Monkey See...Monkey Do!

I need to charge the batteries on my video camera and seriously start recording these things. First, Alex is producing some great new sounds. He learned that a dinosaur or a lion makes a roaring sound. He roars really well. Second, last night Al was eating dinner he blurted out a "ah" sound repeating after me. When I feed him I open my mouth wide and say " ah ah ah" three times. This morning while eating breakfast, Alex actually repeated after me, three times "ah ah ah" multiple times. He is so good at taking turns too. Also, after showing him his picture with Santa (taken last night) I would say to him "ho ho ho" he couldn't actually say that but he did hum under his breath three quick hums. Amazing how there is now proof of Al's hearing finally coming out of his mouth and not just with his expressions and behaviors.
Can't wait for Christmas break with him (2 whole weeks). Looking forward to working hard with hearing and more AVT goals!
Finally, Alex loved going to see Santa, didn't play shy and sat on his lap like a charmer while the photographer only shot two pics before getting this one!

Routine Change Up

Well I've officially been back to work for a week and two days. Alex has spent three days so far in the daycare at my school and he absolutely loves it! It's somewhat sad that he is not even a little upset to see him mommy leaving...well sad for me at least! It's much harder on me then on him since he adapts so well and is so social already!
New developments with his hearing have come up some good some not so good. First, he has on a few occasions pointed at himself when asked the question "who is Alex and where is Alex?". He is no fool though since he immediately starts pointing at himself first thing in the morning when I put on his ears he tries to trick me into thinking he is answering the question before it is even asked. But, like I said a few times he has done it. Also, he is letting me know when he hears new sounds more and more often. Today I began banging his spoon on his bowl of oatmeal (not sure why I did that) and he would point to his left ears indicating "I heard that".
Unfortunately, more then ever it has been a battle with Alex to keep his ears on. He takes them off often during the day, it used to be when he was tired but I'm fearing now there is another reason I can't put my finger on. All of his caregivers are committed like us to having him wear them 100% of waking hours of the day. We just need to keep him distracted I guess!
AVT tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it very much.

He is close!

Alex is very close to beginning to imitate sounds. Thus far, he is very good at taking turns when we play with sound. For example, I will make the sound of a car driving by while playing with one of his toy cars (his favorite toys) and he will then take his turn and begin humming, not at all the same noise but serious attempts.
He copies a clicking noise we make with our tongue and the "mouah" from a kiss.
He began days care this week since mommy is back at work. He is also with secondary caregivers some of the week (my mother and mother-in-law) and he is adjusting so well to the routine. I am definitely having a harder time with it then he is.
All in all, I just wanted to mention he is so much more vocal compared to a month ago!