SO much going on around here...I'm sorry it's taken me longer to update. (then on second thought, is there any video worth leaving up for 3 weeks that beats the last one!) I can't tell you how many times I've watched it...and it still gives me goosebumps. And the truth is, it's just a taste of what she's actually been doing. On Memorial Day, in front of a houseful of family, this little girl walked about 20 feet, stopped, TURNED the corner, and walked another 5 feet!! She made a corner!!! I could not believe it. Still can't. And she hasn't done it since...but at least now I know it's coming. It's so amazing to see the progress. We had our 2 yr. follow up evaluation with EI yesterday...and she totally knocked it out of the park. And while I'm thrilled, I'm not sure it's going to help us keep our services. Yikes! The OT doing her evaluation was seriously amazed at how far she's come in a year. The last time she'd seen Maddie she was not talking or even crawling. So take heart, New Mamas! Alot can change in a year...
Lots of changes around here as well...
We finally got rid of our carpet, and have installed more walker-friendly, laminate wood floors. I love them! Here are some pics from the project...
Before
During
After
The kids have wasted no time putting them to the test, and so far...so good! Maddie is breaking them in with a new trick...
I love the look on her face...She knows she's rockin this one out!
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Another thing that has kept me busier than normal is a new hobby of mine.
Can you guess what it is?!
Yep, I've started couponing...and turns out, it's kinda fun! If you've ever seen this show then you get it. I was fascinated with the amounts these people were saving...Like grand totals of $1000 and only paying $8.97 out of pocket...nuts!
Those pics show my stash after 2 days of shopping with coupons, and a total savings of $108.27...not bad, right? Plus, that doesn't include the $32 in credit I now have from those stores, because of promos. And just yesterday, I got 3 packs of 31 ct Huggies diapers for....3.82 each. Crazy. Anywhoo, it's been interesting, and the stockpile is on! Stay tuned...
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A few people have recently asked me about the treadmill we use for PT, so I thought I'd update. We are still using the treadmill, but we no longer use the harness/ LiteGait support system. We have taken the parallel bars that Chris built, and placed them over the treadmill so Maddie can walk while holding them. It has worked extremely well, and renewed her interest in it.
Mason loves to get on it with her and they "race". She now asks to use it several times a day, which makes me super happy! She is doing amazingly well, and I am surprised on a daily basis by her progress. We are still waiting to start hippotherapy, but tomorrow will be our first aquatherapy session! I'm super excited, and I'll try to update on it this weekend.
LOVE LOVE LOVE that she is walking!!! Madison walked across the kitchen several times last fall (Thanksgiving) and would hardly try again until this last month. LOOONG milestones, but so worth the wait. :) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, the house looks gorgeous! Second, couponing - ha! I have watched those shows too and am amazed. Fun! Finally - Maddie is amazing. I love how she is standing herself up, and she is too cute on that treadmill, trotting away!
ReplyDeleteWOW WOW WOW WOW! She is getting so big and getting stronger and stronger so quickly! You're so right about how it can suddenly happen so fast. I'm so happy for you guys and so proud of Miss Maddie! :) I'm jealous of your couponing! I wish I had the discipline to sit down and figure it out myself! Maybe someday....lol. Can't wait to see you guys at the conference! You are coming right!?
ReplyDeleteHi Madison!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenna and I came across your blog. u are an amazing, courageous, strong and determined fighter. U are a brave warrior, smilen champ, inspirational hero, a super trooper, and a tough cookie. I was born with a rare life threatening disease. I love it when people sign my guestbook.
www.miraclechamp.webs.com