My dear friend encouraged me to invite you to join me in sponsoring Whitney's school. On Saturday, May 8th, 2010 , I will be running to support the Conductive Learning Center in the Fifth Third River Bank Run. I have not been running for a few years so this has been a fun event to prepare for, and the girls are loving the jogging stroller. Whitney works so hard just to stand I figure I have no excuse not to run for her. Here is the website for you. Just mention Whitney or Susan Nelson.
http://runwithoutlimits.org
April 22, 2010
April 13, 2010
Miracle
Sisters
Two peas in a pod: Fiona sings while Whitney claps.
Yes, I am standing by myself and I am NOT moving!
I have way too much to update you on so I will try to keep it brief. Let me first tell you about our doctor appointment today. We had Whitney's hip x rayed after the last 6 months of 12 hour bracing. 6 months ago her left hip was about 50% behind developmentally from the right. Today? They are the same! You might say, amazing, but I say what a miracle! I have to admit that I am shocked. The girls and I pray so often for Whitney's hip to be protected, grow, and heal. So, on the way home I explained to them what just happened. I told them that God healed Whitney's hip and Fiona said, "The Lord God Almighty?" I told her that was exactly right with a huge smile on my face. We will have the next 6 weeks brace free and then go in to check how it is responding.
A therapy update for you:
1. Three weeks ago Whitney took 5 consecutive 4-point crawling movements! She has done so many times since. This is proof of how much strength she is gaining over time.
2. Two weeks ago she began to lift her feet off the ground in a walking motion with the walker! She has someone behind her helping to support her hips at all times during therapy but she is now actively moving them on her own where before we always had to make the motion for her.
This past week was spring break from The Conductive Learning Center. Many times over the week Whitney yelled, "Me WALK!" She wanted me to support her body so she could 'walk'. I did indulge her as it was a request I could not deny no matter how rude it was presented. (: This past week we did take a few days to visit Chicago. We visited the Shedd Aquarium, the Smucker family, the Malhowski family, and my brother Michael's family. It was a joy to see all of you!
Two peas in a pod: Fiona sings while Whitney claps.
Yes, I am standing by myself and I am NOT moving!
I have way too much to update you on so I will try to keep it brief. Let me first tell you about our doctor appointment today. We had Whitney's hip x rayed after the last 6 months of 12 hour bracing. 6 months ago her left hip was about 50% behind developmentally from the right. Today? They are the same! You might say, amazing, but I say what a miracle! I have to admit that I am shocked. The girls and I pray so often for Whitney's hip to be protected, grow, and heal. So, on the way home I explained to them what just happened. I told them that God healed Whitney's hip and Fiona said, "The Lord God Almighty?" I told her that was exactly right with a huge smile on my face. We will have the next 6 weeks brace free and then go in to check how it is responding.
A therapy update for you:
1. Three weeks ago Whitney took 5 consecutive 4-point crawling movements! She has done so many times since. This is proof of how much strength she is gaining over time.
2. Two weeks ago she began to lift her feet off the ground in a walking motion with the walker! She has someone behind her helping to support her hips at all times during therapy but she is now actively moving them on her own where before we always had to make the motion for her.
This past week was spring break from The Conductive Learning Center. Many times over the week Whitney yelled, "Me WALK!" She wanted me to support her body so she could 'walk'. I did indulge her as it was a request I could not deny no matter how rude it was presented. (: This past week we did take a few days to visit Chicago. We visited the Shedd Aquarium, the Smucker family, the Malhowski family, and my brother Michael's family. It was a joy to see all of you!
March 24, 2010
A Few Things
Today we had Whitney's 2 year well child visit. Here are her current stats:
weight: 27 lbs and 4 oz (60th %)
height: 34 3/4 inches (80th %) -not a surprise
head circumference: 45 1/2cm (10th %) - she has always had a smaller head
All went well. I did inquire about her speech. We had a doctor recently comment on his concern of a speech delay. She thankfully disagrees and told me that if it makes me feel better to write down all of the words she says over a three day period. She should be up to 50-60 words. I may just very well do that so I can stop worrying about it.
