On The Up Swing?

We went to the doc on Wednesday, just to (donate $20 to the till) be on the safe side and came out with...the flu. That's right, like everyone else my germ chasers caught the flu of the season. Great thing is that Kiera went to the appointment with us and is very demanding. Why is this great? Well it means that the wonderful MA and doc couldn't say no to her when she said "My turn please?" so she got a pretty thorough check with out the co-pay. Both were sating at 96, both were ear infection free and both had clear lungs. Good enough for me! And even better news, a taste of fresh air peeked Ben's drive to feel better and he is on the go again. We really lucked out on this because it was a crazy day. My wonder mom came to stay with Kiera while Ben and I headed out to my neurologist. Not sure if I have mentioned this, I have a seizure disorder. This is usually where people give me a look. No worries, I have a very controlled seizure disorder that takes me to the neurologist once a year so that I can hear about his kids. Had my reflexes tested, he looked into my eyes, asked if I had had any seizures ("Oh you would know!"), told me all about his family while not asking once about my child that is right in front of him, another co-pay and we were off. On to the Hospital for our 1st visit with a new PT. Our goal is to stretch him out of some pretty serious tightness. She took some measurements, did some muscle testing and then started into a few low key strengthening exercises. Suggested that I work on some supported long sitting. Really? He's five. That means that he has been in PT for four years and seven months. That also means that we have been fighting the "tighties" FOREVER and all you have for me is long sitting. This poor woman has no idea what she is dealing with. When I said that I was looking for help with deep stretching to avoid medication and other interventions I was actually looking for something new and aggressive. Something more than I have been doing. Yes! Please give me home work. But teach me something beyond PT 101. Enough of that rant. I will give her our three times a day routine and see what she has to add. Please, please, please be able to add something! We left the appt. and Ben walked all the way out of the hospital. It was with his walker but still! He hasn't been walking too much with this bug and he was wearing his newly cut down DAFO's. This was more than just a step forward. We watched the big trucks and cranes that are "building my new hospital"- I'm a bit sad that we have spent so much time there that we keep up with the building progress. Anyway!! He asked if he could go to school! So we went. He met with his school PT and she actually gave him a good stretch then went to school and stayed all day. I'm telling you, wonder kid. When he gets tired of being down he just picks himself up. I came home with just enough time to grab a quick bite and struggle to get Kiera to bed then I was off again to get Ben. When I got to school I was told that there had been an argument. An argument? It turns out that Ben was playing blocks with another child (his new buddy) and both said that they made a car, little friend had it, Ben took it, little friend grabbed Ben by the shoulders and pushed him down. Isn't that awesome! Seriously! I can't tell you how excited I am! First, he has a buddy. Not just someone who says Hi in passing but a little friend that takes the time to wait for Ben . So cool! Second they were playing with blocks together. Not guided, not near each other but together. Third, they were comfortable enough to argue. Ben didn't get steam rolled and little friend didn't let Ben have it because he is "entitled" just because he is not as strong. Forth, little friend treated Ben as he would have anyone else. You take my toy, I'm gonna tackle you. Little friend saw a child that took his toy. That's it. So cool.