Sensory Play and Summer Fun

Last summer we did quite a bit for the older kids and by the end of summer I was spending a lot of time in the car with Harli Belle.  Most of the outdoor activities had Harli in a meltdown within half an hour of arriving.  She wanted to explore every light,  sound and texture she encountered.  But she was only 33 inches tall and too small to enjoy any of the activities.  Most places we chose had a toddler area,  but she wanted the big adventures of the huge playground.  Not a slide as short as she was. 

The heat became too much for both of us,  because now we were trying to explain "no" to a very angry toddler.  Which always led to a meltdown and running away.  Looking at her point of view,  it had to be confusing because at home we encourage her to try new things,  and praise her when she accomplished something,  but here are other adults stopping her at every chance.  So to the air conditioned car we went. 

We still had the indoor playground we could visit.  They allowed Harli on anything she wanted as long as I was there to supervise.   It was very convenient and let us practice climbing safely.  It was important for us to encourage stairs because Harli was extremely bow legged at the shins and was very clumsy.  Then right when then weather turned cold the place closes down forever. 

I was pretty heartbroken to be honest.  I wanted to buy it and fix all the issues to reopen just so my baby had a place to play and grow.  I still want to but it's not in the cards.

This summer life was different.  We had a diagnosis,  we had therapy to look forward to and we were figuring it all out.   I hit the books hard.... Figuratively.  I googled a ton of sensory play ideas,  what therapy techniques worked that were also fun.  I pinned 100 activities and began to piece them together for activities that would help Harli Belle without her even knowing it.  

During story time Harli began to show me that she knew her colors by pointing to them as we read them.  Her first blow up pool popped the top ring,  but would stay up for a good hour.  So I squeezed non toxic finger paint onto paper plates,  hung large white paper over the edges and put her inside. 

She had paint brushes,  bubble wrap and paper towels to try different textures with.  I gave her 5 minutes to explore and then started asking her to "show mommy this color". She had no idea she was learning colors,  but she learned all 7 colors. 

When she began to identify her animals she showed particularl interest in sea creatures.  Which just made me as bubbly as could be,  because I love ocean themes.  Since her communication started to improve, with speech and talking cards,  her pica has gotten a lot better as well.   I've read a million articles on water beads and have been dying to get some.  However you dont dare buy a toddler with pica anything she might consume,  no matter how  non toxic it is. 

The time has finally come that I trust her enough to make the purchase.  I don't know who's more excited at this point.  So we go crazy with them for a day.  Sorting,  dumping,  searching and feeling.  We can't stop,  the whole family.   So it was time,  I threw the sand out of her sand/water table and lugged it upstairs.  I dump about half the balls in there,  grab a bunch of her sea creatures and start asking her to find them "under the water".  She's over the moon with all the activities she can do with one simple toy.

 

I am absolutely blown away at the progress she is making this summer.  She's requesting things she wants,  she's gaining strong vocabulary,  meltdowns have been shorter and less frequent.  We've started potty training and consistently used the potty 4 days in a row.  Of course there are accidents in between,  but she's doing great.   

The pride she has in herself is what provokes the most emotional responses from me.   I'm so proud of her and so proud that she can feel pride and use that a fuel to try hard.  She's already figured that part out.  She's not a quitter and as stubborn as that can make her,  I want her to keep that forever.  It will be her guiding star in life.