Major milestones

Quick post to share exciting accomplishments from this week! Josh's language has been reaching a new level. He has started to tell us words about his day! He went to his therapy on Monday. In the evening, he said to me, "New friend. Eric." When we returned to therapy Wednesday morning, I asked his therapist if a new friend named Eric started this week and she confirmed it.

He had his speech therapy yesterday and she commented on how much he was talking. She said his other therapists stopped them in the hallway because they couldn't believe how much he was talking! She said he did so many new things in therapy yesterday that she couldn't write them all down. The rest of the day was horrible with raging fits and head banging like I haven't seen in months, but I'll let go of that with today's accomplishments.

Tonight was the first time Josh let me read an entire story to him!!! We "read" books every night, but usually Josh has complete control of the book and will point to a few pictures and sometimes name them. We were excited to get to that point. I often try to read to him (honestly, a little discouraged to try some days), but have never gotten past reading more than one page. We got through all of "How animal mommies love their babies" tonight.

After reading and saying prayers, we talked in bed. He said "soccer ball" and I told him that Emma has another soccer game tomorrow. He said, "Nana, Uppa." referring to Danny's parents going to her last game. I told him that Nana will be there and that Grandma and Grandpa were coming too. I said that tomorrow is Uncle Chris' birthday and he would come over to celebrate tomorrow as well. Josh said, "Cake. Candles. Hot. Sing."

I am just on cloud nine!!! So often Josh's speech seems so memorized and often jumbled. For example, I thought I taught him to answer what his name was and how old he is, but he often doesn't distinguish the two questions apart. He'll repeat phrases he knows, but they don't always match the situation. But this new speech where he is telling us about what he did, what his experiences are and what he likes, is so exciting.

I have often wondered what his third birthday will be like, if he would understand or care about the celebration, or get excited about opening presents. I have renewed hope that there is still more to come. And, we'll just have to wait and see what his 3rd birthday will be like.