We recently had an appointment to get new AFO"s for Whitney. I am very excited and hope that this will help give her a little more support for standing. The orthotist also added a new observation. She has Genu Valgum. What is that you ask. (: Well, when we put her legs together her thighs touch to the knee and then below her knee her legs fan out. We will gradually try to correct this as overtime it could damage her knees.
With new AFO's comes new shoes! This has been interesting as with orthotics you need at least one size larger and as wide as you can find. It is trial and error and pretty frustrating for me as I would like her to have cute shoes. So, I went out and bought six pairs! We will find out on Monday what the results are.
A little update on our house situation: The re-construction began this week and it has been a relief to move forward. In the end we will have almost the whole house repainted, both bathrooms will have new tile floors, hardwood will all be refinished, updated plumbing, and the girls room transformed to pink. We have many weeks to go but I am already looking forward to the end result.
Enjoy spring!
weight: 27 lbs and 4 oz (60th %)
height: 34 3/4 inches (80th %) -not a surprise
head circumference: 45 1/2cm (10th %) - she has always had a smaller head
All went well. I did inquire about her speech. We had a doctor recently comment on his concern of a speech delay. She thankfully disagrees and told me that if it makes me feel better to write down all of the words she says over a three day period. She should be up to 50-60 words. I may just very well do that so I can stop worrying about it.
We recently had an appointment to get new AFO"s for Whitney. I am very excited and hope that this will help give her a little more support for standing. The orthotist also added a new observation. She has Genu Valgum. What is that you ask. (: Well, when we put her legs together her thighs touch to the knee and then below her knee her legs fan out. We will gradually try to correct this as overtime it could damage her knees.
With new AFO's comes new shoes! This has been interesting as with orthotics you need at least one size larger and as wide as you can find. It is trial and error and pretty frustrating for me as I would like her to have cute shoes. So, I went out and bought six pairs! We will find out on Monday what the results are.
A little update on our house situation: The re-construction began this week and it has been a relief to move forward. In the end we will have almost the whole house repainted, both bathrooms will have new tile floors, hardwood will all be refinished, updated plumbing, and the girls room transformed to pink. We have many weeks to go but I am already looking forward to the end result.
Enjoy spring!
March 16, 2010
February 24, 2010
Pictures and news
Whitney was on the news this morning! WOOD TV8 did a special for Conductive Education Awareness Day tomorrow. Click here to watch the short news clip.
I love to stand.
"Baby, walk, walk"
First snowman
My birthday is SO exciting!
Here is my Amtryke (a hand crank tricycle)
I love to stand.
"Baby, walk, walk"
First snowman
My birthday is SO exciting!
Here is my Amtryke (a hand crank tricycle)
February 22, 2010
Walker?!
Today I went to pick up Whitney. The parents wait outside the classroom while someone helps the child walk, in whatever modified way they need, to the door. This gives all of the kids motivation to 'walk'. Whitney always uses a little chair or stool and walks backward, because her knees collapse, with someone helping shift her weight. Today she was trying out a walker! So, here she is, with someone helping her shift her weight, with a little walker! We were all very excited. Whitney began to wave to us and almost lost her balance but it was super cute. She was so proud of herself, which was a delight to see. She clapped for herself when she overheard me tell Matt and grandma.
We are moving up to 4 mornings a week for the last 3 sessions/months of the school year. She seems to be doing very well, so I hope the transition to 3-4 mornings will be smooth. This will enable us to keep her in BSF on Wednesdays as well.
The Nelson family has had to relocate to a hotel this past week. I walked in the house after Bible study on Wednesday to a flooded home. A PVC pipe broke in our upstairs bathroom and as Fiona said, "It is raining in my bedroom!". We hope to move back in tomorrow to a dry home and stay there while they re-do everything. It is going to be an interesting 6 week process. If you think of us please pray for patience, a positive attitude, and that we will be able to extend grace to those working on our home.
We are moving up to 4 mornings a week for the last 3 sessions/months of the school year. She seems to be doing very well, so I hope the transition to 3-4 mornings will be smooth. This will enable us to keep her in BSF on Wednesdays as well.
The Nelson family has had to relocate to a hotel this past week. I walked in the house after Bible study on Wednesday to a flooded home. A PVC pipe broke in our upstairs bathroom and as Fiona said, "It is raining in my bedroom!". We hope to move back in tomorrow to a dry home and stay there while they re-do everything. It is going to be an interesting 6 week process. If you think of us please pray for patience, a positive attitude, and that we will be able to extend grace to those working on our home.
