tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84848425605840313662012-01-27T22:10:24.691-05:00Here we hope you will find a very informative website on dealing with the issues of Infantile Spasms, Bilateral Perisylvian Polymicrogyria, Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and dealing emotionally and physically with a child who has special needs.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.comBlogger5551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-61157928538507247192012-01-24T13:29:00.000-05:002012-01-24T13:29:38.109-05:00

Wow, can't believe it is the end of January already! Time sure flies by when you have 800 things going on around you! Of course we still have all of Daniel's things going on, but there are TONS of other things going on too, and who knows where that will lead us! At the end of December I had all these grand hopes and thoughts of what was going to happen in 2012. Well day 24, and we are already

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-33201019902899180832012-01-21T19:42:00.000-05:002012-01-21T19:42:05.773-05:00

The storm hits this house on a daily basis. No matter how much I try, it always ends up with toys and miscellaneous stuff spewed everywhere! EVERYWHERE!  Daniel continually tells me with the AAC device "Where's my money?" so we are slowly starting to work on money.  I think he's getting it because now he doesn't ask for coins, he was the bills! EVERYTHING comes out, we bounce from one toy to

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-77736158278967867382012-01-02T17:03:00.001-05:002012-01-02T17:18:24.001-05:00

Talk about being busy for a little while!Figure I'd give a small update on whats been going on around here for the past few months. I have been sorely lacking in keeping this blog updated. Seems I go in spurts, although I have been updating on Facebook more often than anything.  Look me up over there if you're interested.  I still lead a somewhat boring life in the FB world too! :) So, Daniel

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-15676446781124888582011-09-14T15:34:00.001-04:002011-09-14T15:34:27.695-04:00

Its been a while eh? I think when we started this blog for Daniel is was to keep family and friends updated, then it kind of migrated into something that I used for my therapy.  It kept me sane, let me vent when people were not so nice, and kept me in contact with the other SNF (Special Needs Families).  I used it to keep up with Daniel's progress, and to hopefully help other families

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-4044900667143820562011-06-30T11:38:00.000-04:002011-06-30T11:38:58.885-04:00

Schools out and summer is suppose to be this glourious time, beautiful weather yada yada yada... June SUCKED, its plain and simple.Between me being sick and having surgery, recovering from the issues with that.  Daniel being sick, teething, doctors appointments and just not sleeping well.  Other peoples scheduled with the month of June....Therapies have almost been non existent. Speech WAS

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-36731468690626476112011-06-20T09:52:00.000-04:002011-06-20T09:52:55.261-04:00

Lets see if I know where to start to do updates Daniel is HUGE.  Well in my eyes anyways.  48" tall and 45-50 lbs  To me that is one big kid He just got Botox for the first time in both of his legs between the buttock and knee. 3 shots each leg (I believe a total of 125 was the dosage) and two shots in his left forearm to help with the bending in his wrist.  His hips look good...according to the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-77841952948882727572011-05-22T19:01:00.001-04:002011-05-22T19:05:43.413-04:00

And the winner per Random.org Winner is....(drum roll please) Katie Gvora said... I liked Baby Clothes Boutique on facebook Thursday, 12 May, 2011 Katie- Please contact me by May 24th 12:00 noon.  If I do not here from Katie by then, I will do random.org again to pick a new winner. Thanks Everyone for entering~

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-23503837399503243402011-05-16T09:34:00.000-04:002011-05-16T09:34:56.815-04:00

Well we camped out at the front door for a little over a week (actually a shorter period of time than I expected!) Then around 4 p.m. on Thursday Mr. Fed Ex guy came and knocked on our door!  Talk about jumping for joy.  I knew immediately what it was - Daniel just saw a box and figured it was for him because that's the way it usually goes so he was excited either way! But then when I opened it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-31231774910247610672011-05-11T13:25:00.000-04:002011-05-11T13:25:50.336-04:00

I am so excited.  I found out recently that the facility where Daniel gets his PT/OT is getting the "Universal Exercise Unit" also known as the "cage"or "spider cage" I have been wanting to try this out with Daniel for so long but the cost of doing it was out of our reach at the time.  It involved having to go to a different therapist and facility and I just wasn't willing to do that.  So imagine

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-48420591344948290152011-05-07T10:08:00.000-04:002011-05-07T10:08:00.325-04:00

I am sure many of you that stop by hear have read this recently as it is going around our "groups". When I find things that hit close to home, I like to post them on here so years from now I can look back. I also look at them when I have having one of those hard days, weeks, months.... so take a minute to check it out.____________________________________________________________ Special Fathers

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-47520763517431499562011-05-06T18:40:00.001-04:002011-05-06T18:41:35.779-04:00

As we all know, I am ALWAYS looking for toys that Daniel is able to play with, so you know where this is going to be leading.... Although Daniel may not be able to use it the way it was meant, I always look at toys and see how they can be adapted for the Special Needs kiddos. This one looks like it could be, mind you he would probably still need minimal help, but he could play along with the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-8869989751587677202011-05-05T09:34:00.000-04:002011-05-05T09:34:41.509-04:00

Three weeks ago Daniel started therapeutic riding at OATS. When I told people, some of them said "oh he'll love it", others said I was nuts.  He had sensory issues and tend to freak out on things - well crap wouldn't you too if a huge animal was coming at you?   WEEK ONE:  BEFORE WE GOT ON THE HORSE - LIFE WAS GOOD There was some screaming and crying when it was his time to get on the horse. 

