So this afternoon I received and email from someone asking what exactly IS Sensory Processing Disorder/Dysfunction? In a nutshell... I am not completely positive. I am not quite sure if it all has been figured out down to an exact science by anyone yet. What I CAN do is give you a little peek into our journey. I am not going to put any of this in any sort of order though, so please bear with me.
To bring Gage to the store, there is alot of preparing involved. First thing is we always go on a weekday, either in the early morning or in the late evening. Before we go we either do a very warm bath or a massage with alot of pressure. We have a pep-talk before we go and also in the car. We have a list and go by that list. At 50 pounds, Gage still needs to ride in the seat of the cart (this will not be an option very very soon). We go as fast as we can. We take breaks to talk. At the checkout, he starts to spiral due to the amount of people in the front. I tell the cashier to kick it up a notch because he gets anxious, and they usually do out of fear of a 4 year old. Get back in the van, and he goes into hysterics due to his spiraling a few minutes prior. If we dont follow this routine, there is screaming, covering ears, smacking himself, among the normal 4 year old things.
To bring Gage to the doctor, we usually do a warm bath prior or a massage with deep pressure and we have alot of pep-talks. When we get there, he sits by me. Sometimes I have to park the stroller in front of him, to block a little of the light and people. When the nurse calls us back, I have found that talking to him in a deeper toned voice helps with things like the weight and height checks. The worst part of this particular process is during the height check, when the little rod thing comes down on his head. Gage does not like his head touched so he will start pulling away and getting wired. I have found that if you warm up your hand and touch the bare part of his arm (while talking to him), it will help him focus. In the doctors office, it is always a hit and miss. I have found that if the office is running a little overly warm, Gage does a little better. In the recent months, Gage has tolerated the visits much better, but in the past, I have come close to anxiety attacks. Screaming, attacking me, banging his head on the wall, running, vomiting; these were all things that would happen when we would go for any sort of visit. Huge improvement these days, let me tell ya.
I am going to give you a battery of other types of things that happen to occur with us. Some could be tricks you use on your own child...
Public Automatic Toilets. Gage hates these... has literally hidden under the sink screaming in the past. Solution? Painters tape kept in my purse. Enter the stall, apply tape, give seat a wipedown, allow Gage to potty, open stall door and ask him to wait by the sink, remove tape. Sound is still gonna rile him up, but not as badly as when he is trying to pull his pants up. If he is already riled up before entering bathroom, leave tape there... it will give the next person something to think about :)
People Entering Our Home. Gage loves this... who wouldn't? Instant best friend/plaything/jungle gym! Solution? Art projects, movies, cleaning room, ect. Basically anything that could possibly keep him occupied and away from the tender backs of strangers.
We keep TV volume down.
We keep lights not so bright... lower wattage is sometimes better.
We dont expect them to eat in puplic. Too many people, too much excitement.
We watch for signs... covering ears, trying to function with hands closed, darting eyes, hitting himself, climbing on people, talking in babble. These are signs that we need to take 5.
This is just a bit of our day to day, but any longer than this and I may request a book advance ;) Just know that sometimes a kid isnt just being naughty. Sometimes there is something going on. Does that mean they should receive a "get out of jail free" card? No. It just means that you learn about your child and what the proper ways to dicipline and the proper ways to teach are.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Day 3 of the CPP
So... as I am sure I have mentioned previously, I am starting with wiping most caffeine and white carbs and this is an explanation of how I am feeling right now.
LIKE A PSYCHOOOO!!!!!!
I am gonna freak out. I have the shakes and a headache and I am completely sluggish.
I have decided to go back on the carb choice program. I was on this program as I was pregnant with Gage and then with the babies. In a nutshell, 15 carbs = 1 carb choice. During pregnancy I was allowed 15 carb choices... so I am gonna kick it down to 7 or 8. Most of my current diet consists of white carbs as that is what I crave when I'm tired (which is ALWAYS).