February 15, 2010
Forgetting the 'normal' things
Last night Whitney woke up screaming three times between 8 & 10. Now that she is two I can ask her where it is owie, knowing she may not be reliable. The first time she pointed to her shoulder, so I kissed her shoulder, snuggled with her and put her back down. The next two times she touched her shunt track which is about two inches above her ear. Naturally, this caused us to be concerned. We called the neurosurgeon and he said to go with our intuition and look for secondary signs. So, all night I kept her under close supervision hoping that it was an ear infection. I brought her in this morning and my hope was confirmed. Matt and I had to laugh that we hope for things like ear infections. It is quite funny.
Whitney did not got to Conductive Learning Center today but I did want to tell you all that last week she did great. I do not think she cried at all! It is hard for me to keep you as up to date on her progress this month since I am not there. I usually get a quick update when I pick her up but that is all. I have to admit that I have felt a loss of control not knowing exactly what it going on and Matt quickly confirmed for me that I have lost control. So, I think it is a good thing, although I would love to be a fly on the wall, that is for sure. (: I will keep you posted as I notice changes at home or when I get her report at the end of the month.
Whitney did not got to Conductive Learning Center today but I did want to tell you all that last week she did great. I do not think she cried at all! It is hard for me to keep you as up to date on her progress this month since I am not there. I usually get a quick update when I pick her up but that is all. I have to admit that I have felt a loss of control not knowing exactly what it going on and Matt quickly confirmed for me that I have lost control. So, I think it is a good thing, although I would love to be a fly on the wall, that is for sure. (: I will keep you posted as I notice changes at home or when I get her report at the end of the month.
February 5, 2010
Birthday, Family, & Independence
First of all a belated happy birthday to my favorite, Matt. (: I am so thankful for my husband. I could not ask for a better man by my side.
We have been pretty busy with our family in the last few weeks. We were able to see a few of our Indiana nephews play high school basketball and stay the weekend with them. (Thanks for the great hospitality Michael & Becky!) The following weekend we celebrated Matt's birthday. This weekend we are living with my other brothers children for five days. I have come to the conclusion that it would be very difficult to have a family that spans 13 years. Toddlers and teenagers are a hard mix. (:
Thirdly, is Whitney's independence. Whitney started going to the Conductive Leaning Center on her own this week! That means I drop off my little two year old for three hours three times a week. She is doing a great job overall. Thankfully, she knows the place and the people well and we started transitioning her in January. The first day I think she was just excited to be there that she did not cry when I left. My dear new friend, Rachel, took Fiona & I out to distract me. She did such a good job that we lost track of time and were five minutes late picking her up! The second day I left the room and heard Whitney crying, "mommy, mommy". I have to tell you that I did pace the hall until she settled down. I just had to know she was okay. Then I went home with Fiona and went on a cleaning frenzy to distract myself.
We begin again on Monday followed by my favorite spina bifida moms for coffee!
We have been pretty busy with our family in the last few weeks. We were able to see a few of our Indiana nephews play high school basketball and stay the weekend with them. (Thanks for the great hospitality Michael & Becky!) The following weekend we celebrated Matt's birthday. This weekend we are living with my other brothers children for five days. I have come to the conclusion that it would be very difficult to have a family that spans 13 years. Toddlers and teenagers are a hard mix. (:
Thirdly, is Whitney's independence. Whitney started going to the Conductive Leaning Center on her own this week! That means I drop off my little two year old for three hours three times a week. She is doing a great job overall. Thankfully, she knows the place and the people well and we started transitioning her in January. The first day I think she was just excited to be there that she did not cry when I left. My dear new friend, Rachel, took Fiona & I out to distract me. She did such a good job that we lost track of time and were five minutes late picking her up! The second day I left the room and heard Whitney crying, "mommy, mommy". I have to tell you that I did pace the hall until she settled down. I just had to know she was okay. Then I went home with Fiona and went on a cleaning frenzy to distract myself.
We begin again on Monday followed by my favorite spina bifida moms for coffee!
