Picked up AFOs

We brought home Andy's AFOs, and they look great on him. I was surprised at how hidden they are, you really can't see them at all when they have pants on. We will break them in at first, having him wear them just one hour a day at first. Next week, we may move up to two hours a day. He doesn't mind me putting them on him, so I'm happy about that. He was actually laughing yesterday when I sat him on my lap to put them on.

We worked on sit to stand, and stand to sit, while he had them on, and he played by the couch. He has yet to stand on his own. We are awaiting approval from the insurance company for the gait trainer. When we get it, he will wear them while in the gait trainer. Hopefully, we will have it in time for summer.

I am looking forward to seeing him stand on his own, and feel like the AFOs will soon make it possible for him. The orthotist felt he will be grown out of them in six months, so we'll see if that's the case.

Switching gears

Andy is 23 months old, and still cannot crawl. In January, I was telling his physiatrist that even if I had a physical therapist living with me, I don't feel it would make any difference. He just isn't getting how to crawl. We have to just wait for his brain to be ready.

Lately, I have forgotten to focus on other cognitive skills for Andy to learn, such as counting and alphabet. I am so consumed by the physical stuff, that I need to take a break and reassess what is being missed. I would really like to start focusing more on his language, with flash cards and felt boards. His physical skills will come with time, I need to switch gears and work on cognitive, cognitive, cognitive. It's very important to me to get him more on track. I really feel he is ready to learn, and can take in new information right now.

He is two years old, and isn't a baby any more. I am ready to raise my expectations for him, and push him even harder. I think it will pay off by the fall, when he will be joining the two-year old intervention program.  I am continuing to stay at home with him, so I am ready to get all kinds of therapeutic activities going that he and his sister can do together.

I was also reading in the early intervention stuff, that it is important for Andy to be involved with typical children as well. So, we will be on the look out for things that we can do with the community as well.

Come on Andy! On the tip of his tongue

Andy will be two in May, and I am praying for him every night. Right now, I feel like I'm holding my breath. What are you trying to say Andy? He is trying so hard to talk. I asked him the other day, "do you want more" and did the sign for more, "or are you all done, tell mama" and he slowly let out an "alllllllll dahhhhhh". I showed him my excitement and reinforced the talking, of course. Then today, I asked him, "do you want more, or do you want a drink" and he said "moh wa-wa". Also, a minute after Andy's uncle left and we were all telling him good-bye, I took Andy into his room and he said "byyyyye" real long and drawn out.

Oh, I can't wait to hear him start talking. It is so exciting!!! He also seems to understand more and more of what I am saying to him, which is so great. It is such a great feeling to see him carry out an action that I ask him to do, like can you put this in?

I am trying to look at Andy in a new light, and imagine that he can understand everything I am saying to him. To really believe that he is in there, and just can't express himself fully. I've been reading some of the inspirational stories on babycenter.com and on blogs, and they have been helping me to believe in him. I also don't feel I should lower my expectations, because he needs me to keep pushing him.

Making Andy play on hands and knees more

We are recovering from illness, but I have still managed to give Andy lots of therapeutic time this last week. Our PT visit was quite a flop this week with Andy's horrendous irritability, but we are using her advice on couch cushions. I put a cushion against the wall, so Andy has to play with his toys in four point, instead of just sitting on the ground. He doesn't want to roll off of the couch cushion as fast as he would my rolled up pilates mat (who has time for pilates, yoga, exercise...)so great! He was pissed on the first try, but I figured he will have to get used to it. After just a few days he is doing well with it. He prefers being on his elbows. Can't wait to see him pushing up more on his hands. He did it a little today.

This is all so slow and painful to watch. I am still using my "laughter is the best medicine" cure for sadness and frustration via Netflix. It helps keep the tears at bay. I would highly recommend it to everyone. It beats crying all night long about things you can't change anyway!!!