31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY FOUR: Do you See me Mom? I'm Sitting!

Josiah had physical therapy this morning, as he does every week.  We were up by 6:30, changed, fed, and waiting for D by 8am.  D was greeted by Josiah's usual grins and giggles.

D came prepared today.  She brought hip helpers and a cute little vest.  We had discussed hip helpers before and the jury remained out as to whether or not they would be helpful.  Hip helpers are similar to biking shorts - made of spandex thus very tight.  Unlike bike shorts, the inner seam of the hip helpers are sewn together.  They are used to help an baby (especially with low tone) learn to keep their legs straight (as opposed to 'frog legs').  D has been impressed that Josiah doesn't tend to utilize 'frog legs' and does a fairly good job at keeping his legs straight.  It has been her contention that Josiah needed more trunk control.

Hence, the benik vest.  The benik vest (which I had never heard of until today) is designed to provide 'stability and comfort.'  The theory is that if Josiah can learn what it feels like to do certain motions without worrying so much about his body, his body will do more.  When he's not wearing the vest, his body will try to replicate the motions and work the necessary muscles to accomplish the goals.

Josiah has been doing a great job sitting (with support from D).  Over the weeks and months, we have seen Josiah require less and less support.  Today, we witnessed something new.  Josiah sat all by himself.  It wasn't for long but it was numerous times.  He even managed to give me a couple of great smirks as if to say, "Do you see me, Mom?  I'm sitting!  Pretty cool, huh?"

It's funny how proud two parents can be of a little boy sitting.  There he was, sitting.  There we were, just as proud as punch!!!

God, I love this little boy!!!

"Even miracles take a little time"

- unknown author

PT Strides

Josiah met with D (physical therapist) from EI on Thursday.  It was one of those "Wow!" sessions.  Josiah met D with a huge smile and readiness to work hard.  D's session note reads, "Josiah had the best session."  It is obvious that his stamina and strength continue to improve by leaps and bounds.

In this first picture, D is encouraging Josiah to utilize his arms for trunk support.  Josiah's chest is being supported by her hands.  It is hoped that he will start to demonstrate good "weight bearing" on his arms.  This accomplishment is a critical next step.  As you can see from this picture, Josiah has gained a lot of head control in the past few months.  He is able to hold his own head up for extended periods of time now.

Josiah leans on D, arms supported, in an effort to "learn what it feels like to sit."  Josiah's trunk is still quite floppy.  However, with a little arm support and place to rest his head - he's starting to figure it out.  Look at the little grin on his face :)

Here, he has to utilize more of his own muscles to keep his trunk from becoming floppy (he's not actively leaning on D).  D continues to support him via his arms.  As he uses his neck muscles to support his head, he has to work much harder.

Josiah gets tired as the session continues.  Here, he uses a boppy pillow for support while he rests his body.  He uses the binky (aka, pacifier) which is another tool used to increase muscle tone.  "The pacifier strengthens oral motor control and helps develop the muscles needed for drinking, eating solid foods, and talking."  (http://www.downsyndromedallas.org/New%20Parent%20Guide/print%20docs/Feeding.pdf).  You can see here that he is able to hold his 'binky' in his mouth.  We even observed him take the binky out of his mouth and successfully return it to his mouth :)

As Josiah nears the end of the session, he is exhausted.  He has worked hard.  We resort to the tripod toy - it is the one toy that usually prevents a meltdown (especially at the end of the session).  Josiah is content to play with the dangling toys.  This, too, is still work but disguised as play.  Josiah continues to strengthen his arms and stamina, each time he reaches for a hanging toy.

D is packing up to leave.  I can the exhaustion in Josiah's eyes.  He has worked hard.  He deserves a break <3.

Next week, we'll do it all over again!