Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hello again to all. School is in full swing and Clay loves school! He just attends for half a day but wants to go full days. He loves to get on the bus with his brothers in the mornings and I pick him up at 11:00am. First grade has lunch at this time, so I arrive each day just before lunch period. Clay has eaten in the cafeteria a couple of times with one of his therapists. This therapist wants to go to the cafeteria with Clay a few more times before he eats there on his own. She (therapist) says it's tricky for him to grasp his lunch tray. She is not comfortable yet with letting Clay go on his own (I'm not either). He would love to go each day to the cafeteria, but doesn't want me (mom) by his side everyday. He wants to have the freedom to go on his own. Clay does get to go to the cafeteria in the mornings and sit with his friends until it's time to go to the classroom. Cody has been a big help with Clay at school. Carson is now in the Jr. High school; so, Cody is Clay's "big" brother when they are at the Elementary school.
Parkland hospital may come and present a "school-reentry" program for Clay again. He seems to be very comfortable in his classroom and with his teacher. His teacher this year is the same one who came to the house last year for his "homebound" studies. Several of Clay's little friends are in his class, so that helps. Clay has also started piano lessons this year. Although he will not be able to play much with his left hand, he is excited about learning. His piano teacher has taught for many years and has been very helpful. Carson took piano lessons from her for 5 years. Her husband is Cody's piano teacher.
Clay's next surgery is still scheduled for the 27th. Although, we have discussed a few changes with his Plastic Surgeon. Initially, the plan was to place a tissue expander under the scalp, excise a scar on his back, excise a scar band on back of knee, take tissue expander out of leg, and wrap the expanded skin around the back of knee. This surgery plan has changed some. One of Clay's therapist has monitored him in the classroom. It was noted that Clay could be more functional if the scar bands under his arms could be released. Also, Clay has been favoring his right side as he walks. He says that it hurts to stand up straight because of a contracting scar on the right side of his stomach. Therefore, his doctor will release scar bands under his arms and on his stomach and work on the knee (as originally planned).
Although life is busy, we don't want to forget that our strength comes from God. We are thankful again for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Chance, Deidra, Carson, Cody, & Clay