Home School and Phone Calls

So, a week into homeschooling with Brendon and all is well. Luiza is managing to work with Brendon on schoolwork while then switching to her role as therapist with Calvin. We have started to regain momentum with Calvin, and it's already paying off.

On Sunday, we went swimming and biking with my parents at the Mt. Hood Village. Calvin had a blast, as we all did. Yesterday morning, Calvin grabbed the phone and said to Luiza, "Hi, Nana." So, Luiza called Nana's cell phone and Nana answered. "Hi, Nana, " Calvin said. "Nana swim." "Yes," said Nana. "Ride bikes, Nana, " and then Calvin started going downstairs... "Blue car, go see Nana," he said as he went to the door. He wanted to go back again!

Yesterday, after our time in his playroom, he wanted to leave the room. I asked where he was going. "Look phone, Calvin call Nana, swim and bike." Wow! That's a great communication line from him... for sure the longest I've ever heard from him. It was great!!

Calvin's first "Thank You"

So, last week, I was giving Calvin something to eat, and after I started to walk away, he said, "Thank you, Dada." That might not seem like a big deal, but it was Calvin's first unprompted "Thank you" ever!!! I was thrilled. He followed it up again yesterday thanking Luiza for helping him with his bigwheel. Man, that's a great step. It's a real relationship concept to say thanks. He's said excuse me many times, but mainly because he wants to get past someone in line or if someone is blocking his way. He is also continuing to interact with other children well. He's not intimidated at all, but he needs to still work on social cues and norms. But, this will come with time. At least he's interested in other people now!!!

Luiza is going to homeschool Brendon this year too. We're very excited about it and hope that it will work out well. This is just what our family needs right now. Brendon's pretty excited about it too. We fixed up our spare room for his classroom, and he's already spending time there drawing at his desk, and soon we'll add a reading corner for him to have a quiet place to read. Not to mention that Luiza and he will spend time together during the day. Brendon will enjoy having the extra time w/ his mom, I'm sure!