Monday, August 2, 2010

New found skill!

I can't write as much as I want to right now, but I just had to post this.  The other day Brandy (Harlie's nurse) told me that Harlie did a 24-piece puzzle - all by herself.  I hate to admit that I really didn't fully believe her.  I mean, with NO assistance?  C'mon!  


So, a day or so went by and I put that same 24-piece puzzle in front of her and left the room for a minute.  When I came back, she had already put together a lot of the pieces.  So, I sat there and watched her.  And she did it.  All. By. Herself.  


So, of course, I had to pull out another one to show her Nana, a professional puzzle-put-togetherer.  I knew she would appreciate this new found skill!





Even while being suctioned, she remained focused on the task at hand!


Now, I get that this might not be totally amazing to the average person.  But, for some reason, I am so impressed!!!  

So, tonight, just for kicks, I put a 60-piece puzzle on the table.  And with MINIMAL assistance - meaning that we did NOT put one piece in - she completed it!!! 




At about this point, the boys headed outside to play and shockingly enough, she wanted to go, too.  So, she took a little break from the puzzle.  She wanted to get in the kiddie pool, so she made me take off her shirt.  But, I don't know if she's ready for the kiddie pool yet, so I didn't let her in.  

She came right back in and finished the puzzle.  


I am just so, so impressed.  We watched her put this one together, which did take a little time.  But, she never got frustrated and she just kept on, one piece at a time.  

She is still not herself.  And has not forgiven me yet.  In fact, when I sign "I love you" at night, she refuses to look at me.  Can you feel the love?  Because I can't.  

Each day I wonder if today will be the day.  Maybe tomorrow.  

Thanks!
~Christy


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

never does a day pass that Harlie does not amaze me. You do as well.

Libby Walker said...

i just love this!!!!!! such a smart little girl! amazing

Ann said...

Based on my experience with having a daughter who is deaf, kids who can't talk and/or who can't communicate as early as typical kids are VERY visual. Harlie has been absorbing more than you realize for years and it's very exciting that you found something that allows her to express her intelligence, insight, awareness and powers of observation. Harlie is awesome ... and so is her mom!

Janis @ Sneak Peek At Me said...

Well HELLYA I'm freakin' impressed!!! WTG Harlie!

Anonymous said...

Give her some time to maybe not forgive but forget a little. I know that she loves you, but probably does not understand what she has gone through. You can see that she is very intelligent so she is trying to put all her puzzle pieces of her life together. Kids are smarter than sometimes than we give them credit for. Give her time Mom. She has made remarkable progress. Love Ron and Sue

Grandma said...

The fact that Harlie wanted to go outside, is playing all shows signs that she is getting better,,,heck, adults having open heart surgery don't bounce back that quick.
Christy, Harlie loves you with all her heart..she just has to vent a little and we always hurt the one we love the most...soon..she will be telling you those words..you know she does.
Are puzzles on the birthday list? Is she not amazing? I bet your mom really enjoyed watching her..she got her nana's skills. Miss all of you.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

How awesome is she! Check out that puzzle. I am super impressed. :)

And I'm sorry she is still not echoing your love. I know she will get over it soon enough, but it must be heartbreaking.

Anonymous said...

Christy - this is such an adorable post! What a smart girl Harlie is. I loved puzzles as a kid and still do. I always have one out on the table in my family room and put a few pieces in when I have time. It was so good to see you on Saturday for 10 miles - looking forward to 7 this Saturday. Enjoy your week and see you soon.

xoxo,
Niki

Just Diane said...

That just breaks my heart that she is mad at you. That part made me cry.
She really is an impressive little girl and she really comes by it honestly because you are a great mom. I hope tonight she tells you that she loves you.

Sue Mitchell said...

Is this young lady awesome or what?! She just never ceases to amaze me! Christy, I echo what Harlie's Grandma said: Kids will love their parents the most and that's who they can be themselves with the most. You are who Harlie has had right with her all her life so you're going to get her best and her worst. She will get over this and you will see and feel her love; right now, you have to remember it in your heart. She does love you and we who follow you and Harlie on your blog know that! Keep the faith.

Christy said...

Way to go Harlie!! Glad to see she is making improvements. I can totally relate to how you feeling about Harlie not "showing you the love"...when Chloe was in treatment and so sick, she would treat me worse than anyone. Her therapist always said they're the meanest to the ones they love the most...and to the people who they know will love them no matter what. Some days it would be so hard to not her be her loving, sweet self, but I knew it was because she just wasn't herself.
Hoping today is the days she starts showing you the love!

Christy said...

and btw..Chloe absolutely LOVED doing puzzles especially when she wasn't feel 100%. Puzzles were a huge part of her life! Go, Harlie, Go!

Susan said...

That's VERY impressive. I know sometimes when our kids can't communicate verbally in the typical way it can be easy, even as their mom, to underestimate what they can do. I'm glad you got to see it for yourself. And I'm so glad you got pictures to share with us! She looks so grown up and pretty there.

Heart Update

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