We started having about an hour a day that Jude does workbook type things. He refuses some days and gladly, excitedly does it others.We, as parents, still have those days when we question if we should insist on the workbooks or if they are just getting in his way of learning what he needs. His penmanship is still quite poor, but his typing skills are very good! His math skills are acceptable but he loathes math still. He understands how to do "carrying over" and "borrowing" but refuses to do it without fighting. We feel as long as he has the basics, then we will not push any more until he finds he needs the skills to accomplish something he desires :)
Jude computer skills are wonderful! He biggest accomplishment so far has been to create his own "skins" for his character in Minecraft! He had been only using ones he found online, but he researched how to make his own, learned how and did it! All on his own! He never asked for help or got angry that he didn't know how. We are very proud of him! It's really the first time he's thought of something, researched, and learned without asking how we thought he could find it. We explained that was exactly what we wanted him to be able to do, regardless the interest. He has even helped us when we weren't sure how to get something online to work :) Yay for unschooling/relaxed homeschooling.
Jude also has been interested in a WW2 video game, which has lead to interest in WW2 weaponry and vehicles. We surprised him and took him to the Air Force Museum recently. We weren't able to view all of it at one time due to Lainey being overwhelmed but he was very happy to see the WW2 section. He also found a model of his favorite aircraft from that era... the B-24 Liberator!
Lainey has been learning soooo much! She almost always uses her twin talk communication device to tell us she wants a drink now! She has always been terrified of balls and we, every so often, would show her one and take it away if she got upset. That slow, steady, safe exposure has lead to her wanting a playground type ball!! We were surprised and tickled that she accepted and smiled at the ball in the store. We cried from joy and Jude clapped and cheered her like she had won a huge race or something! It is so nice that our family can celebrate each and every step of progress!! Since buying the ball she has rolled it back and forth with each of us. She doesn't always do it in the right direction but she makes the effort and get the connection that it is a "game"!
Lainey has also been selecting different toys and carrying them to her special bed at night time and placing them in the open door/gate of her bed to have to play with at night! She also on occasion has been "helping" at diaper changes. She will roll to her side to allow us place/remove diapers! She just seems more aware of her surroundings. At times she will stand in front of the tv and "yell" at it until we find Spongebob on for her! She is getting more vocal as well. She has no sounds that she uses exclusively for anything specific but her sounds are more varied!
Both of the kids are growing and changing in their own beautiful ways! Everyday we are reminded of the Lord's abundant glory!
Jude and Lainey at the Zoo! She uses her wheelchair most of the time, but in quite unbusy areas she likes to walk about!
Sibling love!
Exploring blocks/cubes
Jude and Daddy at Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum.
Helaina and her BALL!!!!!!!
Jude has been grilling hot dogs for us! He's still a little afraid of the fire but he's been doing great! We are so appreciative!
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