January 15, 2010
Clinic Appointment
This morning we had our spina bifida clinic 6 month appointment. This consists of seeing many doctors back to back, in theory, throughout the morning and sometimes into the afternoon. Thankfully for Whitney and I it was only the morning. At two years old Whitney weighed in at 26.5 lbs and 34 inches long. I will highlight the main points for you.
Neurosurgeon:
Speaking of height. He mentioned Whitney may be at a disadvantage in the height department. Each child with spina bifida has a tethered spinal cord. This means the spinal cord becomes caught, or tied down during bone growth by scar tissue and needs to be surgically released. Since we are a tall Dutch family she is genetically disposed to being taller and may have more issues in this area. We can only hope she received the long leg gene and not the long torso one. He has no concerns with her and said we can see him in 1 year!
Physiatrist (rehabilitation physician):
Thought she looked great. He encouraged us to do some spatial and language testing when she is 4 1/2. (You may need to remind me that I need to make that appointment, since it is only 2 1/2 years away.) Many children with spina bifida struggle in these areas to varying degrees. This is one of the many ways that spina bifida is hard to treat because there is such a wide spectrum.
Orthopedics:
She thought her spine, feet, knees, and hips looked great. She also told me not to be emotionally attached to her hip growth and I quickly admitted that I was. She warned/prepared me that although her left hip is growing great right now, it is still weak and may very well come out of socket... I am so invested in this hip as we have spent many months 'nursing' it. I guess it is a great reminder not to discontinue praying for it, as God is ultimately in control. She also said that she is not seeing very much quad strength and that without quad strength it makes walking very difficult. She is not saying so now but alluded to having higher braces than just her AFO's for walking. She also wants us to start the search again for a standing frame. So, if you know of any we are in the market again!
I also wanted to mention to you that I have been blessed with getting together once a month with other spina bifida moms in the area. We just had out coffee night this week and it is so encouraging to chat with others who are in similar circumstances and who understand. Thanks ladies!
Neurosurgeon:
Speaking of height. He mentioned Whitney may be at a disadvantage in the height department. Each child with spina bifida has a tethered spinal cord. This means the spinal cord becomes caught, or tied down during bone growth by scar tissue and needs to be surgically released. Since we are a tall Dutch family she is genetically disposed to being taller and may have more issues in this area. We can only hope she received the long leg gene and not the long torso one. He has no concerns with her and said we can see him in 1 year!
Physiatrist (rehabilitation physician):
Thought she looked great. He encouraged us to do some spatial and language testing when she is 4 1/2. (You may need to remind me that I need to make that appointment, since it is only 2 1/2 years away.) Many children with spina bifida struggle in these areas to varying degrees. This is one of the many ways that spina bifida is hard to treat because there is such a wide spectrum.
Orthopedics:
She thought her spine, feet, knees, and hips looked great. She also told me not to be emotionally attached to her hip growth and I quickly admitted that I was. She warned/prepared me that although her left hip is growing great right now, it is still weak and may very well come out of socket... I am so invested in this hip as we have spent many months 'nursing' it. I guess it is a great reminder not to discontinue praying for it, as God is ultimately in control. She also said that she is not seeing very much quad strength and that without quad strength it makes walking very difficult. She is not saying so now but alluded to having higher braces than just her AFO's for walking. She also wants us to start the search again for a standing frame. So, if you know of any we are in the market again!
I also wanted to mention to you that I have been blessed with getting together once a month with other spina bifida moms in the area. We just had out coffee night this week and it is so encouraging to chat with others who are in similar circumstances and who understand. Thanks ladies!
January 7, 2010
Whitney, you are two!
Can you believe Whitney is two already? Matt and I reminisced a little this morning. We were expecting a planned c-section on the 8th and I went into labor on the morning of the 7th. What a surprise! I think she was more than 2 weeks early. I can hardly remember. I just remember having contractions and thinking, "I am not prepared for this". Labor was not an option with this pregnancy.
As I was thinking about what to share with you today I had a difficult time remembering too much about that day two years ago. I have to say that I think it is a blessing. I even went back to read the posts from that week. What an emotional time that was. A few things stand out to me. I remember that not being able to hold her was so difficult for me. I just wanted to sneak in there and snatch her up. It was also so surreal to go home and leave her there. These are both so unnatural. Here are a few pictures to help narrate her first two years.
