Tummy Exercise
Greetings to everyone.
Xavier had is last visit from his current physical therapist. The therapist decided since we are moving further south than her coverage area, we should wait until we move into the new house for his next session. Xavier will be getting a new therapist at this time.
Xavier was very tired while she was here, and he slept through most of the session. She gave him a deep tissue massage on his neck and shoulders. Since that massage, Xavier has an easier time turning his head to the left.
One of the things we have been working on with Xavier is his shoulder and forearm strength. He generally does not like these exercises. He fusses, cries and throws fits more often than not because it's hard, he sometimes collapses and he does not like being constrained in ways that make him develop new skills.
Many parents, the therapist told us, don't work the "on the tummy" exercises because babies don't like it. They fuss and cry and throw fits because it's hard, they collapse and they don't like being constrained in ways that make them develop new skills.
"But," she told us, "babies eventually learn to crawl anyway. Those babies whose parents protected their baby from some "suffering" don't often have enduring shoulder and forearm strength when they first learn. They go for a while, then fall, smashing their face onto the floor."
Xavier is doing well in his exercises. He is beginning to press up with his arms at times when he is not being "forced to exercise." One of his favored places to practice is his changing table. After a fresh diaper, he likes to do several reps before moving on with the rest of his day.
No, Xavier is not posing for the cover of Babies GQ! He is pressing himself up and holding himself in place. He thinks his "guns" are starting to look totally buff!
Happy Halloween
Greetings to everyone.
This is Xavier's first Halloween. We opted not to dress him up any more than his little hat. Instead of trolling the neighborhood for candy (he would have cleaned up!), we took a family walk through a nearby park.
We had many cute little children stop by the house tonight, but far fewer than the supply of candy we bought. Looks like we will have enough left-over candy to make up for not hitting up the neighbors.
Xavier, acting nonchalant, tries to blend in with the carved pumpkin he inspired. Xavier's great aunt, Mary Jo, sent him this little hat; he has nearly outgrown it.
The wind was a little strong and cold, so we did not make Xavier suffer too many poses. Were it warmer, we might have set him in a bed of leaves.
George, the Giraffe
Hello to everyone!
We named the little guy Xavier is holding George the Giraffe, and he has become one of Xavier's favored toys at the moment. The ring's diameter is small enough he can get a firm hold on it, and he can get it into his mouth, which is still an important test of a good toy. George's neck is soft and flexible, and Xavier likes squeezing it.
Of late, George has nearly become a permanent attachment to our little man. George and a little crinkle book are never far from Xavier's reach.