Counting!

Thomas has been improving so much lately. I'm just loving it. One of the tricks we have learned along the way is to help him anticipate what is about to happen. When we give warnings he does so much better. For example, about 5 minutes before bedtime, we warn him that it's almost time for bed. And when it is finally time, we do a little countdown "5-4-3-2-1-all done. Time for Bed". It makes it nice and smooth. He anticipates the change, and when we do the countdown, he stops what he's doing and gets into bed. We also were advised by the various therapists to get him used to common phrases, like "ready-set-go!" and "1-2-3-go!). It has worked really well and he will count with us. Not very clearly, and not every number every time, and sometimes he won't do it at all, but it's progress. So anyway, a couple days ago, we were getting ready in the morning and he started counting his toys! He only did up to three, but that is such a big step for him!!! I am so excited! Not only did he count on his own, he has transfered the idea and words of 1-2-3-go to a number of objects. That is a huge example of how far his expressive and receptive language has come. Six months ago, I wasn't sure he understood more than a couple words of what I said. And now he is making such leaps. I am just so proud!