This whole situation is teaching me exactly how addictive some things can be. I never realized how bad I actually was. Well, I kinda did, but I never let it bother me. My goal is that by 2012 I was to be medication free. No more Metformin and no more Spironolactone.
On another note... my foot is going to get ripped off soon. Its making me mad.
Also, sorry about the crabby tone. I am not at my best tonight. I am thinking by tomorrow it will be better. I will try to pop back on in a bit.
LIKE A PSYCHOOOO!!!!!!
I am gonna freak out. I have the shakes and a headache and I am completely sluggish.
I have decided to go back on the carb choice program. I was on this program as I was pregnant with Gage and then with the babies. In a nutshell, 15 carbs = 1 carb choice. During pregnancy I was allowed 15 carb choices... so I am gonna kick it down to 7 or 8. Most of my current diet consists of white carbs as that is what I crave when I'm tired (which is ALWAYS).
This whole situation is teaching me exactly how addictive some things can be. I never realized how bad I actually was. Well, I kinda did, but I never let it bother me. My goal is that by 2012 I was to be medication free. No more Metformin and no more Spironolactone.
On another note... my foot is going to get ripped off soon. Its making me mad.
Also, sorry about the crabby tone. I am not at my best tonight. I am thinking by tomorrow it will be better. I will try to pop back on in a bit.
Friday, January 7, 2011
CPP End of first day update.
I AM EXHAUSTED! Today was my first rime in years not having a single cup of coffee! I just got everyone settled in from this insane day, but I wanted to pop an update on here.
For lunch today I had about 4 baby red potatoe quarters and for brussel sprouts (leftover from last night) and 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Drank water and my brewed tea. Then for dinner we ordered pizza cause I was dying, but I only at the toppings from two slices. I am ok with having carbs, but I pulled the white ones such as white flour and sugar. The big problem I have run into, is that with what little sleep I get, I am not sure if I can afford to go to decaf green tea. Also, I need to work on getting to eat small meals throughout the day to keep my blood sugar stabalized. This has been an inssue with me for a while. Time management is not my forte.
This afternoon, the boys and I did some of our therapy moves... and instead of just helping them perform them, I got right in there. Gage and I were going to hook up the Wii today (I got a "MyShape" and Gage got "Wii Nickelodeon Fit") but then Cote was kind of fussy. She is having some trouble with a tooth coming in. It is our project tomorrow though.
As I finish this up... I am drinking more water. Today was hard but I know that as long as I behave, She will too. Come Hell or high water, she will succeed in this goal!
For lunch today I had about 4 baby red potatoe quarters and for brussel sprouts (leftover from last night) and 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Drank water and my brewed tea. Then for dinner we ordered pizza cause I was dying, but I only at the toppings from two slices. I am ok with having carbs, but I pulled the white ones such as white flour and sugar. The big problem I have run into, is that with what little sleep I get, I am not sure if I can afford to go to decaf green tea. Also, I need to work on getting to eat small meals throughout the day to keep my blood sugar stabalized. This has been an inssue with me for a while. Time management is not my forte.
This afternoon, the boys and I did some of our therapy moves... and instead of just helping them perform them, I got right in there. Gage and I were going to hook up the Wii today (I got a "MyShape" and Gage got "Wii Nickelodeon Fit") but then Cote was kind of fussy. She is having some trouble with a tooth coming in. It is our project tomorrow though.
As I finish this up... I am drinking more water. Today was hard but I know that as long as I behave, She will too. Come Hell or high water, she will succeed in this goal!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The First Morning
First thing I did this morning was drink a large glass of water. Before I even went and started working on Gage's routine. Then I followed it with another. The first one I chugged, the second I sipped. I did not crack open a Diet Soda or a Diet Rockstar to tide me over till the coffee was ready; I drank water.
Whenever I get this little sleep (about 3 hours) I REALLY like brewing myself a pot of coffee. Instead, I filled my filter with green tea. I dont usually make it this day, but I figure if I fill that pot up with tea, I wont break and whip up some dark coffee goodness.
