July 31, 2008

PBMT - Day 234

It's a busy morning again as we made a trip to the school to drop off some fees & photos and pick up the uniforms. Surprised to find out the school is under renovation - the staff there mentioned they undergo minor renovation EVERY YEAR before school starts.

There's a slight change in Adrian's diet recently. Ever since we found out that Adrian loves "chewing" veggies, Mama started to prepare some cooked veggies for him to eat before each meal. It seems to work fine and hopefully this will bring his oral motor skills up to speed more quickly. Adrian is just exceptional - while most kids dislikes veggies, he just loves them! And he hated the ice cream that Mama gave him to try out the other day... strange Adrian!!!

Appetizer for Adrian: cooked spinach

July 30, 2008

PBMT - Day 233

It's the second consecutive day both Mama and Adrian were up really early in the morning (i.e. 05:30 for Mama and 06:00 for Adrian). We were hoping to feed Adrian breakfast before the test as well as to tire him out so he can have a good sleep for the test. Again, the test ran smoothly and it took less time than yesterday's because only the abdomen part was scanned. However, we have to be back for the last return scan on Friday.

We were able to talk to the doctor about Adrian's recent elevated VMA/HVA readings. He didn't have any comments but mentioned we should get another urine sample and retest it again. Unlike last time where Adrian was abstained from having the vanilla flavored Pediasure, we also pulled out the TCM herbs this time just to play safe.

July 29, 2008

PBMT - Day 232

We returned to QM for the actual MIBG Scan this morning. It's the first time Adrian was placed in the second time slot (a 10:30 appointment), hence both Adrian & Mama were up early (i.e. 05:30am!) for breakfast because Adrian was required to fast 4 hours prior to the test. With both the oral sedation as well as the rocking momentum from Mama, Adrian was fast asleep and the test ran smoothly as planned. The return scan will take place tomorrow at 10am!

July 28, 2008

PBMT - Day 231

Adrian had a busy schedule today - OT session at DK in the morning and then to QM in the afternoon for the MIBG contrast. Both Mama and OT were happy to see Adrian's progress... His achievements over the past month includes drinking from a straw cup (only water though), willing to try out new food/fruit such as watermelon and peach and he's able to chew down a chunk of choy sum at times. Things we need to work on after this session includes training to drink from a cup, practicing the blowing technique as well as continuing to try out new food/fruit. We hope to bring good news to the therapist again on our next visit on Aug 22nd. The QM visit was a pleasant one until the Houseman came to setup a block on Adrian's hand for the MIBG contrast. We are keeping the "block" just in case oral sedation wouldn't work tomorrow.

On a side note, we found out the latest VMA/HVA result from July 21st. Unfortunately, the HVA level is a bit out of the normal range (HVA at 12 while it's considered normal below 10). Not sure if it was due to the lack of water intake the night prior to urine collection (Adrian passed out at 19:00ish and slept the whole 12 hours without drinking milk/water). Will have to talk to the doctor tomorrow.

July 27, 2008

PBMT - Day 230

Papa took the role of "the primary caretaker" for Adrian as Mama went to check out the Book Fair on her own. Having spent 4 hours at the Book Fair, she bought lots of books, crayons and a 3-D puzzle for Adrian. The three of us went out shopping later in the day.... It's just a wonderful experience shopping for our little Adrian - getting him ready for school in mid August!

Adrian's scribbling while we were having Pizza for dinner.

July 26, 2008

PBMT - Day 229

Adrian cried the least in the last ST session at Caritas this morning. Though he didn't behave the greatest, at least he was willing to cooperate but not fussed at the session. Adrian will take a break after these ST sessions and we'll see if he improves through going to school in 2 weeks' time.

