Great Sessions Today!

I am so encouraged after today. Elizabeth came late so she could overlap with Trish (PT) to make sure another catastrophe didn't occur. Elizabeth was greeted with huge smiles and Raquel did really well being challenged by her. She was obviously frustrated at times but was easily redirected back to where she needed to be. I know I say it all the time but - Elizabeth ROCKS!! - and I was really glad to have her here to help with the PT.

I was very hesitant about Trish coming because of what happened the last time. Today was much better and I have a greater confidence level with her. (SIDE NOTE: She did have issues about Raquel being treated by Dr. D, but once I truly listened to what she was saying - I was so defensive at first - she just wanted to make sure they are on the same page therapy wise). Trish was very happy that Raquel is climbing so much more - even standing on the rocking chair in her room. She really is making great progress. Trish showed me exercises to do on the fitness ball to strengthen her core, and also wants me to do the "wheel barrow thing"-, where she walks on her hands, 3-times per day, but briefly. Raquel actually did pretty well with Trish today. She was really aggitated only once or twice, but I was pleased with how Trish handled the situation this time, and, of course, Elizabeth was a big part of that.

We also discussed Raquel's uncertainty outside of the house - how it takes her a few minutes to warm up to outside environments. We are now going to start "outside therapy" to break her of this. BT, PT & ST are now going to make some portions of therapy (only 10-15 minutes), take place outside. When I see Trish next in two weeks, we are actually going to meet at a park so her entire therapy is going to be outside.

We had a WONDERFUL speech therapy today! Raquel was just in rare form and was playful and teasing me (I'd ask her to bring me the ball and she'd bring me something else with a grin on her face and laughing, laughing, laughing!) Mary was so encouraged. Mary also brought a boom box so we could do a freeze dance to "stop/go". Raquel didn't dance but figured out how to push the stop & play button on her boom box and also eject the cd! It was too cute. She also said, "Where is it?" when looking for the ball, and Mary commented that she has a lot more vocabulary than she's using. What an encouraging day!