SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!

ETHAN CAN NOW PUT TWO WORDS TOGETHER!!!

*does a slaphappy little jig*

I can't even begin say how excited I am about this!

Not just 'nighty-night,' but:

Ni'night, Mommy.
Ni'night, Tah'na.
Ni'night, Daddy.
Ni'night, Eh'tan.

What are we having for dessert? Not just 'cake,' not just 'chocolate,' but:

Chocolate cake!

Not just 'hello,' but:

Hello, Ju-ju! (Julia is a dear friend of ours who is over our house frequently.)

We don't have to tell him when to say goodbye now. He says goodbye whenever he's done having a conversation now! (OOOH, social cues!!! *giddy*) Instead of just wandering away when he loses interest in what we're doing, he pauses, looks at me, and says, "Bye-bye!" Then he gives me a little wave and off he goes.

Language HAPPENS!

in a nutshell...

All folks following Ethan's situation, PLEASE take a minute to read this. I found it extremely well put and easy to understand. I know I tried earlier this year to explain what I've meant when I've mentioned that Ethan is "autistic" but I think -as usual- I overexplained and got too technical to do any good. This is a wonderful (and mercifully brief) explanation of the basic reason people are diagnosed as being on "the autism spectrum" (and it has nothing to do with eye contact, head banging, or counting cards in Las Vegas! *grin*)- the common thread that links the broad spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders together. Enjoy!