This picture brings tears to my eyes as it helps me remember the first time I laid eyes on our dear Whitney.
NICU
Meeting Fiona
7 months old (starts wearing hip brace & still smiling)
The purple cast
I am one!
Starting to stand. 20 months old at The Conductive Learning Center.
I am two today! Today we had a fun day of celebrating. We made Christmas cookies, & went to the library. I know, I am a month late, but we finally made time for it. I am not gifted as a craft mom and it is hard for me to justify making such a mess. We enjoyed ourselves as Whitney kept saying, "mess, mess".
As I was thinking about what to share with you today I had a difficult time remembering too much about that day two years ago. I have to say that I think it is a blessing. I even went back to read the posts from that week. What an emotional time that was. A few things stand out to me. I remember that not being able to hold her was so difficult for me. I just wanted to sneak in there and snatch her up. It was also so surreal to go home and leave her there. These are both so unnatural. Here are a few pictures to help narrate her first two years.
This picture brings tears to my eyes as it helps me remember the first time I laid eyes on our dear Whitney.
NICU
Meeting Fiona
7 months old (starts wearing hip brace & still smiling)
The purple cast
I am one!
Starting to stand. 20 months old at The Conductive Learning Center.
I am two today! Today we had a fun day of celebrating. We made Christmas cookies, & went to the library. I know, I am a month late, but we finally made time for it. I am not gifted as a craft mom and it is hard for me to justify making such a mess. We enjoyed ourselves as Whitney kept saying, "mess, mess".
January 4, 2010
Christmas
We had a wonderful Christmas over here. It was pretty busy but a great time with family and friends. The girls are learning life lessons about envy and sharing. Fiona received a new baby doll for Christmas. Whitney saw it and immediately started to cry and yelled, "my baby, my baby!" She is still 'stealing' it whenever Fiona is not paying close attention. We are also learning about sharing as so many of our new toys are age appropriate for both of them. Fiona received 3 small my little ponies and immediately said, "this pink one is for Whitney". Those are the proud moments. The girls are also learning how to play together and love each other. I put a lot of emphasis on this at home as I know that they will need each other in life not only to get through the play ground years but beyond as well. I pray that they will have a true love for each other.
December 21, 2009
December 17, 2009
Day 13
Highlight- plan for home
We are beginning to brainstorm on how we can use stools, chairs, or other random funrniture to use for therapy at home. We will see what we can come up with and how creative I am.
Whitney did well following direction and was moving her legs quite a bit today. We tried to give her less support in 4 point crawling today but she still needs assistance shifting her weight. It is fun to see her so comfortable there again. Yesterday she was saying, "more, more" as we walked out to the van. I asked her in three different ways what she meant and sure enough, she did not want to leave. I would say that is quite the accomplishment.
Fiona had her first dentist appointment this afternoon. I can't tell you how many times we have played doctor. I even had my teeth cleaned first so she could watch. When it was her turn she would not even open her lips! We had to give up in the end. None of my tactics were working. We were headed home and she says, "I think I am in trouble." I said, "no, mommy is just sad that you would not open your mouth." Fiona: "Don't be sad, mommy. It will be okay. I will do it when I am 4." What a character. She is thrilled that tomorrow is our last day at CLC then she can have her mommy back.
We are beginning to brainstorm on how we can use stools, chairs, or other random funrniture to use for therapy at home. We will see what we can come up with and how creative I am.
Whitney did well following direction and was moving her legs quite a bit today. We tried to give her less support in 4 point crawling today but she still needs assistance shifting her weight. It is fun to see her so comfortable there again. Yesterday she was saying, "more, more" as we walked out to the van. I asked her in three different ways what she meant and sure enough, she did not want to leave. I would say that is quite the accomplishment.
Fiona had her first dentist appointment this afternoon. I can't tell you how many times we have played doctor. I even had my teeth cleaned first so she could watch. When it was her turn she would not even open her lips! We had to give up in the end. None of my tactics were working. We were headed home and she says, "I think I am in trouble." I said, "no, mommy is just sad that you would not open your mouth." Fiona: "Don't be sad, mommy. It will be okay. I will do it when I am 4." What a character. She is thrilled that tomorrow is our last day at CLC then she can have her mommy back.
