Lots of new, exciting things are happening in the Daugherty Household! One, being Owen is finally liking school! I've been told by his teachers he is learning to appreciate their schedule and following along with their daily routine. We are seeing significant progress with his Speech therapist, Ms. Laura who Owen absolutely adores.
Ms. Laura has challenged and encouraged Owen so much in the few months she has been working with him. His eye contact is improving, his social interaction is teetering on amazing and he is excelling in play skills with peers! We are so, so thankful for Ms. Laura and how she has already fallen in love with our sweet man! (Can you really blame her?!)
Here are the two in action playing Barnyard Bingo, Owen's new favorite. :)
On the therapy front, Owen has lots of new things happening soon. Monday Owen will begin Occupational Therapy. This will hopefully help with his sensory struggles. During his OT evaluation it was discovered that in situations Owen is a "sensory avoider", but in others he is a "sensory seeker". We aren't really sure how or why the sensory issues develop, whether it be from the kidney related issues, hospital life or just the severe sickness from birth. Whatever the cause, we are blessed to be starting a new (intensive) therapy next week!
Also, we have a big evaluation coming up for Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy. Basically, this will hopefully help Owen develop coping strategies for situations when he feels uncomfortable, overloaded or stressed. This will correspond well with his OT sensory therapy. The most exciting thing about starting Owen's ABA Therapy is how God totally showed up in our situation. ABA Therapy is not covered by any insurance. Ever. And it's ridiculously expensive. Like over $200 per session. We applied for a scholarship to see if it would be something we could add to our monthly budget. A couple weeks passed and we were second guessing ourselves, wondering if we were making the right decision adding yet another appointment to our already busy weekly schedule. Then, I got a phone call. We qualified for the highest paid scholarship. That's right, 90% of each session is covered for us! Chills? Yes! I just love it when The Lord speaks so loudly and clearly to me. Another assurance of His provision over Owen's life.
Please be in prayer that we continue to seek The Lord fervently in decisions we are making for Owen. He is going to school twice a week and now has 4 weekly therapy sessions. It's very busy and new for us, but it is our prayer that early, intensive therapy will prove to be fundamental in excelling Owen's development.
Since our weeks are so very busy we like to play, play, play on the weekends! Abel started walking right after his first birthday. I should revise that, he started running after his first birthday. He has one speed: fast. He is a true beach babe and loves swimming in any body of water. He has absolutely no fear of anything and is the exact opposite of his brother. While Owen is most definitely a busy body, Abel puts him to shame. But I am loving every single minute! These boys bring me so much joy I think my heart may just burst at times. :)
We have been so blessed to find a church down here that has "blessed our socks off" each week. The worship gives me chills each week and I've been challenged in my walk with The Lord each time we attend. Not only are Michael and I enjoying our time to worship together, our children are being loved on and blessed by the best women around! They have opened their hearts (and literally their arms) to loving our, boys....even though they are usually less than thrilled about their time in the nursery! It is such a blessing to know that our children are being cared for, and the compassion and understanding we received when asking for extra help with Owen, or apologizing for Abel crying hysterically puts our minds at such ease. And just to see The Lord working in my life again, these women are leaders in the MOPs group I joined. So not only do my boys get to hang out with some cool, godly women- but I do too! :)
This past week at church we were encouraged to linger more fervently in The Lord's presence. It was a message I needed to hear. I pray that my children will grow up seeing me lingering in the presence of The Lord. That they will see me diligently pray without ceasing, for any and every need. And that my days will be filled with praise and worship, even during the most mundane tasks.
Thinking of this also makes me want to just linger here awhile. In this carefree, sticky, messy, loud, but full of fun life. I just don't wanna grow up. :) May I squeeze out every second of every minute I have of hugging, squeezing and tickling these sweet gifts that are growing entirely too fast.
"I wanna sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming."
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming."
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