First of all...just for memory sake and for all that didn't know, AJ was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at 3 years of age and Intellectual Disability at age 5. He's had neonatal diabetes since birth.
AJ is 5 1/2, but probably more like a 2 year old...some things being less, some more. He can be a problem solver about a lot of things like stacking things up to reach something, he knows how to open the fridge and pantry to get things, always knows which buttons to push to turn things on and off - but he can't yet get dressed on his own and is not potty trained. I believe as he starts kindergarten this fall, we are going to see a lot of changes in AJ as he learns and grows more. He could be more stable as far as walking, but I know that will come.
AJ is HAPPY. All of the time. He has his terrible 2 moments like not knowing how to be patient, testing all of the time, not sharing and throwing fits....but I would say he is happy 95% of the time. He will wake up in the morning and just chat and chat with his musical toys in his crib. I can hear him as I get ready for work. It's hard not to go in there and smooch and hug on him.
AJ LOVES his sister. He loves to laugh with her and chase her. When he sees something funny, he will look at her so they can laugh together.
AJ's favorite toys are balls, blocks and his mp3 player. He loves his crib and loves the routine of getting in bed at nap and bedtime. He will take his things and throw them in the crib and then lift his arms for you to put him into bed. He loves his projector and his aquarium. He, of course, still loves fans and anything that spins...and loves the patterns on his sister's clothing.
AJ's favorite show is sponge bob and he knows almost all of the theme song. He cannot sing it, but he does his best at trying to imitate it. I will have to get it on video. AJ loves to pretend he is having a phone conversation and will carry on the CUTEST conversations in AJ language for a LONG time! Avery has a really good recording that I will need to get up on YouTube. AJ loves to see himself in the mirror. It is really, really adorable.
AJ also pays VERY close attention to where we are going on the road. He knows where the 270 exit is and if I'm not headed to VA, he will be MAD! LOL
AJ loves school and on the days he isn't "testing" - and thinking "i'm so cute and funny, all look at me", he's very good with the structure. Sits where he should, puts his back pack where it should go, can almost unzip his coat all of the way, knows which books are which, the words of the songs, he is good at matching colors and shapes and knows alot of animal sounds. He loves dogs! He will make dog noises and carry around any puppy toy or stuffed animal.
AJ's words:
Wan Wan (he's saying want, want while pointing to fridge): Milk --- and if you say milk, he will make the K sound.
Wan Wan - just also for anything he wants.
Gook or Book - also re book for read book
Ewee: Strawberry
Eeches: Peaches
Roll
Kay Cakes: Pancakes
Chooch: Toast
Fish: Goldfish
Bubbles
Bob: SpongeBob
My: Music player
Boon: Balloon
Where Da Ball?
Did It?: Get It?
Mommy, Daddy, No, Ma Ma (Grandma), Go
Up, Get Down, More
Champ
Sit Champ
Here Champ
Puppy
Bye Bye
Luh You: Love You
Ahpee: Open
Did I mention "No" ??? LOL
He repeats SO much and is SO proud when you repeat back to him so he knows you understood.
If I left anything off, email me or comment so I can add it! I really want to keep a good record for the future. I LOVE this kid. He has the most wonderful smile. He loves to be tickled and kissed. He blows kisses and waves backwards. Adorable.
