Rose got a Barbie and an Only Hearts doll (the one named Lily Rose).
JoyMama got a hot bath and a nap (Christmas BLISS.)
And Joy got squishy-face.
She pulls your hand toward her face, asking wordlessly for pressure across her forehead or cheekbones. Then when the squishy-face has been given, a great big grin erupts. And she signs "more" or pulls your hand again.
Not that she didn't like the presents. This year, she tolerated quite nicely being asked to tear the wrapping paper, again and again.
She's enjoying the jack-in-the-box, and the light-up ring-stacker, both of which she's been playing with functionally on and off through the day. Even more so, though, she has enjoyed a particularly long & shiny ribbon... and a piece of bubble wrap... and the lid to a package of greeting cards. And squishy-face.
We are all joyful here today, in our own ways.
May joy be yours as well. Merry Christmas!
12 comments:
Merry Christmas to you, JoyMama, JoyDad, Rose, and Joy!
It sounds just perfect!
Merry Christmas, JoyFamily - with much love!
It sure seemed to me that Joy was especially calm and cooperative this year at our house. I did get a hug, high five, and sort-of kiss from Joy!! That makes me a happy AuntieS!! I also had several opportunities to chat with Rose about things she is doing, which was fun also. We were all so determined to enjoy the evening together that I think we scared the bad weather away so everyone was able to get here easily and safely!! Glad to hear that Joy and Rose are enjoying their gifts!
-AuntieS
I wonder what the squishyface does for her? Theories?
I'm more inclined to suggest another way get the same feeling for her, ME. But what comes to mind sounds a bit bizarre. Then again, a face squeeze might draw stares in public, too. I might inquire from Joy's OT about face splint. So long as it doesn't look like Jason's.
mama edge & therextras - I think that squishy-face has a dual function: the sensory input and the social interaction. See, you not only give squishy-face, you also say "SQUISH-y face!" in a similar intonation to how you'd say "PEEK-a-boo!" And then she grins/giggles, makes eye contact, requests another round... The game aspect makes it quite acceptable in public, at least with a five-year-old. (With a teenager you'd get some blowback, I imagine.)
The social interaction is a fair point, JM. So long as you, JD and Joy like this game is it a good one - seeing it as part of a sensory diet. I was thinking of Temple Grandin's squeeze device. If a face mask was pleasant to her - choosing and placing it herself would be an act of self-care and independence. Her other play activities are very nice, too. BRatK
Evan likes a face massage...
Best wishes for a blessed New Year!
Looks like a lovely day was had by all! Best wishes!
Merry Christmas to you!
(we have an abridged version of Squishy Face here - Squishy Ears. But without the fun side effects. I think the pressure feels good!)
Squishy-face. It has a ring to it.
Happy 2010!
love the squishy face photo. love the JoyFamily.
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