So we went to Lauren's OT at Memorial Hospital yesterday for the first time (first time at this location, definitely not first time we've gone to OT). We met Ms. Laura, our new OT, and Lauren took to her like a bird to a feather... Ms. Laura took her snack cup, asked for her hand, which Lauren promptly gave, and they headed back to the OT area with Olivia and I in tow... I was so happy and proud to see Lauren being so sweet to strangers, and actually understanding and obeying what's being asked of her. Also on our way back to the OT room, Lauren was very alert to her surroundings and "hamming" it up, because she new all the PT and OT's were checking her out (there were about 10 just in that area alone). I should note that I dressed Lauren in a very cute outfit, matching bow and all, and all the woman just wanted to check out how cute she was/is... So everyone was asking Ms. Laura to walk Lauren over near them because they wanted to see her..."Is this a new patient?!" "Ahhh, look at how adorable she is!" "What a doll!" "What a breath of fresh air!" All to which Lauren would wave or give a quick chuckle, just adding to the love she was getting from everyone. Just made a mother's heart warm ya know?!
Then when we finally made it to the OT room, Lauren quickly began playing (testing) with Ms. Laura, while we chatted about her history and what she was doing developmentally at home. About 30 minutes of play and conversation later, and Ms. Laura looks at me and says, "though I would LOVE to play with Lauren every week, I'm not sure your insurance company will continue to pay for this service. Right now Lauren is completing tasks at a 22 month old level, making her not impaired, but more-so ahead of the average child". With such an unknown diagnosis looming for Lauren (with no end in sight), I couldn't have been more excited to hear this fabulous news!!! Our Lauren is chugging right along with her peers developmentally, and we just couldn't ask for anything more!
So I told Ms. Laura that our neurologist had wanted us to see an OT every month at least, and did she think our insurance would cover a monthly visit--just to keep a pulse on Lauren's development. She looked at our referral and said she thought this would be possible and that we'd continue monthly appointments until we see our neurologist again at 18 months...to which she expects the neurologist will discontinue this service. But she'd love to see Lauren until then. :0)
I love that Lauren is such a people person that she seems to win over most anyone put in her path...and to see how they react to her, just an awesome and proud feeling all around!