So much catching up to do!

Over the last two months, there has been so much to report...it's all good!

In October, we learned that Jace is starting to become more vocal, beyond his use of "mom". He has actually mastered the use of the word "no" appropriately...sure, that's the word we're excited about. He has the most amazing team working with him and for him. He has also started to use the word "boo" when engaged in "peek-a-boo" and "more", and recently added "loves", which is what I call his hugs. I have picked up on interaction between certain cartoons, in which he is reacting to the show vocally, as if he was watching a great football game. It's quite entertaining to listen to. He's also really picked up the use of his peripheral vision...which you will notice even in his recent school picture (coming shortly).There is so much more going on with him at school and I am most excited about his newest communication devices. He is using a computer and possibly an ipad to help with communication. His teachers also made for him a yes/no card with vision cues which he purposely hits yes or no when asked a yes or no question. It's all very exciting and his progress is just starting to take off suddenly.

In November, Jace attended his 2nd intensive therapy session. His walking progress was steady and he is getting it. A change for him in his hart walker was being in his therasuit which gave him more input than before. Still, for a 4 year old, he handled a full 5 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks of intensive therapy and made it all look easy...with more smiles and giggles than you would expect of that kind of workout. His final week brought exciting new things to the table. He walked to me, about 3 feet. The one day I did not have a camcorder and did not expect it. I will never forget giving him the proudest hug for his accomplishment that day and the reassurance that with hard work anything is possible. Afterwards, his PT put him on the treadmill, not an easy thing to do with a floppy four year old. Picture it, me behind Jace, trying to steady his body, while he is connected all over with bungees and trying to maintain his excitement as he indeed decided he should try to jump up and down. It was wonderful to watch him during this, but a lot of work for all involved. After all week of hearing us to tell him "no jumping", we put him in "spider". "Spider" is a cage like cube that he is again strapped in everywhere but allowed to jump and he stood there as if he was not allowed to do anything but stand. I am sure it was confusing after hearing "no" all week long to his inclination to jump on the treadmill.

Other news, we were able to score even more physical therapy. Jace will begin weekly sessions at the same facility where he attends intensive sessions to help him keep up on skills and will also receive 3 intensive sessions next year. This is great, I have wanted more PT for him and I am starting to see gradual progress.

Milestones: Jace has been flipping himself over onto his tummy every chance he gets at home. His goal: more tummy time! He continually flips over his right shoulder so we are working on trying to get the left shoulder to cooperate. Yesterday, he flipped over from tummy to back and over his left shoulder! Two goals with one flip...thrilling to watch! This evening, he also positioned his arm over my shoulder while we sat on the couch. He studies his arm for a good two minutes, and gradually pulled his arm closer and closer until he got his thumb right into his mouth. I am in awe, he sucked on his thumb, purposefully. Evidently, it did not taste too well because after about 30 seconds he pulled it out and looked at it and than put his arm down. He is really starting to calm his body down to focus on things he wants to do...

Scary news: Jace went into a gait trainer, "kidwalk" and was working with me on moving his feet forward, when the bicycle seat came out from beneath him, while he slid through the double body support system. Safe to say that Jace defies any standard safety measures...

Here is info about this product:
http://www.southwestmedical.com/products/KidWalk-Gait-Mobility-System-23365.htmlKid Walk is an innovative pediatric dynamic mobility system that affords freedom of exploration while safely supporting the user. Unlike a gait trainer, the Kid Walk has a large mid-wheel configuration that encourages upper-body rotation over the pelvis while allowing upper-extremity freedom. The dynamic action allows lateral weight shift and simulates a natural gait pattern. KidWalk positioning options provide various levels of support to accommodate maximum freedom in upper extremity movement.

The various wheel configuration and small turning radius allows exceptional maneuverability. This is key in affording a child access not only to their home and school environments, but, encourages exploration that has been proven to enhance their cognitive and social development.

Tool-free adjust ability is quick exact and easy making Kid Walk ideal for schools and institutions. Easy to use, one hand height adjustment mechanism allows quick positive adjustments while the child is in the unit. All positioning options swing away to allow easy placement and positioning of user.

Allows therapeutic adjustment for use in ambulation and therapy oriented activities. Seat and support system move with the client allowing the natural movement of the body while reducing weight and fatigue.

I am thinking that if the adjustments are right, this wouldn't happen again but think he is better supported in the hart walker at this time.