Therapy Check-in

Time flies and flies and flies. Jacob is almost 3 (3!). In our world that means we are at a point where his therapy may change. The local programs can provide in home services until children are 5 but at 3 there is the option to move to a school based program. This would be our entry into the world of IEPs. We have a meeting this week with Jacob's 'team' to discuss which option we will take - extend home services another year (called an extended IFSP) or chose the IEP route.

I would be lying if I conveyed that this meeting was well planned and coordinated and that we feel prepared. Not exactly. It is coming together -well- mostly due to a lot of phone calls last week figuring it out and due to the good graces of Jacob's therapists who are providing their updates to the 'team' on short notice (so that we won't be having the mtg with assessments that are six months old) as well as giving us a lot of good advice, as are other parents and friends.

In either scenario, Jacob's therapy continues and he does such a great job - working so hard all the time. Sometimes there are tears and sometimes there are giggles but the progress is clear and when reading reports from just six months ago compared to the updates today it is all the more obvious.

Six months ago stacking three blocks was a goal that we we're working toward and hadn't yet met. Last week he stacked six by himself. And not the big ones, the little ones!

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(stacking the colored cups is a little more fun)

Six months ago we were working on pulling to stand *with* assistance. Now he can pull to stand on his own. Six months ago we were working on standing vertically at a support without leaning. Now not only can he stand without leaning but he can stand vertically with very minimal support while also doing a task!

Like drawing...

Or reaching (up high!) and pulling sticky strings off the wall and throwing them into a bucket...

 

(Elmo helps)

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I'd love to post a video of that last one but it's way too long. That end of the counter was covered and he picked those suckers off one by one like a pro and got every single one in the bucket.

Good good stuff.

 

 

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Foto Fabulous Friday (and Spring!)

If Spring doesn't come to you, go to Spring.

(Or a botanical garden in which Spring is happening regardless of the outdoor weather).

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Happy Friday!

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Semi-Famous. Of course...

Jacob's grandma entered a photo contest sponsored by the manufacturer of the orthotics (SureStep) that he wears. And her entry was selected!!
In return she gets bragging rights and Mr. Jacob gets to be featured in well known periodicals like 'lower extremity review'. (That's was me being funny. Unless, of course, you are a physical therapist and then there is a chance you have seen this publication).

Link to website

Nice photo Grandma! Jacob approves.

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Weekend Update

This weekend is rainy misty rainy dreary (and did I mention rainy?) but the temperatures seem to be staying high enough to be convincing that spring is really coming. So we hold out hope.

Last weekend we had the sun in addition to the warmer temperature and Jacob and his cousin spent some good time outside enjoying it. Truth be told, the adults with them were loving the vitamin D probably just as much and so we lingered in the park longer than planned. Climbing on rocks, running around play equipment and watching ducks at the pond... and what's a sunny day without ice cream (?!) ...perfection.

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Jacob is now bravely but tentatively walking holding on to only one hand. (Huge deal).

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And as long as we are still trying to gain weight and ice cream is unlimited.... oh it's going to be a good summer.

 

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3:21 World Down Syndrome Day

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