Boys will be boys

During this weeks OT session Lucas' therapist decided to try something a little different in the beginning and thought a structured activity where Lucas could not crawl away would be good for him.  Especially since this involved him sitting on the swing with her and allowing her to accomplish the intended goals while he thought he was playing.  (Gotta love therapists!)  Since Lucas enjoys being on a swing so much he thought this was one of the best sessions ever. After he spent a good amount of time working on the swing he was able to work on challenging his crawling and working with crayons and markers to make dots and vertical lines. During this session we got to work on our core strengthening, hand-eye coordination, following directions and a boatload of fine motor skills that I didn't even get to capture in photos since I was too busy watching and learning!

Doing a little swinging before the work begins

Emily explaining to Lucas the activity of taking an animal and putting it in the barrel

Now it's Lucas' turn

Lucas putting the animal in the barrel

Getting ready for extreme crawling!

Playing before going over the top!

And up he goes.....

OT is hard work

Lucas got to spend some time on Tuesday with this therapist Emily to work on a variety of movements as well as refining those fine motor skills.  Needless to say Lucas enjoyed the first part of it as usual and began to whimper and whine near the end even though he managed to keep working.  Gosh, every time I watch how hard he works and the effort he puts into things that might come easy to others I am more and more in awe of him.  He inspires me, he allows me to grow and he surely pushes me to be the best mommy I can be for him. 

Lucas' therapists are also so knowledgeable and know him so well and know when to push him.  They also do not underestimate his ability and keep their standards high with him.  This type of support and environment is one that I only dream that all children with disabilities could have as it makes a world of difference for them.  I am blessed by what we can do for Lucas.  There really are no limits when you have love, support and a nurturing environment. 

"In my superhero outfit ready to save the world!"

"Let me bang these blocks together for a bit!"

"Ok, I can put these in the holes, no problemo!"

"Oh no, the pressure is on since I have an audience!"

"Hmmm, this is where all those blocks go?"

 

 

"Get this thing away from me! I have had enough!"

"Ok, I lied....I really want it but now how to get to it?"

"Ouch, maybe lunging to it and banging my head is not the way to go."

"Done! I am so done with this therapy session!!"

Hard work pays off

As I mentioned earlier today Lucas was working hard in his OT session and we have the photos to prove it! Take a peek at this little man showing off his skills.  Gotta love therapy sessions that are masked as play and fun!!

"Ok, let's get this show on the road! I am ready"

"Hmmm, I am gonna be like dad and count money!"

"And some more money....so I can hear the piggy squeal!"

"I think I wanna stand and play now, enough of that sitting stuff"

"Don't my legs look awesome? I think so..."

"Awww, I thought there were some snacks in here!!!???!!!"

"Ok, let me get back to this piggy bank!"

Awesome! I get to pull these out after I put them in. This toy rocks!!"

Lots of arms and leg work

Yesterday we went to our OT session to see what Emily had in store for us and as usual she had a packed hour of activities that made Lucas whine and whimper off and on while he did things he didn't want to.  Even though Lucas tried his best to get out of doing some of the planned exercises Emily took no prisoners. Lucas endured 60 minutes of hard work! It paid off because Lucas really started taking off with arm work and putting pressure on his legs. You can say that we are moving in the right direction to begin (maybe) crawling or even sitting to stand in the coming months.

Putting pressure on arms and grabbing for cause/effect toys

Expanding range of motion and coming back to sitting position. (not his favorite)

Feet positioning to help with sitting to stand

Lifting up and standing up with assistance

Standing tall with a little help