Hodgepodge of thoughts and the ramblings of a mom with spring fever

Roa loves sledding!  Not a big surprise, really however he looks unbelieveably precious in that sled with Daddy, sailing down the hill in our backyard.  (Don't fret- pictures soon!) 
It is finally that time in the Minnesota winter season when we can play outdoors without freezing our tails off!  Roa was very happy to get his little behind planted in that swing again while Max and Molly chase each other around the yard.

It was a busy weekend for the Thayers.  Conductive Ed on Saturday, errand running, church, and lots of backyard play.  Conductive Ed continues to be both the highlight and  a stressor in our weekend.  It is truly a wonderful session to work on every developmental skill for Roa.  Ors is great and Roa enjoys his singing and entertaining during the activities.  The stress?  Roa's Saturday nap and meal time is all mixed up and the day gets a little rough, but we will cope! 
**If any of you Conductors reading this know of any literature worth reading on the subject of Conductive Education, please share with me!  I'm still looking to locate a full copy of Dina to purchase!

We have taken a break from our hyperbaric chamber time and are ready to get back into that routine.  With Bryan traveling for work and Roa's little bout of cold and cough, it was a necessary break, but now we want to get back in the game.

King Roa has been making some nice little gains as of late.  Besides cruising around in his gait trainer, we have been doing a MAJOR focus on floor time, tummy time, and body awareness.  I have been doing alot of research and practice with the Anat Baniel Method along with our practioner, Neue.  The methods she has been sharing (along with our Conductive Ed,  aquatic, craniosacral, OT, and PT routine) seem to be making something "click".  Roa tolerates being on his stomach now during play for longer periods of time.  He also is building arm, shoulder and neck strength nicely.
Standing in play is still Roa's favorite and we allow this time for him to do his own thing.  Last week, Roa took his FIRST step to the side to reach a toy on the ottoman.  He also slides down the side of the ottoman to reach out for the floor and get on all fours with some stability assistance!   Tiny baby steps towards... INDEPENDENCE!

A few of you wonderful readers had commented by blog or email about our crazy busy therapy schedule.  Yes, we do have a full week of adventures for Roa.  However, to him, it is all about play and interacting with anothers.  Bryan and I have shared our philosophy of "Learning through Play" with all of Roa's therapists and they are doing a great job of providing toys and experiences in a playful setting.

Is it stressful for Bryan and I to have such a busy load?  Yes, honestly it is.  However, what else can we do when the pride and joy of our life struggles so with movement, communication, self help skills, etc?  We have nothing but drive, determination, and hope that guide us each day through our busy routine. 
I know that each method of therapy thinks that it is THE ONE to help a child with CP.  However, it is definitely not a one size fits all world of special needs.  We are testing out all that we can, discussing which seems to be the best fit for Roa and will go from there.

 Roa is 20 months and has come so far in a year with all the things we are doing!  How can we take something away when all we have is hope for continued progress?  Which therapy is helping most?  We don't care right now... as long as we see change and Roa continues to laugh and smile.