October 3rd. Update

We started something new this week. Daily stretching at home. Josh is responding to the work out sessions remarkably well but his knees are still contracted and his left thumb pulls into the palm of his hand.

I decided that we were going to change that. I talked to Dr. Velos from Riverside Chiropractic and to Abbey about what to do and how to do it. I purchased a blue, cushy workout pad for home, a tube of Biofreeze to rub on Josh’s tight muscles and tendons and blocked out 6pm-6:30 pm for his work outs.

Josh loves them. And I feel bad I never thought to do it sooner. He sleeps better because the stretching is in the evening and it must feel so good for his legs and hands to be stretched out. It never occurred to me that the contractures would be uncomfortable.

So last week was pretty much a continuation of what we’ve been doing. He did have two highlights that I saw but don’t have pictures for. During his work on the ball, when he pulls himself up to a kneeling position and he practices his head turns, he lost his balance and fell forward. Neither Abbey, nor I, could get to him to help him. He didn’t need us. Josh caught himself in mid-fall, held himself steady, and brought himself back into position. Abbey and I squealed like girls. We were so excited.

The other exciting update was Josh getting to move up to the next size on the hand weights. He grabbed hold of those dumb bells and pulled with both arms, at the same time, and with great strength. What a long way he has come.

Looking to the right

Looking up

Looking down

Head control is an issue with Josh and if he can get to the point where he can control his head movements and keep it mid-line when seated a whole world of possibilities opens to us.

The only other exciting news from Josh this week is we finally have a wheel-chair eval set up. He’s gained 25 pounds since the one he sits in was made and his body shape and needs have changed. Time to see what else is out there and if we can get him a better sitting option.

Life is exciting at our house. Thank you for stopping by.