Summer 2019

James has had a busy summer! He has done 3 weeks of Conductive Education camp at March of Dimes, Medek, strength training and occupational therapy at SMILE therapy for kids as well as horseback riding at WindReach Farm and massage. We have packed his schedule for August, September and October until we leave for St. Louis. The goal is to get him as strong as possible before surgery. He’s working hard!

Here’s some photos at Conductive Education:

SMILE Therapy for Kids:

James had his annual hip x-ray a couple weeks ago and the results are not ideal. His hips have migrated a few more degrees on each side. Our developmental paediatrician at Grandview is very happy we have a cancellation date for SDR as James’ hips will absolutely benefit from not having spasticity pull away his hips from the socket (ouch!) Thankfully James is not in any noticeable pain from this change from last year and his function has not declined which is a key factor when considering if orthopedic surgery is necessary.

We are excited that James has a brand new stander! It is very important for James to have weight bearing activity, particularly for his hip health. This new stander is great. It abducts his feet well and has a dynamic option where the base can move to help build balance and strength (the Kin in me LOVES this!) Let’s make him work!

We've been enjoying our pergola and shade sail in our backyard this summer. Caleb Petke, Mike's cousin, did a great job! James really enjoys playing on the mat under the shade.

James has also really enjoyed the accessible swing installed by my request at our local park - way to go Whitby! He loves it!

And just because their bond makes me smile:

A Mother's Story Part 2

If you haven't read my post from February 2018, A Mother's Story, check it out. Also, a post about James' birth can be read here. There's lots more info also early on in our blog about our NICU experience at SickKids and Rouge Valley as well as our stay at Ronald McDonald House.

We have a cancellation date!

We have more good news! Last week we shared that we had been given an earlier SDR date for February 2020 and there was still chance of an earlier date if a cancellation became available. Well... yesterday we recevied very exciting news. James is now scheduled for SDR surgery on October 31, 2019! How amazing is that? We are so thankful for this news. Mike will have a great birthday present (along with my sister and brother-in-law who all share the same birthday) on October 28th. That is James' pre-op appointment in St. Louis. Our last day of outpatient physiotherapy in St. Louis will be November 26th so we will be in St. Louis for a month. Thank you for your prayers about this very specific request! We are so thrilled!

James' therapy schedule hasn't slowed down at all this summer. This week he had Medek and occupational therapy at SMILE therapy for kids in Vaughan, physiotherapy at Grandview in Ajax, speech therapy and horse back riding (also known has hippotherapy) at WindReach Farm. Today we go for an assessment at Grandview for their therapeutic recreation program. This guy keeps us busy!

The stander we're currently using. We're getting fitted for a different type at the end of the month. Also, a good use of Mike's Shakespeare Anthology for establishing the incline needed

Shae always wants to be next to her brother!

Sibling love

Shae is 20 months and full of energy!