December 16, 2009
Day 12
Highlight: Standing alone in between the parallel bars
The morning began with our parent and teacher/conductor conference. Matt was able to join us for this as well. It was interesting hearing her perspective of how Whitney was doing physically and emotionally. They always do a nice job of encouraging the parents and child. I have to say that this is always appreciated. (: We talked about how she is accepting new things much better than she was in September and also that she has a hard time not being distracted. I do not remember everything but it was good overall. We also talked about our plan for 2010. Matt and I still need to make a decision but we will not be going daily in January as we first thought. She is not quite ready and the class in January will not be the best setting for her to start out in.
The day progressed well. There was an open house for Aquinas College students to come and observe for a bit today. CLC has a relationship with them in which students are able to major in Conductive Ed. So, there were a few more things going on in the room today. We worked on the same things as I mentioned yesterday besides the walker but it is encouraging to be progressing in that direction. The new thing was that she held herself standing in between the parallel bars! Don't worry, our hands were inches away, but they did manage to snap a photo to prove it.
2 more days...
The morning began with our parent and teacher/conductor conference. Matt was able to join us for this as well. It was interesting hearing her perspective of how Whitney was doing physically and emotionally. They always do a nice job of encouraging the parents and child. I have to say that this is always appreciated. (: We talked about how she is accepting new things much better than she was in September and also that she has a hard time not being distracted. I do not remember everything but it was good overall. We also talked about our plan for 2010. Matt and I still need to make a decision but we will not be going daily in January as we first thought. She is not quite ready and the class in January will not be the best setting for her to start out in.
The day progressed well. There was an open house for Aquinas College students to come and observe for a bit today. CLC has a relationship with them in which students are able to major in Conductive Ed. So, there were a few more things going on in the room today. We worked on the same things as I mentioned yesterday besides the walker but it is encouraging to be progressing in that direction. The new thing was that she held herself standing in between the parallel bars! Don't worry, our hands were inches away, but they did manage to snap a photo to prove it.
2 more days...
Day 11
Highlight: Introduction to the Walker
The morning went very well. They decided to try to introduce the walker today! I had a mix of apprehension/ hope/ excitement going on in my head. I tried to mask it for my perceptive daughter and I think I succeeded overall. She said emphatically, "I walk!" When she said this my heart did a little jump and my tears began to surface. I thought, 'oh, how we hope, honey'. We started out slow. It was a three step process.
Step 1: Standing between two ladder back chairs, standing with her hands on the rungs on either side of her. We did this successfully with the help and distraction of our girlfriend in the class who is of similar age.
Step 2: Walking between the parallel bars. Her conductor was behind her helping her move her legs and support her while her hands were holding on either side. She did a great job moving her hands on the bars as each step was taken.
rest, rest, rest
Step 3: The Walker. So, it looks a little scary but with a few adjustments we tried two different walkers out. She did very well. She did fine holding on to it and then became pretty scared. So, we hugged for a bit and tried again.
The conclusion was that the smallest walker is still a little big for her. The other thing is that they would like a backwards walker for her since she has a tendency to stand/walk with her bum out a bit and they would like to try to prevent this habit from becoming a permanent stance.
Overall, quite a day. We went home and all three of us took a substantial nap.
The morning went very well. They decided to try to introduce the walker today! I had a mix of apprehension/ hope/ excitement going on in my head. I tried to mask it for my perceptive daughter and I think I succeeded overall. She said emphatically, "I walk!" When she said this my heart did a little jump and my tears began to surface. I thought, 'oh, how we hope, honey'. We started out slow. It was a three step process.
Step 1: Standing between two ladder back chairs, standing with her hands on the rungs on either side of her. We did this successfully with the help and distraction of our girlfriend in the class who is of similar age.
Step 2: Walking between the parallel bars. Her conductor was behind her helping her move her legs and support her while her hands were holding on either side. She did a great job moving her hands on the bars as each step was taken.
rest, rest, rest
Step 3: The Walker. So, it looks a little scary but with a few adjustments we tried two different walkers out. She did very well. She did fine holding on to it and then became pretty scared. So, we hugged for a bit and tried again.
The conclusion was that the smallest walker is still a little big for her. The other thing is that they would like a backwards walker for her since she has a tendency to stand/walk with her bum out a bit and they would like to try to prevent this habit from becoming a permanent stance.