Now I will be doing a little bit of healthy eating research today, but for this morning it is oatmeal with cinnamon and splenda. I figure that is a very good breakfast choice, although not my favorite. I have never liked the consistancy of oatmeal, but I will be doing research on how I can switch that up as well.
Next as Gage was getting his snowpants on, I did four trips up and down the steps. I know its not a ton, but it's a start. Then as we were waiting on the bus, I started some of the snow shoveling. Next will be bathtimes for babies and thier next feeding and cleaning up for therapy. Today is Speech and Occupational and it is a feeding session... meaning Bo is gonna be mad! It's good for him though and it's good to have input on our every day lives!
I will update this afternoon again!
Whenever I get this little sleep (about 3 hours) I REALLY like brewing myself a pot of coffee. Instead, I filled my filter with green tea. I dont usually make it this day, but I figure if I fill that pot up with tea, I wont break and whip up some dark coffee goodness.
Now I will be doing a little bit of healthy eating research today, but for this morning it is oatmeal with cinnamon and splenda. I figure that is a very good breakfast choice, although not my favorite. I have never liked the consistancy of oatmeal, but I will be doing research on how I can switch that up as well.
Next as Gage was getting his snowpants on, I did four trips up and down the steps. I know its not a ton, but it's a start. Then as we were waiting on the bus, I started some of the snow shoveling. Next will be bathtimes for babies and thier next feeding and cleaning up for therapy. Today is Speech and Occupational and it is a feeding session... meaning Bo is gonna be mad! It's good for him though and it's good to have input on our every day lives!
I will update this afternoon again!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Cancer Prevention Pact
I, Rachel, am a sufferer of a condition called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have technically fought this for 17 years, but have just recently hit a severe peak. Since having Cote, my hormones have been off the charts and with that, my PCOS. Last Fall my Dr placed me on a medication called Metformin to help with the blood sugar (PCOS is also considered a form of insulin resistance) and Spironolactone to battle the body bloat associated with PCOS. He has recently raised my dosage. One of my biggest fears is that this condition will continue to worsten and eventually lead to the dreaded Ovarian Cancer. A dramatic weight loss will improve my PCOS, but with my lacking metabolism, I become easily de-motivated (is that even a word?). I have an excruciating amount of stress in my life, and I know I am hiding behind that when it comes to bettering myself. Also I found out that my recent serious foot pain is arthritis that developed do to it being broken last year. When I heard this, for a moment I thought... "great, now I wont be able to work out" and it wasn't that I was upset... I was going to use it as an excuse. Just like I use being exhausted or having a lack of time as an excuse.
Where does pact come in you ask??? I have a friend who at the ripe age of 20, has a pretty serious smoking addiction. This girl has been an inspiration to so many on the road to getting fit, self-motivation and control and working through anxiety, yet she also has a vice that is hurting her body severly. She recently has had a wake-up call and knows her health will be in jeapordy if she doesnt make this change.
I have no self control.
She has no self control.
I need to get in shape.
She needs to quit smoking.
A Pact is born.
Everyday throughout the day both she and I will be posting blogs with updates of our day. It may become a bit repetative(sp) for some, but this is for us.
"Why a Pact" you ask? Because I have been trying things my way for a year and I am getting sicker. I am in constant severe pain, my skin is ashy, my hair is falling out, my energy level is falling more and more, ect. I have hit a point where I have accepted that I cant do this for me. As long as I stay on track, SHE will stay on track. As long as I behave, SHE will behave. For that alone, I can do this. A little backwards to many I suppose, but perfect for me. You will be seeing a ton from me, and you are always welcome to join us. Her link is in my favorites and you are always welcome to follow her journey as well (she even video blogs).
My journey starts with this...
Starting tomorrow, smaller portions, eat more frequently, healthier food choices, lower on the carbs.
Cut out coffee and pop. As a reward I will get 1 pop on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Drinking way more water.
