Smiles & Potty Chairs

We’re happy to report we now have an adaptive potty seat and shower chair! You can see from the picture this is quite a contraption. It can be removed, but it is a pain in the butt (he, he). I still make the mistake of darting in there in between episodes of Parenthood. (For all of you who said we should watch it, we understand why. The plot line about Max (who has Aspergers) gets us in tears most episodes). We are only on season two so don’t tell us that Kristina gets cancer yet (darn it, NBC!).

Back to the potty. This is the same seat that they use at Oliver’s daycare, and it seems to help give him the support he needs as he sits as well as keep him from indulging in water play (that is as nicely as we can say what is happening). After our original two tries at potty training in 2012 included Oliver ripping the paper holder clean out of the drywall, we are at it again. This child is the a little Hercules. So far, our efforts at potty training are going terribly, and yet we are trying. We wonder if we will EVER get there? Changing a 50lb. child/man’s diaper multiple times a day is wearing us out.

As for the shower chair part, we can’t use it just yet because we don’t have a shower that is accessible. We’ve begun to explore the possibility of building a home that will have some Oliver specific modifications. A handicapped accessible shower will be #2 on the list after “no stairs to Oliver’s bedroom.”  

Lastly, the seizures roll on. We have been working on some slight med changes, but there hasn’t been a significant change. We are still waiting for the school to agree to proper supervision of Oliver at school. Spending our energy fighting that battle is exhausting, but 100% worth it!

Oliver had his annual eye appointment and four year old check-up. All was well at both appointments and he no longer needs glasses. His eyes self-corrected since he was first seen at 20 months. He seems to be having less asthma flares this cold/flu season, so we are grateful for that development.

On our wish-list of developmental goals for Oliver for 2013 are these:

1. Potty with some regularity. I know we are likely years away from being totally potty trained, but some movement in that direction would be stellar!

2. Being able to communicate what hurts him (in every way, emotionally and physically).

3. Be (somewhat) helpful in dressing himself. Currently, he is working on focusing enough to put his feet in his pant’s leg.

4. Be able to drink out of a juice box or cup with a straw

We realize those are big goals, but we’re certainly going to give it a heck of a try! So join us in prayer that we’ll be patient, creative, and finish this marathon alongside our sweet, happy boy.