3.31

{...but my first cereal? not so much.}

Gabe. I. Am

{we have chosen this song as Gabe's mantra - winky face}

3.21

{6 sweet months...already?!?!}

Today is one of those times that I would like to claim Gabe's adjusted age, to keep him smaller than he really is for just a little bit longer!

3.19

{dinner entertainment}

3.16

3.12

Appointment Week

It was not easy to keep up this week.  Our house and my hobbies fell behind, but we did focus on health, therapy, and friends!  Really, that is all that matters anyway. 

Gabe recently had his first urodynamics study and kidney ultrasound, which will serve as baseline norms for him.  At this point both of those tests are showing appropriate results for an infant with Spina Bifida.
We were also glad to finally meet with the pediatric orthotist.  She was encouraging with her reactions and conversations regarding the strength and movement in Gabe's legs and feet.  Interestingly, she is the first to give a "defect level label" to Gabe's lesion based on his sensation.  The orthotist also spent a bit of time talking with us about therapy and things we will watch for in the future.  Although I have still been struggling with Gabe's AFOs she agreed with the prescription and encouraged us to use them during his nap times.  Basically, he will only wear them when he is not actively moving his ankles.  This will be less time than was originally recommended and I'm a little more okay with it.  A little. 

Our in home PT visited this week and felt like we were making good progress with the tightness in Gabe's upper body. 

Near the end of the week we had a visit from our Early On nurse who updated Gabe's IDA and found him to be meeting the expectations for his adjusted age.  More encouraging news.  We spent a bit of time talking about what services will look like for Gabe in the months and years to come.

Overall, the week brought many good answers and plenty more questions.

3.11

{in case you wondered, someone thinks I am importAnt!}

3.7

{first two teeth today}

Exploring Possibilities

This past weekend I attended a 2 day workshop on the Anat Baniel Method.  The workshop was specifically geared toward parents and professionals who work with children who have special needs.  Anat Baniel is a student of Feldenkrais, who designed therapy to improve function within the body through movements that increase self awareness. 

To be honest, I was most looking forward to the time to catch up with, and bounce ideas off, my friends who also have new babies with spina bifida.  The conversations did not disappoint.  In addition, throughout my professional teaching career I was incredibly interested in brain research as it relates to learning.  The information presented throughout the weekend was right up my alley in that way.  I learned much about the brain's involvement in, and need for, movement with attention.  

The conference gave me a lot to process and left me with decisions to make as to how we would like to progress with therapy for Gabe in the months to come.  I am sure I will be writing more about this soon, but for now I need to take some time to review my mind's notes and summarize my feelings about what was presented.

Stronger

{lovin' this song lately}