Take small moments all throughout the day to be as active as possible... whether it be with the WII, workout dvds that I have avoided, dancing, our stairs or walking.
Attempting to get the kids on a better sleep schedule so I get more sleep.
These are my starting goals. I know if I succeed, that it will in turn make her keep going. Wish us luck and keep us in your thoughts!
Where does pact come in you ask??? I have a friend who at the ripe age of 20, has a pretty serious smoking addiction. This girl has been an inspiration to so many on the road to getting fit, self-motivation and control and working through anxiety, yet she also has a vice that is hurting her body severly. She recently has had a wake-up call and knows her health will be in jeapordy if she doesnt make this change.
I have no self control.
She has no self control.
I need to get in shape.
She needs to quit smoking.
A Pact is born.
Everyday throughout the day both she and I will be posting blogs with updates of our day. It may become a bit repetative(sp) for some, but this is for us.
"Why a Pact" you ask? Because I have been trying things my way for a year and I am getting sicker. I am in constant severe pain, my skin is ashy, my hair is falling out, my energy level is falling more and more, ect. I have hit a point where I have accepted that I cant do this for me. As long as I stay on track, SHE will stay on track. As long as I behave, SHE will behave. For that alone, I can do this. A little backwards to many I suppose, but perfect for me. You will be seeing a ton from me, and you are always welcome to join us. Her link is in my favorites and you are always welcome to follow her journey as well (she even video blogs).
My journey starts with this...
Starting tomorrow, smaller portions, eat more frequently, healthier food choices, lower on the carbs.
Cut out coffee and pop. As a reward I will get 1 pop on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Drinking way more water.
Take small moments all throughout the day to be as active as possible... whether it be with the WII, workout dvds that I have avoided, dancing, our stairs or walking.
Attempting to get the kids on a better sleep schedule so I get more sleep.
These are my starting goals. I know if I succeed, that it will in turn make her keep going. Wish us luck and keep us in your thoughts!
Steak and Potatoes... with a twist!
First of all I want to put it out there, that this steak and potatoes is NOT one of my favorite dishes to make. I can kill a steak in a second flat... and I am not much of a meat eater so it doesnt really break my heart. Keith is a huge meat eater so I truly try to always have plenty of it when I cook. Tonight was Keith's choice and he requested "steak and potatoes". Oh great. Wellll.... here is what I did.
Ingrediants you will need,
4 small/medium Beef Tenderloin Steaks (or whatever you prefer)
1 pound baby red potatoes
1/2 pound brussel sprouts
1/4th cup plus 2 tablespoons EVOO
Itallian Herb and Seasoning Blend
Seasoning salt
steamer bag
In a bowl I threw quartered potatoes, brussel sprouts and 1/4th cup of the oil and stirred it all up. I then added the seasoning blend, poured it all into the steamer bag and popped it into the microwave for 10 minutes. Now keep in mind you can always substitute your favorite Italian dressing for the oil/seasoning blend, but I wanted to try this. Next, add the 2 Tablespoons extra EVOO to the pan and turn that puppy on high. I then seasoned the steaks with the seasoning salt and placed in the pan to sear on both sides. I lowered the heat to low for about five minutes and removed from heat (we like our steaks medium rare). At this time the potatoe blend was finishing up, so I removed from the microwave and VIOLA! Keith loved it and Gage loved it up until I made him at least try a sprout... he almost lost his entire dinner!
