Levi's New Wheels

Levi is getting to borrow a medical walker for a little while, thanks to his occupational therapist and new physical therapist. When he uses it, he doesn't lean forward like he does with his push toys or when he holds our hands to walk. Hopefully this will be just what he needs to get the strength and motivation he needs to start walking.

We met with the new physical therapist this morning, and I got a wonderful first impression of her. She mainly did an assessment this time, but we will see her an hour each week from now on. I think it will be well worth the 30 minute drive.

We took Levi to Walmart to go walking tonight. The big open space was great for him, and he got lots of adoring looks from the shoppers there. "Awwwwww..." was the sound most of them made.

I used to have a "reply" button beside each comment left on the blog. It was nice because I could respond to questions or thoughts from you all. Somehow, it is gone, and I haven't had a chance to figure out how to add it back. I have tried to answer any recent questions by commenting on your blogs, and just wanted to thank so many of you for your encouragement and kind words. It means more than you know. I plan to get back on a regular blogging schedule once summer comes to a close and I get a bit more of a routine going for us.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

A Whole Lot of Learning Going On

I only helped Adam with three pieces of this puzzle, and he got the rest of it all put together.

Levi's speech therapist brought finger-paint to the house today.

Here is Adam's masterpiece. The drawing on the right is his Grandpa Vernon (just in case you couldn't see the resemblance).

He went to wash his hands in the bathroom after he was done painting, and had to turn on the light upon entering. Talk about being caught red-handed!

Levi couldn't decide to laugh or cry when he got paint on his foot.

We have been working on naming body parts with Levi. Emphasizing the words "hand" and "foot" were a big part of this session. We sound like broken records during speech, but that is what it takes for Levi to imitate. Lots of repetition & intensity seem to work best for him.

Yesterday he said, "Rock, rock, rock" while he was on his rocking horse, but we may not hear that word again for awhile. He can say several words, but we don't hear any of them consistently. He is getting very strong physically, and I have heard that kids usually focus on verbal skills or physical skills, but not both at once. Maybe once he gets walking, he'll have more energy and brainpower for speech. We will continue to read, work on sign-language, sign songs, and do flashcards daily so he gets the input he needs until then.

Later in the day, he and brother played cars together. I got this set from a garage sale a year or two ago, and it brings back memories. I loved these little Fischer-Price people when I was a kid.

The dog on the left (on the tractor) must be really old. It is made of wood and has a screw in the top that used to hold it's plastic ears on!

Grams & Grandpa Vernon came for a visit this morning. Wes & his dad got out the train set for Adam.

Adam waited patiently as they put it together, but it looked like he was dying to get his hands on it!

I took this pic just as he put these two pieces together. He was so excited!

"Look! I did it!!"

He loves to dress up & went to get his conductor hat and bandana as soon as he saw the train set coming out of the box.

It is so much fun watching these boys learn new things and grow! I think I enjoy their fun days as much as they do! I feel so blessed.

Therapy Break

Levi's physical therapist got a new job, and I wish her all the best. Unfortunately there is no one to replace her in our county, so we have started the process of getting outpatient therapy. We are going to have to drive 30 minutes away from home for his sessions now, which we are already doing for occupational therapy (fine motor skills). I am hoping we find a good therapist for him & that it doesn't take very long.

And while I know she'd gasp in dismay about his scooting in this video, here is my little guy in action (and some video of Chef Adam, too)...

Roadtrip!!

It was very last minute. We wanted to help out some friends (that have recently moved to Illinois), so we drove their daughter home from church camp here in Kentucky.

This sweetheart has a younger sister with special needs that does not handle long drives well. Helping with transportation gave us a great opportunity to visit my family in St. Louis.

When Adam got impatient on the drive, I just snapped pictures of him. It was a fun way for both of us to pass the time.

We also played "I Spy" and looked for shapes in the clouds.

Then, of course, there were the side of the road diaper changes.

And a clean diaper makes a boy happy.

And you know me, even when staying for free (with hotel points), I'm still a hotel snob. We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel. Adam loved trying out all the different chairs in the lobby.

We let Wes sleep in on Saturday morning and had breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Adam was such a gentleman, the waitress brought him a free smoothie and didn't charge for his breakfast. He poured his milk into the coffee mug and felt like a big guy. He is such a joy to be around. I adore him.

After breakfast, we went to my Grandma's house, and all my aunts and uncles that were in town came to see us. And for those of you that don't know what a big deal that is...my mom is the oldest of nine!! My aunts and uncles, their spouses, and most of my cousins took time out of their weekends to visit. There were at least 10 cars on the driveway and along the street at any given point in the day.

On Sunday, we went to  different church than usual. One that was in the same town where my high school girlfriends now live. It was a wonderful surprise to bump into some old friends there that I went to church with when I was a kid. The Burnetts were such great examples for me growing up. I was glad for the opportunity to tell this sweet couple that they made a difference in my life and to visit with 2 of their children, who are both old friends.

After church, I got to see two of the few friends from high school that I have stayed in close contact with...people that I've stayed friends with even before facebook was bringing high school friends back together again. We haven't ever needed to "reconnect" because we have always been connected. And that means a lot.

One of the special friends in this group was on vacation & we didn't get to see her this time. That is motivation for another St. Louis trip soon! We missed you, Sheri!!

I loved how well our kids played together. On the way home, out of the blue, Adam started cracking up thinking about the fun he had there.

Levi had a good time, too!

I tried to get a few pics of the arch on the way out of town. Not bad for being taken through a car window, I suppose.

Here is Adam with the arch in the background. You have to look closely to even see it.

Now we are back at home putting things away and doing laundry. Ready for a new week and new adventures! Hope your week is a good one!