July 25, 2008

PBMT - Day 228

We found out yesterday that the school has forgotten to send the confirmation letter to us. Instead of them sending the letter to us officially, we've decided we'll make a trip to the school this morning to pick up the stuff and to order the uniforms for Adrian. Adrian was very patient (playing) when Mama was busy putting on sample uniforms (in different sizes) on him. We finally settled for the size and were busy writing cheques for the fees. Can't believe Adrian is starting school in less than a month's time. We were given a list of things to prepare and having paid all fees, it's becoming so surreal!!!

July 24, 2008

PBMT - Day 227

Adrian didn't behave at the physio session this morning. One of the usual routines is the therapist will get Adrian some toys to play while he lies down and uses his arms to support his body. Adrian had almost played every single toy (his age) there, Mama suggested to the therapist if there's any cars for Adrian to play. Cars is Adrian's favorite (other than ball) lately and as expected, Adrian can play, using his arms to support his whole body, continuously without being distracted. But when it's time to move on with other tasks, he refused to do so and he threw a tantrum that lasted half of the session!!! As Adrian gets older, he experienced a major change in his temperament and behavior. He was no more the obedient quiet baby we used to know. Hopefully with the help of the nursery teacher at school, this will help to rectify the situation.

July 23, 2008

PBMT - Day 226

Mama discovered a kids' playground near where we live and decided to take Adrian for a walk there this evening. It's a smaller version of the park we used to go but it's really close where we don't need to take any transportation to go there. It was a pleasant walk and the playground was like our own private one with nobody there. Guess it explains why both Adrian and Mama became the supper for mosquitoes.

July 22, 2008

PBMT - Day 225

We got the verbal confirmation from the Nursery/Kindergarten school that Adrian is accepted!!!! Instead of September admission (we were under the impression that all schools start in Sept!), their term actually starts on Aug 11th which means Adrian will be in school in less than a month's time!!! Meanwhile, they are going to send out a formal confirmation letter in the mail and let us know when we'll have to go to the school for registration and uniform measurement. How exciting!!!

Adrian in his new bathing suit at the beach this evening.

July 21, 2008

PBMT - Day 224

Thanks goodness that we were able to collect Adrian's urine to bring it to QM first thing in the morning. This is our second follow up appointment as an outpatient - we got there around 09:30 but didn't get to see the doctor until almost noon. And, we were being assigned to a doctor whom we wouldn't have chosen him to see if we had the say. The doc asked briefly how Adrian was doing and examined his abdomen. The few hours wait ended with less than 10 mins time in the doctor's office. We later proceeded to the pharmacy where we needed to get KI (Potassium Iodine) for Adrian's upcoming MIBG scan (scheduled on July 28th) and so we didn't get home until 13:00 for lunch!!! Adrian is still recuperating today though he slept for 12 hours straight last night, he fussed almost the whole day (maybe due to tiredness from yesterday) and when we put him to bed to nap, he fell asleep within seconds.

July 20, 2008

PBMT - Day 223

We were invited to join a lunch buffet party at Shangri-La. It was hosted by Make-A-Wish - One of our friends from K8N had the opportunity to invite 10 of his special friends to celebrate his wish for a Plasma TV come true! And, we are so honored to be part of it. It was a very nice gathering with our buddies from K8N and the kids got a chance to meet up again. There were two volunteers who came along and the kids played some games after our feast. Adrian was a bit shy and it's until the end that he was all warmed up. Instead of his usual nap time, we went to support the launch of the drawing book, "A Story of the Little Bald People", by a group of childrens with cancer at the nearby bookstore. There we met up with some familiar faces from CCF. It was a busy day afterall and Adrian was completely exhausted. He passed out when we were on our way to dinner and went straight to bed after we got home tonight, which means he skipped milk/water before bed. Let's hope we can still collect his urine for our QM visit tomorrow morning.

