Little Inia

Clare has become a Little Inia. Exactly what that is, I have no idea!

Auntie Chrissy gave Clare swim lessons for her first birthday (complete with an adorable pink bathing suit!). We enrolled her in the YMCA baby class (called the Shrimp Kipper Inia Class) five weeks ago. It's a stretch to say Clare LOVES swim class, but she does seem to enjoy it. The first week, she was all business and very serious about this new experience. We have taken her in a swimming pool twice before, but both times, they were hotel pools and a little chilly. Clare was definitely not fond of those experiences. She has become a huge fan of bathtime now (loves to bounce and splash in her little tub). From taking Jamie to swim classes when he was a baby, I knew that the YMCA pool was the temperature of bathwater, so I thought Clare would at least tolerate it. Now that we have been doing swim for a few weeks, Clare enjoys it more each time. This morning, she kicked and splashed and even smiled a couple times at her teacher.

I have learned that there are all kinds of therapy out there. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, pool therapy, equine therapy, developmental therapy, and who knows what else. I have heard other parents say their child receives as much as 10 hours of therapy a week. Clare has one hour of occupational therapy a week. That's it. And right now, that's okay by me. Clare's OT, Jessica, provides great feedback on how Clare is doing. Clare lights up when Jessica walks in the door. Jamie also loves Jessica because she always has a new game or toy just for him. In the busyness of our life, OT guarantees that Clare will have that time devoted to helping her develop (don't get me wrong - we work on Clare's skills outside of therapy, but it's not that structured). Clare's one hour of OT is something we all eagerly look forward to. But I doubt I would feel the same way if our life revolved around therapy sessions. There may come a time down the road when Clare does require more structured therapy. Again, that's okay if that's what she needs to function in this world. But I like the idea of having a little more freedom, especially since we've slowed down on doctor's appointments. I also think it's good for Clare to not have her life revolve around therapy sessions and doctor's appointments. She may be a child with a disability, but she's still just a child and should be able to do the normal things kids get to do.

For now, Clare gets so much out of doing less structured activities. She loves going to Jamie's playgroup because she gets to watch the other kids. (I am learning that peer pressure can be a wonderful thing sometimes! Clare may just want to crawl since she's now the only baby not mobile!) Jamie is a great form of therapy (and entertainment) for Clare. He loves to talk to her and try to get her to mimic him, with sounds and actions. We sing songs and dance around the living room, which Clare loves. And we are enjoying swim class. It is a relaxing time for both of us (even though it's Shawn in the photo, I take her the majority of the time). Clare loves to watch the other babies and hang out in the warm water. And if she gets an occasional kick or splash in there, that's an added bonus. Hey, isn't that physical therapy??