february - second half.

I feel like the second half of February has gone by rather quickly, despite the frigid cold days that drag on forever. We have kept busy and on our structured schedule.
Emmett got a haircut and he seems to tolerate it a bit better each time. He definitely doesn't like it, especially the blow-drying step; but with plenty of prepping and Kristy's (my stylist) cozy home salon and a sucker bribe/reward, we make it work! And Kristy makes him look sharp as ever. ;)
We had our first family therapy session at Fraser. It was just Ethnie and I at this session because Matt was not able to make it this time, but it ended up working out well because the therapist could focus on Ethnie and her concerns/questions about her brother and what it's like being his sister. It was nice to be able to listen to Ethnie safely share her feelings. I think these sessions will be good for all of us. We will go once a month.

^^we finally got Emmett's new therapy toys/activities in the mail that he got for Christmas. thank you to our family members who provided these for him. he is very grateful!

Physical therapy has been going okay. Emmett has a hard time keeping his excitement under control. He gets very 'amped' up when he throws, kicks or jumps and cannot calm his body down. Because PT involves balls, bats, running and jumping, it's hard to avoid getting excited. So when his body gets reved up, he has a hard time focusing and listening to Kevin. Kevin wants to start doing PT every other week now.

^^playing ball with rackets

^^trying to go up stairs without holding onto the rail

^^always loves the slide

This quote applies to me. Feeding Emmett is still one of the biggest challenges. It is not fun for me; it is not fun for him. Emmett does not view mealtime as something to look forward to. He does not get excited to eat. It is something he does because he has too, like brushing your teeth or washing your hands. It is stressful for him and causes anxiety. I feel so bad that he has to deal with this. I have gotten Emmett on the waiting list for feeding therapy at Fraser.