For about six weeks, Modi has been receiving Music Therapy. I have always been hesitant to get him involved in Music because he is very hypersensitive to sounds. He doesn't like pianos or guitars and often times certain music in movies makes him very edgy and nervous. Despite his aversion to certain sounds, he responds very well to specific types of music. For instance, when he is upset, believe it or not, if I sing him the abc song he calms down.
So we thought giving Music a try would be worth it.
For the first few weeks he was not sure and I was not sure it was going to work. After getting used to the music therapist and to the routine, he is doing brilliantly! His therapist has a beautiful voice and she spends most of the session singing to him. All the activities and commands are carried out in songs and he is responding very well! It is very impressive!! He is following her commands and is truly enjoying himself.
She has really fun instruments and at first he would not even touch them now he is starting to tentatively handle them. We are very excited at the possibilities, you see it is very hard to find something that motivates Modi and something he truly enjoys and looks forward to doing. If we can take his enthusiasm for music and leverage it to other aspects of his learning, we could really accomplish some amazing things.
It's been a few months since our Modi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Even though it took years for this condition to develop, it is imperative that we do things differently or his hip will get worse and require surgery in the future.
We got a new Rifton chair. This chair is designed to keep proper alignment. It has the benefit of a seat belt so when we are not directly next to him, he will be safe. It will also help us do his school work in a very safe and therapeutic manner. It is quite comfy too! I tried it!!
We are also doing lots of stretches and yoga poses to keep the hip joint loose and flexible. The most important thing that needs to be prevented is for Modi to sit off balance on the floor. The tough part of this is that he loves to play on the floor and he always leans to one side. This is probably one of the biggest reasons his hip is now out of alignment from years of poor sitting and posture. Form follows function and from years of putting the wrong pressure on one hip aggravated by all his very delayed milestones his hip suffered and now we really need to work on trying to fix this problem.
Now all of us watch like a hawk how he sits and are constantly repositioning him. He either sits on a chair with proper alignment or on the floor with his legs crossed in front of him or leaning on the side his hip is not out of place. I discovered recently that he will keep the proper position if I put some weights on his hip.
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the songs, the lights, the decorations, the tree, the presents. I love how my boys, specially Jo can't wait for Santa to come and see what he brings! I like how in general people are happy and love to bake cookies and give out cookies and festive yummy treats!!
I absolutely love receiving Christmas cards from new and old friends and seeing how kids have grown and changed in the last year. I love the coolness in the air.
As I was enjoying a restful Sunday, I began pondering on this beautiful time of the year and was reminded of the real meaning of Christmas. It is not about presents, or decorations or cookies. It is not about Santa Claus or Rudolf, although they are so much fun.
At Christmas let us be amazed and in awe about the wonderful gift we are receiving. Let us keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Linus says it best in the clip below.
An unknown author once said: "life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away." This Christmas season, as I think about God's amazing gift to the world I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. It is truly a gift that takes my breath away.
I am a Puertorican girl who married a cute Italian guy and has two wonderful boys. One of them is an expremie with cerebral palsy. We have worked hard and tried everything under the sun to help him be the best he can possibly be and he continues to impress us with all his accomplishments. Our other child is a typical boy full of energy who fills us with laughter and excitement. My life is full of discoveries and blessings. Every day is a new lesson...
I knew the first time I met this man that he was special. He is my husband, friend, my dreamer, my partner and companion. He makes my life complete!
Modi
My twelve year old miracle child. Born at 28 weeks, he has proven everybody wrong. He walks when the doctors said he wouldn't. He reads, he knows more than anybody could give him credit for. He is an amazing boy. He works hard, loves life and is an incredible observer.
Jo-jo
My five year old spunky boy. Jo is full of life and energy. He is always happy and full of questions. He loves to ride his bike and play tag with everyone.
LIVE Saturday night chat
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UPDATE:
The LIVE chat is now over. See you next time!
ORIGINAL POST:
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For the first few weeks he was not sure and I was not sure it was going to work. After getting used to the music therapist and to the routine, he is doing brilliantly! His therapist has a beautiful voice and she spends most of the session singing to him. All the activities and commands are carried out in songs and he is responding very well! It is very impressive!! He is following her commands and is truly enjoying himself.
She has really fun instruments and at first he would not even touch them now he is starting to tentatively handle them. We are very excited at the possibilities, you see it is very hard to find something that motivates Modi and something he truly enjoys and looks forward to doing. If we can take his enthusiasm for music and leverage it to other aspects of his learning, we could really accomplish some amazing things.
We got a new Rifton chair. This chair is designed to keep proper alignment. It has the benefit of a seat belt so when we are not directly next to him, he will be safe. It will also help us do his school work in a very safe and therapeutic manner. It is quite comfy too! I tried it!!
Now all of us watch like a hawk how he sits and are constantly repositioning him. He either sits on a chair with proper alignment or on the floor with his legs crossed in front of him or leaning on the side his hip is not out of place. I discovered recently that he will keep the proper position if I put some weights on his hip.
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the songs, the lights, the decorations, the tree, the presents. I love how my boys, specially Jo can't wait for Santa to come and see what he brings! I like how in general people are happy and love to bake cookies and give out cookies and festive yummy treats!! 
An unknown author once said: "life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away." This Christmas season, as I think about God's amazing gift to the world I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. It is truly a gift that takes my breath away.
