Okay, so here's a little update on Bridger: He is doing really well in his 0-3 program and ABC class. He's actually starting to interact a LOT better with people that he is getting to know which I am very greatful for. All he wanted before was Mom, but he's learning to branch off and trust other people which is really giving me a break. He's starting to prefer Daddy over mommy sometimes which kind of makes me sad but I KNOW that I will need that for when the baby comes. He still doesn't say any words at 28 months which kind of breaks my heart (when will I hear him say "mommy" for the first time) but he's learning how to sign a few things. For a long time I had to place my hand over his hand and physically make him do the sign but this past week he has done 2 different signs on his own a couple of different times. "ON", for turning on the TV, and Treat. Imagine that! The 2 things I want to steer him away from!!! But at least he's communicating!!!!! I titled this post strategies because I wanted to show you a few of the things we are doing to try and push him a long. This first picture is a technique that the 0-3 program suggests. It's a little body suit that we put on his arms and tummy that is supposed to help sooth him. So when he's throwing a tantrum we are supposed to hold him firmly and massage him and it's supposed to be soothing. We put it on him every morning for a half hour.
These are all the different products we are trying with him from left to Right. His multi vitamin has DHA in it which is supposed to be a big brain booster and highly recommended. The second one is lemon flavored fish oil that we put in his juice. Same thing I think, more brain food! ( I should have been more prepared to tell you exactly what they are for!!!) The third one is a probiotic that is supposed to help with the digestive system which a lot of "autistic" kids seem to have is what is called "leaky gut" Bad stomaches!. Reliv Now is a health shake that is really nasty that I am supposed to give him 2 big scoops a day. The only thing I can get it in is his oatmeal and waffles. But I have been on a lot of conference calls of success stories with kids that are autistic that are very high functioning from being on the product. And the last one Innergize is another reliv product that is supposed to help when given with the kids now.
This is a little book of pictures on velcro to help him communicate. When he wants something he is supposed to grab the picture then hand it to me, and in return I give him what he wants. Right now he doesn't know how to discriminate between the different pictures so we just use one picture. But this teaches him that it takes 2 way communication to get what he wants, where as right now he is used to just pulling my arm to what he wants and grunts or points, but he doesn't look at me and ask me for it. So basically I am an object to get what he wants.
This was just a cute picture to show that he is starting to interact a lot better with his brother and kids he's getting to know. The 3 amigos were just sitting there eating a popcycle and Bridger sat down and scooted himself up next to them so he could be a part of their group. I was lucky to have my camera with me to get this shot because I didn't set this up at all!
And this is my sweet Bridger that is not a very social boy, but he LOVES the camera!!! He seriously is a ham when it comes to taking his picture. I love it!!!
Here is my Tiger Cord! He got his face painted and he was just hilarious. He would look at people with a sideward glance to make sure they were watching him and he would growl like a tiger. He kept asking all night if his tiger was still on his face!
On the choo, choo! Bridger had to sit on the seat all by himself like a big boy!
Eating our yummy Chick-fila dinners!
The infamous ape shot!
Bridger being silly with his daddy!
Cord was the map-keeper! He had to be in charge of carrying it and finding the animals!
Of Course Bridger couldn't get through the ordeal without doing his favorite thing; throwing rocks in the water! 
Here is my awesome parents!!! They are the most supportive loving grandparents ever!!! They would do everything and anything for their grandkids and I just can't say enough about them!
Here is my great, GREAT, friend Amy! She also has a huge heart and tries to support everyone in what they are doing! You HAVE to love her!
And here is my sister, her husband Dean, Baylee and Ethan (the one with CF). He is as healthy and rambunctious as ever. He is Cords absolute favorite cousin!!! They have an older son Mason that isn't in the picture as well!
There's big momma me in the hat wearing my DADS coat, my Grandma and cousin Timarie in the background.
Rain or shine, Bridger was happy sitting in the sandbox playing with the sand. We set up an umbrella over him so he didn't get drenched, but he didn't mind it if he did!
Here's Cord showing off on the swing!
Cord, Ethan and Baylee on Saturday (in the sunshine) playing in the sandbox.
Bridger doing his most favorite thing in the world; throwing rocks! This time with a new twist, down the slide!
Grandpa decided to turn my kid into a pyro. Good thing it didn't last too long or he would have been in trouble!
They made scrapbooks through out the year and took pictures for every letter they worked on and the activity they did with that letter. So it's fun to see pictures of Cord all through the year!
They sang a bunch of songs for us which is funny because in primary Cord doesn't know any of the songs. And he doesn't like it when Chris or I sing to him, he gets mad or embarressed. So at least I know he's enjoying singing in preschool!
They all got to bring home these fun little t-shirts too! Farewell preschool, until the fall!
The Back-float
Bobbing...
And all tuckered out! Cord doesn't take naps anymore but I knew he was tired from all that showing off so I let him fall asleep at my feet while I was on the computer then carried him to his bed for a nice long nap!
These are all the different products we are trying with him from left to Right. His multi vitamin has DHA in it which is supposed to be a big brain booster and highly recommended. The second one is lemon flavored fish oil that we put in his juice. Same thing I think, more brain food! ( I should have been more prepared to tell you exactly what they are for!!!) The third one is a probiotic that is supposed to help with the digestive system which a lot of "autistic" kids seem to have is what is called "leaky gut" Bad stomaches!. Reliv Now is a health shake that is really nasty that I am supposed to give him 2 big scoops a day. The only thing I can get it in is his oatmeal and waffles. But I have been on a lot of conference calls of success stories with kids that are autistic that are very high functioning from being on the product. And the last one Innergize is another reliv product that is supposed to help when given with the kids now.
