The Walker Boys

I thought it was time to give an update on how Gus and Hugh are doing. I don't remember the last time I posted anything specifically about them, so this is long overdue!

Gus has been doing really well lately. His speech is progressing well, and that's without any intervention. He says some funny things... I actually have a Twitter account for him to share the funny things that are starting to come out of his mouth. You can follow him at @guswalker2012

We have been going to weekly soccer practices since March and Gus has successfully moved from the parent and toddler class to the independent three's class. This Saturday will be his last class for the season and we're so glad we signed him up. He's learned a lot about following directions and learned some coordination skills. We probably won't go back to soccer until next spring. I had thought about doing fall outdoor soccer, but I think we have a lot of changes coming our way, and we'll play it safe for a bit.

 

Leading the class in their warm-ups

 

He's such a fast runner!

Gus has been in swimming classes since the beginning of June. He goes twice a week for 30 minutes and LOVES it. He started out on the white level (absolutely no swimming skills). Here's a link to show the different levels: SWIM SCHOOL. I'm  proud to say that Gus has progressed from a solid white to white/red and then red and now red/yellow! He's doing so well. The only really bad thing is that because he's so fair-skinned, the water has caused him to break out. Our last class is on the 24th, so three more classes and we'll be done with swimming for the summer.

 

Laying back in the water and floating

 

GREAT job floating!

We've been going to the Lowe's Build and Grow clinics and Gus LOVES them! The projects are free and super cute. We've got it down to a science and have been able to get in and make the project and out in twenty minutes or less.

Since Gus has been out of school for the summer, we've been working on various things to keep his skills sharp. He's such a smart boy. Here are the things that Gus knows:

• He can correctly count from 1-20
• He can accurately identify the letters of the alphabet and is working on their sounds
• He knows his shapes
• He knows his colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, Black, Brown, and Gray)
• He can cut with scissors
• He can lace cards/pictures
• He can put beads on a piece of string/yarn
• He can jump and is working on hopping on one foot
• He is working on basic adding and subtracting

Our OT, Mary, said that she's certain that Gus is ahead of where most of his peers are and she thinks he'll have a great transition to five day a week preschool next month. I sure hope so. I'm getting more and more nervous about it, but I have to stay positive.

We are gearing up to head north. It'll be so great to see family and friends. We are spending part of our trip visiting with Gus's side of our family and I'm excited for them to spend some time with him and see how much he's grown since they last saw him (Labor Day weekend of 2012). It will be great to see my brother and his family and I can't wait to see my SIL's pregnant belly (she's due in August with my niece). We are also going to Indiana for  part of our trip and we'll be visiting my in-laws and going to the fair. We will also be going to Steve's 20th class reunion. It'll be a FUN trip!!!

Seriously, where do I begin, when talking about this sweet slab of beefcake? He is just the most incredible little baby. He is always happy, always smiling, and so easy-going. He reminds me so much of how Gus was as a wee-one. 

Hugh has been developing right on track in all areas except for the gross and fine-motor areas. He hasn't been rolling as much as he should, and it's mainly because of a weakness on his left side. He definitely prefers his right side, but this hinders his ability to crawl, push up, and readjust himself when he topples over. 

Gus's OT suggested that I talk to the pediatrician about it, and to sign him up for Babies Can't Wait. So, last week I called and today got a call back about scheduling an evaluation for Hugh. It's so weird to be back to BCW, but I'm thankful that if he qualifies, he'll get some help and we can hopefully get him on track before it's too late.

While his left side is weak, Hugh is not weak at all. He's so strong. He can sit unassisted and if you put him in a standing position, he can keep his balance and stand to play at his Leap Frog table.

He's been trying various flavors of baby food, and so far, he's a GREAT eater. He's much easier than Gus ever was, and I'm praying that it continues. Last night, I fed him some butternut squash with maple and oatmeal and he ate the whole pouch!!

 

He's so cute

I also gave him some puffs for the first time and he wasn't sure what to think about them.

That's about it for updates. We're doing well and are so incredibly blessed in so many ways. I'm thankful for all that I have and for the children that I am blessed to call mine.