Paul's Update - 07/18/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had a pretty good day. The speech therapist was back. She worked with him to say sounds. She asked him to say "my" again. He said a clear "hi" when she came in. She asked if she could work with him and he shook his head "no". She asked "just a little?" and he nodded "yes". She stretched his face a bit. Then she had a book that had the words yes and no on opposite pages. She asked him to point to "yes" and he did it. Then she asked him to point to "no" but he pointed to "yes". She said "no ... that is "no" I want you to point to "yes" and then he did it. Then she pointed to Dad and said "is that Tabby?" and he shook his head "no". Then she pointed to Tabby and said "is that Tabby?" and he nodded "yes". I think he actually enjoys working with her. She is getting ready to go on another trip and plans to put Paul on "medical hold". From what we can understand this is better than discontinuing his therapy. She can say that he is on hold while we get his medicines straight and it doesn't jeopardize her being able to come back to him or lose the Medicaid coverage for the therapy. Once she comes back if we have Paul's medicines reduced and he is doing well she will start back up where she left off. I'm not crazy about losing two more weeks of therapy but we don't want to lose her either. She is planning to come back later this week ... I'm not sure when she starts her trip. Paul was pretty tired today and rested a lot. He only got up a couple times. Dad said that this afternoon he tried to push himself to a standing position with both arms. He couldn't do it but it is encouraging that he wanted to try! This afternoon Paul grabbed Tabby's cigarette pack that was laying on the table. There was only one in the pack. He actually opened the pack, took out the cigarette and put it in his lips like he was going to smoke it! Tabby grabbed it and said ... "no ... you quit smoking!". Now she has to keep the cigarettes away from him!! LOL Tabby went to a job fair for Comcast Cable today. Unfortunately they only want to pay $11/hr AND they want her to be available to work ANY shift ... DAY or NIGHT! She told them "no". The night nurse was sick today so she didn't come. Hopefully she will be better quickly. Tonight I went out with Brenda & Ronda. We stopped by the house on the way back to visit with Paul. Brenda hadn't seen Max yet so it was an opportunity for her to see him too. It was a good time to stop in ... Tabby was ready for relief so she could do some dishes!! Of course we don't mind helping out (that means ... HOLDING THE BABY!!). Paul & Dad watched Caddy Shack tonight ... which is a favorite movie in our family! Dad came home late tonight because Paul was still up at 10pm. He wouldn't let Dad get him ready for bed! He and Max were still up when Dad left. Maybe they will both sleep through the night for Tabby!!

Have a great day! Lynne & Carl