Saturday, September 27, 2008

Day 119 - Sept 27, 2008

Not too much happened today. Things are always a little calmer on the weekend - ok, a lot calmer. We did go to the little store here at the hospital today and Kevin went through a pile of movies and picked two out - Hot Fuzz and Spiderman. His first purchases (grin). I know he already owned Hot Fuzz, but I don't think he had Spidey. I was trying to keep him away from the violent movies, but it wasn't going to happen, lol. I won't allow war movies though and so far he always passes them by. I don't know how much he remembers, but I don't want to trigger anything yet. It would be better if he could talk first, kwim?

I will say that we were watching a movie last week and a preview was on for Ironman. It had a combat scene and Kevin did seem to get upset. His eyes always go straight up to the ceiling when he wants to close them. That's what he did. We hurried and put the movie on and I kept watching for further emotions, but didn't see any. I know that doesn't mean he wasn't thinking about it, but I couldn't tell.

We have also been working on new words, but Kevin gets disgusted because "hi" almost always comes out. Someone thought Kevin was saying "no", but that's not true. We are very close to "Thank you" - it comes out more like "think ah" though. He is so close, but we have to have it right, otherwise it's just making sounds. At this point, we just keep trying to get him to sing. The more he sings, the more letter sounds he is making. Once we know what he is able to do, we will know what words we can work on.

I also want to take a moment and thank everyone for throwing out food ideas. Some of that I just hadn't thought of. I am going to try to do scrambled eggs next week and I was thinking about stuffing with gravy...and mashed potatoes and garlic green beans, lol. I think I am stuffing a chicken tomorrow so I was thinking leftovers for him on Monday. I think these would also work as long as I keep the bites small. But I digress, thanks again for all of the ideas. I wrote everything down and will keep at it because we will be eating like this for a little while yet.

I have quite a few questions in my inbox, so I am going to hit just a few tonight. Breezy and I haven't had dinner yet and we want to head out for something. I am just sitting here waiting for Kev to go to sleep first.

Brenda, where did you find these items for your mom? I can just go buy them. They are all really cool things!

Suzanne, you mentioning Guitar Hero made me smile. Kevin loved that game and I just had his xbox and his guitar brought down. He can't use it yet because you need two hands - but eventually, right?

Jan - 'go for it' on adding the cards to the boxes you send overseas. That is such a nice thing to do. We were also told we would probably be here at least 6 months. Once that time passes, we will go back to TX for the plate to be put in his head. I don't know what after that.

Jocelyn - download Spybot at Download.com. It's a software title that might be able to help you with applications running on your system that you are unaware of.

Ok - there are more to answer, but I will get to them tomorrow night. He is sleeping and I want to head out before the restaurants all close. It's nearly 10pm here already.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Les,

I didn't have the opportunity to read your blog in the past couple of days...sick child...etc. I was so glad to see that Kevin keeps improving as I read your blog today!!!

I was so pleased to read Kevin is doing so VERY well. He seems to like his food...I love that...as I love to eat, too. I cannot wait for the day he can eat a big DQ banana split!!! I will even send him a gift certificate for multiples of them!! I am looking forward to that day!!!

As far as his "father" goes...please, everyone, consider this...

Anyone can create a child, and this same person can find the most opportunistic ways to become the "hero" father. I know this one all too well. A true "father" is the person who sees the smiles, strides and hardships of their child.. and at the same time, wipes the tears when their child cries. A "father" is there each and every day, not just when duty calls. As far as I am concerned, Tim is a creator, not a "father".

Les, you and Breezy are the best family members ever!!! Kevin is lucky to have both of you, as you are lucky to have Kevin. He is such an inspiration to all of us!!

Take care..

Kristen Mowery

Anonymous said...

I still can't believe he's actually singing! That just blows my mind. My former music major college classmates would love to hear this story. It's really interesting that "hi" would be the word Kevin gets stuck on. I'll try to think of some songs that might help. It would be fantastic if you could get music therapist to help you out!

Unknown said...

Hi Leslie,

Sure..I'll give you the website and you can go and see all the great stuff there is..You might find something more you'd like...

There are two different sites so i'll give them both to you..I'm so glad Kevin is enjoying dvd's..

hugs,

Brenda

http://www.ssww.com/store/product/sku=W8772/cmc=BRWSGAMTTP/grp=GAM/sbgrp=TTP/p=2/

&

http://www.ssww.com/store/product/sku=W8772/cmc=BRWSGAMTTP/grp=GAM/sbgrp=TTP/p=2/

Vicki Chrisman said...

No questions from me...just sending you a hug!

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie and Breezy,

I got way behind on your blog, and I am thrilled at Kevin's progress. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

After viewing Kevin's picture, I could just see him sitting in my classroom talking about entering the military. He was so excited! It made me sad, but I realize that he did exactly what he set out to do. Not many can say that...

I know Haleigh has been in touch, and we are very excited about featuring Kevin in the school newspaper. As soon as this issue is ready, we'll send you a copy! Keep up the good work!

Love, Connie Fleeger (KCHS)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful updates...I'm so glad he's doing better in so many ways. Seems like he's doing well on soft solid foods which is great. I'm wondering if foods that have parts like green beans, peas, and rice, might be susceptible to aspiration? I hope you were able to try the innards of the pizza and that it went over well. If he likes spicy foods, would a Taco Bell bean burrito work? Just the innards of course, but I think it's pretty solid.

Anonymous said...

Do you ever actually say the word "kwim" instead of "know what I mean"? I do it all the time, in fact, I thought I was the only one that ever did --- anyway, I'm glad to see that Kevin is progressing so well and, as always, my thoughts and prayers are with you