Ingrediants you will need,
4 small/medium Beef Tenderloin Steaks (or whatever you prefer)
1 pound baby red potatoes
1/2 pound brussel sprouts
1/4th cup plus 2 tablespoons EVOO
Itallian Herb and Seasoning Blend
Seasoning salt
steamer bag
In a bowl I threw quartered potatoes, brussel sprouts and 1/4th cup of the oil and stirred it all up. I then added the seasoning blend, poured it all into the steamer bag and popped it into the microwave for 10 minutes. Now keep in mind you can always substitute your favorite Italian dressing for the oil/seasoning blend, but I wanted to try this. Next, add the 2 Tablespoons extra EVOO to the pan and turn that puppy on high. I then seasoned the steaks with the seasoning salt and placed in the pan to sear on both sides. I lowered the heat to low for about five minutes and removed from heat (we like our steaks medium rare). At this time the potatoe blend was finishing up, so I removed from the microwave and VIOLA! Keith loved it and Gage loved it up until I made him at least try a sprout... he almost lost his entire dinner!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dinner Tonight
I had one of those "terrible, awful, low-down, very bad" days today, so my sweet hubby made dinner this evening. I can count on one hand the number of times he has cooked for me (besides frozen pizza), so tonight was a big treat. He had just gotten home from work (after driving an hour and a half), took one look at me, and headed to the kitchen. Covered in oil and diesel he started whipping up porkchops and au gratin potato cakes. I wandered in and I dont know which was sweeter... the thought of not cooking tonight, or knowing he was dead on his feet, sacrificing his shower for me. To some people, this may sound like no big deal. For a mother of three with a schedule like ours, it is heaven. Also, it brings me back to the many months of two prior deployments when I was on my own. So, as I close this little blog I am thinking of you ladies out there reading that have husbands away from you right now. I just want you to know that even though I thoroughly enjoyed the moment my Keith gave me, I had you in my thoughts.
The sky falls and I ask myself.... WHY???
I had one of those days today that deserves a well rounded rant. Am I going to rant? Perhaps. I really am going to attempt not to. I do want to say this though.
In my life there are so many factors that are out of my control. One thing that is, is my wish to have no drama. Now when I say drama, I am almost positive that I am getting an eye roll as you begin imagining me sucker-punching some backstabber in the face. Sadly, it is nothing quite so poetic.
I am talking about drama in our "Special Needs Inner Circle".
Every day there are therapies, phone calls, appointments, paperwork and meetings. EVERYDAY. I am not kidding. Everyone in our inner circle knows that we have no room nor time for drama, and for the most part that is respected. Except for by one group. I am not going to say which group that is, but I am thinking that we have hit the "enough is enough" mark now.
Today I was told 3 ridiculous whoppers of lies from this particular group... the kind of lies that make you feel like you have officially entered the Twilight Zone.
Enough is enough.
I would love to go into more detail right now, but I dont think I am in the correct mind set to do it with grace.
My New Years resolution this year was to try and let go of some of my anger... but it is so hard when this stuff happens on a daily basis. Some days I want to scream, "An inch!!! Just one inch here! I am only one woman!" Some days are worse than others though.
When it comes to being a mother of children with special needs, I have learned there is a certain way people expect you to act. Meek is a great example of this. I am not meek. I am patient but I am not meek, but I think that folk are getting a bit confused with the difference.
I am a mother of three children with special needs and I am beginning to lose patience.
Yet, I am still holding on to the fantasy that this is not a rant.
In my life there are so many factors that are out of my control. One thing that is, is my wish to have no drama. Now when I say drama, I am almost positive that I am getting an eye roll as you begin imagining me sucker-punching some backstabber in the face. Sadly, it is nothing quite so poetic.
I am talking about drama in our "Special Needs Inner Circle".
Every day there are therapies, phone calls, appointments, paperwork and meetings. EVERYDAY. I am not kidding. Everyone in our inner circle knows that we have no room nor time for drama, and for the most part that is respected. Except for by one group. I am not going to say which group that is, but I am thinking that we have hit the "enough is enough" mark now.
Today I was told 3 ridiculous whoppers of lies from this particular group... the kind of lies that make you feel like you have officially entered the Twilight Zone.
Enough is enough.
I would love to go into more detail right now, but I dont think I am in the correct mind set to do it with grace.
My New Years resolution this year was to try and let go of some of my anger... but it is so hard when this stuff happens on a daily basis. Some days I want to scream, "An inch!!! Just one inch here! I am only one woman!" Some days are worse than others though.
