"Happy" Water Therapy

Although the holidays brought lots of chaos, they also brought Landon a much needed break from his busy therapy schedule.  We were at a bit of a stand still where water therapy was concerned.  When Landon began water therapy, he was very receptive to it.  But as time went by, he became quite stubborn and pretty much made his PT work MUCH harder than he did.  We tried pretty much everything, turning off the lights, talking softly (to avoid the echo) and keeping his ears covered with a "swim band".  It was just enough to pacify Landon into getting in the pool where he would then turn to complete "mush".  It was pretty pathetic!!  lol

I guess............absence REALLY does make the heart grow fonder!!  After a 4 week break from the pool, Landon gave us all a BIG surprise!!  Not only did he just tolerate his session......he actually worked (willingly) & ENJOYED it.......with the lights on & no swimband to drown out the sound!!

Note to Self:  When times get stressful, take a break, regroup and TRY AGAIN!!

Day 2: (31 for 21)

Although Landon experiences developmental delays, he can learn and do just about ANYTHING that "typical" children do, it just may take him a little longer and he will have to work a little harder.  But with lots of love, support and some extra therapeutic services, sometimes that gap in learning can be decreased.  On many occasions, I have been told that I was an inspiration to others and given credit for all of my hard work in raising Landon.  For me, raising Landon is actually quite easy.  Reality is, Landon is doing ALL the hard work.  What IS difficult for me, is watching how hard Landon has to work to do the smallest of things.  My heart feels so heavy for him at times.  I just wish those darn mountains weren't so high sometimes.  But with the help of some OT (occupational therapy), PT (physical therapy), ST(speech therapy) and water therapy sessions, and an amazing EI (Early Intervention) team, Landon is getting stronger every day, making some really great gains and proving to be an equal to all of his peers.  You see, Landon is MY inspiration!!!

Over the next few days, I'd like to give you a glimpse into Landon's "therapeutic world", to show you just how hard he has been working.  To avoid picture overload, I'll break it down by service.

WATER THERAPY

Water Therapy Pics

A few weeks ago, Landon started water therapy.......and I forgot my camera!  Ugh! I have since had some inquiries about water therapy, Landon's therapeutic schedule and some requests for some pics.

Water Therapy is a service provided by our local EI Center.  I have to say, I was a bit hesitant about adding another session to Landon's already busy therapeutic schedule (2-OT's, 1-PT.....soon to be 2, 1-ST.....soon to be 2 and now 1-Water Therapy).  You see, Landon tolerates each of his 1 hour sessions with such will and determination and of course a smile on his face.  Landon goes to daycare at a local preschool with his brother Elijah 2 days a week from 8am - 4pm.  He receives 1-OT session/week there and 1 at home.  The same for PT and ST very soon (as of now, each of these sessions are done in our home).  It is very important to me, that Landon's services are consistent wherever he is.  Our local preschool has been exceptionally welcoming to our EI staff and learning as much about Landon as possible.  Yes, Landon is the first child with Down syndrome to attend this daycare/preschool.  And I couldn't imagine sending Landon anywhere else.  Thank you Melissa, Jen & staff for welcoming Landon with open arms. 

I am constantly playing devil's advocate on whether Landon's therapeutic schedule is beneficial or overload.  The bottom line is that my husband and I have decide to offer Landon all the services possible and we have agreed that Landon will decided what he will and will not tolerate.  So far, this seems to work for us and Landon just loves spending time with his therapists.  What a great "TEAM" we have.  Landon is a very social little boy. He would probably rather babble to you over playing with a toy.  He loves attention.  I think he considers his therapy sessions as......."PLAYDATES"!  If it works, then don't try to fix it:)

I am so happy that we decided to take on this water therapy session.  An added therapeutic class with less strain on the body.  Thanks Lisa and Jessica for being so creative and making this session so much fun!  Landon doesn't even realize just how hard he is working.  I truly believe that this will help Landon in lots of areas.  Two major issues with Landon right now is extending his hip flexors and bearing weight on his feet.  With land therapy, Landon shows some resistance.  In the water, Landon shows signs that he's been doing this for some time.  Oh the tricks water can play on the body!  Whatever it is, it works.  He will actually use his legs to push off the wall of the pool and will use his legs to jump on the steps.  He will extend his legs when the weights are placed on his ankles and he will move his hips like he is swimming.  It really is amazing to watch the differences.  Landon will also keep his balance when sitting on the mat (very difficult when the water keeps the mat moving).  We find that he will catch himself when he feels like he's losing his balance.  It's amazing what our little ones can and will tolerate when they are in the water. 

Don't get me wrong, this session is still alot of work and Landon definitely has his moments(like falling asleep in the middle of his session, yes, right in the middle of the pool).  Once again, I failed to have my camera with me and I missed the moment.........*sigh*  The flippers still haven't moved up on his list either!  Ha! Here are some pictures of Landon during his sessions.  You can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them.

OK, That's enough work for one day, Lisa!

"Where to now mommy, I just got my second wind!