Author: katherineambos

Madi had one of those days that made Mommy’s heart sing! 

She was an all star reader at school during story time…

She was a card shark with SUZANNE and Janine…

She was an author with Nana…

She did amazing work at March of Dimes…

But Mommy was over the moon proud with her swimming with Ryan tonight. He did an excellent job of challenging her comfort level and had her wear a life jacket to practice floating and kicking on her back. He let go of her and she floated and tried kicking all by herself for the first time! They also did lots of bobs together, blew bubbles and practiced walking in the hot pool. Mommy was thrilled seeing Madi do so well!

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Jack loved his first Halloween party today!



Madi was a trooper today. She participated in lots of great activities that were excellent for her body, but it was a very long and tiring day. A highlight at school that her teachers noted was how active and independent she was in gym class. She climbed on and off equipment she had never done before and walked around pushing the shopping cart. 

After school, both Madi and Jack had physio at Grandview. She worked on strengthening her quad muscles by doing leg lifts to touch objects with her toes and wall squats by picking objects up from the floor. 

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Madison loved dancing and moving like different animals at ballet class tonight. Her favourite were hopping like a bunny and walking like a duck. She ran fast in her walker and did a great job weaving in and out of her classmates with her walker. 

After ballet, Madison and Jack both had massage with Shannon. Jack still has his cold, so Shannon was able to get a good release on his back to help drain some fluid from how conjested he has been. Madison got some new tape with a focus on supporting the arch in her foot. She did a great job pushing through some discomfort in her feet and calves, got in her Jammie’s and headed home to bed. Thanks Shannon!

Madison had a great ride with Sassy today. She reached in different directions for basketballs to shoot in a basket, practiced using her loud voice to tell Sassy to stop and go and had to sit tall with hands on her head, reaching to the side and reaching forward while Sassy went around the ring. Jack drank his bottle and watched.

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Madi and Jack had a great night with Nana & Papa!

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Madi and Jack had a nice day taking photos with Great Grandma Lynch and family at Variety Village and then going out for a nice Sunday dinner. 

Madison had a great Children in Motion class at Variety Village this morning. Tiffany and Madi had lots of fun playing different cooperative games. Madison’s favourite game was ‘Octopus’. She was thrilled when she tagged someone in the game to get them out. 

Madison and Jack then headed to see Shannon for their massage. Shannon tried taping Madison’s foot to support her arch and try and restrict pronation. Madison loves her new tigger tape!

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Madison is going through a big growth spurt. Clothes that fit her a few weeks ago no longer fit, especially her pants. So Mommy & Madi went shopping this afternoon for some new school clothes. She loved walking all over the store in her walker and picked out her own outfits off the racks. 

Madison was an ambassador at the Lieutenant Governor Games today at Variety Village. Over 500 students from all over the GTA participated in adaptive/inclusive sports and activities. They encouraged one another in an inclusive and fun environment which was amazing to be a part of. Madison LOVED dancing to the music and going on the turtle scooters. She was also so proud to receive her medal! 

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​​​After a wonderful morning, Madison walked to the physio room to have a session with Stephanie. They worked on shifting balance for walking on the swing, practiced lots of walking and worked on the treadmill. Madison did a fantastic job!

Madison had a visit with a team of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists at Bloorview today who are interested in bringing SDR surgery back to Toronto. 

Just as Dr. Park from St. Louis has communicated, the Toronto team also feels that Madison would benefit from SDR. 

Today was one of those days that is very difficult….. As a special needs parent you are often left to do your own research, advocate and fight for what is best for your child. You are left having to weed through information and make health care decisions that no one should ever have to make. 

Mommy’s “lucky binder” always helps guide the conversation and inform those who need informing. 

At the end of the stress, Madison’s smile always brings us back down to earth.

To be continued…

Madi had a great swim with Ryan tonight while taking several photos for a special project at VV. They did bobs, bubbles, floats, kicking and practiced some walking on the ramp and water running.

Madison worked hard and had fun at March of Dimes. She was proud to show Mommy her new communication take home binder. 

Madison spent her whole day out. After a great morning at school she headed to Grandview for PT with Kate. Jack had PT/a stretch as well. Madi worked on strengthening exercises for her feet, lower quads and gluteus. She also worked on some walking with her AFO’s locked up. 

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After physio, Madi and Jack headed to their orthotist to sort out helmet and AFO issues. Jacks head had to be re scanned to fix the helmet from spinning and being out of place. Madi showed Eric her walking to sort out the hinge issues. 

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After both turns with Eric, they headed home for a nap. Jack decided to skip his nap and walk around the house in Madi’s Walker.

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Madison loves her time with Sassy. She was tired today, but did a great job! Warming up on the ball really helps Madison relax and sit easier on Sassy. 

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Madison has been learning to read with Nana. Today she practiced reading a Halloween book Nana made. Madi also loves playing a shopping list game. She looks at what things are needed on her list and finds the items to fill her cart. 

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