One thing that we are working on with Erik is taking initiative. For example, if he sees a toy that he likes, he'll simply look at it and not try to take it. He'll just look at it and talk to it. He sits until he's moved. He does not try and help put his arms through his sleeves when getting dressed though he knows how and is perfectly capable. I'm sure this comes from years of not being allowed to do anything for himself. The caregivers were busy and it was just faster to do things for the kids rather than let them try to do things for themselves.

We are seeing a lot of improvement in Erik in this area! For example, he doesn't just sit in the tub and enjoy having me pour water on his head, now, he takes the cup himself and pours the water out himself! He doesn't just simply wait until you shovel food in his mouth (though he does wait patiently for a few minutes in case you are going to come and feed him) but he will oftentimes grab for the food now or even for the spoon. It's fun to watch him learn that he can DO things!

One big thing that he's done just recently here is move himself through space! He can walk with handheld assist fine, but, as implied, a person is required to lead him. Well, we acquired a walker the other week and he took to it like a fish to water! He turns with it, goes up/down small steps, over thresholds, etc. and today I took him in the driveway and he was thrilled to have such a big, open area to walk around in! He did a circle around the car until he landed in the grass and got stuck a little bit. He is so confident with it!

Not only is he walking with the walker, but he even gets OUT of the walker and CLIMBS ONTO THE LOVESEATS!! By himself with no one watching!! It sounds like not a very big deal, but to this doting family, everything this little boy does is a big deal. ;op We love seeing him grow, develop and learn!!