October 2

You are Mommy’s biggest girl! Today your new OT Ms. Teresa came to see you and you did such a great job for her! You were very comfortable in her arms and very willing to cooperate. She worked on pre-feeding skills with you—she stroked your cheeks and upper lip and chin, worked her finger into your mouth, and you gave some consecutive sucks several times! You have never tolerated anything in your mouth that well and I was so impressed with both of you. After you had enough of that she stretched out your neck so that you will be holding up your head in no time! Ms. Teresa teaches me how to do these things as we go so that you and I can practice several times every day. Since this afternoon, I have done your oral exercises twice with you, and you have done an equally good job. This is proof you weren't just caught at the right moment earlier! I also learned a great tip; Ms. Teresa says to tuck your chin when you start to gag to prevent vomiting. I wish someone would have told me that a few months ago! You got an A+ today in school and I couldn’t be more proud!

I am so happy with our session today. We have Ms. Teresa through ECI, a state program about which I have heard conflicting things. The success of the child depends on the quality of the service provider you receive which apparently varies greatly. Since this costs next to nothing, my thinking was we would just give this a try and if it didn’t work out we would go elsewhere for services. But I am really so pleased with Ms. Teresa’s level of experience and knowledge. I can see that God has handpicked her just for you. The amazing thing is Ms. Teresa has visited our church the last couple of weeks! She has a son the same age as you—maybe you will get to play with him in the nursery soon!