The only disability in life is a bad attitude. ~Scott Hamilton

Yesterday Kate received a gift card to Mastermind Toys from some friends that reminded me I should tell this story.

I’ve mentioned that Kate’s communication is increasing. We’re seeing great evidence that her receptive language is awesome. On Family Day weekend, Kate, Jamie and I went shopping for a birthday gift for one of Jamie’s friends. We went to Hobby and Toy Central in Kitchener to pick out a stuffed animal. Kate walked me over to the stuffed animals and selected a blue dragon, very similar to the red one we bought Jamie in Oct 2011…the one Kate has loved and tried to make her own for over a year! She pulled this new blue dragon off of the shelf, got down to the ground and crawled away from me. She put it under her tummy and lay on top of it. In her big fluffy winter coat, I panicked and thought she must be seizing. Once I lifted the hood so I could see her face, I could easily see her huge smile. She was making a choice. She picked out her own toy!!! She giggled a sly giggle and I knew we weren’t leaving that store without that dragon. It was a super cool moment to witness. She’s developing and growing up!!

We are also working hard at modeling Kate’s PODD communication book. It’s easy to do at meal time. I’ve seen her identify “yummy” a couple of times. If it weren’t for all the learning I’m doing right now about communication and literacy, I would have assumed it was a coincidence. However, I now know to assume competence. It’s empowering.

Tonight we had Grandpa Mark over for dinner. Kate was working on her walking and chose to walk to him 3 times. It’s so cool to see her make decisions, to go to the person she wants to. She hung out in Grandpa’s arms afterwards, watching The Lorax music videos on her iPAD. I think it’s a bit ironic that Kate loves The Lorax movie so much. The quote on my rock from my parents at Kate’s Place is from The Lorax. She’s so smart…she’s made the connection! And really, how can one not like a movie that’s colourful, musical, and has an important environmental message! So smart!