Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Therapy & Such

We go to a child care center for Levi's physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions. Adam has been invited several times to play with the four-year-old class while we're there, and today was the first time he decided to join them. They played in the gym on trikes, and he had a great time. He especially enjoyed holding up the stop sign for everyone. Normally when we are at a therapy session, I play with Adam and try to give the therapists some space since Adam wants their attention, too.

Adam knows therapy is for his little brother, but sure enjoys being a part of the action. Before we left the house today, Adam jumped up and said, "Therapy is fun!"

Today I enjoyed being able to focus on watching Levi work for his physical therapist while Adam played in the gym. I really, really like this new therapist. She has high expectations for behavior and following directions and uses a pleasant voice and songs to get what she needs. I learn from her each time we are there.
Levi has an issue keeping his tongue in lately, so his OT got him something to chew on. He hasn't been too interested but used it today during physical therapy. I have been giving him teethers when I see his tongue out at home, and he is just now starting to take them and use them. It isn't that his mouth is hanging open. He actually sucks on his tongue. It used to mainly happen when he was tired, but I am noticing it more and more now. I think providing something else to do with his mouth is helpful and am so glad he is finally responding to it.

Right now we drive 30 minutes away for occupational therapy on Monday mornings and go back to the same place Tuesday mornings for physical therapy. By the time the boys get home, eat lunch, and take naps, I feel like our day has disappeared. Every other Wednesday, a developmental interventionist comes to the house, and Thursday mornings, Levi's speech therapist comes to the house. I am grateful for such wonderful experts to guide us and help us set goals, and it has provided great opportunities for Adam. Having the therapy sessions helps me to feel accountable for working with Levi, but it sure feels overwhelming at times. The schedule is tiring, and it can be hard work for all of us some days.

Adam came back to join us after playing with the other children. The teacher told me he "was a delightful young man." I concur.
Here's a funny from Adam...I cut his fingernails Sunday morning & did one diagonal cut on each side. I got it a little short, so I decided not to do a third cut across the top like I usually would. He frown and whined, "But, Mom...it's a pentagon." He is so funny!

Have a great week!

2 comments :

JC said...

LOL...A "pentagon", I love it, he cracks me up!
Sounds like you have such great Therapists working with Levi, what a blessing. You know Russell has always had that habit of sucking on his tongue...But I cannot distract him from it, he will not put anything in his mouth or chew on anything. So I feel we are stuck with the habit. It's either that or teeth grinding, which I find much worse!

Leah said...

It's a lot of work, but you're doing great!!! Sweet pics and thoughts! :)