July 19, 2008

PBMT - Day 222

We had an informal interview at the Kindergarten this morning. It was the school we passed by and didn't intend to send Adrian into in the first place. The meeting was conducted by one of the nursery school teachers where she toured us around the classrooms & playground in the nursery section. Adrian behaved very well during the entire course of the meeting that he played the toys on the table while we were talking about all the details. Luckily he didn't get tested otherwise he would have been failed! We got to know more about the school during the 30 mins meeting. They will let us know by mail in a week's time if they will take Adrian for September admission though the teacher said there shouldn't be any problems!! Look forward to receiving their reply...

July 18, 2008

PBMT - Day 221

In preparation of the upcoming VMA/HVA (urine collection) testing next Monday (we are due to have a follow up appt at QM on Jul 21st), Adrian stopped having the vanilla flavoured Pediasure as night snack and subsituted with UHT starting tonight. We are hoping for normal results again this time.

July 16, 2008

PBMT - Day 219

We got a call from someone at DK regarding the results of Adrian's fine motor skills assessment performed on June 6th. Adrian was 25 months old that time but his skills only reflect a 20-21 months old toddler. They will organize a total of 8 one-hour sessions for kids similar to Adrian's situation (to a max. of 4 kids) for special trainings. However, the estimated wait time is about 3 months' time.

July 15, 2008

PBMT - Day 218

We headed to Central for Adrian's TCM appointment this month. Mentioned to the doc that Adrian seems to have difficulty passing his stool these days. He usually poos 1-2 times a day and it's now down to once a day or once every 2 days. We also noticed that Adrian has more gas since he started drinking from the straw cup. We were given 3 weeks' supply of TCM and hopefully this will help to regulate his intestines and bowel movements.

July 14, 2008

PBMT - Day 217

Adrian played tourist and had his first ride on the MTR yesterday evening. In fact, it's his first time crossing the harbour to the Kowloon side. We had a nice stroll at the new mall where there weren't a lot of people. Adrian could walk freely and he didn't want to be held until the time he came by a group of strangers that he needed Papa to carry him. Guess he must be really happy exploring the city that he didn't want to sleep until almost midnight last night.

Adrian at the mall.


Adrian likes to take the escalator. He had Papa going up and down a few times with him.


First time on MTR.

July 13, 2008

PBMT - Day 216

We headed out to the beach this morning as soon as we saw the rain had stopped. It was also Papa's first time going to the beach with Adrian. We brought along beach toys so Adrian can have some fun with the sand. All of us were so tired after spending an hour there at this beautiful weather (not so hot after the rain). We were so lucky that it started to rain again on our way back home.

Both Papa & Adrian are so focused on playing with the sand.


Adrian's first sand castle (i.e. Papa's first sand castle in 20 years!!! :)

July 12, 2008

PBMT - Day 215

Adrian had his second last session of ST at Caritas this morning. The therapist is a very nice lady but for some reason, Adrian didn't quite get along with her. Though he behaved better according to the therapist, he cried half of the session and was having baby tantrum on and off throughout the session. Adrian refused to cooperate and didn't even let us touch his mouth. We are puzzled that the sessions didn't seem to get us anywhere.

July 11, 2008

PBMT - Day 214

Adrian achieved a big milestone at the Physio session (@ DK) this morning. As usual, the therapist set up 3 steps (like hurdles) along the way and asked Adrian to pass through each in order to put the donuts back to its rack. Adrian needed to be held when going up/down each step but later in the session, he actually walked up/down the step by himself!!! We were very happy to see the improvements which means his leg muscles are much strengthened than before.

July 10, 2008

PBMT - Day 213

Adrian is more receptive to new things (i.e. food) than before. He enjoys having little chunks of apples as snacks, taste of fish (from Mama's dish at lunch time) and most of all, he can finally master the art of straw cup drinking!!! Can't wait to let Adrian try on different food as his body gets stronger each day.