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2Clarkston, MI 48346, USA42.735384 -83.4211040000000142.727087000000004 -83.42916300000002 42.743681 -83.41304500000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-16733146412364015662011-05-04T16:48:00.001-04:002011-05-22T18:54:06.708-04:00

I  have to say, I love Daniel to death.  He is an awesome little boy, but when it comes to finding cute clothes for him, I've just about given up.  I'm always looking for things that don't make him look like a baby, but also that are age appropriate. If you ask his sisters, I tend to dress him to young for his age. So imagine my excitement when I was asked to do a review for "My Baby Clothes

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-59702052935437913942011-04-27T09:52:00.000-04:002011-04-27T09:52:56.179-04:00

Today is a big day. We ship off Daniel's ECO14 back to PRCThey will then modify his original AAC device to be able to handle the ECOpoint. I am so excited, I don't think I'll be able to wait the next few weeks for the modifications and upgrade. I want it NOW!! Let me rephrase that....I want it last year!!! But I cannot wait to post more of these types of videos like this one.And one of my all

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-49649318673021392462011-04-24T12:26:00.000-04:002011-04-24T12:26:10.478-04:00

After over a year of fighting the AAC battle with insurance we have WON!  I can't say THANK YOU enough to our SLP, and the others who helped along the way!! Can I hear a  Woot Woot? If you haven't followed or if perhaps I didn't post about it (very likely lately) - we have been trying to get Daniel the EyePoint for his ECO AAC device.  The upgrade came out within a couple months of us getting

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-59135280883463244362011-04-14T21:25:00.000-04:002011-04-14T21:25:59.961-04:00

Although Daniel does not have Autism, he does have other hurdles to leap that are similar. When some people see Daniel, they first judge him because he is in a wheelchair, then because he is non-verbal. Many jump to the conclusion that he is mentally handicapped. In this case - they are judging him for his outward appearance. Many people won't give him to time to answer, or they don't talk "

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-60691273495913886322011-04-13T17:34:00.001-04:002011-04-13T17:34:53.683-04:00

But to fall in love with his kid? Kid loves his arts and crafts time!  (Wonder where he gets that from!?) His serious look, but still always bright eyed Uncontrolled laughter equals loss of body control - Runs in the family!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-46543489522535191452011-04-07T14:47:00.002-04:002011-04-07T14:55:06.112-04:00

Been a while - in case you didn't know, we were at a private school in Grand Rapids. It rocked! More on that later (yes I hope to get back to the blogging) While there our PRC guy hooked us up with the Eco EyePoint so we could try it out for a couple days. Here is a short video of our first day with it. Mind you, this was the first time he had used the eye gaze in over 6 months. What I am

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-30576719544132324932011-01-30T13:00:00.001-05:002011-02-01T14:24:44.185-05:00

Funny thing to be thinking about when we just got buried in snow right?I was just looking out into the yard and started thinking about how I'd like to make the yard more "Daniel" ready.  I'd love to get a covered sandbox, a heated pool, and a swingset.  Now that would be a backyard that rocked!  So that of course gets me started and checking  out these swingsets I am determined to get him outside

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-80379616789885184632011-01-21T23:59:00.001-05:002011-01-22T00:01:12.453-05:00

A recent message thread on one of the yahoo groups I belong to had me looking back at videos of Daniel and his earlier years. Ha! that sounds funny since he's only 5.  This one got me teary, but such good memories.This was his first time in a demo power chair. Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com He's so small here - pretty good for a kiddo a little less than 2 1/2 yrs old.  Thanks

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-70501467907218909072011-01-18T10:05:00.000-05:002011-01-18T10:05:11.385-05:00

I am sure if you have been a follower of this blog for a while, you know how much I adore getting EEG's done on Daniel (insert eye roll). You can see examples of why I dread these tests here.We had to have two different tests done in a two week time period of Christmas break. TWO on different days! UGH Well we went for the EEG the first week. I decided to take a different method with the trip

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-71980078788917625502011-01-13T08:55:00.000-05:002011-01-13T08:55:00.253-05:00

Daniel with one of his teachers Ms. Andrea I just added the last one cause I think he's super cute and I love that smile!  He's so proud of himself.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-25595376426735503972011-01-12T10:55:00.000-05:002011-01-12T10:55:23.419-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you just start thinking about"What if's?" and that just gets you started on thinking "I shoulda's" That's me the last few days, and it was Lonnie before me...we run in cycles. I am not really down in the dumps, but it seems like its fast approaching.  I am wondering if I am doing enough?  Should I be doing more? Daniel is making progress, slowly, but there

