The Boys in Action

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Here are the boys in action! Sorry for the poor editing, I had to cut out some personal stuff. I was trying to give you a good idea of Matt's communication skills, but Chris continually steals the show. I'll try to do a video "interview" of Matt later and upload another video. Enjoy! ;)

Summer Vacation

I haven't been posting much because things have been going pretty well lately, status quo. No big surprises. Josh is communicating much better at home and at school. He seems to really know his alphabet, will sit and "read" a book TO me. In his own way. Yesterday he was counting EVERYTHING. He uses sign language, but is vocalizing much more, and consistently when I prompt him. Very cool.

Reading with Matt has been a VERY good experience. He is quite a trooper when SGT Mommy sits with him to read his books. His speech teacher said he tested very well, vocabulary is doing well, too. Just needs to work on his enunciation, dictation, you know the drill. I have a hunch he could fully mainstream IF he didn't feel so strongly about being around some deaf/hoh peers in school. I have to pay attention to the whole picture with him, not just his academic abilities.

This summer we have some options. But something that Matt has always wanted to do was start a local science club. So I'm thinking we're going to work together and plan a Summer Science "program" here at the house, maybe art and craft days, too. Then put together a calendar and pass it around to his friends and other neighbor kids. Many years ago I used to run a park program, all by myself. 20-60 kids at the park at any given time. That was WAAAAAAAY back when I had more energy, though. I think if I have a plan, pick a couple of hours in the afternoon to do the activities, we could have a really fun summer.

There are programs in the area for things like this, but I prefer to have something here vs. running around like a mad woman dragging three kids around. AND this may help us to get to know some other kids better, on our own turf. Matt LOVES science, especially interested in robotics. So I have a little research and planning to do now. Again, with good PLANNING this could be a lot of fun. Maybe I'll get to know some other parents, too!
Well, that's the update. Matt and Josh both have some cute schoolwork I should probably scan in for the blog. I love the idea that they'll be able to look back at their "story" someday, and share it with others, too. ;)

OOOOH! Speaking of stories, Little Jack, linked on my sidebar, just had his second CI implanted. I'm so excited for them! I encourage you to check out their blog and read about that, too. Very exciting!!!!!

What are your plans for the summer?