Update on Charlie

A lot of people have been asking about Charlie so I thought I would post what has been going on with him on here.

We've been working with several therapists to improve his speech, behavioral problems and his sensory issues. I don't know how well they are working. I just keep doing it because I don't know what else to do. Every Tue and Thur, we have a group therapy/playgroup with other kids. I feel like he has improved in his group behavior in this particular setting. I don't really see improvement in other group settings but we'll keep trying. I ended up crying during the first playgroup, made it out to the car before crying the second playgroup and I don't even really feel like crying during the playgroup these days so it must be getting better, right? :)

We have gotten some interesting ideas from the Occupational Therapist for his sensory problems. A lot of times, if we spin him around or do something really physical with him before changing his diaper or trying get him dressed, he will put up a lot less of a fight. This is nice to know because Matt, Winston and I have recently finished healing from all the scratches and gouges on our hands, backs, arms and faces from when Charlie gets upset. I think I got a couple more on my face today when he got upset but nothing too bad. There are a number of things like that she gave us to try. Hopefully some of these ideas are going to help make life a little smoother. *crossing fingers*

Charlie was tested for the special education preschool that will begin this Fall. The testing went as expected. The maximum number of days a child can qualify for is 4 days. That would be for a child that really needs help. Charlie qualified for 4 days. I expected it and I'm really grateful he will get so much help. They have in class therapists and the teacher is supposed to be amazing. One of his current therapists said she has seen some fantastic changes in kids that have gone through this preschool program. However, it's hard to think about sending my little Charlie off to school 4 days a week without me. He still seems so little and I want to be there to comfort him and help him. I'm really emotionally torn but I do think the preschool is going to be good for him. The whole thing just sort of feels like someone is twisting and pulling on my heart and it hurts . I try to be optomistic like Matt but I think it is harder when you are the one home with your child 24 hours a day. We'll see what happens.

He's a sweet, sweet little boy but he just has a lot going on in that little body of his. We have decided it will be best to try a new seizure medication starting at the beginning of May. I know it is probably going to turn our lives upside down (even more) with the side effects and trying to find the right meds but we've got to get the seizures under control. We've tried everything else we can think of without success and we are back to the medication route. Several of his therapists think that if we can get the seizures under control, a lot of the other things will improve. They are wreaking havock on his little body. Keep him in your prayers if you can. Thanks to everyone for all the love and support through this.