We wanted to share what therapy looks like at home for us! Rowan’s therapy appointments are scheduled Monday through Wednesday right now, so that leaves us with the rest of the week to practice what his therapists worked on. Rowan’s toys are picked out with therapy in mind. Different shapes, sizes, textures and heights are all things Tommy and I look for. In the picture attached, Rowan is pulling onions and carrots out of the “ground” with his right hand. Rowan has practically mastered plucking his vegetables, so we add in side sitting and reaching for the toys. Big sister Poppy is very jealous of a lot of his toys. 

Therapy for us is pretty constant. We try to focus on handing him toys to the right or just putting anything in reach to his right. Even just sitting and waiting at a doctor’s appointment, we are always working on some sort of therapy - opening and stretching his hand, working on standing, etc. Thankfully Rowan is very agreeable to therapy!

It may seem excessive but this is our reality - everything we do is to increase the chances of healing the damaged area. Our brains have neuroplasticity, meaning the more we work on the parts that are damaged, the higher the chance that new connections are formed, essentially rewiring his brain. 

There are many success stories of children suffering a stroke at birth and being completely “normal” to outsiders. Normal meaning that if you took two children, one who suffered a stroke and another child that has not, you wouldn’t be able to tell who had the stroke. This is achieved through a whole lot of therapy (and love).  

We continue to be in awe of everyone who has supported our little guy. Thank you so much for continuing to follow his journey. 

Bye for now 🫶🏻

#RallyAroundRowan