Keto Kid

It's been two weeks since Harrison began the Ketogenic Diet, and I gotta say, so far so good. It was a good experience from the beginning..check out the view from our room!

Right away the seizures decreased dramatically, and he continues to have minimal seizure activity. Even better, Harrison's development is improving every day. He is more responsive, laughing and reacting appropriately, like the big grin and giggles we got when I told him the other day it was a snow day and there was no school! He is looking people in the eye when they talk to him, showing that he understands directions, and especially responding appropriately and more quickly. He is also shaking his head "no" a lot, and we think it's time to start reminding him that not everything is a choice...

Still, right away he was showing improvement. We went to the hospital playroom and he kept himself up on hands and knees for a good 5-10 minutes while watching and listening to a toy.

He also got a teddy bear upon his arrival, and for a kid who is rarely interested in toys, he was pretty psyched!

We met a wonderful family at Mass General whose daughter was beginning the same diet. I made a great friend, and we both look forward to play dates for us and our kids! We wish them the very best on this diet as well.

Once he got home, Harrison went to the New England Aquarium with his babysitter (the med student- we also now have a Nurse Practitioner student and a Physical Therapy student- not bad, huh???) and her friends and he had so much fun! They also watched kids skating at Frog Pond on Boston Common and had dinner at Fanueil Hall- much more exciting life than I have. He was so fascinated with the brightly lit tanks of fish, and he very intentionally looked back and forth between his babysitter and the tank, as if to say "How cool is this!"

Harrison continues to make progress with taking steps to walk, standing, sitting up tall and supporting his own weight, and he is also enjoying new foods. One of the things allowed on his diet is 3 olives...John and I both do NOT like olives, but Harrison seems to so they will remain on the shopping list. Not only is he limited with what he can eat, but everything he does eat must be balanced out for fats, proteins, and carbs. I actually baked crackers for him, out of almond flour and macadamia nuts- BONUS they are kosher for Passover!

He had a great ride on his horse in the snow last week, and he is now eagerly awaiting his music therapist. We'll keep you posted!

Time Flies...5 Years Old???

Wow...Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, and a Very Happy 5th Birthday to our little man! Not so little actually...Harrison is getting so tall and beefy, growing out of his clothes a lot faster than he used to. Maybe it's all the birthday cake!

We are letting Harry enjoy as many treats as he can, because he is scheduled to go into Mass General next week to begin a ketogenic diet to control his seizures. We will be in for 2 nights so it can be introduced slowly into his system. It's like an extreme Atkins diet. Everybody wish him luck please!

Harrison has begun working with a new physical therapist to supplement the amazing work he does with the PT at school. We are learning a lot from her, including to be more patient with Harrison because he really is capable of doing the work.

Harry has also been riding a new horse at the barn, a boy named Glit-Faxy. Like Karina, he is also an Icelandic horse. His name means Shimmering Mane. 

Of course we can't forget about the AWESOME SUPERBOWL this year!!! We loved watching, and Harrison made his momma proud by cheering for the Ravens. He did get a little bored though waiting for the lights to come back on...

All in all 2013 has gotten off to a good start. Harry managed to get through the winter with only one cold since Halloween, and that was not until February 1. Pretty impressive, especially with the ickiness all over the place this season! He did need a little oxygen support for a few days, and apparently he does best when he receives his oxygen through his head instead of the usual respiratory channels.

Harrison has been hanging out with friends, cuddling with Dad and his brother and sister as much as he can, and in general just being his happy wonderful self!