Cautiously Optimistic in the Second Half

It's been a rough first half of the year.....

Numerous family-shared illnesses, ER visits, personality changes in Carson, 2 surgeries, 2 recoveries....

As we get ready to start the second half of the year, I am trying to look forward to growth, to progression, to newness.
 

This morning we started ABM again, after a long hiatus   It was so wonderful to see Naomi, our beloved ABM practitioner   She was happy to see how aware Carson was - to see his "learning switch" on.  

I am excited to be on a course of moving forward again.... but along with those excitements, comes fear, insecurity, and cautious optimism.

In Carson's short 2-1/2 years, we have seen so many baby steps forward, just to fall backwards again due to illness, medical concerns, surgeries.... we've seen so much excitement in something new he's doing, just to witness him backsliding when his body and mind have to concentrate on more critical issues.

I find myself being CAUTIOUSLY optimistic as I hope to see such great growth and development in him, but I am cautious as well to keep my expectations, my desires, from getting in the way of my joy over the small things.

So I'm trying to put 'myself' aside and just be here - be here for Carson - be here for the joy of any changes that occur.  I am trying to keep my mind 'here', in the present - instead of many steps down the road.  I am trying to keep my emotions 'here', allowing myself to feel the now, instead of feeling the disappointments and fears of the past or the 'anticipatory' disappointing or scary feelings of the future.

So.... yeah.... I'm here.  Carson's here.  ABM is here. Let's keep moving forward my precious boy... whatever that 'forward' looks like!

All Done

Sadly, we've been on an ABM hiatus for over a month now due to sickness.  Cannot wait for the flu season to be OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes - I'm ALL DONE!

But that's not what else is "all done".  Even though we haven't had any ABM sessions recently, Carson is continuing to expand his vocabulary.  I have been working on him saying "All Done" when he is done with his food or drink.  And now he can give us his first command!  "All Done".  He says it loud and proud.

Its backfired in a way since we are struggling recently with getting him to take in enough fluids each day - and its hard when he not only physically tells us he doesn't want his drink by pushing - but is now verbally telling us "all done".  So cute - so frustrating - so wonderful.

I wanted to post a video of his new found words!  And this is him being 'nice' about it. haha

Clap, Clap, Clap!

Carson is a rock star!  That's not new news of course but what is new - Carson is clapping!!!!!!!!!!!!  What adds to the excitement is - he taught himself!  This was not something we purposefully taught him.  I'd been seeing him do it for a few days, but it took me a bit to realize he was clapping!  

I finally figured it out this weekend - Adrianna was entertaining us with a song, and I began to applause - what shocked me was when Carson starting giving his applause as well!  Was awesome!

We got it on video here.

Very sleepy boy at Seattle Children's
Hospital this week. And yes, he helped me
put on this shirt  :)

Verbally, he is just continuing to amaze us.  He is mimicking and repeating so many words now. He's been mimicking sounds for a long while now - but now he is mimicking words.  It's incredible and so beautiful to hear!  He is moving toward connecting the words with the objects... so far he has "mama" and "Kogo" (aka our dog Kobe) down pat and a few other words.  Love witnessing the progression of communication with him!!!!

Yesterday when his food was gone, without me saying it first, Carson said "all gone" by himself.  Was so incredible.  Of course he wouldn't do it again for the camera, but that's a-okay.

Also showing his rock star abilities - when I'm putting on his shirts, he will now extend his right arm to help me put his arm through the sleeve!  He has done it a few times on his own, or will respond when I ask him to extend it and tap his elbow.  Can't wait for assistance with the other 3 limbs someday, but for now, I'll take the help with the right arm  :)

And just because I love to share about my son - his laugh is incredibly contagious.... tonight I caught daddy cracking him up, on video.  Wanted to share the video!

The dreaded "no"!

Happy boy

It's been a week since our last round of ABM sessions.  Carson has continued to be a talking champ.  He just loves to gab right now!

He is consistently and purposefully saying "mama".  Yes that's right - he loves me!!!  :)

He has also said "dada" which makes Kevin thrilled.  Typically when saying daddy, it's been in a whisper and he just says "da".  It's been a joke in our home that people will starting speaking Kevin's name with reverence from here on out.  Now he's moving from a reverent "da", to a loud and proud "dada".  Quite exciting.

