Creative Problem Solving

So far, I think that Tony and I have done a good job at coming up with creative solutions to some of the problems presented to us when it comes to Alex. For example: The cunning use of electronics. Now, the older generation usually thinks that things like computers and gaming consoles rot our brains and make us lazy. But I beg to differ. A keyboard is a powerful tool when your child is learning their alphabet, because it forces them to recognize the letters out of order, when so often they are presented with the alphabet in order. The XBox 360: Do you know how exciting it is to hear Alex screaming the colors as they come shooting past while Erik is playing Guitar Hero? Its a new age, people. I got a note from school telling me that he now has an iPad at school to work with. He already knows what sound every letter makes, so I really feel that it is just a matter of time before he is starting to read.

While at his grandparents, he has fallen in love with The Foxxy Shopper. Alex will spell out anything in that newspaper, from ads to auction announcements. His favorite word to spell? M-E-N-A-R-D-S. Seriously. When he was younger, I would tell him that we were going to "The Man Store" when we went there, and he has somehow found a love for that building that amazes me. He gets wide eyed when we pull into the parking lot, like it is his own personal heaven. He sits and gazes at everything as we go down the isles and even has a hint of sadness as we check out.

I do get frustrated though, because he still does not come up with his own unique sentences. He can use things he has heard before to clue me in to what he wants or needs, but that is still him using other's words. I have a feeling that with his creative mind, once he does start using his own words, he will be just as random, if not more than, his own mother.

Alas, Tony and I have not been able to find an answer for everything. We are still knee deep in the epic battle of trying to get Alex to stop chewing on EVERYTHING he comes in contact with. Our remote has suffered the loss of a button to those teeth, many toys had to be thrown away due to the gnawing, and we no longer have door-stoppers...

We are afraid that one day the kitties will be next. If anyone has any ideas about how to get him to stop chewing on things, please let me know...... pretty please?

On another note, I am looking into programs for Alex to join over the summer. I am hoping that he will be able to explore new places and try new things to expand his horizons, even though mom's is still limited to school, work, and family. I have been looking into what Chileda offers (after Tony made the suggestion), his teacher has invited him to attend a play group on Tuesdays to keep him used to the school itself, and I have to make sure that he gets proper Grandpa and Nana time so that neither Grandpa nor Alex goes through withdrawal.

He has made giant leaps forward in regards to progress this school year. I am not sitting here taking credit for any of this, because he has done it all. He has formed bonds with people in his life and touched the hearts of many, and they have helped him to find his groove and he is now off and running. When he walks across the stage at any of his graduations, I hope that Mrs. G and Mrs. Adam will be there, because they have been such a big part of his success.