Wed Nov 25, 2009

Blake and his cast on Turkey Day

Well, Happy Thanksgiving everyone-a day early! I have SO much to be thankful for this year: Blake and his steady pace to recovery, my family, all my fabulous friends who I dont know what I would do without, amazing docotrs who have worked miracles, amazing therapists who we depend on so much, my job that is still waiting on my return, my wonderful bosses, and so many amazing people who have reached out and helped us through everything, there is so much more...
Blake still has a cold and ear infection-poor kid. He is toughin in out though. He had a rough day at school(TLC) Monday. He fell down on the playground and busted his lip, fell asleep eating lunch, and was just not himself. lol. Tuesday we had Rehab, he seemed to be feeling a little better. His ear was draining like crazy. Cathy got the stuff she needed to cast Blake's left arm. So I got to help her cast up his arm. Blake now has a redish orange cast that starts at his fingers/thumb and goes all the way up past his elbow. The purpose behind this is to force Blake to use his right hand. Since the Botox has relaxed his tone-we are ready to do some 'intensive' therapy. Blake doesnt seem to mind the cast as much as I thought he would. He gets frustrated, but really he is doing well. This is also really helping his speech. He HAS to use his words to communicate what he is wanting. Of course right now he is not strong enough to do a lot by himself, so my new job is helping him hand over hand, and helping him with as little assistance as I can. Its hard to watch him struggle but i know its for the best. So I make him try to do everything on his own first, then once I see the frustration coming I assist. I have to help him play, eat, dress, etc. Pretty much wherever Blake is now I am RIGHT there. lol. Its a little exhausting, but I am trying to keep the big picture in perspective. I want him to get use of his right arm back, and if I have to help him 24/7 in order for that to happen-im doin it!! :) I know that the first couple weeks will be the hardest. Im hoping he takes to this the same way he took to walking. At the hospital he kept saying 'Mama walk, mama walk'. After surgery he couldnt even stand up, with his persistance he was walking with assistance before we left the hospital-keep in mind we were only there for 2 weeks. So I know if he puts his mind to it-he can do it! Im so proud of him!
Tomorrow we are going to my parents house for Thanksgiving, I cant wait for my grandma's pumpkin pie!! Its the BEST!! I hope you all have a wonderful turkey day!! Talk to you all soon!!
Love,
Mandy