The appointment with the Developmental Clinic went very well. There was an educational/developmental therapist, a resident doctor and the developmental doctor. They examined and observed Jack (who did very, very well considering he normally cries at dr's offices these days). They asked a bunch of questions and we got a lot of positive and helpful feedback. Basically our goal was to be sure we were doing everything we can to help Jack (appropriate therapies, specialists, etc.) They commended us on how great we were doing with everything (and I'll tell you it helps so much when the dr recognizes the parents' efforts).

The doctor prescribed Oral Baclofen (a muscle relaxant) to help with Jack's tightness -- she feels he'll be on his way to walking with relieving some of the spasticity. I have read mixed reviews about Baclofen but am willing to give it a try.

She also mentioned hippotherapy (horseback riding) (YAY -- I wanted to do this) and constraint therapy (also have been interested in trying this as well). With constraint therapy (it's not as harsh as it sounds) we would systematically get Jack to use his right hand more and more by limiting the use of his left hand for very short periods of time throughout the day.

It was very informative and has given me TONS to think about. It's nice to know that there are many options for helping Jack. (and yes, the picture is one of Mr. Jack trying to escape out the front door).

We started working with a new SLP at the med center. This was our third visit and first full session (the first two were filling out evals and paperwork).

I cannot express how much I LOVE what he's doing for Jack. I have NEVER seen Jack respond so well to anyone this quickly before. And it's also the first male therapist we've ever worked with.

A few things he did that were totally cool...

He warmed Jack up by playing some games like peek-a-boo and funny faces (I know we're trying to get Jack to imitate the faces, but right now Jack was sitting back and letting the SLP entertain him)

He held Jack while he did some oral stimulation and deep pressure massage...

He bounced Jack up and down (and Jack LOVED this)

He put Jack in his stroller and ran with him around the therapy room (all the while Jack is shrieking with laughter). Using this technique he got Jack to repeat the word "GO" at the end of "Ready, set, GO!!!!!!!!!!!" So he would say "Ready, Set" and Jack would ever so softly say "Go" it made me cry!!!!!!!!!!

We also worked with the picture exchange system. We used cheerios and a picture icon of cereal. This was to work on the basic give and take of communication. Jack did well with this. Next week I am bringing some chocolate chips (or other small super treat) to use. And we'll only use them during therapy. I like this idea.

I told him I was so relieved to be working with him and also told him he got more reaction out of Jack in three weeks than some others have in nearly two years. He said not to sell myself short and to pat hubby and I on our backs for a job well done with Jack.

We'll continue once a week. Imagine, if he got Jack to use a new word already what will happen a few weeks from now!!!!!!!!!

I also went back and added pictures to past journal entries -- be sure to check them out!!

TWO updates in one day -- WOW!

Right after I got done updating about Jack getting to sitting last night -- I went to the kitchen to get a drink.

When I came back guess who was hanging off the edge of the coffee table??!?!?!?!?

JACK PULLED TO STAND!!!!!!!!! All by himself!!!!!

Now it wasn't pretty and he was hanging on with his left hand and his neck and his legs were every which way (but it was still the MOST amazing sight)

I rushed to get daddy so he could see and Jack started gagging (because of his neck being on the edge of the table) we 'rescued' Jack and had the BIGGEST party EVER!!!

Jack has pulled to stand before but it was always with help and always with tons of begging/pleading/bribing...for some reason in the past few days it's all FINALLY sinking in. When I had left to get my drink Jack was on his back in the middle of the living room...it was such a joyous shock to see him upright (sort of) at the coffee table. It meant it was all HIS idea and HIS desire to be upright. Not something he was doing because mommy or daddy or the PT was pushing for it.

It's honestly like being part of a miracle. I still have goose bumps!!!

Thanks for helping us celebrate these amazing moments. I know no one gets it as much as you guys!

Jack's been working SO HARD on getting to a sitting position for the past few weeks. He did it once and then all of a sudden yesterday he did it 100 times or more!!! YAY JACK!!!!! It's so neat to watch and it's given me a glimpse into what else he may have in store (like pulling to stand without assistance) I am so P-R-O-U-D of my hard working man!!!!!

Last week Jack had a play date with Olivia! The kids (and mommies) had so much FUN! I added a bunch of pictures from that day to the Spring 2005 album.

Jack is taking swimming lessons and loving it! He goes every Friday and gets so excited as soon as he smells the chlorine...he starts hopping in my arms saying "Oooh, ooh" almost like hurry up slow poke I want to SWIM!!! He does very well swimming and loves to splash of course!

Jack also started a speech therapy program at The Med Center. We REALLY like the recent addition to our team. He's way cool and Jack took to him right away. We'll go there once a week (and will probably be adding some others as we begin to transition out of the home based therapy program).

We took a tour of Jack's pre-school that he will attend next year. It looks like a wonderful place. They have EVERYTHING to content small children and the staff was very nice. The great thing about this school is it's a pre-school for both typical kids and kids with disabilities working in the same classroom. I can't believe it's going to be here before we know it!

We are gearing up for SUMMER -- just got to get rid of these colder days! Jack loves his new jogging stroller and loves to sit outside. He'd stay out there all day if he could.

Jack's doing well and is so happy lately. He's such a joy to be around and makes me laugh every day. We have a great time together!