Milestone Monday

#1 This little boy is starting to pull his legs up under him! This is BIG!! We have been waiting to see some pre-crawling moves and it's pretty much just been rolling for him since he turned 1. In the last few days, we've seen him do this when he rolls to his belly. He stays in this position for about . 5 seconds so there is no rocking or anything else going on because he quickly moves on, BUT it's a start! Wohoo little buddy! 

Asher's PT therapist says he has extension reflexes that haven't gone away, so he wants to straighten and stiffen more than he wants to be curled up.  It has just become habit for him to be in extended positions. So, he's always been good at "standing" and that explains why. It was probably more comfortable for him too to be stretched out since he has always had reflux and GI discomfort as well. So, we try to practice things like playing on his knees (this goes against his reflex and he just wants to kick his legs out straight), and in the sitting position we try to encourage him to play with his knees bent a little. 

There are lots of toys that help strengthen his legs, but I really wish there was something that made him stay on his tummy to help strengthen his arms and chest. It's on the list of "things I need to create/sell" after the whole experience we've had! (I have thought of several pumping products, preemie products, etc that need to be created to make the life of the preemie mom a little easier!) 

#2 Asher has tried some new "real" foods! He tried a cereal bar and did ok with that as far as gagging and such. He tried a real peas, steamed...and that didn't go well, nor did scrambled eggs. But, we will keep trying. It did take several times, of trying the puffs off and on before he could handle those well without gagging and throwing up. So, he just has to have time to get used to the new textures I guess. Next to try...cooked carrots, pieces of avocado, and soft fruit breads like banana bread. We'll see! This is his no hands trick, he loves to chew on teethers and move them up and down with no hands. 

#3 He started making the "b" sound more with babbling! I have heard him do the "mmm" sound when he's upset, but not so much when he's just talking. Then, Friday, he started doing the "b" sound when he was talking. It's sooo cute! I haven't heard it much since then, so we'll see if he brings it out again! That's something we've been waiting on for what seems like a while. 

Slow and steady little buddy. Take your time, you're a miracle boy and we LOVE watching you grow and learn.