Judah came home again this weekend and we are savouring these moments as a family together. It is such a gift of time and we are thankful to be in this new phase. Last Friday at the dinner table, Sarah was cheering “All the parents are here! All the parents!” She hadn’t seen us both together since the Judah’s surgery. It was a wonderful moment! It was so refreshing for us to see Judah in his home environment, being himself and playing with his siblings. It didn’t take long for typical sibling dynamics to show up! Judah did well with transition back last Sunday night and we hope this continues! 

This past week has been a lot of navigating what is best for Judah’s schedule to maximize Judah’s therapy times in terms of his energy, motivation and engagement. Judah’s occupational and physio therapy is the most important part of his day. We are finding the balance of what gives him enough rest and down time as well as enjoyable energy outlets throughout the day. Judah’s emotional regulation has also been a focus for us. It has been challenging at times. We have been bringing food from home to supplement some meals and snacks for Judah, which has been working well. 

Judah has more of an understanding of what is expected of him in his therapy sessions. For the most part, Jesse or myself are actively part of engaging him in activities while the therapist focuses on proper movements and techniques. It is truly a team effort. 

Because of the amount of spasticity in Judah’s legs and feet pre-op, he hasn’t the opportunity to properly stretch and strengthen specific muscle groups. Judah has been working on strengthening his core, hip abductors and adductors and glute muscles as this point. We are also working on his proper gait, heel then toe, when walking. This is part of relearning proper movement techniques and stopping/ unlearning former habits that aren’t helpful for his body’s recovery. Judah still enjoys riding his therapy bike and we are glad he does. It is important for strength building and for him feeling like himself. He loves “zooming” through the hallways in his wheelchair too, when the hallways are “all clear” as Judah says! 

It is truly remarkable to learn about Judah’s body mechanics right alongside of him and we will continue to cheer him on! 

Praise God for:

-Judah’s incision healing well. It is almost fully closed up. We are getting there!

-Judah adapting to the routines at the gymie-school 

-Continually being supported by our family, friends and church community through prayer and practical needs – we are so grateful! It takes such a load off of our minds! 

Prayer Points:

-Judah’s continued emotional regulation as he experiences all of this change.

-Wisdom and peace for Jesse and I navigating Judah’s schedule allowing for valuable playing and resting times for him 

-Our family’s health to keep Judah going to Holland Bloorview during the week and being able to come home on weekends 

-Judah‘s continued understanding, motivation and confidence to try new exercises and activities for physio and occupational therapy 

-For a good rapport between Judah and these wonderful therapists