Sunday, July 14, 2013

Eli & his ABC's

It's been over a month since my last post.  But no one has complained--I think it's because it's summer. (Well, & I probably don't have a ton of readers--which is fine.  This blog is more for me to look back on & Eli someday.) I hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as I am.  This is the quickest summer of my life & I can't believe it's mid-July.  I had to stop and take time to post, because even though the summer is going by quick--Eli is making progress that I wanted to take note of.

I tried to share a video once & I don't think anyone was able to watch it.  So I finally got a youtube account and posted my video online--hoping you will be able to view his progress! (I don't know any other way to share a video..)

Eli's therapist has been working like crazy with Eli & his ABC's.  When Eli left preschool he could identify only a couple of his alphabet.  So that was end of May when he graduated.  Eli right now is going to summer school, besides his therapy sessions.  And just this week when I picked Eli up from his preschool, his teacher said, "Eli is doing so well with his alphabet.  Even in random order, and he knows the hard ones like, W."  I was so pleased to hear this!!  Sometimes I wonder if he does things only for his therapist, so it is nice to hear him use the knowledge he is learning somewhere else!!

Here is a video of Eli practicing his ABC's:

Eli's YouTube Video


Hopefully, you can click the above line & it will take you to Eli's movie!  Let me know if it doesn't work..

Eli is talking SO much more.  He is putting sentences together & he is copying things he hears Chad & I say.  He is also learning to be more independent.  He is finally dressing himself.  And just two days ago he went potty without having to tell Chad & I that he was going!  Which is nice, so that he doesn't have an accident if he can't reach us.

You can tell Eli is so happy with his own progress--being able to communicate better & proud when he says or does new things.  It's crazy to think he has a therapist come 5 days a week, from 1:15-3:45 each day.  Poor guy--& some days it isn't easy on him.  But because of this ABA therapy, he is making this progress & one day he will be grateful for us pushing him so hard.

I am so happy Eli is able to continue learning, each day I am learning to be ok that it's at a different speed than most kids.  I am just so grateful that he is able to learn & keep progressing.  I love this boy SO much!  He is teaching me A LOT & helping me to be a better person, (although it's a very slow process & hope he can forgive me for my mistakes & impatience a long the way.)

Here's some pics from our latest vacation in Lava.  LOVED this trip & so did this boy!



He calls swimming, "swims!" 

Eli had SO much fun with his cousins!  We have a great family.

I have more I want to post--but should get started on my Monday.  Enjoy your week!

Love,
Katie

6 comments:

  1. Katie,

    Not sure if you even remember me from high school but I want you to know that I love reading your blog. Eli seems to be the sweetest little boy and I think you're doing an amazing job dealing with the challenging hand your entire familt was dealt. Just wanted to let you know that the time you put forth to write this blog isn't in vain. People are reading! :)

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    1. Amy--
      Yes I do remember you! I appreciate you commenting & reading my blog! Thank you! It's nice to know I got support & people wanting to know how Eli is doing--even people I don't see on a regular basis. You are so sweet & I hope that life is going well for you.
      Thanks,
      Katie

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  2. I read, but I feel the same way when I write my blog, that no one is reading and I'm just writing it for my own memories. Which is totally fine with me. I love the video idea, it'll be fun to look back on those. Who is in the video with him?

    You can embed YouTube videos really easy on Blogger. It's similar to how you add photo just click on the symbol that is the next to the photo, the black directors square thing. It let's you choose how you want to add a video. You can select from My YouTube Videos.

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    1. Oh goodness, that sounds easier than what I did! I will try it next time I post a video :)
      Thanks for reading my blog, the guy with Eli is his therapist! The one that comes every week day. He is great!
      Thanks Priscilla!

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  3. I am so proud of Eli and the progress he is making!!! The video made me cry, in a proud aunt kind of way!!! Love you both so very very much!!!

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  4. Hey Katie, I finally found your blog! It was good to see you today. I need to get on the ball to come see you. I'm sure this journey has been a trying one but I'm glad to see that you are making the best of it and learning as you go along. I love you Katie.

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