Today Madison attended the Worlds Greatest Christmas Party at Variety Village. It’s such a wonderful tradition at this time of year. Mommy and Uncle Mark use to go every year as kids and not much has changed. There were lots of fun activities, good food, Christmas vendors and Santa! It was especially fun for Madison with Daddy working for the police at the event. Nana and Papa helped Madison play while Mommy took it easy. It was a great morning.
Tonight Madison had family date night! She went to the Bubble Guppies Live Show and then out for dinner. When she got to the General Motors Centre she was very excited to see pictures of the Bubble Guppies everywhere. The seats were excellent! She wasn’t too sure when the show started what was happenning and for the first minute when all the other thousands of toddlers were screaming and clapping she was a bit scared. But after a minute or so she was very happy and excited and loved every part. She called out all of their names over and over and waved hi, danced in her seat amd clapped her hands. It was so much fun to see how into it she was and how much she loved it and it was even more fun to do something as a family that didn’t involve appointments or therapy – just regular fun stuff toddlers like to do.
Madison loves driving around and looking at all the different lights and snowman and Santa’s on people’s lawns. Suzanne took a scenic route on their drive home today from school. She found Madison a street with super large Santa’s on everyone’s lawns. Madison loved it!
Madison spent her afternoon with Nana. She had a great nap and made a gingerbread house. When Mommy and Daddy picked her up she told us how she made the house. She said, icing then candy. She loved eating the candy.
After spending the afternoon with Nana, Madison headed to physio with Stephanie at VV. Madison had a special visitor at physio today. Emily went to learn from Stephanie and see Madison in action. We were appreciative to Stephanie for teaching Emily and guiding her through all the steps of exercises she does with Madison. Mommy and Daddy learnt alot too so it was a great teaching oppertunity for everyone. Madison also tried knee gators which are braces on her legs to keep her legs straight to get a good stretch. She wasn’t a big fan but she entertained us and gave them a try. She did some good walking, good sitting and listened well to all of Stephanie’s prompts.
Madison’s March of Dimes snowman!
The botox is starting to show its impact both good and bad. Madison’s tone has started to decrease, her movements seem to be more fluid and flexible and her heels are dropping to the floor. Unfortunately her muscles are very tired and weak and she has not been able to last as long with activities as she normally does. She is also stuffed up and possibly getting sick so we hope this will pass shortly and she will continue to get stronger.
After a fun afternoon with Pam and Medford, Madison went swimming which seemed to help her legs relax more. Ryan and Madison swam in the warm pool for the whole lesson and worked on floats, kicking and using double arm pulls on her back.
Madison attempting to take a selfie with Daddy
Mommy had a special visit with Little Miss Addilyn this morning. Her and her Mommy are big fans of the Happy Soul Project and Madison so they stopped by for a lovely visit and to pick up the new calendar to support Kick It Capes. Thanks for your support and love Addilyn!
This afternoon Madison had a great class with Monika at MOD. They practiced standing while trying on holiday hats, crawled through a tunnel and practiced walking holding onto the bars with one hand and throwing balls with another. She was tired during her class as well as at school today and yesterday. She was also tired during physio yesterday. We suspect that from the botox Madison is now having to use some of her muscles differently that she is not used to and due to the adjustment she is weaker and getting tired faster. We hope with the continued daily therapy she will gain strength and energy.
Mommy spent her evening with a group of lovely ladies from work who held a beautiful baby shower for both Mommy and Lisa. It was so nice for Mommy to visit with co-workers and to receive such beautiful books and gifts for baby #2. Thank you again to Lauren for hosting!
Madison had an earlier session with Kate at Grandview today. She went straight after school so she was a bit tired and wasn’t able to finish the whole hour – but she worked hard and did well in the time she was there. She practiced lots of standing and walking!
After physio Madison visited with her new friend Owen! Owen is 1 week old and is perfect! His Mommy and Daddy are doing great and Madison loved meeting him. She was very curious and was very gentle. We were all thrilled to meet the little man and to hear how well he is doing.
After celebrating one little friend it was time to go to dinner to celebrate another – Nate’s 1st Birthday! Madison went out for dinner to celebrate her cousins big day. They both enjoyed lots of ice cream and after dinner they had a play together with all of Nate’s new toys. Happy Birthday Nathan!
Madison’s bath time was a special moment tonight. It was the first bath she had with no assistance such as a sling or chair. She did a great job and loved splashing about, moving and doing whatever she wanted. She was a little wobbly which made Mommy nervous but she loved every moment.
At school today Madison liked making Hanukkah candles out of wax. They also read a story about a boy and his draddle.
She spent her afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa Ambos making Christmas crafts.
When Madison got home she helped decorate her Christmas tree before dinner. Mommy and Daddy asked her to find certain colours or themed ones and her job was to dig through the box to find them. She also liked hanging ones up high with the help of Daddy. She did a great job.
After dinner Madison had some play time and physio with Emily in the basement. They played with lots of toys and practiced different physio activities like stepping up and down on a stool in her play kitchen. She loves her time in the basement and Mommy and Daddy appreciate having the time to get things done and for Mommy to put her feet up.
Madison’s day started with a special visit from Abi who drove all the way from Oakville to help Mommy and Daddy. Thanks for driving her Sheila! They played in the basement with all of Madison’s favourite toys and with Carter and Stitch. After play time it was time to get ready to celebrate her cousins birthday!
Madison was very excited to celebrate Nate’s 1st Birthday! It’s hard to believe he is turning one on Tuesday and today family and friends gathered to celebrate the Littles man’s big day!
Here is Nathan one year ago
One of Madison and Nate’s first pictures together
Nate’s birthday was celebrated at a very special place for all of us – Variety Village! All the kids played in the field house on the air mattress, obstacle course, parachute and Madison and Daddy’s favourite – the turtles!! Mommy and Daddy were thrilled with how accessible all the activities were for Madison. Madison borrowed the walker she uses at Variety Village from the physio room and tried to use it for a little bit. She was more interested in getting around on the turtles. After the gym everyone went to the party room for some pizza and cake. Madison loved visiting with everyone. Happy 1st Birthday Nate! We love you!
Madison had a great day kicking off the first weekend of the holiday season! Her day started with a special visit with Ruby! She has missed seeing Ruby and playing with her so it was a great visit. They played with Ruby’s kitty’s, watched Elmo, exchanged Christmas presents and had some yummy snowman cookies. It was a great visit!
When Madison got home she had a nice visit with Grandpa Ambos who was over helping Daddy install a new dishwasher. Madison did a good job supervising.
Madison opted for some quiet time instead of a nap and watched Bubble Guppies on her iPad. The deal we made with her was she could watch a few episodes if she did it in a standing position. We were thrilled with how strong she was able to stand with feet flat on the floor!
Madison then went to pick out her Christmas tree with Nana, Papa and Daddy. They went to the Scouts down the road to support the local Troup. She made an excellent choice!
Madison then spent the rest of her evening watching Papa and Daddy set up the tree, reading a new Christmas Elmo book with Nana and having a yummy dinner with candy cane ice cream for dessert. It was a great day to kickoff the countdown to Christmas!
Madison’s day in photos.
Madi Moves 