pounds of chicken is? It is pretty darn heavy. And that nasty, gooey yellow chicken fat? Blech! So that is pretty much enough to keep me from reaching for another Klondike bar.

Anyway, so I went and got dressed and when I returned to the bathroom in order to usher Sam, who was playing in the sink, downstairs, he turned to me and said: "You look very cute today, Mom." I was a bit taken aback. I mean he's only two and he already knows that he is supposed to compliment women on how they look? I asked him to repeat it just so I could hear it again. It has been a long time since I've been called cute.

Then later we were in the playroom and Oliver, who was making a sixty-piece, Ravensberger, Thomas puzzle, got my attention and indicated that he wanted me to come and sit beside him. I was surprised to find that he had already finished the puzzle with only two pieces to go. When Oliver makes a puzzle there is always a particular piece or two that go in last. As I sat down next to him it occurred to me that he wanted to share this moment with me. I watched as he fit in those last two pieces. Sam came over at the very last moment and said: "I'm proud of you Oliver!" taking the words right out of my mouth. I am amazed at the focus and persistence he has when it comes to making puzzles.

We are still having some moments of difficulty with Oliver. I think he is reaching a new level of frustration at his inability to communicate. I'm not exactly sure if that is a positive thing or not but I just try -- as much as possible -- to stay calm and soothing and encourage him to try again to help me understand what he wants. I am discovering that he is able to say so many words if I help him get started, sometimes with just the first sound. But it definitely helps if I know what it is that he wants. I had been hoping that Oliver's language would just sort of kick in as we progressed with RDI but this last couple of weeks has me wondering if I am doing all I should. I've been reading a bit lately about the association method of teaching language and may consider giving that a try. It looks hard though.

OK, now I'm off to try and install this memory card reader on my laptop. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post very soon!