thetadpoles.com

I wrote this in August after Derby’s last clinic meeting. I have been meaning to post it but I just couldn’t get it to sound right. It feels like something is missing. Maybe I was afraid I would jinx it. Whatever it is I’m tired of it sitting in my drafts so I’m just going to publish it. Yes it is full of grammatical errors and too many commas but get over it.

I will say time has been flying by lately. The twins continue to act and sound more like kids everyday. There is barely a trace of baby left and it breaks my heart. To see them running around and talking to each other is hilarious. Sometimes I will just stand around the corner to spy on them and wonder when they grew up. Wasn’t I just coaxing them to eat a bite of pureed peas or shouting in joy as one of them said “mama”? Now they say Mama all the time. Often with exasperation in their voice because I don’t respond to their demands fast enough.

What I am trying to say is they are growing up and catching up. Derby especially has been making great strides. He is talking more, running everywhere and being more social. People have said that Derby is tenacious. He never thinks “I cant do that”. You can see on his face that he is going to do that. When he learns something new he gets this sly smile on his face and looks so proud of himself. You cant help but cheer him on.

At his last clinical meeting I brought up the fact that Derby was outgrowing his DAFO (foot brace). I asked the orthopedist to write us a new perscription for one. The doctor watched Derby a little longer then said we could trial him off the brace for 3 months. He is walking so well that he might not need it, we just need to be sure he gets his heel down. We were so excited. Tadd and I had prepared ourselves for another downer meeting. Usually they bring up things Derby has learned and what he needs work on. At times it feels like they just keep talking about how low Derby scores on the assessment tests and worrying signs they see him display. This time was much better. One doctor commented that after seeing him last year she would have expected at this meeting he would have just learned to walk or speak in small sentences. She was amazed how clearly he spoke and the fact he was running around the room. Derby no longer keeps his left hand in a tight fist. He is actually using both arms to play drums, ride on cars and fight with his sister. The therapists write out goals for what they would like Derby to accomplish in the next 6 months. Like using a fork effectually, walking up the stairs unassisted, etc. His next meeting with the physical therapist he accomplished all of her goals. He ran up and down a hill. He went up and down the stairs alone not even holding a rail. These may not seem like big things but for our Derby it was huge. He is so independent. If you try and help him he will start all over again so he can do it himself. That can be frustrating at times when you’re trying to get out of the house and you’re already running late. They made him a new goal of riding a tricycle. If you would have told me last year they would be teaching him to ride a tricycle I would have thought it was a far away goal.

On a Strider bike. I swear he has a blue one he just wanted to try out Loen’s