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-90707107702205489962011-01-06T23:10:00.000-05:002011-01-06T23:10:36.926-05:00

Here are just a few photos of what Daniel is doing at CLC (Conductive Learning Center). We will call it his report card in pictures. I cannot express how happy I am with his progress here. First set of photos - Daniel is learning to move from one location to another by laying on his back, lifting his hips and pushing back.   You will see from the things in the background (the wicker basket)

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-92179425879798807132010-12-21T14:00:00.000-05:002010-12-21T14:00:06.271-05:00

Talk about time slippin' away.!Since we've moved and its just me and Daniel time seems to slip through my fingers like water. He goes to school and you'd think I would have time to post, but I don't!  I have thoughts to do it, but then when it comes time there is something else that is more pressing to do.   So this year I have sucked at keeping up his journal. Things are going well at school,

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-74868588888314350562010-11-24T13:20:00.000-05:002010-11-24T13:20:55.833-05:00

I am thankful for a messed up at our school district because without that we would not be at the school we are currently at. I am thankful for a family and husband who is understanding and willing to give up their day to day contact with Daniel to allow him to move to Grand Rapids with me and get this awesome schooling. Check out this video from a year or so ago about the school we are at....

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-66773766261815997222010-11-03T10:04:00.001-04:002010-11-03T10:06:14.344-04:00

Sorry - I can't do the Wordless Wednesday because I have so many cool things to say about these photos! Look how great he is standing up without a lot of help from his teacher.  He was so excited for his Halloween party! Here is a little video of him  at his turn of Pumpkin Bowling! Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-3651788853692695392010-11-02T08:52:00.001-04:002010-11-02T08:52:00.682-04:00

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month: Did you know - The mortality rate among people with epilepsy is two to three times higher than the general population and the risk of sudden death is twenty-four times greater. In over thirty percent of patients, seizures cannot be controlled with treatment. Uncontrolled seizures may lead to brain damage and death. Many more have only partial control of

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-45426612077752504962010-11-01T11:25:00.000-04:002010-11-01T11:25:37.290-04:00

Sigh! Things are going great over on this side of the state. We are just still trying to adjust to many changes.  There are so many little things that I didn't even think of before Daniel and I moved.  Like - uuum its being a single parent 95% of the time.  There are no daily breaks anymore when Daddy gets home because Daddy is 150 miles away.  So that is the #1 big time adjustment.  Daniel

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-22784841501003707882010-10-25T12:45:00.004-04:002010-10-25T18:50:15.305-04:00

We have survived one month of living in two areas!  The first week or so was a little scary as Daniel didn't particularly like that he had to work extra hard. Now, he is very happy and loves going to school.  Even though its only been 4 weeks, he is making improvements in areas.  I am very happy with the decision we've made. Some of the little things we've noticed.  He is starting to use BOTH

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-10614734007337513522010-10-02T21:08:00.001-04:002010-10-03T09:51:28.591-04:00

Its been a while eh? Gosh, I don't even know where to start on what has transpired in the last month.  It's a long story which I won't bore you with but I'll give you bullet points and if you're interested in more information, I'll wait for you to ask! One week BEFORE school was to start our home district called and said Daniel couldn't go to the school that he'd been going to for the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-48648432506993091792010-09-13T22:55:00.001-04:002010-09-14T22:26:05.556-04:00

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Saw this and liked it.  Thought I would share. Daniel's life is just beginning ....because I'm not sitting here silently, and I'm very thankful to have found someone who can help him.  Someone who is willing to teach ME too!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-67761509154303109402010-09-13T11:15:00.000-04:002010-09-13T11:15:06.024-04:00

Daniel should have been in school today, starting his second week of school.  He is not, and that makes me sad AND angry.  It makes me sad because my child isn't being allowed to participate in school with other child his age, he isn't being allowed the education that he is entitled to.  He is being thrown around all because of money and because people don't care.  It makes me so angry because

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-2174195253954355492010-08-19T18:43:00.002-04:002010-08-20T20:43:23.898-04:00

Ok - how many of you watch America's Got Talent? I normally don't write anything about the shows. I am sure you might have heard about Connor Doran. He is an older boy who suffers from epilepsy.The first time I saw his act I watched his interview and thought "Oh I hope he doesn't fail". For some reason, I wanted him to be good. Usually I like to watch for the train wreck acts (I know that

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-62405732541649963672010-08-18T16:25:00.001-04:002010-08-18T16:28:34.375-04:00

(kid cracks me up ...he always looks back at me for approval or to say...hey did ya see that...how awesome am I?) Daniel during Augmentative/Speech Therapy.Ms. Pat rocks for sure.  I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a speech pathologist. I have never met a more caring, devoted speech therapist.  She goes way above and beyond for Daniel.  He just loves him some Ms. Pat! She

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-28347070901858417632010-08-16T19:42:00.000-04:002010-08-16T19:42:06.755-04:00

