Paul's Update - 06/30/06

Dear Friends:

Today was a great day. The speech therapist came again. She worked to exercise Paul's face. She said his facial muscles are moving better. She asked Paul if he was glad to see her and he nodded "yes". Then she worked with him to stick his tongue out. He really has a hard time sticking his tongue. Then she worked on sounds. She got him to say "mmm" then "I" ... she got him to say "my". Paul got to have a real shower today. Tabby had to buy a shower chair that hung over the edge of the tub. She got that a couple days ago. Dad got him in the tub and Tabby helped him with the soap and sponge. He took the sponge from Tabby and began to wash himself!! Later the Occupational therapist came. He worked to stretch his upper body. Then they worked on brushing his teeth. Steve helped Paul hold the toothpaste in his left hand and he put the toothpaste on the brush with his right hand. Then he worked to brush his teeth with some help. The CNA has been suctioning Paul's mouth when she brushes his teeth but Steve just handed him a cup of water and told him to rinse and spit and he did it!! This doesn't seem like much but Dad hasn't been able to get him to spit before ... this time he did it without any trouble. Steve also handed Paul a pen and Paul took it with his right hand. He worked on making some letters with assistance. It appears that Paul remembers that he is right handed!! Dad & I left early in the afternoon and we are now in Conway South Carolina at my sister's house We got an update from Tabby tonight. Tabby was very pleased with Paul's progress today. Bobby is staying close by this weekend to be helpful. The CNA will be there as well. Tabby & Bobby may try to take Paul out a little this weekend. Tabby would really like to take Paul to see fireworks. What a great week this has been. Praise God!! Have a great & safe weekend!

Love, Lynne & Carl