Laik Goes to College

When Laik was just a bit past six months old, a family friend asked me if I was interested in Laik being a non-typically developing "model" student for a "Pediatric Neuro" class at UTC for junior year physical therapy students.  I agreed and off to the university we went!  It was a pleasant experience and it was also delightful to see the students (about 25 in the class) studying Laik.  We survived that class and they invited us back again a few weeks ago. So, we packed our backpack and headed into an "Advanced Peds" class, which is offered to Senior Doctorate of PT students. This class had five of the students from the previous class.  And Laik gave them a show....and a workout!  He's a bit bigger now than he was in January!  Dr. Cathie Smith is the professor of both courses and we were happy to see her again too!  

Take a look at Laik's experience!  

Ok, the warm-up begins with some of his toys from home.  The fold-out book he is holding is a favorite.  It makes a rattle noise and has baby faces and a mirror on the other side.   

 Checking out his stance.  And he started using his moves on the girls at this point.....

 Grinning, babbling and quite honestly....flirting a little bit!

 And the next thing I know, all of his clothes were off!
The students did ask permission to do so.  It allows them to get a better look at his movements and allows fewer restrictions while working with an infant.  Granted, he doesn't look as if he minds showing off his muscles!

 At this point, he is exhibiting "lots of extension" and attempting to get into and stay in the four point position.  We have been working on this quite a bit with Stacey and Lissa during his PT and EI sessions.  It is a work in progress for sure, but we are getting there!  He is very strong.  Once, he comprehends how to put it all together, we just might be in the crawling business.....we shall see!  Fingers are crossed and sending up prayers for that to happen!

 As you can see, he is not a fan of this position!  Notice the student on the left trying to keep him from extending his legs.....

 Ah Ha!  There's my book, I'll relax a little bit.  

 Four point and stable with the help of a bolster!   Way to go Laik!

 Look at that sweet face....he is trying to convince the students to let him rest a little bit!  That face is difficult to resist when he looks at you with those beautiful blue eyes and grins!

 Lucky guy, in his favorite position....Sitting and reaching for toys....a ball, it is always a ball!  

 At this point, we are about an hour into the class and Laik is yawning.  Physical therapy is hard work and very exhausting.  But certainly, very rewarding.  Todd and I see results each time we do our "homework" after PT sessions.

 Tracking overhead.  This is a difficult position that requires balance and core strength.  Look at my baby boy clapping and balancing while tracking overhead!  Again,  I am so proud!

And finally, ringing the bell to end his class!  

Laik's two visits have been a workout for him, but a pleasure for me.  It gives me joy to know that there are students in PT programs all over the country that choose to go the PEDS route. These students are passionate about what they do.  They have a desire to help the children to improve.  I whole-heartedly believe that milestones are accomplished by children with disabilities due to the help of physical therapists!  

A great big thanks to Dr. Smith and her class.  Also, to Stacey, our PT extraordinaire, for being Laik's agent and lining up our visits!