Grant has begun to show signs of improvements in his language development. He is saying a couple words, making some animal sounds, mimicking, trying desperately to say several more words, learning sign language, and blowing bubbles. As simple as it sounds, the speech therapist has said a couple of times that it is great that Grant can blow bubbles. Apparently, children with hypotonia have a very difficult time shaping their mouths and placing their tongues in such a way that allows them to blow outwardly. Grant has been doing this for quite some time. Praise the Lord! Also, his physical therapist said that Grant's gross motor skills are coming along wonderfully. He can jump off the ground with ease (and does so every day at the very sound of the theme song for "Elmo's World" and the sight of a baseball game on TV) and can walk backwards. However, because of his sensory processing disorder, Grant struggles greatly with stepping downward, walking on uneven surfaces, and using any sign language that involves touching his body. We are desperate to begin occupational therapy. It has been like pulling teeth to get all the services that Grant needs. I suspect it is because of the budget cuts that have been made by the state. I have learned that being my son's advocate means being very firm, persistent, and having thick skin. If I wasn't so personally tied to the situation I would find all the excuses they are giving me amusing (the one excuse I hear the most and about drives me mad is, "We don't want to inconvenience you with having too many people coming to your house." Seriously?!? Trust me - if it is for the best of my son, I'll let the whole city of Charlotte traipse through my house!). Anyway. Grant is doing very well which Aaron and I give all the credit to God. It's silly but there are times when I am hesitant to share the good news about Grant's wonderful progress because I fear that people will quit praying and caring. Please, please do not quit praying. We need it so badly. While Grant is responding to therapy, he has a long way to go.
My Grant. We experience much joy because of you.
Wesley is growing like a weed! He is desperately trying to catch up to his big brother so he can join in on the fun. Wes is rolling over and "scooching" backwards. He does a good job raising his belly off the ground and bringing his knees in - if I didn't know better I'd say he is trying to crawl but I think we'll have to wait a while longer for that one. Right now we are working on sitting up... and sleeping through the night.
Sweet Wes. Your smile always brightens my day.