And probably the word most feared by parents - "No" - has now been uttered.  He isn't using it properly yet but he at least knows how to say the word.  haha.  But I'm sure the meaning behind it is around the corner  :)

Carson loves petting (and kinda hitting) our dog, Kobe.  Kobe loves to lick Carson like a popsicle. It's a mutual relationship of being in each others personal space.  Just this week, Carson has been saying "Koko" for Kobe.  So now Carson smiles at the mention of Kobe and says her name.

Lying on right side

Also this week - we starting working with Diane, Carson's TVI (teacher of the visually impaired) to work on feeding.  We typically put his food right on the tray of his high chair, but are now going to consistently use plates and bowls.  Part of this is teaching Carson to know when all his food is gone and giving him opportunity to ask for more.  As part of this, we always make a big deal of saying "all done".  Carson is now saying that back to us  :)  And it seems that he is making the connection to what that phrase means!

Happy on his right side

With physical changes - he isn't rolling completely over much anymore.  I think its because he dislikes being on his tummy so much.  But even though he's not rolling to his tummy, he is really getting the hang of rolling to his right side!  Carson has always hated being on his right side - his head or his body.  But even right now as I'm watching him play on the floor, he keeps rolling to his right side.  So great to witness him learning his body and his 'place in space'.  It's so exciting!

Keep it coming little man..................

Hugs, Tummy Time & Rocking Out... A Good Day

Today was a good day.

Morning loves from sissy

While waiting for Carson's ABM session this morning, Adrianna kept giving Carson hugs and kisses.  It just made my morning!  Carson DID receive a bath tonight though as Adrianna told me after giving hugs - "mommy, Carson needs a bath - he doesn't smell very good".  hahaha.

ABM session on his tummy

During our 2nd session today, Naomi worked with Carson while he was on his tummy.  He was well supported with pillows and blankets so he was comfortable.  He was so great the entire time.  On his tummy is his least comfortable or happy position - but he did excellent today.  Naomi is working with him to help him organize his body so that he can continue being successful in his new rolling achievements (among other things as well of course).  It was just uplifting to see him so content in that position.

Loving his new rocking
chair!

Then tonight we received a belated Christmas present from grandma and papa - a rocking chair!  Carson loves to rock.  His only rocking has been in his high chair - where he can literally move his chair from one side of the dining room to the other.  This new rocking chair will let him rock his little heart out - and be safe in doing so!!!!  He fits in it great.  We are using a velcro strap just to 'be safe' but he sits tall and strong in it!!!!  When I first put him in it, he immediately starting talking away and enjoyed rocking.  I even captured a video of him.  He rocked even more after this video - what a stud he is.

It was a good day.

Rollin' and a Rockin'

Sleeping with his head
to the right!  Now he's
rocking towards his
right!  RIGHT on!  :)

It seems like all I'm doing right now is posting awesome updates on Carson.  NOT COMPLAINING in the least.... its just a bit surreal.

So, not only has our boy becoming a rockin 'roller' from his back to his tummy towards his left side, but now while on his back, he's rocking to the side towards the RIGHT!  Not quite ready to roll to his right, but we have never seen him wanting to be on his right side - let alone intentionally moving in that direction!  We've witnessed it a few times the last couple days.

My son is awesome.... that's all there is too it.

Rolling & Sitting!!

 Good times today!

Sitting in shopping cart
without a strap or back
support

Having pizza tonight to
celebrate his rolling over!

First, I took the kiddos with me to Costco.  Unfortunately I left Carson's usual 'shopping cart gear' at home which consists of a back support and a fabric strap that goes across his upper chest.  But I thought we'd make do - which we DID!  Just using the shopping cart seat belt and a blanket on his left hand side to keep him from falling and squishing Adrianna - he did it!!!!  He sat so well!!!!  So proud of him!  And yeah - don't mind Adrianna's expression in the picture - she wasn't happy about having to sit in the cart.  haha

Then later, he did it - he officially and intentionally rolled all the way from his back to his tummy!  What's more - he was happy on his belly!!!!  He even reached out and found a toy to play with.  I grabbed the camera but missed the roll unfortunately.  Very exciting!!!!!!!!

I see some possible 'army crawling' in our 2013 future  :)  Yeah!!!!

The Good, the Bad and the Uh-oh

Carson & Adrianna by the tree on Christmas Day

Christmas is over.  What a great couple days with family!  Carson was unfortunately on the fussy side - between getting in his pesky 2 year molars and over stimulation from the festivities, tears were a'plenty.

