Marshall was born at 33 weeks gestation. That doesn't seem too premature to me. Yet, every time we have feeding therapy, it seems I'm finding out new things that are "wrong" with him. I'm not at all upset at the therapists for telling me this. I'm actually very glad!! So far since starting feeding therapy with the SLP, we have found out Marshall has: Reflux (pretty bad), a significant fine motor delay, oral motor delay, dysphagia, hypotonia in his jaw, and now, yesterday I'm told he has weakness in his trunk. The good thing is, look at how amazing my son is!! He has compensated for these things so well and found ways to work around them. I've got to help him get better at his "problem areas" so he won't have to work so hard to compensate for things anymore. For now, the feeding therapist has said we need to really focus on working with the OT (Occupational Therapist) to help get these motor delays under control. If the OT feels like we need feeding therapy still, she will step back in and help. So for now, the ball is in the OT's court.Also, we had a great visit with Marshall's counselor. She drew him an "angry thermometer". We talked about different things that make him mad and she asked him how mad they make him. They determined that if the thermometer is at the bottom, he's not at all mad. If it goes up a little, he says it's to the top of his head mad, the next line is to the ceiling mad, then it goes to to the top of the mountain mad, then to the sky mad, then to space mad, to Pluto mad, then SUPER MAD all the way up to Eris. He doesn't talk much when you ask him questions. He can talk to you for hours if he talks about what HE wants to talk about but if you try to direct the conversation, he quits talking right away. Every once in a while, I can get him to tell me why he is mad. He's making improvements!! He tries to be a good boy and he really is great! We've had a blast jumping on the trampoline together and playing outside. The nice weather makes everyone feel better. Isn't he just so dang cute?!
4 comments:
Yes, even with all of that he is a very cute little boy! You are doing a great job with him and getting him the help he needs.
YES, he is so dang cute. 33 weeks doesn't seem too young either really. I'm glad he's as advanced as he is for being born early.
YES!!! SO dang cute!
a 33 weeker may not SEEM too premature but there is a reason babies bake for 40 weeks. Because they need that long to develop properly. We've had a very long and tough road with my 30 weeker, as you know!
I'm very happy that you are getting the proper diagnosis and labels so that he can be helped better. It's a mess when there are no labels to go with!
I bet finding out more information is so exciting. Understanding doesn't make it go away but I bet it helps you deal with it so much better. I love your gratitude focus. Look at what's wrong but look even closer at how amazing your kid is for managing as well as he is. Great GREAT focus. You're my hero.
Post a Comment