The Journey to Parenting: Therapies and Progress

Hey Everyone! We've been super busy since I last posted. We have Xander's IFSP set up, he's started Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention, and we are finally getting into the groove of our new routine.

As of now, Xander's goals include learning how to communicate with talking and with sign language, interacting appropriately with toys and peers (AKA play with sister and don't put everything in his mouth like he does at this point), respond to his name when called, and walk appropriately holding someones hand.We set up for him to go to occupational therapy (OT) at the therapy center once a week and Early Intervention (EI) to come to the house once a week. OT deals with his sensory disorder and EI deals with speech and sign language.

I won't lie.. the first couple weeks were rough. Xander isn't used to strangers being all up in his business. He is normally clingy to me anyway but this new therapy stuff made him over the top clingy. He wouldn't engage with any of the therapies. Mainly the first few visits were spend with him crying and clawing at my legs and me peeling him off my body. He was stressed and confused and frustrated and it was hard on my mama heart. We are coming up on the third week of therapies and he is making improvements with being more comfortable in the environment. Today he had OT and he actually was trying to walk into the room before she even came and got him! He played with his therapist and engaged happily with all the activities. When he tried to get me to pick him up, I said no and redirected him, and instead of melting down like he had done in previous visits.. he just turned around and worked with the therapist. I am so happy he is becoming more comfortable and hoping to see more and more progress with his sensory seeking behaviors. Oh and SIDE NOTE.. Londyn LOVES OT 😂😂 She thoroughly enjoys playing with the cool toys, walking on the squishy mats, and being in everyone's business. The therapist (who is a mom of triplets and totally GETS IT) is wonderful with Londyn and is happy to include her in everything. Xander has early intervention later this week. He still has trouble focusing during this therapy and I think it's because it is in his home environment and he feels more comfortable roaming around or doing what he wants to do. He gets frustrated and doesn't understand why he can't watch TV or play on his jungle gym and go outside as he pleases like usual. He's like "UM lady this is my house, you can't come in here and make me sit and LEARN!" We aren't making much progress with speech or sign language but it's only been 2 visits so hopefully progress is coming soon!

Xander has made progress in other areas as well. He is totally fine in the bath now and actually is able to take baths with Londyn. He did much better during his haircut this time also and he is making small efforts to engage with Londyn (playing with her hair, laughing at her during dinner, etc.)

Speaking of Londyn.. let me tell you, this girl is basically already a teenager. She speaks in full, clear sentences and is extremely self sufficient. She's walking/running/jumping everywhere and loves playing with her small toy animals.. usually making them slide down a slide or take naps 😆 "pretend play" is her jam. She can say her ABCs, count to 10, knows all her body parts, and basically every kid song ever invented. She is smart as a whip and has the attitude to boot.

As you can see, these twins are STILL just as opposite as they can be.. always have been, always will be! I've always said, they make up the 2 opposite pieces of my whole heart 💓💓😍😍