But over the last few days, we've noticed Carson trying to roll from his back to his tummy, towards the left side.  His left arm gets caught under him so he can't go completely over, but he's as 'over' as possible with a stuck arm.  He really uses his entire body now to make the motion - legs, hips, pelvis and head which adds to the 'awesomeness' of him doing it.  He's been able to 'struggle' to roll from his belly to back from quite some time - so this is the first time we've really seen him purposefully trying to roll from back to tummy.

That's the Good.

Happy Boy on Christmas Eve

The Bad.... we have grow accustomed to propping Carson up on our couch.  He typically sits in the corner of the couch or on top of the crack between two cushions.  Today the couch and the rolling collided... we didn't see it happen but one minute he was sitting like normal, and the next minute he was on the ground.

THANKFULLY he let out a couple cries but then was fine.  He was more startled then hurt.  For the life of us, neither Kevin or I can figure out how he ended up on the ground, on the OTHER end of the couch from where he was sitting.  It'll always be a mystery.

Regardless, now that we've had this 'uh oh' - it means no more sitting on the couch by himself.  Bummer as its helpful when we are trying to get ready to leave somewhere or when he's eating a snack, but so it is.  So thankful we learned this lesson without injury.

Very excited to see rolling is just around the corner  :)  Just no more rolling from the couch  ;)

"Ba Ba" please

Carson is such a happy, funny, cute little man.  Recently though, his happiness has been overshadowed by tears and fussiness - darn 2 year molars!!!!  Teething has been such a difficult thing for him!

Planting his left foot during his session today

In spite of the teething pain, Carson did great during his two sessions with Naomi today.  

Over the last few weeks, we've noticed him planting his right foot while lying on the floor on his back.  Today during our sessions, he planted his left foot and kept it strong for a bit - and later saw him keep both his feet planted for a few seconds at a time.  So cool to see!

After our second session today, while sitting on my lap, Carson said 'ba ba'.  He normally only says that after I say Bottle.  I assumed he was asking for a drink so I gave him one.  Not sure if he was asking for his Bottle or not, but it was great to hear him initiate it!

And to end our night - Carson was so fun!  So much talking, so many laughs, so many smiles.  Was a wonderful way to end our day.  Looking forward to two more sessions tomorrow!!!

"Where's Carson"?

Sick little man

Little man came down with the flu this week and has had a hard time getting back to his perky self.  Thankfully today we started to see some smiles and hear his voice again.  Was worried that he might have another 'set back' with this flu, but things seem to be progressing still!!!

We've been witnessing a few more cool things.....

While lying on his back, Carson is continuing to plant his right foot.  Even if he's not 'pushing' with it, he's keep his leg steady.  Unless he is kicking, his legs are always 'floppy' and frog-legged.  He now likes to keep his foot on the ground!  It looks so strong!  Even his nurse noticed it this week.

Today while on his back, he rolled to his side to play (not unusual to roll to his side, but he doesn't usually stay in that position for very long, but he did this time).  While on his side, he started rotating his right hip back and forth.  One of the things our practitioner is looking for, is helping Carson understand 'differentiation' in his body.  Until recently, his entire body just moved like it was one big 'block'.... his upper torso, lower torso, and head would all just move together (where with most people, we typically can move one section of our torso, apart from other parts... this is not something that has occurred with Carson's body).  Seeing him purposely move his hip (and later, a little movement in his pelvis, separate from the rest of his torso) was so great to see!  

A game daddy tries to play with Carson is "Where's Carson"?  Carson covers his eyes with his right forearm when he's tired.  When he does that, or after Kevin puts his arm in that position, he'll say "Where's Carson" and sometimes, Carson will move his arm from his eyes.  Super cute to watch.  But tonight........... Kevin randomly said "Where's Carson?" when Carson was just playing, and with a smile, he was intentionally moving his arm up towards his eyes.  He did it so quickly but it was purposeful and fun!  I was able to capture it a bit on this YouTube Video [at about the 25 second mark]....  

Exciting things!!!  Encouraging things!!!  Beautiful things!!!

"G" is for great!

Tuckered out in-between sessions today

Today during our 7th & 8th ABM sessions, I started hearing Carson use the G consonant sound.   It took me awhile to realize it - but this was a consonant he has never used before!  

