OT to the rescue

Haven loves, loves, loves (did I say she loves enough) her OT appointments. She asks all week long to go to "Julie's house". After just two weeks I have seen a difference in her tactile sensory issues. One of her favorite things (she tells me this almost daily) is to write in the shaving cream. At OT they do it on a mirror, but we do it in the bathtub at home. It has been great for her and she is now starting to practice writing letters. She has been able to write a L for a little bit, but now she wants to learn to do other letters. So we are working on her writing her name. I am so proud of her!

Her OT is very happy with her progress and can't believe that she is as advanced as she is for a child that lived in a orphanage for the first 18 months of her life. She is very impressed with her fine motor skills.

I love that Haven is excited to go and enjoys her time instead of dreading going. And of course everyone loves to hear how wonderful they are, including me. Julie gave me a nice pat on the back last week and it really helped me get through the rest of the day.

Haven will now tell me if a noise is too loud and bothering her. This is a HUGE step forward. Before she would just shut down in terror and scream. We still have a long way to go with her auditory sensory issues. Who knows if they will ever be handled until she has the additional ear drum surgery when she is older.

Another surprise benefit of her OT appointment is I get 1 uninterrupted hour of play with Alec. While she is in her appointment, we play in a different room. This has been great for him to get my total attention. Alec's me time is usually early in the morning or late at night when Haven is sleeping. Rarely do I have him all to myself during the day. We have had some good bonding and learning time. I'm so proud of him as well.
He is so smart and so athletic. I am amazed at what his little body can do.

After Haven is all done with her appointment. Then Alec gets to go into the gym and play for a little bit with all the great toys.

Things are getting better at our house, slowly but surely! Our therapist has helped me so much and now Haven is getting the help she needs. 2011 is going to be a good year for our family.

Just a little side note: Alec started potty training again. This weekend he ran to the bathroom and said he had to go potty and has for the last 3 days. Of course there have been some accidents. But he is on track to getting out of diapers!!!!  When Haven was potty training he started wanting to use the toilet too, but then stopped and wouldn't sit on it if his life depended on it. I quit trying to encourage him to use it and let it go. Now I think he is ready and away we go.