bugs, therapists, and appointments

Max and I have been busy, busy, busy. Busy coughing, sneezing and wheezing that is. :)However, I was relieved that it hadn't impacted Max's lungs too much...until today. Now he is requiring the full treatment...CPT, oxygen, inhalers, the works. But you know what? This guy is one tough cookie, in great spirits, and will rebound soon enough. :)

Tonight instead of full on CPT, I gave him a good ol' tickle session. He giggled and giggled like crazy...absolutely adorable! CPT is basically clapping his back hard enough to move around the gunk in his lungs so that he can cough more effectively. Sometimes roughhousing and tickling can accomplish a little of the same...and it sure is a lot more fun!

Fortunately our "bugs" haven't stopped our schedule too much. We have added in three new therapies to our life!

Our sign language instructor starts officially with us on Thursday, and I am really looking forward to it. As much as I really, really, really want Max to communicate verbally, the progress has been very slow. It is becoming quite clear that it isn't going to happen right now and we need another way to communicate. He seems to be grasping the concept of sign language (which is wonderful), so I want to strengthen that as much as possible. Meanwhile, we will continue with our two speech therapists and keep pushing on with the verbal communication because that is my ultimate goal.

And last week we added our third OT professional to the team. Not only is she very talented and energetic, she also includes HIPPOTHERAPY as a big component in her therapy. Yep, HIPPOTHERAPY! We have been on the waiting list for a very long time...and then out of the blue, God intervened (seriously...met the OT at church and the next day magically there was an opening on the list!). We started right away! Max got to meet the horse the first time, but he wasn't too impressed. That's ok...I'm sure it will take some time. This week is Max's first time on the horse (with a lot of assistance of course). I have a feeling there may be a few tears, but we'll see! I am so excited about this alternative therapy to help Maxwell with his balance and core strength.

Let's see...oh yes, we are also going to be working with a behavior specialist. I am working with a few of our team members to make this happen. I know, I know...why am I adding this in already? Well, with Max's limited communication, hearing loss, developmental delay, and CHARGE diagnosis, there is definite reason to be concerned about potential behavior problems. I want to learn more about addressing them sooner than later. At this summer's CHARGE conference, they really emphasized the extreme behavior issues associated with the syndrome. It was pretty shocking actually. So we'll see how this goes. I have been warned though that the specialist is pretty tough and I might not agree with the style. My thoughts? The more input the better and it gives me ideas to consider.

And last but not least, we have a lot of appointments at Children's this month. This week we have urology followup and a dental clinic. Because of Max's heart condition, all of his dental procedures are to be done by this particular specialist. Then we have audiology and pulmonary next week. We are also trying to get cardiology and endocrinology in this month. The holidays are sometimes the best times to schedule because other families are busy and there are more open appointments. Plus the hospital is less crowded, which means less germs. I might have been doing this for only a few years, but I am a quick learner! :)

So that's about it...I will try and post some more photos. He is more and more handsome, beautiful, adorable every single day!