If you would have asked me 10 years ago what type of person I'd be today - I wouldn't have even been close!  Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be a stay at home mom (SAHM) again.  Not to say that what I thought was better than what I am now, because I wouldn't trade it for anything.  So here is the possible $100 Question for all of you -  What type of person do you think you will

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-22155315372054781282010-08-14T10:24:00.000-04:002010-08-14T10:24:52.224-04:00

(sorry for  picture quality - they are from the phone...at least that's what I like to blame it on!) If you haven't guessed, we got our new walker! Its a KidWalk from Prime Engineering .Love, love, love it.  Now, he just has to figure out how to maneuver it!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-36941888957230843312010-08-13T08:10:00.002-04:002010-08-12T11:12:56.819-04:00

Daniel got this book as a birthday gift. If you haven't seen it, check it out.  It shows cute little stick figure people and just explains, like the title says; It's okay to Be different.  Besides having great illustrations, bright attention getting colors -  the message is awesome. "It's Okay to Be Different" by Todd Parr Daniel gives it 5 stars! (so does mom!)

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-41509050357601152272010-08-12T09:54:00.001-04:002010-08-12T09:54:46.760-04:00

Today is good for a few reasons, but for now I will list just one: Caitlin (my daughter) turns 25 today. Had you asked me when she was 15, I use to tell her she wasn't going to make it to 16 because of her mouth! ;)And look she turns 25 today! Happy Birthday Caitlin, you're such a big girl!! (and Grandma told me in a dream to tell you Happy Birthday Caity-did!)

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-20280155171537560602010-08-11T09:58:00.000-04:002010-08-11T09:58:59.042-04:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com He isn't suppose to talk. At least that is what "they" say. He doesn't talk a lot, but the few words he says are music to my ears. I get excited every time, even if its the same word over and over again!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-49117788247523196912010-08-10T11:36:00.000-04:002010-08-10T11:36:07.677-04:00

Sorry the quality on this video stinks - it was from the phone and well...enough said.  But you get the idea!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-11671901727060590712010-08-09T10:24:00.000-04:002010-08-09T10:24:47.095-04:00

When I hear something about a swan - I think beauty and elegance.But when you add the word deformity, that image kinda changes. So when Swan Neck Deformity was mentioned I immediately looked at Daniel's neck and thought "What are you talking about? His neck looks fine."Then it was explained to me, and I realized that I could take that knot out of my stomach cause it had nothing to do with

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-75927033238504060012010-08-08T00:03:00.000-04:002010-08-08T00:03:42.275-04:00

What a wonderful day! We celebrated Daniel's 5th Birthday.  The weather was great. The company was awesome. Lovin' the bounce house This year was extra special for me this year.  Daniel completely understood that it was his special day, his birthday.  He understood that he was having people over for a party.  He knew he was going to have a cake, balloons, a party, and people were coming for

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-7101067194688843172010-08-06T19:21:00.000-04:002010-08-07T19:30:07.358-04:00

Yep, we are doing serial casting again. This time on Daniel's left arm.Arm casting is a lot less heavy then having both legs done! So far I've only gotten clobbered once, but hey we've got 3 more weeks to go!! Oh and have I mentioned its someone birthday this weekend?!?!?

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-955327694873416022010-08-05T12:25:00.001-04:002010-08-05T12:25:53.927-04:00

I think I have every sippy cup, drink cup, nosy cup, water bottle type thingy in my cupboard. I have spent more money than I want to admit to.  Every time I see a cup at the store I think "THIS IS THE CUP...This is going to work" Daniel is going to be 5 years old soon.  VERY SOON.  I cannot get this child to drink from a straw.  I cannot get him to drink out of a cup with any type of consistency.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-1480817181281038602010-08-04T09:44:00.000-04:002010-08-04T09:44:24.712-04:00

I think we've FINALLY got it.Not that Daniel didn't understand it, I totally blame myself.  My lack of bringing him to the potty.  My lack of time management.  He has been going on the potty when I put him on it for ages. I mean I've written about it way back here and an even older post hereIn all actuality it was ME that needed the training. So a couple weeks ago when we were home for an

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-91345655813616822022010-08-03T07:50:00.001-04:002010-08-03T17:47:41.638-04:00

Just take the time to read this - most of the people who come to this blog will understand, as we've all gone through some of this stuff at one point in time.For the ones who haven't had to go through it to the degree that parents with special needs kiddos, who have a lot of medical issues; read on. This was borrowed from www.jenniferLawler.com For Jessica "A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-40775774361063054112010-08-02T07:00:00.000-04:002010-08-02T07:00:10.372-04:00

Daniel is lucky enough to be able to participate in a class for therapists to learn there training in  NDT/Bobath training.  He was used as a "model" for the instructors to teach the students what to look for and how to handle a child - of course there were cameras on him so he was hammin' it up. NDT is an intensive educational course for therapists and provides them with information on how to

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-90133196798733034862010-08-01T07:00:00.002-04:002010-08-01T07:00:07.733-04:00

