Monday - In true Monday fashion Lincoln was excited and ready to see Jackie this morning. He almost took out another child as he ran towards her, but deep down we are both grateful he is still happy to be at therapy. Lincoln worked hard today and we continue to work on pointer and pincher grasps.
Tuesday - Well I knew this day was coming -- but today was melt down city! And melt some more, and some more. Ha ha, laugh so you don't cry right? It was very obvious to Jackie and myself today that Lincoln was mentally exhausted. He slept good last night, so the physical aspect was OK, but the little things were very upsetting to him and today we just did what we could, which was not a lot. Today was dog therapy so Lincoln did enjoy that and calm down some which was a nice break. Music therapy was today as well, but we let Susan move on as the harp did not seem to be helping. We ended our day by swinging in the gym and chatting. Lincoln has worked extremely hard for two weeks with very little argument or episodes, which at three is very good. Hoping for a great rest of the week!
On a positive note - we were able to make a nighttime splint today that will help Lincoln stretch while he is sleeping. I am excited to try this and see if it makes a difference in his forearm rotation (supination).
Wednesday - Another great, productive day in therapy! Since it is our last week, we are focusing a lot on using thumb and pointer. Today Lincoln got to play with Duncan (4 yr) who started this week. They enjoyed a little break while still working. Duncan has older brothers so he was more competitive than Lincoln at the checker launch, but Lincoln was thrilled to try something new. Stevie the therapy dog stopped by today and showed us a new puzzle, and then we ended today shopping for superhero and swinging! I scheduled for next year today as well, so I guess unless something major changes we will be back!
Thursday - Day 4 has come and gone and boy did we have fun today! Last night I was able to test the new brace for his right hand and he seemed to tolerate it well until around 5 am when he asked for it off. It is to help with his supination and I am really hoping for a positive outcome over other alternatives.
Therapy started a little slow as Lincoln was able to remove his cast last night but had to put it on for half of therapy today. However, he adapted well and worked hard. Today Duncan and Lincoln rode bikes to the park and Lincoln was able to have his cast off for good! At the park he swung a bat and hit a ball quite a few times. He honestly looked very natural for a three year old and my heart was bursting as it is the little things in life that make me proud. I do not care if he ever plays baseball but if he wants to I want him to!
Jackie explained that once the cast comes off the left hand, the right hand may regress a little, and encouraged me to continue working with right hand tonight. We went to the McWane Science Center after therapy one last time today and now we are home resting, packing and getting ready to head home tomorrow! Plus, mommy is SUPER EXCITED to dump Lincoln in the bath tub! You guys have no idea how hard it is to only sponge bathe a toddler for 3 weeks. Plus if your child has ever had a cast you know how much they stink!
Friday - Skipping this update because after therapy we are headed straight to the airport! However, if I was to post, I know it would be telling you about the rock wall Lincoln will climb tomorrow as he has been promised the entire 3 weeks of therapy he can do it the last Friday we are here! Lincoln and I did not want to spend another night without daddy and are looking forward to being home. Say a prayer for us that the flights go smoothly and we make our short layover.
Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey! The journey does not end here, as there will be tons of work at home, and we have decided to schedule again for next year already -- which means homework for the year as well! CIMT in Birmingham is very well known and the spots fill up fast. For those who wonder if it works, I do believe it is beneficial in training the brain. The reality is three weeks will not change him dramatically without the continuous effort -- but even as adults unless we practice, or work out everyday, study etc .. we don't change either. I am heading home with the mentality that has to be a lifestyle for Lincoln and myself and we can try to make it as fun as possible! Feel free to message me with questions, comments etc. I have worked very hard over the past few years to channel the emotions surrounding my son into something that can make a difference. If this helps even one person, than we have succeeded together!