busy busy busy

Oh, where do I begin, I have been super busy since I started working 4 weeks ago. 　Starting this week, Jake is back to his regular school and therapy schedule after a week and half of being under the weather. He even got a hair cut yesterday. I take him to the same Korean lady every time, she is very gentle with him and tries to do it as quickly as possible. She knows about Jake’s challenges, and even tries to encouragement me every time she sees us by saying how much stronger and more alert he is compare to the last time she saw him. I appreciate her kindness and consideration very much.

Guess what, tonight Jake took off his socks and pants all by himself before taking a bath. OK, maybe he only gets a C for coordination and motor planning for this task, but he definitely gets an A++ for determination and effort.

Usually Jake won’t finish a peg puzzle on his own unless I sit with him and give him one puzzle piece at a time. But two nights ago, I gave him a very simple shape puzzle that included 3 pieces, and I asked him to finish them on his own while I get him a drink. Guess what, when I came back to the room with his drink, he has already finish the puzzle and was waiting for me with a big smile. Another A++ for Jake!

That is it for now, I need to do some catch up on some emailing since Jake went to bed early tonight. Kevin (PT) made him work really hard this afternoon and didn’t let him take a nap, and yet, Jake still loves him.

Jake, the rock climber, maybe?

Jake is sick again due to the recent temperature fluctuations. He has had fevers for the past two nights; they usually were the highest between 1 am to 3 am. Along with rising temperature, he was arching his whole body and was crying as if he was in pain. The problem is we don’t know what and where he was hurting since he is non-verbal.

I have today off; I contacted a PT (physical therapist) who was recommended to me by Jake’s OT (occupational therapist). We love Jake’s PT Kevin and would not trade him for a million dollars, but this particular PT is offering something very interesting. She is attempting to put together a rock climbing program for children with CP. She told me she is a climber and would like to offer a climbing class for children with disabilities. The goal of this project is not only to provide therapeutic benefits, but also to provide an opportunity where special needs children can participate in a leisure activity as well as meet with other children with similar needs.

She is going to keep me informed of the first session once they finalize the time and place. But there is a possibility that Jake may be too young to participate due to requirement of the climbing facility. But we will see.

I am no longer unemployed

So the latest news is that I started working part time this week. Today was the first day, and I survived! For the past 4 years, my life revolved around Jake’s needs. But now in addition to taking care of Jake’s needs, I will have a chance to do something else to balance my life a little bit. However, I am grateful for the experience in the past 4 years, not only because Jake has made a great amount of progress, but also because I have gained great friendships with many people who’ve came into our lives to help Jake. They have shown my child kindness and compassion, and they have transformed me into a kinder human being as well.

Don’t worry about Jake, he is well taken care of by his respite care provider after school, and soon his grandma will be here to help take care of him on the days that I have to work.. Grandma will spoil him rotten with all kinds of yummy food and she is only ecstatic that I won’t be there to stop her!