The Month of August in a nut shell

It’s almost been a month since my last update.  Many and a few things have happened.
2nd OT appointment:  I was more lazy than normal during my assessment; however Cheryl did comment on having a bit better head control as she held me while I sat. I am still not lifting my head when laying on my tummy.  She gave mommy a few new exercises to help me bear weight on my legs in addition to the exercises for my arms and head control.

NUK brush

Speech Therapist: After much fighting from my mommy, I finally got an appointment with Laurie, my speech therapist, who unlike her title has nothing to do with the spoken word, she focuses on feedings. So, my swallowing issue.  My mommy and grandma got in trouble for giving me little “shots” of formula from a syringe into my mouth.  This can cause infection if it goes to my lungs, and since the swallowing study showed I am a silent aspirator it is hard to know when it goes to my lungs.  My mommy explained again that I was to have a follow up swallow study before I turned 4 months and since she hadn’t seen a therapist to tell us what to do, we had to come up with something.  Laurie suggested I try some sterile water from a spoon.  I seemed to do well and Laurie was happy with the trial.  My mommy was told to continue with this 5 times a day of 5 spoons of 1ml each sitting.  In addition Laurie introduced us to “Nuk brush”.  This is an instrument that is used on my cheeks and lips to get me used to having different textures on my face, so the idea is I won’t become adverse to food in my mouth when I am able to swallow without danger.  The Nuk was left with Mommy and is added to our homework schedule.

Physiotherapist:  I am on the wait list for Kidsability however the wait list is unbelievably long, so until I get accepted I have a physiotherapist that comes to see me, Cathy.  Our first appointment was last week.  She assessed me, and commented that my head control looked like it was coming along, even though I still do not lift my head.  I was a little more active than I had been with my OT.  Cathy gave us some more homework for helping me roll and reach for toys.

Pediatrician: My pediatrician agreed that my arms are on the floppy side and my head is laggy when she pulls me to sit. However I had just gotten my blood work done and wanted a nap, how could I perform at my best under those conditions? 
                         Blood work:
                             pH: 7.40
                             Lac: 3.8

Other Notes:
-I lifted my head a smidge yesterday on my tummy… a few cm but it’s something!

-I can bear weight on my legs for a few seconds.. which is better than just collapsing!
-Mommy purchased a Bumbo chair to help with my head control, I love it!
-I love watching Pocoyo. It’s a Spanish kids show, which my mommy has found in English
-I love listening to Katy Perry, she is my current girlfriend
-Grandma P. gave me a mouse that has super long ears and I love biting him

My first Bumbo!

-Special thanks to my Uncle Jan who has picked up and delivered my meds to me on 2 desperate occasions!
-I have graduated to 3-6 month clothes!

Practicing Head Control

Special note: Please send your thoughts and prayers to my buddy Emerson, who had to be rushed to the hospital in Sudbury this week.  He was in the process of being weaned off his anti-seizure medication to see if he had outgrown his seizures.  He had 2 seizures, and it is looking like there is an underlying condition, his doctors have increased his meds.  Emerson is getting stronger by the day and is meeting his milestones in stride, this was a complete blow to his family who were hoping that his seizures had disappeared.  Please give them strength through this difficult time.