Saturday, March 29, 2008

a cute boy and his ball

The Easter Bunny brought this fun blue ball to Mighty Max...and it has been a hit. Can't you tell? :)

Yes, playing with the ball is loads of *fun* but I actually got it to help with a few speech therapy goals. (But don't tell Max that...he thinks we are just having fun!)

I was watching a video of him from early last year and he was saying "ball." It was a reminder of how little progress he had made verbally in the past year and how true his diagnosis of speech apraxia is. So I thought a NEW ball might inspire him to play more with it...and maybe just maybe encourage him to say that cute lil' word, "ball," which would be music to my ears! :) Additionally, his therapists and I have been working with him on commands. For example, "please go get the ball" or "where is the cow?"

Well sure enough, the ball has really helped us reach these goals! He has said "ball" a few times (not yet like he did before...but it's something) and "retrieved" it many times for me! YAY MAX!

It is so fun to simply play (and learn) together...he is a true joy!



"I am so stinkin' cute, I know!"



















"Mom, you ready to play?"


















"I JUST LOVE THIS GAME MOMMY!!!!" (Max is very into "practicing" his voice these days...i.e. screaming)

3 comments:

Samantha Seholm said...

That is great that Max said Ball, that was Davids first word(he was about 2 1/2 when he said it for the first time). David also has speech apraxia. I remember taking him to speech therapy and all the therapist would do is play with this ball with David. Davids favorite thing is still any kind of ball:)

Shelly and Luke said...

You are one cute boy Max! Ever since I met you at the conference last July, I tell people I know about this cute little boy named Max who ZOOMS in his walker! I mean really, talking... walking... and your adorable little personality... you're truly an inspiration in this house just by showing us the possibilities for Luke!

Unknown said...

ur super max