SUDEP  Sudden Death in Epilepsy I thought I'd done a lot of research when Daniel was diagnosed as an infant. I take a lot of notes, I talk to a lot of people, I talk with a lot of doctors. Not once was SUDEP mentioned to me. We were told that the possibilities of Daniel dying from a result of a massive seizure were greater than the average, but it was never given a name.  Just that sometimes

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-27405243143739215932010-07-30T10:05:00.000-04:002010-07-30T10:05:29.754-04:00

 Chubby Cheeks ThinksI found this really cool blog the other day and just love it. "Chubby Cheeks Thinks" She does this little thing on Friday's and I figure why not broaden my blog reading....check it out, there are tons of cool sites on there. I'm off to start some weekend reading!! Hope you all enjoy it too!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-46568652579997251832010-07-26T20:41:00.001-04:002010-07-26T20:42:08.742-04:00

Here I thought to myself at the beginning on July, "I'm going to make sure I post at least 3 times a week." Yeah, well......as you can see that didn't happen!  Here's to hoping August is better! Just know this, everything is going well and Daniel is doing great.  So much to tell you about just not enough time in the day to get it typed up!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-44256929277797665412010-07-10T23:49:00.001-04:002010-07-12T10:11:42.319-04:00

In my household I am the one that gets the mail.You touch the mail and I will harm you! ;) Mail is mine. That is just the way it works.So today while opening the mail, the first piece I open is a bill for our yearly cost for our supplemental insurance.  I say a few words such as "Oh sure they are mighty quick to let you know that they want something but when we are trying to get something from

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-65442607651361987332010-07-08T18:01:00.002-04:002011-02-07T10:30:50.185-05:00

I love love love toys. I love searching around and finding the right toy for Daniel. Things that he is able to do.  Have you checked out eBeanstalk? I like things that he can do and play with his nephews and other kiddos that come over.  So I love when I can find a site that has good things in all the categories.  One that is simple to do searches.  Here are some of the favorite toys for 1 year

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-68167925834623550492010-07-07T14:42:00.005-04:002010-07-07T20:02:18.784-04:00

I think I have found one of his most favorite spots this week. Put him on his swing  with his headphones on and I have one happy little boy.  Now if I could figure out how to incorporate both of those with the pool....then we'd be in heaven! What pieces of equipment do you have for your child?  Or better yet, how to do mesh it all into your daily routines?    I don't know about you guys but I

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-89879709263827342362010-07-06T07:02:00.004-04:002010-07-06T07:02:00.452-04:00

Remember here where I told you about my internet search and I came across this little ditty? Well it is a huge success in the house.  Yes I am using another piece of equipment but please note that you can't see in the photo but there is someone standing right there and there is a mat underneath Daniel IF he should fall.  NEVER would I leave him unattended at any point in time. Its just a way for

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-8261902935698244952010-07-05T20:45:00.002-04:002010-07-05T21:01:33.899-04:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } IMAG0016, originally uploaded by SPRANGER.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-50231021128977241952010-06-25T00:42:00.000-04:002010-06-25T00:42:09.919-04:00

.......is a dying profession.  I have not talked to one customer rep this week that didn't tick me off.  I am so tired of making phone call after phone call and having to explain my situation to someone who knows diddly squat.   They either don't know anything, or they have no power or desire to do their job.  Which happens to be CUSTOMER FRICKIN' SERVICE!! Here are a few things that one who

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-61941222314053772010-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:002010-06-24T09:00:09.940-04:00

Here is a hint that you frequent a store too much...When you walk in and they say "Hi Daniel" or "What are you making today?" That is what we get when I go to the fabric store.  The ladies at the cutting counter know my child by name.  Not because he's a problem, but because he loves to watch them cut the tons of felt that I get.  Also because he is extremely cute! I'm happy to say that I am able

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-87202595430619412152010-06-23T09:34:00.005-04:002010-06-23T23:05:42.877-04:00

This past weekend we went to the toy store because Daniel lost his second tooth.Our goal was to find a little toy with the money he got from his two teeth falling out.  After about 30 mins. of looking around to try to find something that he would be able to use himself.  We ended up at the wagons.  I've looked at wagons before but could never figure out how we'd be able to get Daniel to sit up by

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-2928686741385310042010-06-22T12:26:00.001-04:002010-06-22T12:29:00.277-04:00

Can you imagine living without the Internet?Sheesh, what did we do when I was a younger?  Heck, if you had a computer you were doing good!Well I'm attempting to try to find some things and can you imagine how much time you'd spend running from store to store back in the day?  Heck now all you have to do is type something on the keyboard and voila....you know the prices and if they are in stock!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-86222720166778993002010-06-18T06:47:00.000-04:002010-06-18T06:47:00.256-04:00

In my constant search for things to help out Daniel communicate, I came across this blog.I recommend you take a gander over there if you're thinking about getting the iPad/iTouch for your child.  They have some great suggestions for children of all ages. Daniel is still "playing" a lot on his iPad.  I call it playing because he is still learning all the different apps.  I would have to say that

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-17746951530657920932010-06-17T05:05:00.002-04:002010-06-17T05:05:00.519-04:00

We have a bit of a dilemma.Daniel loves to be outside, but because of the medication he is on he can't keep cool.  Generally 5-10 minutes at a time is the max.Do any of your kids have the same issues?  What do you guys do?Has anyone ever tried a cooling vest?

