PT (Physical Therapy) or Princess Time?

So far today has been a more mild day with Jax. Our physical therapist and early intervention specialist came this morning to work with him. I love when they come cause it helps me to feel not so alone in this journey. The last time Jax had PT he was not very cooperative so she didn't even get to work with him because we couldn't calm him. However, today was total opposite. Jax was very calm and mostly relaxed this morning so she was able to get some good PT done. She said he looks as if he is making some progress especially with his head control. He is most content on his belly now and he is able to hold his head steady now and look around to both sides. When he first started therapy, Jax was favoring his left side mostly and ignoring his right side. Now when he is on his belly he will turn right and acknowledge sounds and site on his right side!

One area Jax needs strengthening is in his flexor muscles. He still stiffens a lot when he gets upset and straightens his body and twists to the left side. Strengthening the flexors will help keep him more relaxed and also help him to lift his head along with his body rather than his head following behind when lifting him off the floor.

I talked with our therapist today about when or if Jax would be fitted for some type of wheelchair. She said that basically it will be up to us to determine when it is needed. Usually when the equipment we have now (stroller) is no longer working for him. Jax definitely needs help with positioning so this will most likely be something we have to keep in the back of our minds in the coming months. It kills me to think about putting him in a wheelchair and how that too will alter all of our lives yet again. I already don't get out much with the kids but if we have to fit him for a chair soon there will definitely not be any going out alone with three little ones. I wouldn't be able to manage two strollers (Eden still is not mature enough to allow her to walk around out and about). So I am hoping this won't be something that is needed for at least another year. This will give Eden some time to mature and learn to stay close to mommy when we are walking out in public.

As far as eating habits go we are still breastfeeding by day and tube feeds through the night. Yesterday we tried cereal again and he actually ate half a jar of fruit mixed with some oatmeal. I was so excited that he ate with no gagging.

I have been slightly overwhelmed the last couple of weeks and feeling homesick. My family still has not met Jax and though I would love to pack up the kids and drive to PA I know that traveling with Jax that far in a car would not prove to be the wisest of decisions. I am sure it would be miserable for him (he hates his car seat) and stressful for me. So for now, we wait until a better day.

Isabella loves her baby brother. She is constantly in his facing kissing him, hugging on him and yes sometimes she tries to feed him like mommy (lol)! I guess she thinks Jax is her own personal baby doll. I have to watch that one carefully because there are times when she doesn't understand that Jax has had enough of the invasion of personal space. However, he tolerates her fairly well and I think is amused by her silliness. For those of you out there who worry about your daughters growing up in a male dominated household, you could have this to worry about....

 I came back to the living room one day to find that Isabella had dressed Jax up like a princess. She thought it was hilarious and eventually Jax was like "ok mom, get this thing off of me." Poor guy! I absolutely had to snap a picture because I hope that one day he will be able to pay her back like only a little brother could.

I will leave you all for now. Kiddos are up from a nap and I am jonesin for some sweet tea on this hot day!