6 month review

Its hard to believe that 6 months has passed since we started with Early Intervention.  This past week we had the 6 month review.  There is some progress but there is still so much for him to learn.  They will continue the mandate for 5 times a week.  I've asked for Felipe to be evaluated for Speech therapy.  He doesn't talk more than "mama" or "oohoh" and I rather just double check than later find out that he needed it all along.  He understands very well, and follows my commands but he begins to bit when he gets frustrated or starts to grunt.  Its unclear if its also just residual feelings or unexpressed feelings from being in the hospital, not having his pain managed for over two days, the frequent doctor visits, etc. etc.  So the service coordinator will request a behavioral specialist to see how he is doing.

At Felipe's age, the therapist can recommend play therapy.  A way for him to play and also to express  his feelings of frustration with a person to guide him on how to express it without biting.  Biting is also a very normal part of growth so it can just be, that he wanted to bite.  Who knows.  At Felipe's age he is supposed to be saying about 15 words.  He doesn't.  His receptive skills are very good, very bright.  Which is the reason I've delayed requesting an evaluation for so long.  I figured that EI would reject his need for speech services since he can understand what is being said to him.  EI is less concerned that he isn't talking yet.  So I'm guessing at 16 months, they expect him to speak more and perhaps its enjoy of a delay to approve him in speech.

I have to look into my alternatives for speech.  I think the insurance might cover some sessions with a therapist, at the very least 20 sessions.  I'l have to call the insurance company and find out.  meanwhile, we continue with our routine of reading Felipe books while he is in the standard, repeating words to object that he points to, and removing the pacifier and allowing it only for naps.

The service coordinator also began the search for the new therapist.  And if Felipe does well with that person, I might have them switch it to 5 times a week w the same therapist.  The gym situation has got me annoyed.  It doesn't seem to be a productive time.

The search begins...

The physical therapist, that comes to the house, has cancelled on me twice this week.  I need to get a new one. I get things are going on for her family, but I need to have someone come and help felipe with his exercises

We took today to explore a local garden/museum.  He sat on the grass for the first time. He was curious and excited about the dirt, but mostly wanted to bark at the birds.  He saw some children playing but he didn't really put much importance to them walking and him crawling.  He stood by the tree and benches and overall seemed happy to break the same routine, over and over again.

To do:
!) new therapist.
2) sleep