PROGRESS!

I've always considered Bode to be my reserved child. I don't call him shy, because he's not. He's absolutely social, loves and wants to play with other children. But he's definitely slow-to-warm. I watch him as he takes in a new situation and he simply takes his time deciding to jump in (much like his mother). In a way, I like it. I like that he sizes things or people up and doesn't just jump into anyone's arms. I like to picture the little cogs in his brain moving along, noticing details and taking notes. At times though, this behavior is difficult. He is often slow to transition from one thing to the next and is inflexible. Things like preschool and church nursery are positively overwhelming to him, the chaos and all (I actually don't blame him regarding nursery. I wouldn't like it either!). He usually won't talk to people, even people he knows. No hello, no goodbye. If someone addresses him, he looks at them almost to say, "I'm sorry. Did I speak to you first??" A friend of mine says she thinks Bode's going to be one of those kids who is just "too cool" for you (which I appreciated hearing as I had never thought of it in a more positive or humorous way)...It's gotten to the point, though, that we've started working on changing some of his behaviors before they are set in stone.

I'm already seeing progress in just these two short weeks. He said, "Thanks! Goodbye!" today to T. at OT without being coaxed or prompted. This was after a long car ride full of "I don't want to go. Let's go that way!" And at the park, another little boy, probably 3+ years old, came up to Bode. BODE said, "What's your name?" The little boy answered and said, "What's your name" back. And Bode answered, "Bode!" And off they went to play on the slides over and over again. I almost did a little cheer right then and there. He certainly talks to and plays with other children at the playground, but that was the best exchange and interaction I have ever witnessed. I am so encouraged and hope to see these improvements carry over to other areas, like a better preschool experience, too.