[tri-med] Re: re-introducing myself

In a message dated 05/28/2004 4:55:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
loganfamily@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> I'd love to hear more about how Michael overcame his
> fear of water...our Miss Mari is horribly afraid

It really happened quite simply.  After a long time of sponge baths and lots 
and lots of patience he overcame it.
His cousin, whom he adores, was in the pool.  She reached her hands out to 
Michael and he came.  He wouldn't go in alone that day but wanted to be held.  
The next day he was standing on the steps playing in the water.  He still would 
not go in the bathtub, even if I took him in.
One day (not too long after the pool incident) his sister was taking a bath.  
Michael reached in to splash some water.  I didn't say anything at first and 
continued to help my daughter wash her hair.  Michael started to shake his leg 
and grunt.  I asked him if he wanted to go in and he did his "uh" sound which 
I know means yes.
I put him in and just let him play, I didn't wash him.  After a few 
"playtimes" in the tub I was able to start washing his hair. 

We also have one of those play sinks that I started putting water in.  He 
enjoyed just placing his hand in it and soon started pouring cups etc.   It was 
a 
mess but well worth it.  Now he takes a cup and pours it over his head.  He 
will do anything for a laugh from his siblings so this became a big part of his 
"antics"

I would say get a Tupperware tub, fill it with some water and bubbles.  Hold 
her on your lap while you play in and see if your daughter shows any interest. 
 Don't push it but allow her to come to it on her terms. With the warmer 
weather it should be easier to do it outside so you can make a mess.
 
I know almost anything that Michael has done seemed to happen when I was at 
the end of my rope with hope, thinking he would never get it or be able to 
handle something. He basically has his own time frame and will do what he can 
when 
he is ready or wants to.

I remember when he started to sit up.  He would rock back and forth on all 
fours for a long time.  I desperately wanted him to crawl and it seemed like 
all 
he did was rock.  He made no move to crawl for such a long time.
I started to whine to his PT about it and as I am whining he is crawling 
toward us!
I think he just waits until I am ready to lose it and then he shows me up. I 
am not complaining however!!!!!!
Blessings W,
Monica
Mom to AJ (9 1/2), Christine (6), Mary Elizabeth (^i^),Michael (2 ,T-18 
mosaic) and Birgitta, foster/soon to be adopted (13 months old , T-21& FAS)


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