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-18794094878419459182010-06-16T00:01:00.001-04:002010-06-16T00:01:00.956-04:00

On Monday we had our EEG. I was able to get us out of the 24 hr. Video EEG stay. We just had a prolonged EEG (4 hrs long). The prelimiary results of the EEG was that there was an occasional spike but no seizure activity.  His background was between 5 and 7 which is slow for his age but is expected because of the brain malformation. Yesterday we had our 6 month recheck with Dr. C., our

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-56193709301922911792010-06-15T11:33:00.006-04:002010-06-15T11:46:33.157-04:00

I think NOT.We'll start off with the state of the street I live on. For the next 5-7 weeks this is what we are dealing with.This is what sits in front of my driveway. What a beautiful thing to see out the window eh?But from a little boys perspective, it is so very exciting.So exciting that you are able to talk your big sister into taking you up close to the trucks!And even walk down the middle

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-34051045025099150292010-06-01T13:38:00.003-04:002010-06-01T13:51:01.972-04:00

It was a beautiful weekend wasn't it? For the most part. There were a couple thunderstorms, but I also think those are beautiful. I love nothing more than a really good storm.The one thing that stinks is when its warm Daniel can't be outside for more than a few minutes. With the medications he is on, he can't sweat. This is dangerous if not carefully monitored. So we try to get out

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-43683334111093664452010-05-29T16:50:00.004-04:002010-05-29T17:13:13.925-04:00

Here are some books that seem to be pretty cool. They are for younger kiddos.One that is really cool is the Story Kit. This lets you build your own stories, and you can personalize and put your children into the story.I will be making a "Potty Story" for Daniel.Children's BooksABC Dinos A dino name is read and shown on each alphabetical pageBrave Monkey Cute story that is

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-57268155190538842652010-05-27T16:38:00.003-04:002010-05-28T14:28:44.969-04:00

Here are some of the apps that Daniel is using on his iPad.Some were free or we are using the "lite" version and some obviously were more, but not horribly bad.Early AcademicsABC & Me Works on learning ABC's and basic words through various gamesDad's Gift Colors, shapes, numbers and early mathIn The Zoo Alphabet learning using sing a long and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-64733531703012693022010-05-26T10:42:00.003-04:002010-05-26T10:58:55.493-04:00

Hey there!I'm sure you guys are probably sick of hearing about the iPad but I gotta do this.We got one for Daniel. The minute I heard about it way back when I said I wanted one. Daniel has limited movement of his hands and arms, so has difficulty with the iTouch. So we needed something with the bigger screen. He has his PRC augmentative device which is very nice, but I wanted something smaller

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-23030619287842780852010-05-24T10:46:00.004-04:002010-05-24T11:19:36.785-04:00

Ever have a few weeks where things just seem to be spiraling out of control?Feels like a tornado hit your life?Yeah? Me too! And I just got smacked upside the head with flying debrisSometimes it feels more like a roller coaster ride. Has its ups and downsJust a brief recap for you and then we'll move on and hopefully pick up the piecesRead the following quickly, without stopping and as you'll

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-70073936221737185912010-05-22T20:01:00.003-04:002010-05-22T20:19:30.545-04:00

Ellen, over at "LOVE THAT MAX", is doing a giveaway for a our custom crowns for (3) different winners. She is an awesome mom with an awesome son and she has a great blog that I LOVE reading.If you have not had a chance to sign up for the giveaway, head on over to her blog and sign up! It ends on May 25th. Here is the link to the giveaway and good luck! Crown GiveawayHere's a few

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-81508969652702480142010-05-06T16:51:00.007-04:002010-05-06T17:12:46.614-04:00

A couple years ago Daniel was one of the children that helped with the 96.3 Radiothon.Well its going on right now - TODAYand its still an awesome program.So if you can bring yourself to make a donation please do.Here is what the interview/song was that they played for Daniel. Listen to the song and it just makes you wanna blubber...at least it does me!DONATE 1-866-963-GIVEPhoto and video editing

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-8957629921759099342010-05-06T08:35:00.001-04:002010-05-06T08:35:00.533-04:00

Someone recently asked me what line of work I did.Well currently I am not working outside the home.I am taking care of my son.Oh so you're a stay at home mom!Um....I am very rarely home. I take Daniel to school and come home to work on my little business and make phone calls to insurance companies, providers, schedule doctors appointments. If I'm lucky I also take a shower during this time.Then

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-72766877633165808232010-05-05T06:39:00.000-04:002010-05-05T06:39:00.377-04:00

Cinco de mayo. The most I know about this day is that it is a Mexican holiday, I received flowers one year from a good friend on this day AND my oldest daughters boyfriends birthday. Until then...I didn't have a clue.SO....HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-35831120037198096192010-05-04T06:27:00.001-04:002010-05-04T06:27:00.124-04:00

