We are having fun with a snow today! We had a little dusting about a week ago, but today was our first playable snow. This homeschool mom does not allow snow days. I save them up for spring fever days - those first days of spring that are so beautiful one can not possibly stay indoors and do school. So after my normal morning meeting with Josiah, Nathaniel and I headed outdoors.

Nathaniel first insisted on exploring the snow mittenless. That, and our entire outdoor experience, lasted less than two minutes. That smile faded quickly into many tears. We found a different pair of mittens that he seemed to like better than the first I tried, and went out again. The experience went much better the second time. 

Immediately after coming in the second time, Nathaniel went to his talker and said COLD. Like many words Nathaniel uses these days, I have no idea when he learned where cold was located. But he knew, and he used it appropriately.

Recently we have been thinking about how various environments influence the language tools Nathaniel needs. Multiple times outside today, we used sign language. As much as I believe in Nathaniel having access to his device at all times, wet environments are not possible now. He needs the Gripcase case for OT reasons and to make it easier to manage carrying his device. It is not waterproof. And Carter's doesn't make size 2T tech touch mittens! Another setting we expect sign language to be a valuable resource is when participating in cooperate singing, reading of scriptures, and reciting creeds at church. Early January we started working on a super fun family project that we hope will lay a foundation for Nathaniel's participation at church. I will share the idea soon.

We continue to seek financial support towards the expenses of taking Nathaniel to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for airway surgery in February. If you would like to donate, please do so through the link below.