When it comes to being a mother of children with special needs, I have learned there is a certain way people expect you to act. Meek is a great example of this. I am not meek. I am patient but I am not meek, but I think that folk are getting a bit confused with the difference.
I am a mother of three children with special needs and I am beginning to lose patience.
Yet, I am still holding on to the fantasy that this is not a rant.
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
This is what was for dinner last night. I live in a house of a huge bacon fan and a huge cheese macaroni fan, so I decided to whip up this soup. A few years back I had ordered it in a cafe from back home and throroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to try and whip it up last night. It. Was. Tasty. I am going to say though that if you are lactose intollerant, this is NOT the soup for you.
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
1 pound hamburger
1 package of bacon
2 boxed delux macaroni and cheese (the kind where the pouches of cheese or thick cheese, not powder)
1 gallon of whole milk
1 small chopped onion
1/4 cup parmesan
1 tablespoon garlic
salt and pepper as enjoyed
First thing, cut up raw bacon into small pieces and throw in pan to fry. Once the bacon is getting good and brown, throw in the hamburger and chopped onion. As soon as the hamburger is lightly browned, pull from heat and drain the works. Next place it all in a large pot (if you have a big chili pot, now would be the time to use it) and add the milk, macaroni noodles and the garlic. Simmer on medium for a good 30-40 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir pretty frequently though, it has a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pot. Once noodles are tender, add cheese sauce and parmesan. Finally throw in a bit of salt and pepper (for me, a ton of pepper). Enjoy!!!
PS. Don't fill your bowl to the top. This is an extremely filling soup!
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
1 pound hamburger
1 package of bacon
2 boxed delux macaroni and cheese (the kind where the pouches of cheese or thick cheese, not powder)
1 gallon of whole milk
1 small chopped onion
1/4 cup parmesan
1 tablespoon garlic
salt and pepper as enjoyed
First thing, cut up raw bacon into small pieces and throw in pan to fry. Once the bacon is getting good and brown, throw in the hamburger and chopped onion. As soon as the hamburger is lightly browned, pull from heat and drain the works. Next place it all in a large pot (if you have a big chili pot, now would be the time to use it) and add the milk, macaroni noodles and the garlic. Simmer on medium for a good 30-40 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir pretty frequently though, it has a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pot. Once noodles are tender, add cheese sauce and parmesan. Finally throw in a bit of salt and pepper (for me, a ton of pepper). Enjoy!!!
PS. Don't fill your bowl to the top. This is an extremely filling soup!
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Years... 2011
I HAVE NOT BLOGGED SINCE JUNE!!!!! Can you believe that crap? I know, I know... bad Rachel! I have abandoned my post... left my little diary in the lurch... hung you out to dry.
Actually, life has been catching up to me.
In the past few months there have been a lot of new developments in my house hold. Gage had to attend Occupational Therapy to try to help out with his sensory issues and hand dexterity. That lasted through the summer until Headstart and Preschool started. At that point he was on cloud 9. Well, that is, until he started coming home from his double school days and going to bed at 3:30pm. Soon that escalated to night terrors which then escalated to sleep-walking behaviors.
Needless to say we pulled him from the Preschool. Now he attends Headstart five days a week for half days.
Recently during one of his trips to the clinic, his Pediatrician voiced a few concerns about Gage's behavior. He requested he be re-evaluated both through the Rehabilitation center as well as through the school system. I am waiting on my results through the school, but I do know that he will be recieving OT through the Rehab center once again. They will help him with thrings such as his hand dexterity as well as his sensory issues. I have now learned that what is going on can be categorized as Sensory Processing Disfunction. I have been referred to a few books by his Therapist and they are on order through Amazon as we speak. Keith and I agree that this is something we can help him manage and learn to overcome (well I am hoping anyways). This is also coming from two people who have not learned a ton on the subject though.
