Landan's First Soccer Game

Here's some pictures from Landan's first soccer game. He's actually pretty good. Unfortunately he's on a team of 4 yr. olds because the cutoff for teams is Aug. 1st and his birthday is Aug. 7th. So unless I lie next year and put the wrong age down he's always going to be playing with kids a year younger than him. Becuase of this he's actually one of the better ones on his team. He made the first two goals in the game.

Here's their team picture. The one standing up with the long hair is actually a boy. There's only one girl on his team.

Landan's first goal.

He goes after the ball pretty well.

Soccer

Landan started soccer last week. I forgot the camera at his first practice so I took some pictures today. He looked so good in his cleats and shin guards. He's pretty good if I do say so myself. He's always been pretty coordinated with a ball. His first game is this Sat. I can't wait. and guess what they decided for a team name.......
The Bolts. I'm sure Landan had a big say in that.

On another note, I also just signed Landan up for gymnastics. He's still having a lot of trouble at school. He's been hitting kids and once he cut a kid's hair with his scissors. He's having a really hard time adjusting. Gymnastics is a good sport for a kid with SPD because it gives him the sensory input to his muscles his body needs by pushing and jumping and falling and crashing. I'm also hoping it works his body more so he doesn't have so much energy to be hitting people. He starts next week and he's really excited. His Occupational Therapist said it was a great idea and she recommends it for all her SPD kids.

Gavin the Tumbling Toddler

Folks we have a real treat for you today. Gavin the amazing Tumbling Toddler is going to perform his newest feat. We know this has been a much anticipated event so without furthur ado, we'll join the trainers on the floor.

And first Gavin will start out with some stretches. A most important part of his routine. Look at that form and flexibility.

And now for the main event. A forward roll into a stand. Let's watch folks.

Look at that form. Have you ever seen anyting like it. What amazing agility. I think we'll be seeing a lot of this kid for years to come. Next stop is the Olympics for him. And remember you saw it here first. We hope you enjoyed the show.

First week of school

Well, we survived the first week of school but not necessarily unscathed. I already got my first phone call from the teacher to talk about Landan's behavior. That's right, he's already in trouble. The first few days were fine but the 4th and 5th day I got a note home from the teacher saying he was choking a kid while standing in line.
Now, before you judge him let me explain. Landan does not take change well. NOT AT ALL. He had the same problems every time he switched classes at daycare. I figured out the pattern this time. When he stands in line with kids they can't help but touch each other even if it's unintentionally. Usually it's a light touch: brushing your arm or bumping into your back. Well Landan is very sensitive to light touch because of his sensory disorder so it evokes a fight or flight response. He usually just pushes the other kid or hugs them really tightly. Apparently we've moved on to choking.
I think part of it is that he's in a new situation, new surroundings, new kids, a new grown-up and he just gets so disoriented and nervous that he reacts aggressively. Luckily the teacher was very nice about the whole situation. I had sent her a note the first day explaining his disorder and possible strategies to help. We decided to use a fidget toy becuase that seemed to work in the past and it was a familiar object that would keep his hands busy so he didin't touch any other kid, or else to let him be at the end of the line so he can put a distance between him and the other kid and no one is touching him in the back. Hopefully this will put an end to the notes home.
At least now I have a heads up with specific situations he might get into trouble for next year. I sure hope this next week is better for him. Other than that, the teacher says he is very happy to be there and he participates and does all his work well. I'm glad he likes it because he still doesn't talk to me about school at all.