Happy Halloween!

So we have officially cancelled our Michigan trip. Jake was scheduled to participate in a 3 weeks intensive physical therapy treatment there, but due to his recent injury, we decided it was best to postpone the treatment. Hey, maybe we can use the money to go on a vacation after all!

Today is Halloween; a lot of kids in Jake’s school are dressed up in their cute costumes. Last year, Jake didn’t understand anything about Halloween. This morning, as I was dressing him in his Tiger costume, I explained to him that he is dressing up as Tiger today. I took him to the long mirror so he can see himself head to toe. He was very excited and every time when I asked him “who is Tiger today?” he consistently pointed to himself. So that made me happy the fact that he responded appropriately to the situation. Little things like this make me happy, because they don’t come easy. My sister will never understand my life, because everything comes so easy for her kids; they walked, they talked, they learned things on their own….

I still remember the first time Jake crawled by himself, and I remember the first time he walked with his walker on his own, and I have imagined a million times for the moment when he takes a step on his own. It is so emotional just thinking about that moment, I don’t know what I will do if and when that imaginary moment becomes a reality.

I know, I will probably pass out.

Wheelchair shopping begins

Isn't that cute? Jake enjoys his computer game so much while my husband sings along with his eyes close. LOL.

Today there was no school because it was Parent-Teacher Day. Jake and I went in and spoke with his special education teacher, PT, OT and SP therapists.

Jake’s PT and OT advised me that I might need to look into getting Jake’s wheel chair, because his special needs stroller may not be allowed to go on the school bus next year, even though it is a crash tested version, which means he will need a wheelchair. So naturally, I am turning to my best friend www.google.com to learn about wheel chair options. I am mainly looking for a pediatric wheel chair what is light weight, and allows the child to propel the wheels independently. Since Jake has full functions in his arms and hands, I want him to learn to propel the wheels. Anything that promotes independence I am all for it, even if it is in a wheel chair.

Well, during the one on one meeting with his special education teacher this morning, Jake identified all of his letters. He was very proud of himself and I bet his teacher was surprised that he knew his letters. It is important for me to communicate to his teachers and therapists what he is able to do, because I want them to see his potentials despite of his multiple disabilities, and in recognizing his potentials that they expect more from him.

When others expect more from him, I expect more from myself to help him to achieve more. It is a very positive as well as necessary cycle for Jake’s development I think.

I also found out that Jake speech therapist reads this blog, so I better not saying anything bad about her. (hi Susan!!!) I want to thank you for your advise. I tried many times today to have Jake look at me when he requested for things, and he did very well most of the time!