Nathaniel is developing a discerning palate. It’s a great improvement but brings challenges. He cannot communicate about what he wants to eat or when he is hungry. Sometimes he closes his mouth and refuses to eat. Is this because he doesn’t like the food? Something else is bothering him? But he seems to want to communicate and is learning ways to let those around him know what he wants. They ask him questions and he is getting more and more consistent with his responses.
Nathaniel now makes noise when he laughs. I told him a corny family joke, and after a bit, he smiled and then laughed with noise.
Nathaniel’s birthday was last week, so the family made a party with some friends. He smiled a lot when he saw people he knew. All enjoyed seeing his happiness when he saw someone he hadn’t seen in a while.
The neuro-ophthalmologist is very pleased with how well Nathaniel’s eyes can move now. It’s truly amazing. His eye therapy is also going well. It includes a lot of cognitive training, but he seems motivated and tries hard to master the skills.
In the morning when Nathaniel’s caregiver gets him up, he gives him a hug. Nathaniel has been reciprocating with his left arm but has recently started to try to move his right arm as well!