July 9, 2008

PBMT - Day 212

Adrian didn't sleep until almost midnight last night, woke up a few times in the middle of the night but was well awake by 07:30!! He was all ready for the tour - we have booked for a tour at a nearby school and Adrian being an early riser this morning, Mama had no excuse not to tag him along. We have always wanted to send Adrian to a Montessori school; In fact, we've visited a Montessori school back in Toronto before and this is the second time to visit one in Hong Kong. But Mama was quite disappointed after the tour - the whole school is like a maze with small classrooms scattered everywhere and their charges are quite steep, not to mention a long waiting list. We may consider their playgroup as a trial though. However, we stopped by another school on our way home (to the bus stop) and just went in to ask a few questions without an appointment. Surprisingly impressed on their settings at first sight - it was a traditional chinese kindergarten. They do offer nursery class and so Mama filled out the application form for Adrian. An interview has been scheduled in 2 weeks' time and we'll see how it goes...

This is a passport-size photo of Adrian that was taken today for registration purposes.

July 8, 2008

PBMT - Day 211

Adrian has not been sleeping well in this two days. Looked like something is bothering him that he kept awaken every other hour at night and needed Papa to sleep beside his crib for security. It started to rain (again!!!) these few days and we thought maybe he didn't work out as much as last week so his sleep quality decreases???!!

July 4, 2008

PBMT - Day 207

Adrian experiences many "first" this week - today he was put on a swing for the first time and he just loved it. Not sure if it was Aunt S who came all the way to the park in our neighborhood to join Adrian for an afternoon fun or was it the swing, Adrian acted very social when hanging around with other kids at the park. He kept chasing the huge ball from an older kid, tried hugging girls and even climbed to the top of the slide from bottom. We were all sweating chasing along Adrian just to make sure he was fine and didn't get knocked down. He wasn't the Adrian whom we used to know, he was purely uncontrollable - more like an active 2 years old toddler!! Though Mama was totally exhausted after spending an hour with him at the park, she was happy to see the change. We will be back for sure and have more fun.

July 3, 2008

PBMT - Day 206

After weeks of raining, we finally have some very nice weather these few days. We headed out to the beach again this evening... Adrian got very excited when we all dressed up to go out but once we got to the entrance of the beach, he hesitated and stood still - he didn't want to go into the sand at all! We carried him all the way and let him walk slowly in the sand with his shoes on. It didn't take long for him to fully warm up and at the end of the day, he didn't want to leave!!! It's amazing to see how kids adapt - while he was all freaked out yesterday, today he didn't want to be held and walked by himself. He also insisted to walk along the coastline and got his feet and legs all wet. He purely enjoyed himself and we think he'd be a good swimmer. However, he is still hesitant to touch and feel the sand by his hands... maybe it's time to get him some beach toys and bathing suit for our next visit!

July 2, 2008

PBMT - Day 205

It's an ordinary day with everyone going back to work on a normal weekday until this evening.... To make a long story short, what was supposed to be a trip to the Park turned out to be Adrian's first trip to the beach!!!! We headed out right after Adrian finished dinner around 18:30 and Adrian got to spend an hour before sunset at the beach. We never knew it was so hard to walk on the sand as it requires a lot of balancing. Needless to say, Adrian needed to be held the whole time - he was quite scared of the sand and most of all, he found it very interesting that he wasn't walking on a piece of 'flat' land. It takes a while for him to get used to walking on the sand as well as to immerse his feet under the water. It was a very good sensory exercise for Adrian. Seeing how Adrian experiences his first time on the sand makes me look forward to experiencing the many more "firsts" with him in future.

July 1, 2008

PBMT - Day 204

While the Grannies were spending the holiday in Shenzhen, we took the car and drove up to the Peak this evening with Adrian. It's his (also ours') second time to the Peak and it feels good to enjoy a breeze up there when it's so hot in town. Unlike our last visit on the first day of Chinese New Year where all the shops were closed, the Peak Galleria was packed with tourists and we had a nice stroll around the Peak and the shops there. Adrian also played in the kids' outdoor playground for a while before sunset and he was completely exhausted by the time we left around 21:00.