Opthamologist

At my follow-up appointment today, Dr. Silverman immediately noticed strabismus in my right eye. Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes. Since my entire right side is weaker, it affects my right eye, making it turn outward sometimes. We have been following my strabismus, but the doc never noticed it before, and when he did today, it indicated that it was getting worse. He suggested eye muscle surgery pending the outcome of another examination next month.

Weekly report

I have a Gymboree membership for the next few months. I attend a class on Saturdays for kids 16-22 months even though I am 24 months. Each week there's a theme. Lately, it has been "through". I went through the tunnel, etc. I need to work on my sharing skills because I often want to stay in the tunnel and encourage others not to come in. It was better for me to attend this class since younger kids are less coordinated. This makes it's easier for me to play with them. I could perhaps even learn something from observing them. So far, I am the only kid in the class who doesn't walk. I require assistance to participate in climbing, sliding, standing, etc. Nevertheless, I enjoy the class. Especially the singing and bubbles at the end.

The terms of my membership say I can also attend on weekdays for open play. I went on Tuesday and there was no one else there. It was like having a giant physical therapy room all to myself. Looks like we'll be taking it easy on weekdays and not go because I get too tired and didn't sleep well at night. It's almost like my body can't relax even though I'm sleeping. I had muscle spasms and was tired and cranky the next day.

My speech therapist, Amy, complimented me on having a long attention span, speaking more and speaking clearly. She said it was indeed rare seeing a kid my age focus as well and as long as I do. I pick things up quickly too. I must be a genius in the works. She said even in comparison with other physically challenged kids, I am exceptional. (Note to self: remember to include Ms. Amy in future awards speech.) I also said "thank you" for the first and at an appropriate time.

Now that I'm two, my mom gets kicked out of the OT and PT rooms. She is forced to watch from a jail-like double sided mirror. She can see in, but we can't see out. Apparently this is the age when all the parents get kicked out. Kids require one authority figure during session and often seek out their parent for consolation in order to avoid "working". I throw a fit every time I begin even though it doesn't last long.

In PT, it's down to business. There's no more messing around. Ms. Greta put me on the treadmill. As I hang from my parachute harness contraption, My feet, in braces, are placed on the treadmill and away we go. I take a few steps at the beginning and suddenly become fascinated with the movement below me. The feeling of my shoes dragging along the moving tread. I am not walking. I am zoned out. Ms. Greta picks my feet up and makes them move in a stepping motion. This is what I must eventually do myself.

Da

I was done eating dinner and mom was cleaning up, so I called out for dad. "Daaaa, daaa, daaa." When he arrived, I immediately said "bath" and "all done." Apparently a daily routine really works. I have now begun to make requests.

Library

Today is my day off from therapy. I decided to try something new and went to the library. There, Granny Goose played with puppets, explained cardboard display charts, sang songs and read us a story. There were lots of other kids there. I didn't pay too much attention to the story, unless it was a song, but rather dug through my mom's purse. It was more like a treasure hunt. I found a pen and lots of paper and proceeded to draw all over everything. I especially liked drawing on the library flyers and newsletter we picked up. They looked kinda plain and needed my touch or art.

Afterwards, we applied for and were approved for a library card. The youth library entrance welcomes it's visitors via fish tank. I counted the fish. No matter how many there really were, there were always ten to me. We rented some movies and returned home for a nap.

Standing in place, take two

I stood in my gait trainer for the second day in a row. I watched a movie, ate my snack in it and didn't complain. Then, after half an hour and several adjustments, she took me out, sat me on my little couch and the movie ended. What was I to do? I wanted to watch, but mom wad walked out of the room and I didn't have time to let her know. Suddenly, I grabbed he remote, started pressing buttons and (drum roll) the movie started again (symbol)! I made it start all by myself. Good thing I like pressing buttons. That really came in handy this time.

Small steps

I have my gait trainer at home now. We brought it home from therapy after about a month. I dislike being strapped into it very much. I had to be bribed with an Elmo DVD and snacks to stay in. Right now, I’m just getting used to standing in it. Maybe soon I will move around in it. Forward would be best.

My Neuromuscular Therapist, Jim, came by to stretch me today. I was wearing my braces and when he stood me, I held my own weight for two seconds while he let go. Then I fell onto him like I always do. What's more impressive is that I took some steps with him. These were not just ordinary steps, I had a goal - to turn off the television. It's usually on to help distract me while I receive treatment.

I stepped all the way over, across the room, while he held onto me, and pressed the button. Suddenly the tv began to static and I cried because it scared me. I don't know what's hiding in the static. Could be anything.

I played "gotcha" today with mom. She didn't have a chance to "get" me because I got her first. This is the first time I reciprocated in interactive play. I am usually just the recipient of the game's highlight or just an observer. Everyday, you can almost see the wheels beginning to turn in my head. I'm getting the hang of things.

I have perfected identifying numerous animals and their noises. I have also applied this to mealtime. I see chicken, say chicken, make a chicken sound (bok bok) and then eat it. I don't know if that was their intention. I'm pretty clever and have a wild imagination.

Lastly, after many failed attempts, I reached the water dial in the tub. I don't know how to turn it on as of yet, but I am working on it. I twist one way, then another. Nothing seems to come out. I try every day a little harder. I'm slowly learning to pull. Can you say childproof? I guess my parents had a late start in this department.

Birthday No. 2

I had a great time on my birthday. I went with Oma and Mom to the aquarium. We also visited the mall play area. I had never been there before. I was hesitant to leave.

At home, I had an Elmo cake and lots of presents. I entertained, stayed up late and blew bubbles. We had a lovely evening with some of our neighbors and my family. My balloons continue to live in the living room. I find them fascinating.

Now that I'm 2, I expressively display all that does not please me. I throw tantrums and cry for everything. It is especially frustrating since I am not physically able to walk yet and always want to be put down, on the floor, to discover things in my own way. If I could only understand that some places are not suitable for a commando crawler (i.e. restaurants, grocery store, pavement, etc.). Perhaps the stress would be less.

Stronger

Look what I can do! I know this is what the shopping cart instructions say not to do, but as long as there's an adult around... I can be rebellious! I especially like when the cart is moving. Have you noticed I am also using TWO hands. My OT will be so proud. Hold on!

Cousins

I had a good time with my cousins and family up north. I enjoyed trying to climb the stairs. It was easier to go down. I miss the constant entertainment. I miss everybody. I hope they can come visit me soon.

One Second

I'll be two years old this week. It's hard to believe that I almost didn't make it since I had such a rough beginning. I had assumed the position though it was a little early. The doctors told my parents that if they would have waited any longer, the infection would have killed me. Or if they had come in sooner, they may have tried stopping my birth, not knowing the infection was causing it. That is basically how I came into this world. That and an emergency c-section.

Anyhow, I'm glad to be here. I've come a long way already. I was a fighter from the beginning and I'll continue to be the best I can be.

Wanna watch Elmo?