Getting Back to Normal

We went back to see Dr. Keating, the neurosurgeon, yesterday for the first time since discharge. He was very pleased with Khyle's progress. The incision is healed nicely and he thought Khyle was alert and responsive. We talked a bit and he says we should come back in 3 months for another follow-up.

This morning Miss Bev & Miss Liz came to the house and we resumed Khyle's therapy sessions. Beverly Upshur is the Vision Specialist and she tells us how to best engage Khyle despite his vision impairment. She teaches us a lot about how to 'read' what he is 'saying'--to recognize his attempts at language. We feel Khyle communicates a lot with us through his gestures and behavior. It is important that we not let him resort to crying & throwing tantrums to get what he wants. Liz Snead is the Occupational Therapist and she works alot with Khyle's fine motor skills. We work with lots of toys, reaching & grabbing and having him engage with the world through toys. Khyle is much more partial to people, Mom & Dad especially, but we want him to know the world is more than just us. It is also important for him to learn cause & effect--that 'if he pushes this button the music will play'. Then he understands that he is making something happen. He has the power to accomplish things on his own. Khyle is now on a muscle relaxant called Baclofen and we see an improvement in his overall tone which helps with movement and play.

Today's session was good, just starting up again since the surgery and we are setting new goals for the year--the calendar year follows the school year, August to Summer. So now is a good time for reevaluating.

We are very much trying to get back to our regular routine. I would say 'normal' but our life is far from normal! There are many changes coming and that is another post entirely. But we are well and Khyle is doing AMAZING!