Madison and Jack were back at the pool this afternoon…. they are little fish and can’t get enough of the pool! Madison also had an extra lesson today because Janet from Swimming Canada was in town to check on how everyone is doing with their programs. Madison did a great job and Jack had a blast playing with the squirt toys in the hot pool- he has the best imagination!
Yesterday Madison’s school had crazy hair day to raise money for Share Life as we enter into the Easter season.
Today we were back at Variety Village for the start of the spring session. Jack had his gym class followed by his swim class. Madison and Daddy did some treadmill work and a core workout while Jack was in his class and then Madison hit the hot pool for some walking stretching and relaxing in the warm water.
Later in the day Madison took a special trip to the mall. Madison is thrilled that she will be going in a few weeks to the Princess Ball with her friend Taylor. Madison was on the search for a Princess Aurora (sleeping beauty) gown – and she found it! The staff at The Disney Store were absolutely fantastic when they discovered that Madison would be at a Make A Wish event – they gave her a special certificate, a personal shopper and a few Disney gifts to make the experience even more special for her. We were blown away! After the great shopping, Madison decided to ditch her canes and walk out of the mall all by herself. It was awesome!
Madison continues to be out of school on Thursdays for therapy. She spent the first half of her day today at March of Dimes for her Conductive Education class. She did strengthening exercises, walking and lots of learning.
Madison spent her afternoon and evening at Variety Village for her swim with Ryan and strength and conditioning session with Melissa. Madison had one of her most focused and hard working sessions in the pool – it was very exciting to watch. I wasn’t able to get much of it on video but Madison did some sculling, front and back floats, recoveries, walking, streamline on front and back independently, kicking etc etc – she was awesome! Madison and Melissa did lots of walking and standing and endurance walking along the track. It was a fantastic day!
Nana and Madison spend a lot of time at different therapies together. Nana cheers Madison on and always takes lots of pictures and videos so we can have a window in to what Madison is up to with all her work. Yesterday was Madison’s first day back at hourseback riding with her horse Sprinkles!
Today Madison was at Variety Village with Stephanie for some physio. Today’s focus was walking on different surface types, balance and walking to an end point and then stopping in control without diving forwards at the end. Thanks Nana!
Happy National CP Day! Madison celebrated her first CP Day when she was 1.5 years old. She has been sporting her green ever since.
Madison and Jack spent their morning playing, getting things ready for the week and playing some more. It was a very quiet start to the day.
After lunch they went to a surprise party for their Grandma. They had a great afternoon visiting with everyone and eating lots of cupcakes and cookies!
Madi Moves is happy to be back!
We have had technical difficulties for the past few months which is now resolved and we are ready to share more of Madison’s journey with you – thank you for your patience and for following us on Facebook and Instagram during this time.
We have lots to update you on!
Therapy
Madison has had a quieter few months with therapy. Her weeks are a bit slower and not jam packed as before, but she continues to work hard with PT, strength training & swimming at Variety Village, PT & OT at Grandview and conductive education at March of Dimes. She also has been enjoying her time at Sparks and skiing with CADS at Brimacombe. Madison has started attending a support group at Grandview through the social work department called “Celebrating Me”. It’s a group for young kids with a physical disability to explore topics like sharing experiences, identifying the people, places & things that make you feel good, learning ways to cope when things get tough, how to advocate for your needs and how to support friends. Her newest skills include walking with one cane and using her canes outdoors on uneven terrain and in unfamiliar environments.
School
School has been going really well. Madison is reading, writing more and walking independently around her classroom. We have toured the Grade 1 classrooms for next year and have a good idea of who her teacher will be and what her day will look like. The Grade 1 classrooms are located on the second floor which has been the reason for this advance planning. The school has been amazing with ensuring she has everything she needs – a new accessible parking spot by her new entrance and exit door and an elevator and accessible washroom right next to her new classroom. Madison had a glowing report card which also aligned well with her updated IEP.
Jack
Jack is now 3! He is enjoying his time with his friends at Jackie’s, participating in his swim and gym classes at Variety Village and most recently, skiing! He’s very into imaginative play at the moment with super heros (mostly Batman) and playing mini sticks and play dough.
FUN
The kids were up to lots of fun things the last few months, most recently with March Break. They went to the Lego movie, Aquarium, Bruce’s Mill and Crockadoodle. Madison was chosen as the 2019 designer of the Starlight Charity bear and was invited from her buddy Taylor to the Wishes for Olivia/Make A Wish Foundation Princess Ball BT event. She is also officially invited to the actual Princess Ball coming up in mid April. Madison and Jack had their first official games night, went with the family to a Marlies game and Madison had her first sleepover with Sparks!
Volunteer Work
We continue to have conversations with Madison about the importance of being involved in her community and always looking for ways to give back and show appreciation. She has so many wonderful organizations that she is a part of weekly that give her so much. We try and help out where we can to give back as a way of saying thank you. Madison’s most recent involvements include a promotional video for Grandview’s new property development, being one of the Variety Village ambassadors for the upcoming Pizza Nova Day and her bear project with Starlight. We love spending time as a family on these special projects.
Today
Wow, that was a lot to get caught up on, and we’re sure some things were missed. Today Madison and Jack went to see their friend Shannon for a much needed massage and then to the CADS end of year potluck lunch at The Abilities Centre. Madison was able to hang out with her friend Taylor and thank all of her volunteers who helped her ski this season. Her and Jack then went to a local nursery to check out the plants and get ideas to solve the very wet backyard situation. Mommy’s 2 week March break is almost at an end – it’s been a blast!
Madi Moves 