The big evaluation!

Well today Dane had his first evaluation by the PCH physical and behavior therapist. I have to say that I was bit worried, I have read some stories that had me thinking they were going to point out everything that he is not doing and that the entire thing might just be a big downer. I am glad to say that it was a great experience, the lady was so nice and you can tell she really knew her stuff. Basically, she said that he is right on target for his adjusted age, he is one week behind in his gross motor skills...but a little bit ahead on everything else. She did notice right away that Dane has some muscle tightness in his hips and trunk, so we have homework in the way of some new exercises and positioning. Miss M, Dane's PT, was nice enough to be there for his appointment (thank you Miss M!!!) it was great to have her there, and we are eager to get working on his new homework! He was such a good boy too, he played well with her but, didn't flash her too many of those big Dane smiles! He was pleasant and attentive, and she used the phrase "bright eyed". She said that for a 26 weeker with grade IV bleed, he is doing amazingly well...she was overall very encouraging. We talked a little bit about the possibility of the diagnosis of cerebral palsy coming down the line, but she seemed to feel that he wasn't looking like he was heading in that direction, but we will know more at his next appt. (which will be in another 3 or 4 months) It was good for my soul to hear that today, the past week I have been a bit weepy. I did get scolded on the exersaucer...which I knew was coming. She said even 15 minutes a day was way too much for him. So, we will pack up the exersaucer...it was fun while it lasted!

SOOO many prayers have been said for Dane, God could have said "no" to our prayers...and we would have still praised Him, but He said "yes" and we give Him all the glory and praise!

Yes, we have hit a very big UP on our roller coaster ride! GO LITTLE D!!!

(I took this picture with our camcorder...sorry it's so grainy)

Rocking and worrying

Now that Dane is more stable when sitting, he has started rocking himself back and forth. He freaked me out pretty good when he started doing it. I know that rocking can be an early sign of autism, but I have to stay positive and pray that he is just exploring his new found ability to sit and move his trunk. Yet another balance I need to find of being realistic to what Danes future could be, yet not getting discouraged and reliving the moment that we found out he had a grade IV bleed every time he does something that doesn't seem "normal"...it's the balance of knowing that Dane may have disabilities mild or severe and my spiritual knowledge that God is in control and has chose our family to be blessed with this tiny guy that has already beaten the odds. So here I am again, after a day of useless worrying, I gave this issue back to God and that is where I found peace. God constantly reminds me that he is in control, my job is to love Dane & teach him to love God and others...it's that simple, rocking or no rocking, cerebral palsy or no cerebral palsy, autism or no autism...etc. It's just that simple.

Thank you Lord for reminding me of this in your awesome loving way.

I know, I know...

It's been a while since I have posted...I was off of work for two weeks, busy with ortho and dental appointments for Gage and katie, and I was really sick for about five days of my time off. Well, Dane turned 5 months (adjusted age) on Oct. 15th. He is doing great, he can sit unsupported for about 30 seconds...sometimes longer. He is using his hands a lot more and seems to have much better control of them. His right hand is still a little tighter than the left, when he grabs for stuff with his right hand it's hard for him to completely straighten his fingers...BUT he is using his right hand and that is great! If he has something under his belly, he will get up on all fours and rock...but it is not very often. He just doesn't seem to interested in crawling or scooting, but we continue to encourage him during tummy time.

We took some pictures this morning with his early intervention therapist, she had him sit and bounce on the ball to work on strengthening his trunk. He was looking handsome in his outfit that was bought buy Aunt Sally and cousin Julie, I put his matching hat on and this was the response I got! I took the hat off and he immediately gave me a big smile! (I thought the hat was cute, but I suppose that is a Mom thing.)

More new milestones!

Dane has started to make a new noise, we call it a zurber...but I know our family has some "unique" sayings. You may call it a rasberry sound ...anyway he is also making a kissy noise, I tried to snap the picture while he was doing it. This is another thing that may not seem like a big deal, but for Dane it's another milestone that we didn't know when or if he would make! Yet another celebration for our family as our little man did a zurber and a kissy face!

Two big milestone were reached this week, except this time the milestones were for Chad and I...First, Dane had his first sleep over at Grandma'a and PapPap's house! I can't believe how at ease I was, I really wasn't worried at all. He did great, slept all night and was generally his happy self! We went to an improve show with Brian and Stacey, it was just like the show "who's line is it anyway?", we laughed so hard! I can't wait to go back with a big group of people, it was a totally kid friendly act so we are looking forward to bringing Gage and Katie. It was great to get out, we haven't done anything since Dane came home from the hospital. The other milestone was letting Gage get his license! He is officially driving and unlike Dane having a sleep over, I am NOT totally at ease with this! Poor kid has to call me when gets to work, when he leaves work, and there is a chance I may call him during his drive to work! I know I am a nut, but it's been tougher than I thought to let my big boy drive by himself, at the same time I am ever so thankful that he is able to get his license, have a job and be independent...one of the many things since I had Dane that I never thought twice about.

It's a big no no!

But I did it anyway! For those of you who don't have a pediatric physical therapist in your life you may not know that exer-saucers are highly frowned upon. Exer-saucers have the potential to encourage toe walking, muscle tone issues, hip problems...and more. We have been advised to not let Dane use one, because of his high risk for problems. So, we had been good and not even opened the exer-saucer that was so generously bought at his baby shower. But as Dane gets older and gets so excited for new things...we just couldn't resist letting him play with it! He absolutely had a blast, it was encouraging to see him grabbing at the toys and using hands so well. We only let him sit in it for 15 minutes, and based on what we see with Dane so far...my Mommy gut is telling me that 15 minutes once a day isn't going to hurt!