Check out what Daniel is learning to do. Its a little "inchstone" for us.If you can stand watching the video and don't puke from the movement of me trying to video tape him and also trying to keep my hands ready in case he should fall.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-12889886957377418862010-05-03T18:15:00.001-04:002010-05-03T18:23:47.655-04:00

It is really sad, Daniel just starts back at school and his teachers' last day was on Friday.I liked her a lot. Makes me very sad that she isn't going to be there anymore. She left for maternity leave. I'm happy she gets some time off to care for her daughter and be with her before the next baby comes. But sad because she understood Daniel so much, and I know she cared for him too. She is

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-32444677237180050452010-05-01T18:52:00.002-04:002010-05-01T18:58:30.513-04:00

My post today is going to be fairly simple.Why you ask?Because I'm stealing it from Ellen. Thanks Ellen!Read this and then imagine me standing beside her and saying "Yeah! What she said!"So very well written and oh so very true!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-88092009249855934102010-04-30T09:11:00.000-04:002010-04-30T09:11:00.299-04:00

Yep, the Toof Fairy!I was so ill prepared for it. Didn't even think about it when we were at the dentist a couple of weeks ago and she said "Oh he has 4 loose teeth, they are just a little wiggly" - It'll be a while right, I mean he's only 4 1/2 yrs old.So a couple nights ago while getting him ready for bed, brushing the teeth and all I noticed he kept sticking his tongue out and then all of a

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-80893086945582934352010-04-29T08:57:00.001-04:002010-04-29T08:57:00.891-04:00

Last week (Yes I know I'm behind in posting!) we got the chair I told you about here.Talk about fast shipping- we had this within 3 days!Here is Daniel zoned out watching cartoons!Not giving me the time of day.He is certainly a typical guy - get him in front of the tv and there is no talkin' to him!I absolutely LOVE THIS CHAIR! So does Daniel!Its nice because its deep so he doesn't flip out of

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-18159298772237409432010-04-28T09:11:00.007-04:002010-04-28T09:50:56.300-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTORIA Just to give you the idea of life with Tori for the past 17 years...I'll give you just a few from the past couple years....

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-11123831294299905992010-04-23T00:01:00.000-04:002010-04-22T10:02:17.269-04:00

I've posted this before, maybe a year or so ago.It's worth the couple of minutes out of your day to read it..I AM THE CHILD I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well. I am aware of much -- whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-25797733887308364332010-04-22T09:36:00.003-04:002010-04-22T09:36:00.133-04:00

"Daniel, it's time to go inside"see I don't need him to have a voice....I can tell he's basically saying,"try and make me""Daniel, are you giving me the evil eye??I get the smirk..."You better not be sassin' me!"See no words were needed on his part,I knew exactly what he was sayingthe whole time!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-18811289339489797262010-04-21T09:08:00.000-04:002010-04-21T09:08:00.381-04:00

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-10192913535155013102010-04-20T00:01:00.000-04:002010-04-20T00:01:02.081-04:00

My third daughter is 21 today....HOLY CROWI said it....TWENTY - ONEHAPPY BIRTHDAY BRITTANY!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-70217516885801146712010-04-19T09:19:00.005-04:002010-04-19T09:42:10.937-04:00

Guess who started back to school last week?Yep....Daniel.We got the clearance from his doctors that it was ok to go back.He was out during flu season, his immune system is just not the strongest.He is loving it, got right back into the swing of things. Me....not so much! I was so use to him being at home with me all the time. I love parts of him going to school, but I also love parts of the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-20536420940023569302010-04-16T22:29:00.004-04:002010-04-16T22:54:28.708-04:00

As I'm sure you can tell from pics that I have shown you lately, Daniel is getting big!Getting bigger means we have to move out of the toddler bed into a kids bed.So many selections, but I think what sold me on this site was the free shipping and no sales tax!Nothing is worse then picking out a bunch of stuff I would love to get to find out the shipping is horribly high. Especially when they are

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-58276627686416141862010-04-08T09:24:00.002-04:002010-04-08T09:24:00.579-04:00

A couple weeks ago we met a new doctor. The one that I didn't want to meet. The one that I wanted to cancel the appointment with all day. The one that I already hated in my headThe dreaded gastro doctor - Dr. GTurns out he's kinda cool. :)Ok maybe cool doesn't describe him well, but I walked out of there finding myself "comfortable" with the information he gave me. Not that I'm saying I am

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-25391292398360064092010-04-07T09:15:00.001-04:002010-04-07T09:15:00.330-04:00

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-23428388216840651802010-04-06T19:50:00.003-04:002010-04-06T19:58:38.416-04:00

My daughter felt the need to taunt me.She knows how badly I want the iPad for Daniel.So she sent me a text letting me know she "touched" one first............. before me.She also let me see via text how well our site looks on the iPad.so Brittany, Daniel and I send this message to you:(remember Daniel is working on rhyming words)Dear Brittany:1)I have a word I'm thinking of calling you and it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-70124868184517074262010-04-01T23:51:00.002-04:002010-04-01T23:57:42.387-04:00

OK so whose getting the new iPad when it becomes available in a few days?I would love to get it for Daniel.We currently have the iTouch with the app called Proloquo2Go. The screen is a little small for him and I think the iPad would be awesome. Its suppose to be lightweight, and the stuff I read about all sounds great.I'd like to hear other peoples thoughts on it. Let me know...

