Jump, Jump, Jump

Today Beau and I ventured to a jumpy place.  It has been so hot here, so I thought it might be fun to try some indoor fun.

 Beau started out in the toddler area and played with some toys.  

 Then he got brave and ventured into a jumpy.  

 He did not like the enclosed jumpies, but he did like this one that was open around the sides.  

 It was hard, but he finally got his balance enough to walk across the jumpy.  

 Look at that concentration as he tries to stand up!  Beau can often sometimes be stubborn.  While this can occasionally be a challenging characteristic, I love when his stubbornness perseverance comes out at times like this.  He works really hard to accomplish new things, even if they are hard for him.  

I love you sweet Beau and I love watching you experience new things.  I love how you are timid at first in new environments, but you quickly warm up and get comfortable.  

"God loves and delights in the diversity of His creation and there is no mold".  -Jenny

My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-ordained faith.  James 2:1, The Message 

Speech Therapy Session 1

As I've mentioned before, Beau qualified for one hour per week of speech services through Georgia's early intervention program.

Yesterday was his first official session and I want to document it so that I won't forget.  We chose to go the route of early intervention mainly because they provide services in the home and the cost is much more affordable than private services in our area.

Beau had just woken up from nap when the therapist arrived.  I had planned for him to have a few more minutes to wake up, but the therapist arrived about 15 minutes early.  I guess early is better than late.

Beau was definitely apprehensive and knew that this was more than just a play date.  He did cry for about 20 minutes, but he finally calmed down and interacted.

She started with bubbles, as I suspect most speech therapists do.  In addition to being fun and playful, bubbles allow for a variety of simple language....bubble, pop, up, etc.

Beau enjoyed playing with the bubbles.  We also played with his play food and with his blocks.  This session was mostly about building rapport with the therapist.  She did bring a big bag of her own toys/activities, but we didn't use any of them this time.

Towards the end of the session, Beau and I received our first assignment.  One thing the therapist is going to focus on is teaching Beau to make a request.  Since he doesn't have enough words yet to ask for all of the things he needs, we are starting with pictures.

She would like me to take pictures of a few of his favorite toys.  Then put the toys in a box that Beau can't open and attach the pictures to the outside of the box.  When Beau wants one of the toys, he will have to request it by point to the picture.  Eventually he will be required to attempt the word/say the word.

This same strategy can be used on the refrigerator when Beau wants something...milk, water, grapes, etc.

Crockpot Cookin'

I was feeling in a menu rut, so I got almost all of our recipes off of pinterest this week. Today we had chicken fajita salad and Beau had fun helping get everything ready in the crockpot.

After dinner we braved the scorching heat for a little play time outside! 

Food Truck Fun

This afternoon we ventured out to the Food Truck Park for lunch. It was lots of fun and we will definitely go again.  My only advice is to go at the beginning of the lunch service or the beginning of the dinner service.  Lunch started at 11:00 and several trucks had already sold out of certain menu items when we arrived around 1:00.

There was a band, which added to the fun vibe of the event.  

We decided to eat at the Yumbii truck.  Who can resist Korean fusion food?! Our friends Karen and Tanna introduced us to the Yumbii truck about two years ago at their son Isaac's first birthday.  It was delicious then and it was delicious today! 

 Beau was happy we discovered the playground! 

 He loves driving mounted steering wheels.  

For dessert, we had popsicles from King of Pops.    Yummo!  It was a perfect cool treat on a hot day!

Simple-Color photos from 4th of July

Brandon and Stacey were so generous to snap a few family pictures on 4th of July.  Our last family picture of Raleigh's side of the family was taken before Beau came home, so it was fun to get some updated shots of everyone!

Thank you Brandon and Stacey! The pictures are priceless!