New concerns- Dr. Happy, here we come!

So, the wall licking and paint eating is getting worse. Instead of one wall, there are 6! I have documented this and taken pictures. He is also chewing pennies. He will pick a penny out of a mess of silver. There must be something in it that he likes. He also ate handfuls of sand from our backyard play area today. I didn't realize what he was doing until he had eaten a bunch. I spent all day yesterday worrying that he was going to harm himself with all that he ate. He is also eating mulch. We took him to a local park that has mulch on the ground. We put him down and he tried to eat the mulch.

This is all so concerning. I know that he is like a 1 year old mentally and 1 year olds eat sand and stuff, but they don't eat wood and paint. I have a student that has PICA. PICA is a disorder in which the person craves and eats stuff like dirt, clay, sand, etc. I am just concerned that Luke is struggling with the same thing.

On the positive side, Luke's personality is definitely getting brighter and happier. He smiles and laughs and just has so much fun with himself. He reaches for me and Marty. He actually is showing a preference for Daddy. In normal circumstances I would be jealous. In this circumstance, I am so happy! Marty and Luke have such a good time together.

I love my son, but sometimes my concerns completely block my view of the good things. God help me...