First day in school

Today was Vignesh's first day in school. I'm taking him to the day care a couple of hours in the evenings, so that he gets accustomed to the place first. Once, he is used to the place, we'd be moving him to playgroups. I'm very happy with the school and the people there. Although, they have not had dealt with kids having tracheostomy or down syndrome, they are willing to give a try and see how things work. Its a nice place and I'd love to see Vignesh settle there and make friends.

The session started with rhymes and Vignesh enjoyed it. But, once the other activities began, he totally lost interest and got into a 'throwing spree'. We tried various games, but he was only vigorously throwing everything away! He was also trying to roam around on his own and stay away from other kids. I think he was probably shy and the throwing was his way of expressing it. Especially, when I saw that the other kids were so organized, I couldn't help but compare and panic. I know I'm being unfair and it was his first day and all. But, I think just like Vignesh, I too felt lost. Thankfully, the school director is a very understanding person and she made me see I was being unfair.

I'm just waiting to see how Vignesh is going to do tomorrow. I'll need to discuss with his OT about this too. I'd love to have suggestion or advice from other parents.

I'm too tired and sleepy. It well past midnight here. Today, being a special day, I just wanted to make sure I keep a record of this day. Before I log off, here are a few pics from Vignesh's first hair-cut:

Excellent November!!!

This past month has been amazing!

Vignesh started to pull up and stand without support and could now stand on his own for about 5 minutes.




He also took his first step without support (now, he just takes a step or two on his own)

He has begun to climb up and down sofas and beds. He has now started climbing chairs and staircase.



He has also learnt to turn on and off the switches and calling bells (Just love the way he turns to see if the light/fan turns on once he is switching them on)

He has also started to hide and make his mama run around the house searching for him.





And, last week he wanted me to play his rhymes dvd. When I din't, he took 2 DVDs and see how he tried to play it on the television! lol!






In the beginning of the year, Vignesh began to pull himself to stand, crawl, cruise and walk with support. But, for many months after, he did not achieve any new milestone and it was making me worried! Now, the end of the year is rocking again! I'm so proud of Vignesh.

Favorite Video

Here is a video of Vignesh signing. Vignesh & I love this video.

Vignesh II year photoshoot

We had Vignesh II year photography done about a week back. We just had a small celebration for Vignesh's 2nd birthday on July 15th . Din't want to miss on taking his portraits though. We had to hurry up with it. (You will you why when you scroll down to the last pic on this post.)

Here are the pics from the photoshoot





Performing for his favorite rhyme 'Listen to the music'




& 'Clap your hands'






Here is a photo of Vignesh in a different hairdo



And, this is the reason we had to hurry up with his photoshoot.

My cute little laughing Buddha!

This is a part of our custom. They generally shave a baby's hair once or twice between one to five years.

oh, I so loved my son's long hair! Can't wait for it to grow back again.

Quick update

Vignesh had his airway surgery on the 22nd of last month. Doc wants to try decannulation after 4-6 weeks. Vignesh is doing fine and keeping me busy with his antics.

Vignesh Loves his New Potty

After a lot of procrastination, I went to shop for potty yesterday. Got confused with so many varieties and finally got a basic model one:

When I made him sit on it this evening, he wanted to get down after some time. I thought probably it wasn't time for his routine. And, when he got down, I just saw how much he loved his new potty. Just look at these pictures. You'll see what I mean.

Just for the records, the potty was yet unused. So, you might get to see him continue playing with these toys for sometime. lol!

After his dad got back home, he just removed the toys from the potty and made him sit on it. And, yes Vignesh did it and even tried to climb down after that. So, happy that he inaugurated his new potty on the very first day..... ;-)

Milestones in the past 3 months....

The past 3 months have been good (hope I don't jinx it again!) . Therapists play such an important role in our children's lives. So, switching therapist is one of the most difficult decisions.But, ever since we relocated in June last year, we had to travel quite a distance everyday for Vignesh's therapy. So, we had to make the switch. In Feb we got a new home-therapist for PT and in March we had home-therapist for OT.

However, after I switched therapists I had my own doubts and guilt. I was worried if I was placing my convenience before my child's future. I was even contemplating going back to the previous ones, a lot of times. But, within a month, both the therapists did a wonderful job and have made Vignesh achieve milestones which I had been so worried about until then.

And, two weeks back I received a call from his OT that she would not be able to continue home-therapy due to her health condition. She has been advised against traveling by her doctor. After her phone call, I broke into tears. I have become to trust her so much. Thankfully, she is now continuing therapy for Vignesh at her place and I don't mind traveling there everyday.

Thanks to my little hero's hardwork and his therapists' efforts. Here are a few things that my son has learnt in the past few months: (BTW, he has become so camera-conscious that I find it difficult to take photos/videos once he sees the camera.)

Pulling up to stand

Walking around the house on his own (with support)

Crawling (although he prefers scooting)

First step towards self-feeding

Enacting 'Listen to the music and clap your hands' ( it took me sometime to understand why he was catching his ears after clapping his hands)

More about Vignesh playing games soon.