Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Eye update
We've finally found a vision specialist for Gabriella. We have not yet met him but he has come highly referred to us from a strabismus specialist on the north shore. I am really looking forward to meeting with him to get a second opinion. Gabriella's eyes are still measuring right in the middle (borderline of needing surgery and not needing surgery). Her opthamologist (who we really respect and like but is surgically biased due to her training) has told us Gabriella will most likely never see with binocular vision even with the surgery but the surgery would be to preserve vision and save her from getting abylopia (loss of vision in one eye). However, her eyes "switch" consistantly and her vision is actually great so I am confused with this prognosis and can't seem to get a clear answer. We do know though that our Opthamologist does not believe in vision therapy at all. I believe that Gabriella will need surgery but I do not believe that surgery alone will correct her eyes .. I feel that vision therapy would benefit Gabriella and assist with the surgery to get optimal results. Anyways, we shall see. Our appt. is Dec 8th and I am really looking forward to it although the office is almost and hour away.. road trip!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
What a great story
With Christmas fast approaching I've been racking my brain trying to figure out the perfect Christmas presents for my little nieces, nephew and Gabi. I find it harder to shop for two year olds than infants, maybe I am just very selective with the toys I give Gabi..I'm just not into the barbies and girly girl stuff and find a lot of toys portray some pretty negative images to little girls..but hey, thats a completely different post in itself. Anyways, after googling Toys R Us and exhausting all other online toy stores for ideas I ran across this story which put my thoughts in perspective. So true, it's not about the presents..but the presence of our family, friends and loved ones. Actually I have a cute story to add. Gabriella's great Nonna told Gabi the story of how when she was young you would only get apples or oranges for Christmas if you were good and coal if you were naughty. When I asked Gabriella what she would like Santa to bring her for Christmas she told me Two apples...
"Christmas"
Posted by christmas - September 15th, 2008
"My daughter’s second Christmas was the first she had without corrective shoes and casts for her clubbed feet. My daughter woke up, woke us up, and then asked if it was finally “Christmas time for presents”. “Yes, it is,” I told her.
She rushed up to the tree and saw the stack of presents. She’d already thought the tree was magic, and now there were “painted boxes” under the tree. My daughter jumped on the presents, ready to rip them apart.
After opening the first package, her first desire was to jump up and down with abandon on the bubble wrap to pop it – something she hadn’t been able to do in prior years. She was so busy jumping on the bubble wrap that I had to try to interest her in the toys in the boxes she had ripped open.
When I handed her a fancily wrapped present, she took apart the decorations and tinsel on the gift box. Then the tinsel stuck to her hands. She then ran around the house, shaking the tinsel like cheer leader pom-poms.
Then she came back and skated on her feet on shreds of wrapping paper. It wasn’t until lunch time that she went back to play with the toys that were previously ignored. The lessons I learned from that morning were:
1. Don’t worry about wrapping it or making the present look perfect. Little ones are simply thrilled to be given something anything. And older children will only care what is on the inside of the present. They only care about what is on the inside, a lesson parents seek to teach them later.
2. Don’t underestimate the joy simple things can bring to life. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be great.
3. The best gifts can’t be bought. Mobility, health, family, love, joy, and hope – all are far beyond price and cannot be bought with money.
Well, maybe there’s a price on health, based on the doctor’s bills."
"Christmas"
Posted by christmas - September 15th, 2008
"My daughter’s second Christmas was the first she had without corrective shoes and casts for her clubbed feet. My daughter woke up, woke us up, and then asked if it was finally “Christmas time for presents”. “Yes, it is,” I told her.
She rushed up to the tree and saw the stack of presents. She’d already thought the tree was magic, and now there were “painted boxes” under the tree. My daughter jumped on the presents, ready to rip them apart.
After opening the first package, her first desire was to jump up and down with abandon on the bubble wrap to pop it – something she hadn’t been able to do in prior years. She was so busy jumping on the bubble wrap that I had to try to interest her in the toys in the boxes she had ripped open.
When I handed her a fancily wrapped present, she took apart the decorations and tinsel on the gift box. Then the tinsel stuck to her hands. She then ran around the house, shaking the tinsel like cheer leader pom-poms.
Then she came back and skated on her feet on shreds of wrapping paper. It wasn’t until lunch time that she went back to play with the toys that were previously ignored. The lessons I learned from that morning were:
1. Don’t worry about wrapping it or making the present look perfect. Little ones are simply thrilled to be given something anything. And older children will only care what is on the inside of the present. They only care about what is on the inside, a lesson parents seek to teach them later.
2. Don’t underestimate the joy simple things can bring to life. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be great.
3. The best gifts can’t be bought. Mobility, health, family, love, joy, and hope – all are far beyond price and cannot be bought with money.
