Endings and beginnings...

Lots of endings and many beginnings for us in May and June. Gavin finished up his First Steps therapy in May. He worked with Miss Shiela, a developmental therapist, once a week for 1 1/2 years. She worked on speech, sensory integration, play skills and so much more. She was wonderful with Gavin and we will miss her dearly.

(Miss Shiela and Gavin)

Cole finished up at Cornerstone Pediatric Rehab. He attended their "Bridge" program twice a week from Dec. until May doing PT, OT, Speech and DT. It was a great program, but we just felt it wasn't the right fit for Cole. So after one week of therapy vacation, Cole started at The Jackson Center for Conductive Education. http://thejacksoncenter.org. This program also is twice a week for 3 hours and it is intense. Cole uses a walker to go everywhere at the Jackson Center. He walks to the potty and to class and back to the potty and to snack. Walks everywhere and looks great doing it. The first day was really hard. Cole pitched a fit from the moment he got there. Crying and spitting and posturing. At one point he had 3 adults working with him to get him into position. It was the first time I felt like going in and "rescuing" Cole from therapy. I wanted to hold him and comfort him and make them stop. But I didn't. And he survived. The second day he walked to class with no tears, laughed, worked really hard and did a great job. There is an amazing neurological connection between physical movement and speech. The more Cole moves the better his speech gets and he proved it once more this week. He is partnered with Matt. His first male therapist and they are a perfect match for each other. Matt is strong so Cole can't man-handle him.

(Cole and Matt at The Jackson Center)

Now there are two things the Trapp side of our family has been known for throughout the generations... our dancing abilities and our sleeping abilities. I was blessed to receive both of these gifts and I'm happy to say they have been successfully passed to the next generation...I know you were all very worried.


Video 1: Gavin or Papa Trapp? It is hard to distinguish.

Video 2: Cole or Grandma Susie? Again, hard to distinguish.

A tricycle for Cole

We are in the process of getting Cole a tricycle. It is pretty pricey ($785.00) so we thought it would make an excellent 3rd birthday present. It would be great to be able to get the tricycle as soon as possible so Cole can enjoy it all summer long. If you are thinking about getting him a birthday present this year, this would be the best thing for him. Just follow the instructions below to donate toward the cost of the tricycle...and pass this along to anyone else who might be interested.

http://www.ambucs.com/amtryke-wish-list-grant-a-wish/?phpMyAdmin=5ccfcc52777b7aca5bb43e5100c847cd

1. Click on the DONATE NOW button.

2. Select how much you wish to donate and click CONTINUE.

3. Fill out the information and make sure you select that you want to sponsor a child and list Cole Johnson, Brownsburg, IN in the box.

4. Know that you are making a little boy's life a lot more "normal" as he will be able to keep up with his brother and neighborhood friends.

Love to all!

Everyone is growing up

This weekend was Eric's birthday. Gavin was eager to help daddy blow out his candles. We did not do much to celebrate, as the boys were still sick (10 days in a row of little to no sleep) and Eric and I were just trying to survive. But we do have a babysitter for this Friday and VIP tickets to the Pearl Jam concert (perhaps we will meet the band?). So we'll celebrate a combined birthday and mother's day that night. SOOO excited!

In other BIG BOY news, Gavin transitioned to a toddler bed on Sunday. He was unsure at first and kept saying his bed was "broken". But he did great, hasn't fallen out yet, and is still sleeping like a champ.

Week in pictures

I have to believe at some point our life will slow down. But for the time being I don't see that happening. I sold clothes and other baby stuff at the Twin's Club sale Friday and Sat. Eric was an excellent Mr. Mom for 24 hours. Both boys are sick with colds, and when Cole is sick he is a bear. No sleep last night, and it isn't looking good so far tonight. We are suppose to do the Walk for Babies 3 mile walk tomorrow morning in downtown Indy. But the forecast is calling for rain and we are not taking two sick boys out into the rain. It is very disappointing because we look forward to walking all year long...but we are also exhausted and the rain/colds give us an excellent excuse to stay in bed a little longer in the morning. Here is a recap of this week in pictures.

Cole: Friday at school in the taos. MUCH happier.

Gavin diggin' in the dirt at TherAplay.

Cole and all his lady friends (including Tiger the horse) at TherAplay.

Gavin presents Old McDonald on keyboard.

Getting the TAOS

Today was the big day. Cole got the long awaited TAOS walker. He was less than thrilled to receive this new edition. We are hoping with time that he will begin to enjoy being upright and start to explore his world on his own.

Once again it makes me realize all the things in life that I take for granted. How lucky am I that I can walk? That I can take out the trash, and walk the dog, and go to the bathroom all on my own. How lucky am I that I have Cole in my life and he can teach me to appreciate every single step in life.

End of construction

Everyone has been working so hard to get the pool ready. The boys have had lots of fun watching the trucks and are sad that it is all over.

Gavin got the opportunity to drive the "Bobtruck" with Dave our landscaper. He thought that was really cool, but didn't care for all the dust and dirt in his eyes.

And here is the final product. It turned out better than any of us could have dreamed. We've made it very accessible for Cole. The sidewalk slopes to the pool with no stairs. He even has his own water jet that sits 4 feet back from the side of the pool, that he loves to stick his hands and head into. April has been so nice that we have been in the water a couple times already. Looking forward to a long and hot summer!

April in Indiana

Gavin has been incredibly busy being 2. He is non-stop motion. Exploring, exploring, exploring. With spring finally here we've really been enjoying our time at TherAplay. While Cole rides, Gavin and I feed the horses and walk the grounds. It is a wonderful farm.

Gavin getting a kiss from his new buddy.

He is also busy learning colors, numbers, shapes and letters. Here is a video of Gavin preparing for his upcoming visit with Papa and their discussion of the current economy.

Cole continues to do great. He is really starting to explore his world. I found him the other day sleeping on his tummy, crammed into the small end of his crib and completely happy. A first for sure.