September 20, 2005

We’ve had volunteer nurses the last 2 nights which has been very nice. They stay for 8 hours and administer Samuel’s nighttime meds and other things. He has been sleeping pretty well for them from about 10 pm until about 6 am usually with only 1 waking period for a 1/2 hour or so. He does receive medications almost every 3 hours to keep him sleeping. But at least they are working. I have also moved him to taking a nap in the morning. After his morning nap, I don’t allow him to fall asleep again until bedtime. This has helped greatly with him sleeping at night.

Physical therapy is coming twice a week and speech and occupational therapy should be coming at least once a week. Samuel also qualifies for the up to 3 program at USU, so we should see therapists from there a few times a week also. Today, we have an appointment with his regular pediatrician so he can get a good feel for what Samuel is like and be better able to diagnose changes or problems in the future.

We also have signed up with the National Association for Child Development in Ogden to have them develop a daily home program for us to do with Samuel to stimulate him and help reroute the lost functions in his brain. We are excited for an appointment there, but will probably have to wait about 3 weeks to get in.

That’s about it for now. Samuel does seem happier at home. He is never upset or agitated unless he has a stomach ache or some other physical upset. His brothers are good to talk to him and play with him as is his dad and grandma. He’s getting a lot of good company.

Thanks to everyone for all you’ve done. Especially right now, it is so helpful to have these nurses coming and to have meals coming in. My grandma is here taking care of wash and dishes and so many other household chores. And there are several people helping cart the kids all the places they need to get to. The service we’re receiving is a life saver.

Thanks again,

Teresa, Tom, Samuel & Boys