Author: katherineambos

Madison had a great session with Kate at Grandview today. They did various activities to work on some new goals this block. They worked on climbing up objects by lifting her knees high and pulling so she can better get into her own bed by herself. They also worked on using a bench to help pivot and turn herself around to sit down which will help her with sitting on the potty independently. They did lots of stretching, reaching and core building activities.

   
    
 Madison went to Variety Village tonight. On her way in she was asked if she wanted a new membership badge as her old one was from when she was just under 1 years old. She was thrilled to get a new picture taken and a new badge to scan at the front desk. Mommy put her first badge in a special place to keep as a little momento for Madi to have when she is older. Variety Village holds a special place in Mommy and Daddy’s hearts and they know how important of a place it will be for Madison as she grows – she will be a member for life!

   
    
  
 Madison did a great job with Ryan at the pool tonight. They spent more time working on back floats and rolling from her front to back. They also practiced sitting on the wall and then pushing off with her feet. After her lesson, Madison played with Ruby for a bit in the hot pool which she always looks forward to doing. 

  

Madison celebrated National Volunteer Week at school this morning. Her school would not be the unique and exceptional program that it is without the volunteers so this whole week they are being celebrated and thanked. 

Here is a thank you wall created by all the kids. Each family wrote one thing they are thankful for and all the messages are on display for the week in the lounge for all the volunteers to see.

  
After school, Madison spent her afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. They had a fun afternoon at the park on the swings and Madison loved watching Stanley jump and Grandpa swing too. Madison also practiced her walking with Grandma by using the same pole she uses with Stephanie at Variety Village.

After dinner Madison visited with Pam and Medford while Mommy and Daddy had a visit with their new case manager from Resources for Exceptional Children. Madison had been on the wait list to access the organization since she was 12 months old. She is now off the wait list and Mommy and Daddy met with the case manager to discuss options for support. After a long conversation of Madison’s history, therapies, programs, school etc. A priority list was established for support. In the next two months the focus for support will be researching and finding funding for better transportation with a new and larger vehicle, looking into programs in the community that are inclusive to provide more group social opportunities, other funding options for equipment needed for the home and school visits to start researching possible school options for kindergarten. Madison’s case manager will also provide school readyness lists specific to gross motor and fine motor skills that will be communicated to her team at Grandview to help guide goals for treatment over the next year. It was a wonderful and very resourceful meeting that encouraged Mommy and Daddy that everything is on the right track. 

Before bedtime, Madison used one of her new bath bombs that she got from Ruby’s fundraiser for bath time. She chose the orange creamsicle scent and loved it! 

  

Madison’s schedule was cleared today to have some down time to rest from her busy week. After sleeping in, she spent the morning having tea time with Pam and Medford and playing with the balls and having a snack. She helped Mommy and Daddy shop at Costco in the afternoon and then had a good straight legged stretch while sitting playing with her iPad. After a hot bath, Madison and Mommy did some more stretching before getting into her matching pj’s with Jack. It was a great day to recharge.

   
    
    
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

Madison picked out some beautiful flowers to give Pam for all her help today – thanks Pam!!

    
 

” Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes”

Many people have described Madison as a resilient little girl. Although she has many challenges she faces each and every day, she finds a way to keep going and then is able to experience special moments and successes. Mommy and Daddy feel that Madison is learning and living through such important life lessons at such a young age that will make her an extroadanary person as she grows, and they are grateful for that. 

Madison had a very long week of not feeling well, but other then swimming – she made it through all her therapies with success. After lunch and a nap with Nana, she spent some time with Stephanie at Variety Village. She had some “moments” that any typical two year old would have on a Friday  afternoon, but her hard work and determination outweighed those. Mommy and Stephanie were very proud of her. They worked today on all different kinds of walking. She walked in and out of her session with her walker, they walked with a harness, walked with bands around her hips, and walked with some help from Stephanie and her scooter. It was a great way to end the week!

     

   
 

 
Madison loved singing the National Anthem and “ok Blue Jays” as she cheered on her favourite team in their home opener. 

 

 
   
 

After a great morning at school, Madison headed north to have a visit with her horse Joe. She was still feeling under the weather so she only lasted about 20 minutes before it was time to get off Joe and head to his stables to give him an apple. Her therapist and volunteers have been teaching Madison about Joe. What he likes to eat, how he moves and the different parts of him like his tail and mane to help her build a relationship with him. They also have been using mirrors so Madison can see how she sits on him and the posture she is to have to help build her core strength. Madison was happy to have Pam and Medford meet Joe and watch her ride. Thanks Pam and Medford, Madison loved having you watch! It was a cold session with Joe today so hopefully this will be the last of the snow and they can have more rides outdoors together in the sun. 

   
    
   

  Madison had a great morning with Nana & Papa! She practiced using her walker around their house while she helped Nana with her medication, baked cookies and played with all their toys. 

 

 
   
    
    
 

In the afternoon she tried out her new ‘Kid About’

 

 
   
 She also practiced with her new canes that were generously donated from Corinna and Cam – thank you!

   

 

Madison LOVED watching her Blue Jays!