New Toys
Greetings everyone!
Over the weeks, so many people have been so generous to Xavier and to Rebecca. Many have given little toys for Xavier to play with, rattles, taggies, bears and other stuffed animals. Until recently, these toys set unused on a shelf because Xavier did not show any interest or skill with them.
About a week and a half ago, we placed a softball-sized plastic "mesh" ball (given to us by Rebecca's wing of the Wyoming ANG) on Xavier's belly as he lay in his swing. He was able to lift the ball, holding it by parts of its thin frame. He moved it back and forth between hands, and eventually pulled it to his mouth to try and suck one of the little "rattle disks" woven into the frame.
We realized quickly that we should start him with toys that would involve the mouth, meaning ones he could "taste" or suck on. Since his primary experience with manipulating items involves his mouth (bottle nipples ans syringes), we thought we could leverage that to help introduce him to other items. Our thoughts have been borne out. Now he has several toys which he can "mouth" and he plays and manipulates them with alacrity.
Always, thank you for your prayers.
With mom away for a couple of days, Xavier hung out with dad as he worked from the kitchen table. Sitting in his new "belly pillow," Xavier can keep an eye on dad as he codes away. Rebecca says this is one of the best $25 she has spent. Xavier likes this pillow more than his swing, and it's mobile!
Recently, Xavier has begun handling small items, and manipulating them with purpose. This rattle has become one of his favored toys because he can put it into his mouth and suck on it. We've highlighted several of his hand positions showing his developing command of manipulating items.