out of the comfort zone

i had an excellent session with my little friend in pittsboro this morning. he not once, but twice, emerged from his comfort zone and did some things he has not done before! during each previous session, four total before today, i would challenge his thought process and go against his expectations, all while playing, smiling,and having fun. a tiny sample of what i would do exactly consisted of:

1. putting the quarter sized plastic pieces from Barnyard Bingo between his toes. he went straight for the toes and pulled them out, while concentrating on the opening/closing of the compartment where you could get the pieces from the game....but today, he put pieces in with me and held up his foot and laughed and giggled and wanted me to do it 3 more times!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!

2. i put magnetic puzzle pieces in the wrong compartment....and he would become quite upset and fix things immediately.... but today he put the pieces in the wrong spots intentionally AND looked at me and giggled!!!!!!! put his hands up for two 'high fives,' and vocalized!

when i work with him, he and i are on the floor in his therapy room at home, hard wood floor, huge mirror, big bouncy therapy balls, tumbling mats, a trampoline....and the shelves are up high so as to encourage requesting....without any power struggles which result from the adult having 'control' of the item desired......but it was such a great day. then.....

dental appointment. ethan and i got cleanings. no problem. but my x-ray revealed an old filling that needed repair. so, i got the old drill and fill. ouch. and that drill sound...ugh. my skin is still crawling from it. but my pain is all gone, no problem. i thought i'd be in more pain....

and i found a new chinese restaurant that kicks ass. fresh and clean! great general tso's chicken. spicy and yummy!

tomorrow will be for housekeeping, final billing, and doing my toes. gotta have happy feet!

peace!!!