Overall, quite a day. We went home and all three of us took a substantial nap.
December 14, 2009
Day 10
Someone asked me yesterday, "day 7 of what?" Great question. So, here is a brief update for you if you are just joining us. We are currently attending The Conductive Learning Center for a 3 week session. Since Whitney is still quite young they have a Parent & Child session. This means that I attend this therapy class with her every morning from 9-12. It keeps our life hopping especially in December.
Highlight: alternate crawling
So, today was a picture day for Whitney. She did not want to follow direction that much during the lying program. She knew she had the power. Thankfully, she really likes the photographer man. Her physical therapist from the Early On program came to observe today which added another set of eyes for the day. The room was quite full.
The individual time went really well and we had a 'first'. As I have mentioned before we have been working on shifting her weight. When she crawls it is more of a commando crawl with pulling both knees up under her at the same time. So, as you can guess we have been working to try to teach her to alternate her legs. She was in 4 point kneeling, with my hand under her chest helping her to shift, and she moved her knees one at a time! More than once too. It was a great day for pictures as we captured this moment on camera. She probably went about 20 feet in all alternating as she went, not all at the same time but in 6 feet increments.
Whitney starred in her first Christmas play today. She had a very small part but handled being up front without me quite well. She stood up while holding onto the table for a minute and said 'baby' very softly. Then she sat by a few of her spina bifida friends. One of the boys, who is 3, was sitting in between Whitney and another little girl rubbing their backs. It was super cute! Fiona and I came to watch along with her Aunt Ainslie and cousin Kellen.
Highlight: alternate crawling
So, today was a picture day for Whitney. She did not want to follow direction that much during the lying program. She knew she had the power. Thankfully, she really likes the photographer man. Her physical therapist from the Early On program came to observe today which added another set of eyes for the day. The room was quite full.
The individual time went really well and we had a 'first'. As I have mentioned before we have been working on shifting her weight. When she crawls it is more of a commando crawl with pulling both knees up under her at the same time. So, as you can guess we have been working to try to teach her to alternate her legs. She was in 4 point kneeling, with my hand under her chest helping her to shift, and she moved her knees one at a time! More than once too. It was a great day for pictures as we captured this moment on camera. She probably went about 20 feet in all alternating as she went, not all at the same time but in 6 feet increments.
Whitney starred in her first Christmas play today. She had a very small part but handled being up front without me quite well. She stood up while holding onto the table for a minute and said 'baby' very softly. Then she sat by a few of her spina bifida friends. One of the boys, who is 3, was sitting in between Whitney and another little girl rubbing their backs. It was super cute! Fiona and I came to watch along with her Aunt Ainslie and cousin Kellen.
December 11, 2009
Day 9
Highlight- Shifting weight
Thank you for thinking of us today. It was another day of cooperation from little Whitney girl. (: Today we worked on our posture for awhile. We also worked on playing with a few toys with our feet, pushing buttons etc. This was a great way to incorporate a fun reward. Lifting her foot should also help strengthen her hip muscles.
Many of the tasks we work on throughout the individual program have to do with shifting weight so that some day when she walks she will already have learned this skill. I am enjoying how they are teaching her this valuable skill through many different ways and positions. We are working on this sitting on the ground, on a stool, and while standing.
I can not believe next week is our last week of the parent and child program. The first week was a little long and this week flew by. I anticipate next week to be interesting with trying to get pictures of all of the kids and we will have conferences as well. I am looking forward to telling you how that goes.
Enjoy the weekend.
Thank you for thinking of us today. It was another day of cooperation from little Whitney girl. (: Today we worked on our posture for awhile. We also worked on playing with a few toys with our feet, pushing buttons etc. This was a great way to incorporate a fun reward. Lifting her foot should also help strengthen her hip muscles.
Many of the tasks we work on throughout the individual program have to do with shifting weight so that some day when she walks she will already have learned this skill. I am enjoying how they are teaching her this valuable skill through many different ways and positions. We are working on this sitting on the ground, on a stool, and while standing.
I can not believe next week is our last week of the parent and child program. The first week was a little long and this week flew by. I anticipate next week to be interesting with trying to get pictures of all of the kids and we will have conferences as well. I am looking forward to telling you how that goes.
