Mission Accomplished

Erik's group therapy session went swimmingly yesterday. I walked him up to his classroom and got him comfortable in the indoor swing before I left. I spent some time reading the paper, drinking coffee, and watching television at my folks' house to kill some time. When my dad got home, I helped him take out the giant front storm window to clean. I drove back down to pick Erik up an hour later. He was eating a gluten-free brownie and seemed to be enjoying himself in his quiet Erik world. I sat on the floor with the group at closing circle and fell in love with a brand new batch of kids. I was also lucky enough to talk to another mother I know from the "outside world" -- the wife of one of my brother's good friends. I didn't ask her about her son, but the last I heard, he tested negative for Williams even though he had some of the characteristics. After class, I took Erik back to my parents' house for a nap, but Erik fell asleep too late and got about 15 minutes before we had to turn around yet again and go back to his school. We gave him a very quick PB&J sandwich before we left and a glass of cold milk. When my mom asked Erik if his milk was cold, he smiled big, shivered, and made a little noise like he was freezing (OOHHHHHHHHHHHRRRBBB), making us laugh. When we arrived at the school, we went back into his classroom to meet the speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and Bev, our early intervention specialist. We had to complete a lengthy assessment by answering questions about Erik's abilities. The last time we did this was a mere six months ago before he "woke up." I don't have better words to describe what he was like. He was not walking, playing with toys like a typical child, talking, or moving around much. We determined that he easily surpassed most of the goals we set back then. We set new goals for language (using pivotal words like "more" in addition to the words he uses now like "milk") and communication. When we got to the physical part of the assessment, braces were again suggested for Erik's lower extremities. After observing Erik, it was decided that supramalleolar orthotics would not be as effective as bilateral jointed ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs). Unfortunately, this means the braces will go up to under his knee. Seemingly right on cue, a very friendly mother accidentally turned into our classroom and interrupted our meeting. She was carrying a little boy wearing AFOs. He was wearing shorts, so they were visible and we could touch them. Two things struck me that made this new information a little more palatable and less shocking. (1) They appear much less awful than the ones in the past did, as they are made of a plastic compound. (2) They had a cheerful pattern on them with cars all over them, which immediately reminded me of Daven's back brace (see link to right). It is nice not feeling singled out anymore, knowing Erik and Daven might end up matching! They also gave us an angled, carpeted board to have Erik stand on and stretch out his Achilles tendons. So far, Gracie kitty thinks it is a scratching post, but at least her heel cords are stretched now, too. We will have to keep that in the closet.

Overall, things went well, and the panel was very kind. They obviously love Erik, and the feeling seems to be quite mutual. His power nap perked him up, and he smiled, demonstrated his mastery of language and animal sounds, waved, and turned on the charm full bore yet again, making everyone in the room laugh. His sense of humor was even mentioned during the assessment, and I couldn't help but feel proud. He is really learning how to work a room like any seasoned comedian.

It was an exhausting day. When I got home, I began throwing dinner in the Crock Pot on my way up the stairs to work while Erik napped but decided I had no desire or energy left to cook -- or work, for that matter. Luckily, it was a slow day, and there was no work for me. When Brian arrived home a little early, I suggested we all go out to dinner after Erik's nap. We loaded in the car and were on the way to the restaurant when Erik dropped his toy and said, "UH OH." That's new! We practiced that phrase a lot more throughout the evening, since we got to throw peanut shells on the floor at the restaurant. I ditched my new diet for an evening and had pizza and my favorite deep-fried won ton appetizer. Erik shared my Canadian bacon and pineapple pizza and consumed an entire dinner roll, much to his father's surprise (they were part of Brian's dinner). He sat in an uncomfortable, wooden high chair for the entire outing without one complaint, and we had a wonderful evening out.

Our next step is to call our insurance company and determine if they will pay for Erik's braces, which cost thousands of dollars for some reason. If they fail us, we might go up to the Shriners Hospital and get Erik casted there.