A very special day

 I'm going to take a quick break from the Overcoming Behavior Issues series, to write about the busy day we had yesterday.

Patrick graduated from the Infant and Toddler Connection (ITC) of Fairfax-Falls Church. This is the therapies service that we have been receiving for almost two years now. I have made mention of the ITC in several posts on this blog, but to recap, here are 3 important points:

1) By suggestion of his neurologist, Patrick began receiving services from ITC when he was 1 year old. There is no minimum age, but the maximum age is 3, which he will be in November. Patrick will continue to receive tailored education for his special needs, but this time in a school setting. He begins classes in 3 weeks!

2) Patrick started with Physical Therapy twice a month. After a year of PT, it was suggested that he also took Speech Therapy, which he had three times a month. Due to the vast improvements in the physical area, Patrick stopped receiving PT about three months ago, and started receiving Occupational Therapy instead.

Patrick's Physical Therapist and Coordinator

Patrick's Speech Therapist

3) Each of the three therapists he had all this time, came to our house for an hour each time. Every 6 months he was evaluated and new goals were set. During that hour, we would play with Patrick to find out where he was lagging behind, and they would give me suggestions on what to do and how to help him reach each goal that was set.

The graduation was a very nice event. It went from 11:30 to 13:30 at the Van Dyck park in Fairfax, VA. The therapists, coordinators and office staff were there to celebrate the children and their families who had been working so hard all this time. My husband took the day off so the whole family was able to see Patrick receive his Diploma and the cute gifts that were given. Here are some pictures of the event:

So serious for the graduation photo!

Mommy, stop trying to make me smile!

Receiving gifts from the Mayor

Patrick was amazed by the guitar player. He played our song "You are my sunshine"

Bubbles!

Ham smile!

Patrick played, played and played non-stop!

Showing off his graduate shirt and the star he received from the Sheriff

 After the event, we headed to Great Waves Water Park in Alexandria to celebrate. Patrick loves anything water (baths, water parks, sprayground, hoses, beaches, pools... toilets and sinks!) so we figured a water park would be the perfect place to take him. Melanie (Robbie's godmother) was kind enough to gift the entry passes.

Great Waves Water Park

This area reminded him of his favorite Sprayground

Water, water, water!!!

Patrick made a friend

Robbie had loads of fun, too!

Daddy and Robbie playing peek-a-boo!

Robbie was exhausted at the end

Patrick is never tired apparently

Silly mommy made Patrick pose for this pic

Surfin'!

It was a very special day in our lives. I don't think Patrick would be where he is at without the help of his therapists. I have learned so much about my son and how to help him thanks to them. Patrick was a trooper the whole time since we started this journey, he has come a long way and we are very proud parents! We love you Patrick!