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-57229453073072804672010-03-30T12:22:00.003-04:002010-03-30T13:25:18.360-04:00

We are attempting to get the eye gaze noted here from PRC. We have the ECO-14, and want to get the upgrade.Insurance asked that we prove D needed this and his language skills. Here is some of the testing that was done.These are the results!Age: 4 yrs 7 monthsDiagnosis: Bilateral Perisylvian Polymicrogyria; Dysarthria; Apraxia"D" was given the Auditory Comprehension Sub test of the Preschool

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-67372973033877430502010-03-17T18:27:00.002-04:002010-03-17T18:44:33.676-04:00

We have a little issue of Daniel being easily distracted.Well lets just say its that....or he is just a social butterfly and needs to know what everyone is doing.I use to say he was nosy. Now, I am thankful that he is because is is always very aware of what is going on around him and I think it helps him in some ways.In other ways, not so much. Once you're lost his attention and he sees someone

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-31733740578337081402010-03-11T10:45:00.004-05:002010-03-11T11:13:44.840-05:00

Recently Daniel had to take a little test to see at what level his receptive language was.I don't have the full report yet but I know he did well. So I have been on cloud nine.He knew things I had no clue he knew - or lets say things we haven't sat down and taught him. He never fails to amaze me. I did learn that I need to work on rhyming with him!So here are a few clips of his testing.Photo

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-89325936341775184572010-03-04T11:26:00.005-05:002010-03-04T11:41:59.762-05:00

I am not a fan of making/trying to make people feel uncomfortable.But there comes a time after the third or fourth experience then it begins to p*ss me off, and I will indicate it.I know it just flows sometimes and people say things like, "It was so ret@rded." and for the most part I will let it pass. But it is duly noted in my memory.But when it becomes evident that its a standard word in your

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-31705471463310080542010-02-28T12:32:00.002-05:002010-02-28T12:34:58.751-05:00

While holding up a card to Daniel that had his name printed on it.I said: "That says Daniel"he said: "aniel" with a big smileClose enough for me!!!AWESOME!!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-18611008334881423552010-02-27T21:44:00.005-05:002010-02-27T23:15:45.106-05:00

March is right around the corner, and with March comes that special Irish holidaySt. Patty's Day which is the 17th.Are you going to have a St. Patty's Day party? Are you going to be one of the many out on that bar night? Just wanna have fun and be "that guy" who is so cool? Then why not help support a good cause at the same time (all funds go to Daniel's medical bills)??How does that sound for

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-71249603995931201122010-02-26T18:41:00.004-05:002010-02-26T18:55:21.777-05:00

You know your child has had a big growth spurt when you have to dig out the tools to make adjustments to all of his equipment!Yep, every single piece of equipment needs to be adjusted in one way or another - guess what we're doing this weekend?!?!I so want the snow to be gone so we can get his bike out again, it would be WONDERFUL on his legs.I wish there was no snow, I wish there was no snow, I

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-33577103517467709802010-02-22T11:19:00.003-05:002010-02-22T12:07:12.917-05:00

One would think that when we got Daniel's diagnosis that I would say that is when I hit rock bottom in the emotions category. Probably at that time I thought it to be also. When I think back to that time, which happened to be 4 years ago this February I don't remember feeling quite as low as I do now.Maybe its a delayed reaction?Maybe I'm just hitting rock bottom now?Maybe I'm just tired

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-27054122301201417472010-02-17T12:11:00.000-05:002010-02-17T12:14:50.672-05:00

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY LONNIE!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-35134897608551137702010-02-10T14:42:00.003-05:002010-02-10T14:53:56.551-05:00

Daniel LOVES people, he likes to gibber jabber with them. I love it because he is learning to say "hi" to people at the appropriate times. It is difficult for him for a few reasons; the processing time of the brain, he needs to remember how to form his mouth, and then the amount of air that is needed to push out the word "hi". It is a lot for a child with CP let alone paralysis of his mouth/

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484842560584031366.post-8738034527482329082010-02-09T22:07:00.003-05:002010-02-09T22:20:53.526-05:00

We are in week 4 of the serial casting.Its a love/hate relationship.I love that it is working and doing the stretching (we are currently at 14- "normal" is 15- we started at 0).I hate that they are heavy, bulky and get in MY way. Daniel doesn't seem to mind. He's easy going like that. He just goes with the flow, I love it.We have until the 22nd and then he will be done. He will start wearing

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976460220405392152noreply@blogger.com7