It's been a few months..My Amazing Son!

Eli has become simply amazing in his progress. I cannot describe to anyone the joy we experience every day as a result of the RDI program. Our son looks for us, connects with us, connects with his sister.

He's asking for things with sentences. He is able to ask other adults to play with him. He acts like a three year old now, with all the despair and joy that goes with it.

I can't even start on the progress without tearing up, so take my word for it. RDI is a miracle.

The Zoo!!

Today we went to the teaching zoo at the local community college. One of the members of the playgroup we belong to is a graduate and gave us a tour. It was so neat, the animals are kept in a beautiful natural layout and are so healthy and pretty. We took lots of pictures and if you peruse my photobucket you can see about 20 that turned out ok. The link is listed below, I hope.
The picture here is of a white footed gibbon..he was swinging around and watching US.

Sophie fell at the snake exhibit and hurt her foot, though, and was kind of grumpy and wouldn't look at the snakes. She cheered up when we saw turtles, though. She was terrified of the gators, however. They also have some beautiful bald eagles, which are really HUGE birds.

Come visit us in Gainesville soon, the exibits are free but you must take a guided tour. They have tours all weekend long!
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/megjobes/Teaching%20Zoo%20SFCC/

Yesterday was Tom's Birthday!

We had a great day, here. While Eli was at school, Sophie and I went to the store and picked up a cake, frosting, and birthday candles and hats. Sophie was so excited that it was daddy's birthday and we were going to have a party. I promised when Eli got home, we were going to make the GF/CF cupcakes.

So, Eli got home and I gave him a little while to get settled, and we made cupcakes. Eli helped pour the ingredients in and stir, and Sophie helped stir and lick the bowl after I put the batter in the cupcake holders. It was so great that BOTH children could help me make the cakes. After we got done with frosting (Sophie's favorite part), we made construction paper birthday cards with stickers and crayons. They each decorated the card for daddy.

I think the best part was when Tom got home from work and Sophie came in from outside and yelled, "DADDY! It's your Birthday!" and sang to him. He was really pleased with the kids' efforts and was smiling a lot. After supper we had cake while wearing birthday hats and also ice cream (the children had soy ice cream). A huge mess was made by the cupcake eaters. Tom and I had chocolate cake with creme brulee ice cream..YUM YUM..Good fun was had by all!

I think one of the best things, though, is that Eli willingly participates with us now. He helped make the cake, he helped frost, he made the birthday card for daddy, and he put on his birthday hat and sung his own little birthday tune. I'm so pleased to have him as part of things now. Even 6 months ago I couldn't have gotten him to be in the moments with us like he was yesterday.

Tom and I stayed up way too late chatting and cuddling...now I'm up way too early with the boy who is on a normal sleep schedule!