Small Steps

Yes, we are indeed still alive. I feel bad for neglecting this poor blog. My laptop decided to crash on me about 2 weeks ago. Ahh, the joys of technology. It’s difficult to access my website/blog on my iPad, so my poor blog has been lonely for a few weeks. Due to the fact that my laptop and I have been close for many years, it’s safe to say I know it well. Therefore, it was an easy task of deleting my hard drive. However, finding the time to actually do this was another story. Either way, you get the point. The laptop is now healthy…so that means it’s time for an update. I hope you’re ready for one!


Where do I even start. How about THERAPY. Private Physical Therapy has done wonders for Austin and he loves his physical therapist. The fact that he’s rocking in the gross motor area means that Mommy and Daddy are really tired at the end of the day. I don’t know what’s in his milk, but sometimes I’m tempted to take a shot of whatever he’s drinking because this kid has endless energy. In all seriousness, he’s so much fun! Even with our crazy schedule, we manage to have A LOT of fun.

Austin has started Oral Motor/Food Therapy twice a week at Our Children's House of Baylor. Again, we have another awesome therapist. We’re still doing the ECI thing too. But I take it with a grain of salt. Our previous Occupational Therapist was apparently terminated. Of course, no one called to make me aware of this…which isn’t much of a shocker, as it is an early intervention STATE program. I hate to give ECI that stereotype, but they aren't exactly professional. Austin had his yearly evaluation with ECI last week. Two people whom had never met Austin before evaluated him…because that makes sense? But I digress.

We're learning new exercises in OM Therapy to help strengthen Austin's face muscles. As I’ve stated before, children with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone, also known as: Hypotonia. This includes the muscles in the face. Therefore, they often struggle in the oral motor department. This is also another reason why speech is delayed. Speaking of low muscle tone, Austin was fitted for SURE STEPS last week. Children with low muscle tone have really flat feet and it’s hard to strengthen the muscles in that area, according to our Physical Therapist. He will probably have to wear them for a few years and of course, he’ll go through a few pair- as he’ll outgrow them. We picked a cool camouflage design…very “boyish” and cool. He will rock those sure steps like no other. I’m excited to see how much they’ll help him because I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. We’ve been working on walking in physical therapy. It’s hard work and Austin screams protests the entire time. But he doesn’t give up. He keeps going(screaming and all) and he finishes his “laps.” We’re so proud of our little man!

Pictures from Oral Motor/Food Therapy:

Pictures from Mommy and Me

Driving Daddy's truck

Blessings,

K