As for Bo Bear. He has officially learned to crawl. He has learned to open cupboards. He has learned to open drawers. He has learned to tip over the trash can. He has learned to pull stuff off of tables (see a pattern of naughtiness yet?). The day he learned to crawl I almost passed out. I have waited for this day since that baby was 2 months old and I read the definition of Hypotonia. His eating has not improved and we still rely on Pediasure more than I would like. We will conquer soon though.
Cote. Oh Cote. This girl has it in for me. Miss Cote fell pretty ill this Fall and it lasted until just recently. During her sickness she somehow developed an allergy to Pediasure. Hoorah if she was a strong eater. She is not. We are on toddler formula for the most part. Through a bottle. She is still on stages 1 and 2 baby food and she is eating from a spoon. Now, when I say she is eating from a spoon, keep in mind she is being cradled in my arms as I slowly spoon feed her. Cote is not sitting and she rolls over about once every 2 weeks. Her hands are still curled like little claws but she is working hard to touch toys.
As for me, I'm OK. Actually, I am not OK, but I am going to be. I am learning how to work through my stress and I am learning how to open up more. I am discovering that I need to look into activities that are just for me.
I am sure you have noticed that the blog has begun to be revamped. Thank you to Bangel (you can find her link under my "favorites") for her help and patience as I am truly not very tech savvy. I am revamping the blog because I am revamping myself. You are welcome to come along with me on my journey, and I promise to keep a good record of all my adventures.
I currently have to monsters with the stomach flu, so I fear I must go. Tata for now!
Actually, life has been catching up to me.
In the past few months there have been a lot of new developments in my house hold. Gage had to attend Occupational Therapy to try to help out with his sensory issues and hand dexterity. That lasted through the summer until Headstart and Preschool started. At that point he was on cloud 9. Well, that is, until he started coming home from his double school days and going to bed at 3:30pm. Soon that escalated to night terrors which then escalated to sleep-walking behaviors.
Needless to say we pulled him from the Preschool. Now he attends Headstart five days a week for half days.
Recently during one of his trips to the clinic, his Pediatrician voiced a few concerns about Gage's behavior. He requested he be re-evaluated both through the Rehabilitation center as well as through the school system. I am waiting on my results through the school, but I do know that he will be recieving OT through the Rehab center once again. They will help him with thrings such as his hand dexterity as well as his sensory issues. I have now learned that what is going on can be categorized as Sensory Processing Disfunction. I have been referred to a few books by his Therapist and they are on order through Amazon as we speak. Keith and I agree that this is something we can help him manage and learn to overcome (well I am hoping anyways). This is also coming from two people who have not learned a ton on the subject though.
As for Bo Bear. He has officially learned to crawl. He has learned to open cupboards. He has learned to open drawers. He has learned to tip over the trash can. He has learned to pull stuff off of tables (see a pattern of naughtiness yet?). The day he learned to crawl I almost passed out. I have waited for this day since that baby was 2 months old and I read the definition of Hypotonia. His eating has not improved and we still rely on Pediasure more than I would like. We will conquer soon though.
Cote. Oh Cote. This girl has it in for me. Miss Cote fell pretty ill this Fall and it lasted until just recently. During her sickness she somehow developed an allergy to Pediasure. Hoorah if she was a strong eater. She is not. We are on toddler formula for the most part. Through a bottle. She is still on stages 1 and 2 baby food and she is eating from a spoon. Now, when I say she is eating from a spoon, keep in mind she is being cradled in my arms as I slowly spoon feed her. Cote is not sitting and she rolls over about once every 2 weeks. Her hands are still curled like little claws but she is working hard to touch toys.
As for me, I'm OK. Actually, I am not OK, but I am going to be. I am learning how to work through my stress and I am learning how to open up more. I am discovering that I need to look into activities that are just for me.
I am sure you have noticed that the blog has begun to be revamped. Thank you to Bangel (you can find her link under my "favorites") for her help and patience as I am truly not very tech savvy. I am revamping the blog because I am revamping myself. You are welcome to come along with me on my journey, and I promise to keep a good record of all my adventures.
I currently have to monsters with the stomach flu, so I fear I must go. Tata for now!
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