November/December Update

Walking in November

Dance Group

We have continued to participate in the dance class even though Kevin often resists. The class only meets the second and fourth week of the month and so I have felt like it may take longer for him to get comfortable with this activity. I pursue it because it involves music - one of his favorite things, and it is good opportunity for movement and social aspects. The holiday recital is coming up and this week we had rehearsal at the location for the recital (which is not in the hospital but at the public library - one of Kevin's favorite places). I wasn't sure how he would do being on stage with the lights and loud music - but he did great! He did not resist being there at all - possibly because it wasn't in the hospital. And the best part was he had a helper instead of me. I sat in the audience and watched the rehearsal instead of helping him with this movements. He did awesome! I'm so proud of him. I'm hoping that when we resume regular classes he won't be so resistant to being there. Not a bad idea to provide something fun to do at the hospital for these kiddos.

Kevin is using the ribbon stick near the brick wall in the center of the photo

Kevin's holding the parachute on the green/red

Volunteering at Nursing Home

Kevin is getting more comfortable with our visits to the nursing home. He has made some new friends and one of the lady resident's likes to save him a seat next to her. When we arrive we help pass the Daily Happenings. Kevin knocks on the door and hands the paper to the resident and sometimes says HELLO on the his Talker.  When it's time to gather for the activity, we stay in the room to greet the residents as they arrive and pass out song books. The first activity is Songs of Faith, which includes hymns and prayers. Then we move on to some chair exercises - which Kevin basically just watches - sometimes he will stretch his arms up and down. The last part is his favorite because it is the fun sing a long songs that the music therapist and volunteer play with guitars. This usually makes Kevin smile and sometimes makes his happy sounds!

One last note: 
Kevin's gulping has increased pretty significantly again. Not sure why, but just wanted to make a note of it in case I can find a reason. Although, this time...I can tell him "no gulping" and he will stop for a little bit and more importantly doesn't get mad because I told him to stop.