Justin’s progress
His body glistened against the sunlight peeking through the blinds of our bedroom window. His hair, still damp, matted against his forehead. He laid on his back with his arms waving in complete disharmony as Mommy fawned over him. He is most irresistable after a bath, as he shows of his rolls and battle wounds.
I play a game of peek-a-boo with him. I place a small wash towel over his face and ask, “Where’s Justin? Where’s Justin?” He’ll pull the towel off his face to reveal a little mischievous smile.
For 9 months since he was born, I wondered if he’d ever learn to do anything other than look at me and smile. I wondered if he was there. All he’d ever do was stalk me with his eyes and smile when I caught him looking.
Now, at 12 months, he comprehends how to play a game.
Not only that, but he can also wave on command to “hi” and “bye.”
He cocks his head to the side in curiosity.
He fights with his brother (note the position of his hand in the second picture after Nathan overpowered the book).
He shows expression in his face (and tolerates tummy time much better now with no crying).
I am a mother beaming with pride!
In related news, his right arm is improving, as is his the function of his right hand (both affected by the stroke). In physical therapy sessions, he is learning to get up on all fours and stand with the goal of being able to get around on his own by Christmas (his therapist is a very optimistic person), either by crawling or walking. His right leg seems to be affected also, and is much weaker than is left, so he does not bear weight as well on that leg. But, no biggie. It will improve with time and practice…and possibly a leg brace.
He favors his left hand, and likes to hold things in it–toys, food, clothes.
When he sees someone around him eating, he’ll start smacking his lips together.
When we give him food in his hand, he just looks at it, and continues smacking his lips together. He doesn’t quite understand that the food needs to go into his mouth first.
There is no doubt that he’s behind his peers in his age group. The therapist’s evaluation reads that he has the skills of a 5-9 month old infant…mostly because he cannot use his right side. But, I do not dwell on this. As you can see, he is showing progress, and is such a light to have around. And, he is still around.
Really, what more can a mother ask for?
P.S.–the pics are for you, Megan!
August 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
THANK YOU for those pics! I just about bit a chunk out of my monitor, wanting to chew on that cuteness. What a handsome little man. I just love all the rolls! And those beautiful eyes and sweet lips. My day is complete!
As for progress, I understand. I have spent most of Elijah’s life wondering the same things…Is he “there”? It’s tough seeing our kids lagging, but what I’ve been told over and over again is, at least there is progress! So that is what I try to focus on. I try. It’s not always easy.
You should be so proud of your adorable little guy. Considering what he has endured, he’s doing wonderfully. Good job, Mama, that means you are doing wonderfully, too.