Sickness and speech updates

A quick update for everyone, since if you are reading this, you likely are updated up until this point...

Everyone is feeling quite a bit better after the nasty stomach flu. I think I am the one with the most lingering symptoms and even those are diminishing. Ethan is feeling back to his old self, which is a relief for all of us- the poor guy had to miss a whole week of school but he is now loaded up on Pedialyte and running around like nothing ever happened.

Julian missed Speech on Wednesday due to the stomach bug of DEATH, but we managed to go today. He has Speech every Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 for about an hour- usually around an hour and fifteen minutes. His speech language pathologist is Kate and she's very nice, he seems to like her a lot. She is very good with him and in tune with his needs. He has been frustrated more easily the last couple sessions as it becomes less about getting to know one another and more about actual work. (Hard to tell which parent he gets this from...)

Kate says she thinks that Julian's muscle tone issues are more severe than his CDS evaluation had outlined. Several times during his session, he became frustrated and lay down on the floor. He also kept doing his W-sit, and a concern of hers is that when he is laying flat on his back and has to sit up, he doesn't just sit up, he has to roll onto his side and then progress from there. She said she is interested in seeing what his evaluation on March 11 at EMMC says about that. Kate did tell me that she believes that if he gets occupational therapy and physical therapy going, his speech will fall into place. She feels as though his sensory issues and his physical abilities are so distracting for him that speech is on his mental back burner. Poor guy. He is trying so hard, and he really is learning more and more every day!

Julian is doing wonderful with his sign language- understanding is there a bit more than implementation is at this point. But it is better than feeling like you are talking to a wall, which is how I felt for months preceeding this.

Kate gave us stop sign laminated cards to put up on things that Julian is not supposed to touch or use. We are to tape them onto things he gets into, use sign language to express stop and no, and immediately redirect him. Repeatedly if necessary. (Don't even ask how many times I have had to stop typing this entry in order to use that!)

This morning was the first time that Julian asked for a snack instead of going to the cupboard and trying to get it for himself. This is great progress, because Julian developmentally is supposed to seek us for assistance and not try to take care of himself independently. It was wonderful!

Aidan is doing great with potty training. We have to go to Ellsworth today for errands and he is asking to wear his "unnies" (undies) there. He loves to use public restrooms, now that he is aware of their existence.

Audrey's been cranky lately because of the tummy bug and a cold- this child has colds all the time, the poor girl. Motrin seems to be the wonder drug. I hate to give her anything but when she is so inconsolable and you know it's because something hurts, how can you not? No teeth yet, and no solids either! She is growing like a weed, and her thighs speak volumes for the amount of calories she is managing to take in.

We were supposed to have Haydn, Alena, and Liam this weekend, but we are not entirely better, and we are likely still somewhat contagious. It is better for us and for them if we hold off another week or so.

Well, I had better go- we have to head to Ellsworth! If anyone stumbles across this and needs more detailed background information, feel free to ask.