July Update

Hello! It's been quite a while since my last Beckett update, and I'm very sorry! I have my reasons, of which include: we bought a house, sold our old one, had a two-week therapy intensive for Beckett in June, moved, and I started back at work (plus continued with regular weekly physio appointments and less frequent other appointments of various types). It's been busy, but generally things are going well. 

Beckett had a two-week intensive at Canadian Center for Development (CCD) at the beginning of June. I had hopes that he would "master" independent sitting during this intensive. I think my goals and expectations were too black and white for both myself and Beckett. Beckett still isn't sitting independently. Even though the skill has not been "mastered", during this intensive - and in the weekly physio sessions since - we've seen a dramatic improvement in Beckett's body awareness, his core strength and his posture. He has all the building blocks for independent sitting, his brain seems to still be stuck on the "how do I put all these things together... and why would I, when someone can just help support me?!". I believe he will get there at some point. I am focusing on not focusing on it. In his occupational therapy sessions, we saw a huge improvement in Beckett's aim and grip and that has translated to more [messy] attempts at self feeding at home, and more focused attention while playing. Overall, the intensive (and CCD, generally speaking) has done wonders for Beckett, and the PTs, OTs, and assistants are all so dedicated to his progress and development. We have him booked for another two-week intensive at the end of October.

At the end of June we moved to a bungalow in Cedarbrae in Calgary. The driving force for the move was 100% Beckett, as a bungalow will allow him to have more independence and space to move, even if he requires the use of a walker or wheelchair. Our old 3 story townhouse certainly wouldn't have offered this long term. While the driving force was Beckett, but all four of us (Albus the dog included) have been absolutely loving the space, and the yard, and not having to walk up so many flights of stairs everyday. We already feel at home. Beckett has been rolling and scooting on his back into different rooms, and I think that having all the space to do that will do wonders for his gross motor skill development in the months and years to come.

Last week I returned to work. We decided to hire a nanny so that Beckett can have the one-on-one support that he requires during the day. Since we are still waiting for FSCD funding from the province, a daycare would not be able to provide an aid for Beckett to get the one-on-one care he needs for his development, like supporting his sitting and challenging him with his physio exercises during the day. The nanny came over for a few days before I started work so that I could help her learn the ropes and also so I could observe her with Beckett, which greatly helped me with my transition back to work. She is great with Beckett and is very dedicated to helping him with his development, which is really all I can ask for. It also helps that Keith works from home, so I know he is able to help if she has any questions or concerns. Keith's parents (aka Grandma and Grandpa) come watch Beckett for a few hours in the afternoons Monday to Thursday, once Beckett is up from his afternoon nap. This has been working out really well so far, since they are able to spend more time bonding with Beckett, and we can also save a little bit on the nanny fees - it's truly a win win for all of us. My supervisors at work are supportive of me taking time off to bring Beckett to all of his various appointments, knowing that Beckett is my top priority. Overall, my anxiety levels around being back at work are very manageable, and I'm enjoying having more conversations with adults!

Beckett continues to be more and more engaged in the world around him. He is playing more with toys, laughing and smiling regularly, and also having meltdowns on occasion. He hasn't said any words yet, but continues to make various and new noises regularly. We are working with a Speech Language Pathologist through AHS on a monthly basis to progress his communication. 

We've taken Beckett camping twice so far this year, and have a few more weekend trips planned for the summer. He seems to enjoy being outside in nature, and sleeping in the tent trailer. He is pretty easy going about changes to his environment. 

Over all, Beckett continues to be on his own curve of development, but is learning, growing, and seems to be enjoying life. At the end of the day, that's all that matters.