Good Therapy and Good Friends

Luke had a rigorous day of therapy yesterday and his activities included time on the treadmill in the "Lite Gait" trainer. His goal was to walk a total of 10 minutes with a break in the middle. He made his goal breaking at 6 minutes. Using the remote, he lifted himself up in mid-air for a rest. PT Paula calls this "flying time", where Luke can dangle or run suspended in mid-air. This was his favorite part of the session. He requested to do the "Lite Gait" just so he could fly. During his last four minutes walking on the treadmill, he grew tired and his steps got sloppy. Motivated by Fruit Loops to concentrate on making good steps, Luke earned 80 Fruit Loops....one Fruit Loop per quality step. He ate a few, but saved the rest for another time.

Next, Luke did some walking in the reverse walker making a lap once around the gym.
This was followed by some trunk strengthening on the balance ball while trying to hit a tether ball.
Next, OT Anna and Luke played some Cariboo--a very cool team game...while doing some kneeling and balancing. It was the first day that Luke was able to balance in a tall kneel for a few seconds by himself. He was so excited! Daddy reports that today he can do it for over 10 seconds.



In the evening two of Luke's Kindergarten friends came by for a visit, Parker and Brayden. They played air hockey, made snowmen at organized craft time, ate chocolate ice cream and were escorted on a hospital tour by Luke in his stander.