I can't believe it has only been 9 weeks since we walked off the plane, it feels like Ben has always been here.
The big news this week is that Ben has been cleared by the cardiologist! He had his sedated ECHO on Wednesday, and passed with flying colors. Cross one specialist off the list, hurray!
We finally saw the GI doctor on Friday. They said there is nothing they can do about the spitting up, since he is a "happy" spitter, he just needs to grow out of it. They do however want to run a few tests to rule out a TE fistula and do a swallow study because of the fact that he coughs with thin liquids. We are trying to get those scheduled on the same day. Also, he will be screened for Celiac disease the next time he needs a blood draw.
His next appointment is with the Opthamologist at the end of the month. I'm almost certain he will need glasses, and may have blocked tear ducts. It should be interesting to see how they do exams on wiggly 2 year olds!
Some learning activities Ben is enjoying: While I'm not trying to encourage TV viewing, I do want to capitalize on the fact that children with DS tend to be very visual learners. I ordered the Signing Time Down Syndrome Bundle and so far we love it. It's been a good after dinner "digesting in the highchair" activity for Ben.
(I'm learning a lot about all the cool iphone/ipad apps for visual learners and children with special needs. We don't have either one yet, but it's on our wish list. I like how portable they are, great for times when we are waiting away from home. Good blog about all these apps here. Love the name "ipads for babies")
I am however cautioned about using technology too much, by statements like this: "Too many children are isolating themselves and maybe learning lots of things with computers but not learning to communicate and socialize in one to one interactions." Dr. James McDonald. He goes no to say, "This is particularly important for children called Autistic and Down syndrome since they have to be carefully socialized with communicating partners who are matched and balanced and following the child's individual learning paths."
I am however cautioned about using technology too much, by statements like this: "Too many children are isolating themselves and maybe learning lots of things with computers but not learning to communicate and socialize in one to one interactions." Dr. James McDonald. He goes no to say, "This is particularly important for children called Autistic and Down syndrome since they have to be carefully socialized with communicating partners who are matched and balanced and following the child's individual learning paths."
Also, he is loving these felt board activities, seeing his favorite songs acted out makes them all the more fun.
Ben loves songs with hand motions. Itsy Bitsy Spider, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and Patty Cake, they are life savers when he is getting fussy and needs a distraction. They suck him in every time!
In other not so fun news, Ben is teething. He is currently cutting his second set of three teeth! Poor guy, one is bad enough, but three at the same time, again! Too much. Trying to get him to chew on something other than his fingers has been a challenge.
No pictures again today, but I'm working on uploading a video of the cutest laugh in the world. :)
Have a great weekend.
Great progress. I cannot believe that it has been nine weeks??!! So happy to here the cardiologist is crossed off the list. Thanks for updating us on that cute, little boy!
ReplyDeleteI am cautious too about overusing the iPod or movies, but they can be a lifesaver when needed. I am pretty sure that you son has plenty of social interaction! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is great news from the cardiologist!!
Do you have the Wee Sing Finger Songs? It sounds like one that Ben would like.
It is wonderful to hear how Ben is doing.