we-are-robots...

This morning, while Brian was at school, Gavin and I got down to business in day two of "Mommy Boot Camp!"  We worked on the communication cards again... spent some time coloring (reluctantly) at the art table... and I ditched the crawling down the stairs idea and started teaching him to WALK down.  Yes, walk.  And do you know what?  He actually handled that better.  Once Sara gets back, I'll get it on video.  It's definitely something you can't step back and videotape on your own!!

I took a few videos of Gavin walking, too, so you can see his progress.  He's doing such a great job.  Believe it or not, he's an even better walker in bare feet or socks with treads.  But take a look at these two videos...

When it turned 11:15 and I announced, "It's time to go pick up Brian from school!" I heard a big squeal.  Gavin was so excited that his little brother would soon be home!

Then, in a moment I can only call "inspired by Martha Stewart on Pinterest," I created a piece of art I called a "sealed circle fluffernutter sandwich" for Brian.  Would you like my recipe?

Get peanut butter.  As long as your child isn't allergic.  If so, find something else.  Like fake peanut butter.

Get Fluff.  Or use what I use:  Gluten Free Ricemellow.

Apply both liberally...because that's how you're supposed to do it.  You can't have too much peanut butter OR fake fluff.

Take a small circle container - press down hard - cut around the container - and you have a sandwich that won't "ooze" and drive your particular kid nuts (so to speak) that doesn't appreciate sticky fake fluff fingers!

Be honest - you're impressed, aren't you?  Could I make it on Pinterest??  Should I send this to Martha Stewart??

*wink*

Brian definitely approves!

As we sat at the table eating lunch, Brian said, "Mama?  Are we going to skip our rest today?" with a cute little tilted head.  He asks this question every day.  Sometimes, the answer is yes.  But today I said, "Not today, buddy.  Mommy's not feeling good.  I think we'll ALL take a rest."  He thought for a few seconds and then slapped his hand on the table, "I know!  How about you go take a rest and I'll take care of Gavin.  Then when you wake up, I'll have lots of water and tea down here for you to drink.  You need to drink a lot to get better."

He may have been angling to get out of his rest, but it sure touched my heart.  I love this child.

We did all take that rest, and when we woke up - as promised - Brian promptly filled up a cup of water at the refrigerator and delivered it to me.

The rest of the afternoon, we just played...and read books...and painted.  I took a video of Gavin and Brian 'playing' together that I wanted to share.  It's a little long (5 minutes!) but it gives you a great idea of how obsessed Gavin is with his little brother.  It shows how excited he gets - how much he laughs - and how he seems to understand some of the things he's told.  If you can spare a few minutes, I think watching this will make you happy!!

We ended the day in a non-typical way.  Usually, the boys and I have a dance party in the kitchen before dinner.  Today I decided - with my head pounding and feeling miserable - I felt more like a robot.  So robots we were.  

And we rocked it...

Mommy Boot Camp...

Last night I went to bed early with one thing on my mind - my plans for Gavin this week.  With Miss Sara away all week, I made the decision to keep Gavin home with me.  I am so grateful that I've been able to have a helper since Gavin was a baby, but I also relish the time alone when it's just the three of us.  And I am really looking forward to mornings alone with Gavin while Brian is at school.  I made up a schedule for each day and declared the week "Mommy Boot Camp!" 

My first order of business was to make some new communication cards.  I bought this Laminating machine a couple years ago - and it has more than paid for itself.  It's so easy to make picture cards for Gavin!

I placed the two books (his favorites!) in the clear bin with the card taped to the top.  He looked at it for about ten seconds...

Looked up as if to say, "Let me get this straight..."

...and then proceeded to touch the picture...

...pull off the lid himself...

...and pull out his book!  He was quite pleased with himself.  We did this several times throughout the morning.  He did a great job!  I also did it with other toys - had him touch the picture card to "request" it.

The two of us had a great time.  Well, except when we got to the physical therapy part of my schedule. Walking for therapy doesn't even seem necessary anymore - at least not at home!  He walks all over the house with increasing confidence.  I decided to push Gavin to crawl down the stairs.  It's something he always resists.  He can crawl up...he can walk up...he can get himself out of his bed by going backwards...but he just won't crawl down the stairs.  You put him on the stairs to go down...and he just wants to go up.  So that wasn't Gavin's favorite part of the morning.  But a Mom's gotta do what a Mom's gotta do.

I think his favorite part of the whole day was picking Brian up from school.  He love his little brother so much!!  On the way home, I told Brian about our morning and briefly shared the communication card experiment.  As soon as he got his coat and shoes off, he wanted to "do therapy" with Gavin.  Without me having to show him what I did, he instinctively (and sweetly) put the box in front of his brother and said, "Okay, Gavin, touch this picture to tell me you want your books!  Go ahead, Gavin.  You can do it!"

And then he waited.  And waited.  Reminding Gavin every ten seconds that he was still waiting for him to touch the picture.  I went back and forth between wanting to cry and wanting to laugh!  At one point, Brian even took Gavin's hand and tried to force him to touch the darn picture...

And just when he had all about given up hope - Gavin touched the picture.  And no one was happier and more encouraging than Brian.

Brian took a nap this afternoon while Gavin and I spent time reading in our "book nook" - or "book fort" I should say!  It's a pretty awesome hangout!

But, once again, I was chopped liver once Brian came down from his rest.  These two boys love to hang out together lately...and nothing makes me happier.  I couldn't capture it on video, but Brian was reading and singing to Gavin while they were in there together.  Gavin was so happy!

 Unfortunately, I woke up feeling sick this morning and I'm hoping it doesn't lead to anything too bad.  This weekend is my nephew's wedding out of state - I can NOT be sick for that!!  And, of course, I don't want the boys to catch whatever I have.  I hope it doesn't get in the way of my "Mommy Boot Camp!"  I have big plans this week for my little superhero and "ain't nobody got time" for being sick!!

p.s.... Don't forget to enter my Mattel giveaways!  There's an entry to win a deluxe basket filled with toys in the "Save The Bunny Giveaway" post - and an extra giveaway form on the Chasing Rainbows Facebook Page!  You can't win - for your child, your niece or nephew, your grandchild, your godchild - whoever - if you don't enter!!