He now officially has a memory

Ryden's memory is getting better, stronger. We were playing in the bathtub and early on he tossed the rubber ducky over the side of the tub, out of view. Then about ten minutes later he decided he wanted it back so he pointed over the side and made the sign for help. Very impressive.

On wednesday I took him to the doctors because he had hives all over his body. They said it was probably a histamine reaction to either a virus or something he ate. I was so worried. That night I kept thinking he would swell up and not be able to breathe. Whenever I heard him try to cough I practically sat upright in bed. Now it seems he is just getting a bad cold. He slept four hours today from 11:30 to 3:30. Crazy. He has been very quiet all day. I ran into Kumi at Whole Foods. She is kind of irritating, her loud voice and demeanor or shall we say demeaning way of talking to babies. Zander has been at the Seattle Coffee Fest all weekend so I'm on my own again.

Week of October 2nd, 2006

In the Classroom
Ryden likes to go to the top of the climber and look out the windwo. Sometimes there are kids out on the playground and other times Ryden may spot a crow on the fence or a big truck going up the hill.

Ryden likes playing in all the areas around the room. In the kitchen area he grabs food and places it into a pot or pan. Sometimes he walks around the room with a spatula or a spoon.

Ryden enjoys the open shelf. Lots to choose from; trucks, cars, pop-up pals, shape sorters and farm animals.

Outdoor Adventures
Ryden can't wait to get out on the playground. He likes the push toys, lawn mower, shopping carts and ride-ons.

Ryden likes to watch the older kids (Apples from the Apple Rm) They go really fast down the hill with their push toys. He watches them with a big smile, then walks away to find his push toys and runs with it.

Ryden played near the sandbox where there was sand in a sensory table, shoveling sand out of the table at first and then into a small stacking cup.

Kidspace Childcare: Ryden's assessment

Our daycare does this as part of joining the Willow room.

Physical skills
Large motor: crawling, climbing, sitting, squatting with knees bent to play, standing, falling, throwing, dancing, pushing, pulling, and picking up objects wihtout fallling.

Fine motor: increased eye-hand coordination, feeds himself with spoon or with fingers, finger foods, grasping, hand to hand transfer, pointing, pincher grasp & movement, developing flexor muscles (flinging toys), scribbling, clapping, increased control of touching gently.

Language & Early Communication: Baby/American sign (more, eat, and all done) body language, waving, crying, vocalizations, eye contact, facial expressions, listening, understands more than he can say, (second language Japanese) and occaisional babbling.

Emotional/self esteem: Stranger anxiety, separation anxiety (both expected at this age), shows frustration, expanding attention span, very curious and can seek comfort from others and objects.

Self-help Skills: Ability to start making choices, i.e., where to sit and the table, pointing for what he needs or wants. Feeding himself with his fingers, utensils & sipee cup. Pushes away for something not wanted. Ryden is learning to put his shoes away after he comes in from outside.