Paul's Update - 08/02/07

Dear Friends:

Wednesday was another busy day for Paul. He and Dad went out to Fair Oaks Hospital for his 9:30am appointment with the occupational therapist. She started out with a yard tick that had post-it notes with numbers 1, 2 & 3 on it. She had him lay on the exercise mat and she wanted him to point to numbers that she would call out. At first he kept trying to grab the yard stick but she explained to him that she only wanted him to point to the numbers and then he was able to do what she asked. He got 1, 2 & 3 right so she took the three off and moved two to the end and he got 1 & 2 she put 3 back on in the middle. When she asked him to pick 3 he was able to identify it. She was impressed that he got the numbers right 100%. Then she worked on massaging his arms and shoulders a bit before she started moving his arms and legs up and down almost like doing jumping jacks while laying on your back. She hopes to get his brain to understand the movements of his body and also the "cross movements" of his body by moving the opposite arm and leg at the same time. She felt his muscles were very tight and suggested that Paul might go to get a massage. After OT Dad and Paul walked downstairs to the speech therapist. She got Paul to say the alphabet without any trouble but she asked him to say sunglasses but he refused to say it. After some time he finally said "sunglasses" and she asked him to repeat it ... he refused to repeat it. She tried to explain to him that he needs to try to repeat what we ask him to so he will become more comfortable. She is frustrated that she KNOWS he CAN say things but doesn't know why he refuses to say things. This makes it really hard for her to work on speech ... Dad is concerned that she will give up soon! After therapy Dad took Paul to the cafeteria for lunch before heading out to the gym. They worked on their regular routine. Paul argued with Dad about doing things but he still did a good workout. After the workout they did the bicycle. When his ten minutes were up Dad said "OK, we're done" and Paul shook his head "no". He wanted to keep peddling. He really likes the bike. Paul was pretty tired by the time they got home. It was almost 3pm by that time. I made Tuna Helper for dinner which Paul really enjoyed. He has figured out that he can eat faster with his hands ... doh! He makes a mess but he really enjoys his food! When it was bedtime Dad took him down the hall to go to the bathroom. When he got to the bathroom door he set his walker to the side of the door (on the outside) and held onto the door jam. He wanted to walk into the bathroom without the walker!! At first he was holding onto the right side of the door jam and the handicap bar across from the toilet is on the right wall of the bathroom. It was too far away for Paul to reach so Dad suggested that he grab the door knob and then grab the bar. He was able to do that and managed to get himself in place to sit on the toilet!! He has been so amazing lately! He really seems to want to give up his walker!!

Thursday morning Dad took Paul to the Hair Cuttery to get a haircut. He seemed to really enjoy the hair washing!! Could be that it was nice to get his hair washed without having water & soap going all into his eyes!! Dad said Paul used his walker all day. They went to the pool after his haircut. They did four laps (backwards) without Dad holding him. He kicked his feet a little more, it isn't much but it is a good exercise. The pool was very cold again and Paul is becoming more vocal about his displeasure! Dad tried to get him into a shower before going into the pool with the hope that the water wouldn't feel so cold but Paul refused to get in the shower. He shivers and makes groaning noises as the machine lowers him into the water. I suspect that although it isn't fun for Paul ... it probably is good for him since this sends sensory stimulus to his brain! After they finished with the pool Dad took Paul to McDonalds and got some lunch. They had a massage scheduled for 4pm so Dad headed back to the Freedom Center after lunch. Paul had a half hour session for a massage. The masseur worked on Paul's arms, shoulders and upper back the entire time. He said Paul was very stiff (we knew that!). Paul laid on his stomach the entire time and allowed the guy to work on his muscles. By the time the half hour was over Paul was tired of being on his stomach! The evening was difficult for our entire family. Carl's mother, who has been ill for some time, passed away about 4:30pm. We have been expecting this but it is never easy losing someone dear to you. She was a wonderful, strong spirited woman who loved her family. She will be very missed. Carolyn & Chris were at our house when I arrived home from work. Bobby & Jen arrived after dinner. It was nice to be able to visit together and remember Grandma. Paul was very tired and went to bed around 10pm. He has had a pretty busy week.

Have a great day! TGIF Lynne & Carl