Braces, Bites & Books

It’s been a while since I’ve done a regular update on Connor so here it goes…

Happy boy after lunch

Connor has been without a cold for two months now which has been great for moving forward with trying new foods.  He now can chew little pieces of bread with peanut butter, jelly, cream cheese and fluff on it as well as fruit bars, grilled cheese sandwich and the like.  It’s usually only a few pieces each meal, but he seems to enjoy the new flavors and textures.

We have added several new pieces of equipment and wearable gear in the last couple of months.  Connor has a new feeding chair to help him sit up straight when he eats, braces to straighten and stabilize his elbows (bonus of these is that he can’t put his hands in his mouth!), an AMTRYKE and most recently a dynamic movement suit that provides sensory input to most of his body so that he sits up straighter.  The suit needed a little adjusting so it should be in our possession in the next week or so.  The fitting was pretty brutal – it’s hard to get on and Connor did NOT like the process or wearing it once it was on.  He only has to wear it a few hours a day, so I’m hoping he gets used to it and doesn’t scream every time we have to use it. 

An augmentative communication specialist started with Connor this week. She is introducing a communication board that will help Connor tell us what he wants or needs.  I’m not sure how it will work to carry pictures around with us so he can point to something when it’s time for him to make a choice, but we’re willing to try anything for a little bit.

Looking through a scrapbook

Connor is starting to tire of his baby toys and wanting to do more involved and creative play like his toy piggy bank, Little People barn and animals and shape blocks.  He also loves the tablet Grammy, Pop Pop & Grandy got him and works on learning to point with various apps on that.  Reading is still his favorite activity. Lately he has loved looking through my scrapbooks, especially when Clara sits with him and points out the people he knows in the pictures.

We have begun the process of transitioning out of Early Intervention and into the Intermediate Unit when he turns three.  Connor will continue to receive services, but we’re not sure what kind or how often.   We’ll know more after the various evaluations that will happen this summer.  I’m so sad that none of his current therapists will be able to follow him.  I’m hopeful the next batch will be as wonderful as these women have been the last two years!

Pop Pop, Daddy & Connor on Father's Day

We’re looking forward to seeing what progress this summer will bring and, of course, lots of fun time in Miss Carrie’s kiddie pool, visiting our family and friends and a getaway to the beach!