Day 318 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We continue to adjust to our new life with Grayson. Adjustment is difficult but we are making some progress. We are starting to establish some routines and some common "language" on dealing with Grayson. Using the same words to describe expected outcomes is very important so as not to confuse him. We have also learned some tricks – how to successfully keep him from struggling when taking his blood pressure and how to get him to swallow all of the meds he now is taking. We continue to grow and learn skills that we never thought we would need.

I reported last night that Grayson was uncharacteristically unable to go to sleep and kept walking out of his room. That continued until well after the blog posted and I wound up dozing on the couch in there until around 4:00 AM when I woke up and was sure he was asleep. Tonight he also kept walking out of his room every 10 minutes or so. Regina recognized that it was important not to "reward" the behavior with attention so she stood in the hallway. Each time Grayson got up and walked to his door she asked him where he was supposed to be. His answer was always, "in bed". She quietly and firmly directed him back to bed without the usual affection of tucking him in. After several times he finally got back in bed and stayed there – just before midnight. Her patience and persistence paid off!

Adjustment continues…

Pax!

Brant