I recently found out that a couple of books that I was planning to buy are actually available online for free! These are highly recommended by parents in the Ds support groups I joined.

The materials cater for all age group, but as for me, I’m going to focus on reading the ones that fit Edry’s age group:

• An overview of the development of infants with Down syndrome (0-5 years)
• Speech and language development for infants with Down syndrome (0-5 years)
• Reading and writing for infants with Down syndrome (0-5 years)
• Number skills development for infants with Down syndrome (0-5 years)
• Motor skills development for individuals with Down syndrome – An overview
• Social development for individuals with Down syndrome – An overview
• Issues for families with children with Down syndrome
• Education for individuals with Down syndrome – An overview

I honestly love Downsed.org!

When did I started teaching signing to Ezra? Oh, yeah, that was in late May, wasn’t it? Since Joel is still with his ah-po and ah-kung in Sandakan, I’ve been signing with just Ezra.

I’ve been pretty consistent with the following signs: more, milk, drink, eat, finish/no more, enough/that’s all and bathe/bath. I’ve been doing it every day with Ezra, but I thought Ezra would never get it. Until a few days ago, that is. Last Friday, he did the eat sign, which made me jump up and rush to get him something to munch on, just to show him that I understood what he wanted. And then last night, after finishing off a pack of crackers, he signed to me that he wanted more! Exciting! He also has less meltdowns lately. I think he finally understands that he can use all those gestures I’ve been showing him, and that it works both ways. I also find that he’s talking more as well. Speech is definitely improving. I’m able to understand him more now. Phew!

The only thing I regretted not doing when he did signs was that I didn’t get excited enough. Showing excitement does encourage him to do things more. What can I say — I was too shocked when I saw it! I couldn’t react on anything but respond to what he wanted. I’ll make sure to give him more compliments the next time I see another baby sign.