The Old Randoms

I haven't done a random-factoid-post in a while, so here goes.

Rio:

Busy swimming and skating and skiing and soon to be dancing. Yes, she convinced me to register her for dance AGAIN. After so many unsuccessful attempts (I believe 4?) I think she's going to do it this time. She better, because for once we don't have hand me down shoes and I need to actually buy her ballet shoes. Skating lessons have gone well - she "passed"to the next level, although at her age we're trying to play down that term so she isn't upset if/when she doesn't next time. She is also getting very close to reading - I think one day the switch is going to just flip and she'll be there.

Oh ya, and she's become obsessed with having coloured hair. At least 25% of the girls in Rio's school have some sort of coloured streak in their hair - usually pink. Several of the boys in Rio's class also have multi coloured mohawks. It is apparently "the new thing". Rio has been begging for it since well before Christmas and I finally gave in. No, I am not permanently dying my daughter's hair, but I did find some coloured hair spray and this morning I surprised her with it. Considering how easily it washed off my hands I will assume (hope?) it will wash right out of her hair. Consider her tickled pink purple! I think she is adorable. Her dad thinks I am turning her into a beauty queen.

Asher:

Still doing Feldenkrais and seeing great results. Because we are with him every minute we don't see all the subtle changes, but friends and family that don't see him as often are really noticing. Going to try some new stuff with our regular PT and OT but will delve into that further once we try it out. He is using about 30 words, but although he has all those words he speaks a lot less than Nolan. My favourite is that he yells "WALK" at Nolan every time Nolan tries. Still loving his BOOKS. His favourite word and favourite thing and you could seriously leave him in front of his book shelf ALL DAY. The only reason he'd complain is if he had pulled all the books off and needed them restacked. Seriously if the kid sees any book - like could be our novel or cookbook - it is game over until he has it in his hands.

Asher's OT is going on mat leave in a month. While we are thrilled for her, we are sad because she is absolutely wonderful and we will miss her dearly. They have, however, hired her replacement, and while they won't overlap officially, they will swing it somehow so they can both come for a visit and meet Asher together. It's wonderful that our new OT is taking over our entire current OT's case load, so in theory, when the year is up she will just give all the cases back instead of us getting reassigned someone else new.

Nolan:

Now that we are seriously encouraging (enforcing?) walking, he is really trying. He needs to push something, hold a wall or our hands, but he is gaining confidence. He is starting PT and possibly even Feldenkrais until he masters it. While the neurologist's comments about his non-walking got us worried (ok MAD) last week, I think they were the kick we needed to start encouraging him more. Seems to be doing the trick.

He is using about 35 words and doesn't stop talking. There is a running commentary about everything and it is hilarious to hear. My favourite is "nigh nigh digo" -- translation: "Good night Gorilla" (his new favourite book).

Both Boys:

Sometimes the boys are so similar it's easier to talk about them as if they were one entity...

We saw their infant development consultant today and went through a checklist for 24 months (the boys are nearly there [corrected]). In fantastic news, the boys are socially/cognitively exactly where they should be for 24 months. Although Asher is limited in his motor skills to show us some of the things Nolan can, he has his own ways of making his intentions clear. Such great news!

And speaking of them being one entity - sometimes I wonder if they have a clear understanding of the differences between themselves. Sounds funny, I know, but I think being identical really complicates things. They both know with certainty who mommy, daddy and Rio are, yet if you point to the other, or point to a picture of both of them, they seem incredibly confused. Although they both respond to their own names, they don't say their own, or each other's names - ever. It's kind of weird to say, but it's like right now they just see each other as an extension of themselves. Creepy twins!

Parents:

Boring. Same old. Jordan is off snowboarding for a couple of days and I am holding the fort. But you don't really care about us do you, so I won't make you read any more of that.

That's us. What's new with you?