I thought I was imagining it but Kevin confirmed - G's are new  :)  Very exciting!

He did great during both sessions.  He did some gentle movements in a more sitting position today and did well.  He loved it when Naomi used each finger from his hand - to count each toe on his feet... with a slow fun song.  

The other thing we've picked up on this week, when I'm sitting quietly for awhile, while he and Naomi are working together, he'll start to say "mamamama" waiting for me to reply to make sure I'm still there!!!  xoxoxoxoxox

We are loving our time with Naomi and so excited to see what is to come!

"Bam" goes the left arm

Carson's left hand is fisted regularly while
his right hand has good dexterity.

Today we had sessions #5 & 6.  Carson was so happy, funny & talkative during both sessions.

Naomi was so excited for the update of what we've witnessed over the last 2 weeks! Decided to start this blog so we could track this journey!

Today during our session, Naomi was lifting Carson's arms up and making fun noises; then she would drop his arms down to 'bam' the table.  He loved it.  After awhile, he began doing his own 'bamming' with his right arm - the arm he uses all the time with good dexterity.  Then a few times, we witnessed him do it with his left arm!!!!  He rarely uses his left hand, let alone his arm.  He lifted from his elbows to do it.

Needless to say, mommy's tears started to flow.

So excited to see what tomorrow's sessions bring about!

Here we go.....

So here we go... stepping out in faith... faith in this method, faith that God would provide our financial and time needs, faith in our practitioner, faith in our decision to move forward with this new therapy, knowing that when you put time and money into one thing, it takes away from other opportunities... lots of faith.

"Kids Beyond Limits"
by Anat Baniel
A "Must Read"!!!!!

We have just began our journey with the Anat Baniel Method... ABM "is a science-based, breakthrough approach that focuses on the child’s brain and its remarkable abilities to change and learn. The method’s gentle movements and ABM’s Nine Essentials, are powerful tools that provide transformational help for children with special needs to overcome their limitations... the method wakes up the child’s brain to create new connections, often at a staggering rate, leading to spontaneous, often extraordinary breakthroughs in movement, thinking, self-regulation and connection with others."

We are planning to do 2 sessions a day, 2 days a week, every other week. Our drive is a bit long and its an all day commitment, but we have chosen to give it at least a 3 month trial.

I chose to begin this blog as a way to document our journey. If we find that this is life changing, which we hope it is, we want to be able to look back and see all that has happened.

We had our first 4 ABM sessions on November 12 & 13, 2012 with our practitioner Naomi. Carson was very happy and comfortable during all 4 sessions. We had about 2-3 hours between the sessions each day - we are currently looking for a good place to 'camp out' during that time.

After day #1, while at my parents, my mom and I both noticed that while on his back on the floor, Carson planted his right foot on the ground and pushed up. This was something we had never seen before. It definitely motivated me, if I needed more motivation, to continue on this journey.

During the next 2 weeks, we witnessed the following:

Loving his new "clapper" toy

• He has an increased tolerance to noise that he makes. He really started to enjoy rattles, banging and other loud noises he could make. He is typically very sensitive to loud or startling noises. He still is sensitive to noises outside his control.
• He has been keeping his head to the right!!! Carson has always been a 'left looker' since he was a newborn, especially while lying on the ground. A few months ago (after our consultation with Naomi), we noticed him keeping his head in midline while in lying. We have also recently begun chiropractic care. Between the chiro adjustments and these sessions, Carson desires to keep his head in midline and to the right!
• His babbling and vocal imitating has increased. He loves to make back and forth noises with us and is just very fun to listen to! He is laughing a lot more as well.
• With his vocalization - he has said his 'interpretations' of 'papa', 'diaper', 'toes' and again saying 'bottle' and 'mama' - in appropriate situations.
• When sitting him up on his changing table, it is much easier to sit him up and keep him up.
• When we did Conductive Education in the Spring, Carson was doing so well with self-feeding with a spoon - bringing food to his mouth. When we got home, sadly, we didn't keep up on that and he lost his ability to do so. We tried again a couple months ago, but after quite a few failures, we gave up for the time. Kevin tried again this last weekend - after doing hand over hand with him just a couple times, Carson quickly grasped the concept again! We will work on the 'dipping' part down the road, but for now - he can bring the spoon to his mouth again!!!

We have been very excited the last couple weeks. Carson continually amazes us! We are very excited to see where this journey goes.........