Decisions & LaLaLa

We have had a bit of a break in terms of decision making and big procedures since the summer. However, we are gearing up for a few tests and big decisions on the horizon. The neurologist is recommending a 3 day EEG for X-Man which would take place in the hospital. There has always been some suspicion of seizure activity and lately we have noticed some questionable behaviors. We have been considering this particular test since March 2008, but its necessity seemed to diminish for awhile until recently. There is no risk in this particular procedure, but the idea of keeping X-Man hooked up to EEG equipment and in the same small hospital room for 3 days is a little overwhelming. Plus, the whole experience will be video-taped so we have to have our best parenting face on for 3 days in less than ideal conditions.

We are taking X-Man for a therapeutic horsemanship evaluation on Monday. We have read and heard amazing things about how hippotherapy helps children with hypotonia. We'll see on Monday if he is ready to sit on a horse for an extended period of time. If he does well, we'll start up once it gets warmer. We're actually pretty excited about seeing this in action.

We are needing to make some decisions about how to handle the spasticity which is increasing in X-Man's heel cords. There are a couple options, neither of which thrill us, but his DAFO's are not addressing the problem adequately and this is causing further delays in his ability to stand on his own.

On for the fun news, X-Man has been saying "cracker" this week. Well, it is more like "cacker," but it is two syllables and he is using it consistently. Last night he stole our hearts when out of the blue he said "La La La" after Tony said "I love you." We kept repeating it and he kept saying "La La La." So, it isn't I love you exactly, but it's 3 syllables and using the "L" sound so we were pretty excited. He was very clearly saying "Daddy" last night. He has also begun to say "Gar" when he sees the 6 foot 4 inch janitor at school whose name is Gary. He doesn't say the name of any of his teachers or therapists yet (or Mommy for that matter), but he says "Gar" every time he sees this tall man. He sat with me for 20 minutes looking at books and pointing at pictures yesterday too. I think he would have gone longer but I was tired of sitting still. That's a reversal. We have up and down days, but yesterday was definitely an up day here.