Enjoy the weekend.
December 10, 2009
Day 8
Highlight- success!
It worked! Today we had to have a few sideline conversations about being nice and listening to Miss Andrea but it went really well and I would even say productive. Are we turning a corner? Unfortunately, there are only 6 more classes left in this session to prove it!
She stood up and down very well today and followed instruction during the lying program. She did very well moving her knees a little during 4-point crawling. She worked on kicking the ball in a standing position and tolerated me doing the swinging of her leg for her while she stood holding onto the parallel bar. I think we were both enjoying ourselves again. We are also working on mommy leaving the room a few times during the morning and this seemed to go well too (as I was peaking around the corner).
Hopefully, tomorrow goes well so my mind can rest easy over the weekend.
Fiona is doing okay through all of this. She is enjoying playing with new friends but is not enjoying going somewhere new everyday. I hope it is building character. She misses her routine and her 'people'. I am looking forward to giving her some 1 on 1 time this weekend. Thank you to all of you who have stepped up to fill in the days of child care. We would not be able to do this without you.
It worked! Today we had to have a few sideline conversations about being nice and listening to Miss Andrea but it went really well and I would even say productive. Are we turning a corner? Unfortunately, there are only 6 more classes left in this session to prove it!
She stood up and down very well today and followed instruction during the lying program. She did very well moving her knees a little during 4-point crawling. She worked on kicking the ball in a standing position and tolerated me doing the swinging of her leg for her while she stood holding onto the parallel bar. I think we were both enjoying ourselves again. We are also working on mommy leaving the room a few times during the morning and this seemed to go well too (as I was peaking around the corner).
Hopefully, tomorrow goes well so my mind can rest easy over the weekend.
Fiona is doing okay through all of this. She is enjoying playing with new friends but is not enjoying going somewhere new everyday. I hope it is building character. She misses her routine and her 'people'. I am looking forward to giving her some 1 on 1 time this weekend. Thank you to all of you who have stepped up to fill in the days of child care. We would not be able to do this without you.
Day 7
Highlight - intervention
Today was a bit rough for us. Matt pointed out that we seem to be in a cycle here. I spoke with Whitney's conductor about the change in attitude Whitney has taken this month to discuss possible reasons: teething, UTI, close to turning two. This made me start to problem solve a bit. She is just not acting herself lately. So, I spoke with Matt about it after I came to the conclusion that I think she is pushing my buttons and manipulating me with her crying to see what I will do. We sat the little girl down, sent big sister off to play, and had a little intervention. She is quite smart and knew what we were talking about. Her eyes were little saucers as she listened. She signed sorry to me and gave me a kiss at the end.
Today was a bit rough for us. Matt pointed out that we seem to be in a cycle here. I spoke with Whitney's conductor about the change in attitude Whitney has taken this month to discuss possible reasons: teething, UTI, close to turning two. This made me start to problem solve a bit. She is just not acting herself lately. So, I spoke with Matt about it after I came to the conclusion that I think she is pushing my buttons and manipulating me with her crying to see what I will do. We sat the little girl down, sent big sister off to play, and had a little intervention. She is quite smart and knew what we were talking about. Her eyes were little saucers as she listened. She signed sorry to me and gave me a kiss at the end.
Day 6
Highlight- Whitney's AmTryke
School/ exercise/ Conductive Learning Center (We call it so many things these days) went fine overall. Whitney was a little uncooperative but we made it through. We continued to work on our new exercises and trying to improve on our skills.
We picked up Fiona and headed to go get Whitney's new bike. We put her on it to see how it fit and she loved it. I tried to take her off and she tightened her grip on the handle bars, once I pried her off she just screamed. I am glad she likes it! When we got home it went right down to the basement to reappear on her birthday next month.
School/ exercise/ Conductive Learning Center (We call it so many things these days) went fine overall. Whitney was a little uncooperative but we made it through. We continued to work on our new exercises and trying to improve on our skills.
We picked up Fiona and headed to go get Whitney's new bike. We put her on it to see how it fit and she loved it. I tried to take her off and she tightened her grip on the handle bars, once I pried her off she just screamed. I am glad she likes it! When we got home it went right down to the basement to reappear on her birthday next month.
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