Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Another rough night but a good day :0

From what Grandma Cheryl said it was another rough night. It seems as though a good calm day has its nocturnal consequences. So if you see Cheryl today and she seems a little sleepy you’ll know why. When I arrived this morning they were off to the gym for Occupational Therapy with Neale. It’s my favorite part of the day so I followed. Coop worked a little more on trying to lift his head and bearing some weight while in a standing position but was not as cooperative as yesterday. Since he is so little he has to choose to initiate the muscle movement otherwise the therapist is just doing range of motion/stretching for him. At this age they can't follow commands even if the brain were functioning normally. So today he wasn’t choosing to help as much as yesterday but it is still good to go through the movements to help him become aware of body. At the end of the session she put Coop in a sling swing that really calmed him down. He actually had his eyes open for quite a while and his breathing slowed down. (Progress I hope) I think he likes how the swing cradles him all around and has very smooth fluid movements. It is also helps children become aware of movement (vestibular) and comfortable with that sensation. He then fell asleep and we were able to bend his legs and arms. I think I’m going to need to learn to sew so I can have one at home- or better yet ask Grandma Kathi to do it.(hint, hint) And Jared will have to tell me where the support beams are in our house so we can hang it. I’m really excited that we have found something that calms him down besides medication!!! Yea
PS- He was so calm that the therapist and nurse are letting him stay in the swing while they have staff meeting in the gym. So far he has been in there for an hour and a half just slightly swinging.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet! So any more discussion on a check-out date?

Anonymous said...

Oh, he looks so comfy in the swing. What a great thing! Just curious, when is Charlie's b-day?

Charlie Cooper said...

Charlie's b-day is May 3rd so he is now 10 months old. We haven't heard much on when we are expected to go home mainly because we have to have the storming under control.

Anonymous said...

It is so nice to see Charlie relaxing in that swing. I really think it helps all of us take a deep breath and relax with him for a few minutes. Our thoughts and prayers continue for your sweet little boy.

Anonymous said...

Coop Looks so relaxed and good in the sling swing. I'm so glad he is doing better and is able to relax in the swing like he is. Love The pictures!!

Anonymous said...

The pictures look so great! Good luck with the swing. Shyla from MT

Anonymous said...

If you have a swing put in your house for Charlie you might think about putting in one for yourself that way you can both relax at the same time. He looks so sweet. I also like the picture where is sitting with his arms on the table. It looks like he trying so hard. God bless you all. Give Charlie hugs and kisses from Missouri.

The Chiltons said...

Slightly swinging Hammock, relaxing atmosphere, enjoying life...hmmm wonder what enlightening spirit was attending him at that moment ;-) Looks like Momma Rose has found another Hammock connoisseur!

Anonymous said...

I want a swing like that. Seriously how great does that look?!?

Sophie said...

If you don't feel like sewing (or even just for ideas) I buy all our PT/OT stuff from the Southpaw Enterprises catalog. They have everything that the therapists use, pretty much.

Love to Charlie and his whole family.

Anonymous said...

Most outdoor type stores sell the Chair Hammocks. My friend had one in her room growing up!

http://www.hammock-company.com/gallery/fs-w-s105.jpg
Also the prices on this site seemed more reasonable.

Have fun shopping!!

Anonymous said...

Oops forgot the 2nd link...

http://www.rehabtoys.com

Anonymous said...

Charlie looked so beautiful and peaceful. He was breathing so much smoother and not as erractic as the last time I saw him. The other thing we noticed was how grown-up he is getting. That little bit of info is for those of you who either don't see the progress because you see him a lot or those of you aren't here. My mom was so thrilled to see him, she felt like there was progress (not the kind you might be looking for, but progress nontheless.)
If you could see how wonderful Angel and the staff are you would get down on your knees and thank God for marvelous people. They are the most amazing group of people I have ever seen. We have always thought Ang was amazing and a few (his mom)always said Rob married above himself. But, I think Rob has become the most incredible man and father you could ever ask for. I am so proud of him. Now, if you can just keep him from going to the mountains with Chad, maybe the progress will continue (Sunday?)

Once again... the progress is there... Angel and Rob, there couldn't be two finer people in charge over there. Kudos!

Love ya, JIll B

Meghan said...

oh boy i miss seeing that little man. i love that he loved going swinging... he needs a hamma. i think i should be able to come back next week to visit again. i feel so close, yet so far away ;). love you guys.

Roxey said...

I too, hope the eyes open without fast breathing is progress.

You should totally learn how to sew, Ang.... i'll even let you borrow my sewing machine that Rocky bought me for Christmas, oh maybe 4 years ago. It's brand new, never been opened....maybe we can break her out when we finally get a girls day!

I LOVE that they let Char rest while they had a meeting! That made me smile.....how long did he stay comfortable?
Much love and prayers, and hope to see you soon.