Paul's Update - 01/14/07

Dear Friends:

The last few days have been pretty quiet. Paul has not been interested in doing much. He still continues to say words that are repeated and sometimes he says things that are random. He is getting better about using the words "yes" and "no" when we ask him questions. He will sometimes voluntarily say yes or no without us prompting him. As always we try to respect his answers to us as what he really wants even when it doesn't seem to make sense. The last few days he has shook his head "no" for lots of things. He seems to want to talk to us a lot but doesn't say anything and it is hard to figure out what he wants. He shakes his head no to most things we ask him. He continues to practice with his counting and can say most of the alphabet. Friday night Paul told Tabby "I ... want ... you" without copying anyone. Sometimes Tabby will start him with "I ... Want ... " and she will let him finish the sentence. It takes him a little time to say something and sometimes he says things that are not understandable but sometimes he says things we are surprised by! She went to hug him and he gave her a big hug! Paul has also learned how to say "I'm OK". Gladys (the weekend nurse) made chicken and fried rice for lunch on Saturday. She was very excited that Paul enjoyed it so much. He ate most of a whole plateful of it. Saturday was a nice day in the 50's. Paul was able to go outside and sit under the Gazebo for a bit in the afternoon. It started to drizzle a little bit but he was able to be outside for about an hour. Tabby and Alysa were playing catch with Ozzy and it was very entertaining. Sunday Tabby spent most of the day with Bobby, Jen, Ty & Karen. Dad & I stayed with Paul. Paul wanted some quiet time this afternoon. Dad asked him if he wanted us to leave the room and he nodded "yes" so we went upstairs and spent some time watching the football game so he could have some "alone" time. Tabby said he does that every so often. He doesn't get much of that if you think about it ... someone is there with him almost ALL the time. Monday is a holiday but Tabby has to work so Dad will be on the job first thing in the morning. Hopefully Paul will get back into his routine and work outs! Have a great day!!

Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl