fun but challenging day

Today was a fun but challenging day.

We started off with a field trip with Max's playgroup. Jim and Thomas joined us on our excursion to Birch Bay (a local beach) and we were excited to share a fun morning together.

Unfortunately Max expressed his "displeasure" with the wind immediately upon arrival. He has never been a fan of wind but today he wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. So unfortunately we didn't get to explore much, but we did play a bit (a very tiny bit) in the rocks and sand. On the other hand, Thomas impressed everyone with his skills! He is so funny! Having a "typical" child in the group always reminds us though of the many delays our children are experiencing.

After our field trip, we headed to physical therapy. We are really working on strengthening his torso and hips, improving his reaction time and working with his vestibular imbalance. These are all required for him to learn standing and walking independently. We have a long way to go...but that's ok. We'll get there eventually.

Meanwhile we will enjoy his ability to use the walker...which brings us to our next story. :)

We had a doctor's appointment after Max's therapy session. Since the building has really long hall ways, I often bring the walker to practice his skills. Plus, it's a great way to spend the time if we have a long wait.

More and more, Max is using his walker to express his independence. He loves to just take off on his own. I love his spirit and his ability to decide where HE wants to go.

Well today he decided to take the independence up a notch and add in some tantrums too! As soon as I put him in his walker, he went walking off the opposite way. And he was quite angry when I turned him around to go the right way...again and again and again. Then when we got inside, he took off down the hall and would turn corners. I followed closely but quietly behind. Eventually he would stop and turn to see where I was. Then he would kind of laugh and take off again. I was filled with joy at how much he was enjoying this game. And I love that he was being independent but still looking for me.

However, then we got called to see the doctor and the game had to stop. Boy, was this little guy ANGRY. He cried and cried, and the entire visit he signed "all done" over and over again! Then he finally got in his walker and walked to the door and started whining again. The next ten minutes were pretty rough with trying to handle him and scheduling future appointments, etc. Upon leaving the building, Max got hysterical again when I wouldn't let him use the walker in the parking lot.

Man oh man, I don't know what was with him today! I am not complaining because I love, love, love that he is so determined. However, I was/am frustrated because I don't know how to properly discipline him in those situations. And I don't know how much exactly he hears (he really enjoys handing me his hearing aide these days) or understands.

We'll see how next time goes!

For now, he is sleeping (with increased O2 again) peacefully. Perhaps he will wake up with a slightly "easier" attitude in the morning! :)