End of Year Progress Report

As 2015 fades into memory and we welcome 2016, I reflect on how far Luki has come in his progress and in meeting some long-awaited milestones.  The end goal happened so gradually that it is easy to miss without actually seeing the stark contrast from the beginning to end, as seen below. I can still hear the echo of the geneticist saying he may never walk and never talk when we first got his diagonsis 3 years ago.  And it was hard to believe he ever would walk back when we were taking him for physical therapy three times a week in his dafo leg braces, spio vest, knee pads and a rifkin walker. 

2013 versus 2015.  What a difference!  I won't be limited in my thinking on what he can achieve anymore.  He is a late bloomer of a sort but nonetheless, he has reached milestones which seemed almost impossible two years ago. 

 

PT session 2013

Walking in the mall with his rifkin walker 2013

2015: Oh my how he can run! It's hard for me to keep up with him!

Gabe says this is his dance to chase away bad spirits. I think it is just so adorable! This little twurling toy has become one of his favorites.  It has been a good therapy tool as well.  He can independantly twurl it really fast which I never thought he would ever be able to do.  What would we ever have done without Gloria, his nanny, who bought this from Mexico as a souvenir.  It goes to show that we don't necessarily need expensive "therapy" toys and equipment for improved development. Now he want to twurl everything he can be it his sippy cup, spoon, fork, pen, etc...

Now, it is only a matter of time before he starts to speak.  I noticed new inflections in the sounds he makes. Gabe's mom thinks by 5 he will start to talk.  I am not setting any time line for this.  The lesson I have learned is that setting a timeline only leads to frustrations.  But oh, how wonderful it would be to hear him say mommy. I dreamt he was whining about something he didn't like and he was using his words to express his disappointment.

In December, we took Luki to the snow at Mt. Baldy.  We needed to get on a 10 minute ski lift to get to the snow and tube riding area.  I'm so glad he remained so zen through the ride but I think it was probably the most nerve racking ride for Gabriel.    

We also went to Disneyland two days after Christmas.  Lucas was just enchanted with the Christmas parade and all the lights and decorations throughout the park set up for the holidays. 

Luki got to participate in the children's ministry Christmas performance for the congregation.  He didn't sing but he didn't throw a tantum or have a meltdown, either.  He remained so calm and I am grateful he was given a chance to at least just stand there and be a part of the group.

We visited Adventure City near Knott's Berry Farm.  Gabe learned from a coworker that it is a cheaper alternative to Disneyland for the little ones.  No long lines and no expensive entry fee.  He had opportunities to ride all the rides as many times as he wanted.  The next day, Gabe pouted that he wanted to go to Disneyland. So we went.