Babies, babies, and more babies!

“Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world”

Getting Andrew to use words to go "down" the slide

Brite is a BIG helper with the little ones

Getting the "big kids" to drink without a bottle


"My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty..."

Feeding precious Shawn

He did not smile at the beginning of the week...now we get a smile everyday plus imitations of sounds/gestures out of this little guy!

Our beautiful supervisor, Marja, feeding Lisa

Teagan
Precious Janna Tummy time!
Oh goodness! Ross the wanderer; he rooms with 3 other boys around his age and he is the only one walking on his own

Hello there Catherine!

Today ended the first week of therapy at the Haven. A lot of progress was noted in the toddler language class; as the kids became more comfortable with us they started to talk and interact more. We split the class in two groups this morning which turned out to be the right idea. We got some verbalization/gestures from a few more kids once placed in the smaller groups. The theme all week was animals, so we targeted saying the names and the sounds of each animal.

Two new babies have arrived at Haven 1, Alfred and "Joe" (he is not named yet, could be Nathan or Hunter) they are just a few days old. I look forward to working with these little ones next week when I begin feeding and swallowing therapy with Caroline. When working with the older ones at Haven 1 on language, we mostly bombard them with information (this week's theme: animals) so we talked about each animal and the sounds they make. Then we would sing songs repeatedly (that's the KEY!). Most of the babies are attentive throughout the language class and some even imitate gestures.

Yesterday was our first day to do a language class at Haven 3. It is very similar to what is done over at Haven 2 except here the babies are more energetic and dance to the songs, clap and even wave/say "hi" and "bye" to the animals we discuss.

Overall, it was a great first week at the Haven! I am becoming attached to the children (I'll admit, I do have my favorites!) However, I still love each and every one of the little babies there! I can't wait until Monday :)

Marja (who I've learned so much from this week) read this to Catherine, Lacey, and I before we started therapy today, "The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" Exodus 4:11-12