Well, maybe there’s a price on health, based on the doctor’s bills."
Monday, November 9, 2009
Potty Trained
Annnd we're potty trained!! One day a few weeks back Gabi decided she did not want to wear diapers..no more she said and so I showed her a stash of underwear I had bought months in advance and let her have her pick. Ever since then she hasn't put a diaper on, even at night. She has made a few accidents overnight the first two nights but so far we have been almost two weeks free of accidents day and night (umm except when we go to Grandma and Grandpa's ...sometimes she forgets there). I'm hoping she doesn't regress, I hear kids can do that sometimes.
This was our potty training technique:
1) We introduced the potty and also the Story "Once upon a Potty" by Alona Frankel to Gabi at about 1 and 1/2 (she is 28 months now) and she would use it every now and then, although it was really just there so she could get familiar with it and she remained obsessed with the book until this day really.
2) We completely let her take the lead on the subject. Every month I would let her pick "underwear" or "diapers." She usually chose diapers and so diapers it was. Sometimes she chose underwear and despite Gabi's optimistic approach you could tell her bladder was not yet ready for the trade up but underwear it was (not for long though :))
3) The last time she chose underwear instead of diapers you could tell she was determined :) and that was it. A few motivational stickers in the washroom as we seem to be smooth sailing.
I'm suprised that it wasn't as frustrating or as scary as I thought it was going to be. I really felt out of my territory and a tad overwhelmed when I read any of the articles on the so called easy toilet training techniques.. the steps all seemed to formal and unatural.. In the end I gave up reading the books and trusted Gabi's body and mind. I dont' think you can really teach this bodily function to your child, it just a stage like the others (crawling, walking etc.) so you can do your best to assist and teach but you definitely can't make it happen !! :) So I have learned one more thing as a Mom..patience is the key to most things.
This was our potty training technique:
1) We introduced the potty and also the Story "Once upon a Potty" by Alona Frankel to Gabi at about 1 and 1/2 (she is 28 months now) and she would use it every now and then, although it was really just there so she could get familiar with it and she remained obsessed with the book until this day really.
2) We completely let her take the lead on the subject. Every month I would let her pick "underwear" or "diapers." She usually chose diapers and so diapers it was. Sometimes she chose underwear and despite Gabi's optimistic approach you could tell her bladder was not yet ready for the trade up but underwear it was (not for long though :))
3) The last time she chose underwear instead of diapers you could tell she was determined :) and that was it. A few motivational stickers in the washroom as we seem to be smooth sailing.
I'm suprised that it wasn't as frustrating or as scary as I thought it was going to be. I really felt out of my territory and a tad overwhelmed when I read any of the articles on the so called easy toilet training techniques.. the steps all seemed to formal and unatural.. In the end I gave up reading the books and trusted Gabi's body and mind. I dont' think you can really teach this bodily function to your child, it just a stage like the others (crawling, walking etc.) so you can do your best to assist and teach but you definitely can't make it happen !! :) So I have learned one more thing as a Mom..patience is the key to most things.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Kids say the Darndest things...
Remember that show.. kids say the darndest things...well I feel like I am living that show this week. So I thought I would share with you all the latest conversations I have been having with Gabriella who is talking up a storm and really is living up to her name "Gabi."
Gabi: Mommy..Flush me down the toilet please..
Me: Why in the world would you want to be flushed down the toilet? (trying not to laugh my head off)
Gabi: Big slide to the ocean Mommy? Beach!! (like DUH mommy I should have known).
Me: Ohh I see, but it really isn't a slide to the ocean so please don't try to go down there EVER!! haha but you are right the water does go to the ocean.
Gabi: But fishies in the ocean Mommy..flush Mommy down the toilet?
Me: um no thank you.. haha we can go to the beach when the weather is warmer..we can go there in the car
Gabi: Okay YAYYYY
It goes on an on but you get the point..
Last nights conversation:
Gabi: Mommmmmyy storryyyy
Me: Okay what story would you like
Gabi: Zamboni..
Me: Zamboni's ..what do zamboni's do
Gabi: make the ice sparkley
Gabi: And Don Cherries dog Blue mommy.
Me: okie dokie.. umm Daddy will need to help us out here
Gabi: YAyy Daddy
Okay someone has brainwashed this child to like hockey a little too much hahaha
On another note, we had a receint physio appt. and are in need of some toddler shoes with arch support. Because Gabriella has virtually no arch in her foot we need to ensure she has arch support so we do not need orthotics in the future however, I am having a heck of a time finding toddler shoes with any arch supports.
These are the brands I have been told are good:
New Balance
Beeko
Naturino
But finding a 9 in any of these brands have been almost impossible for me -which is weird don't you think.. it seems none of the kiddie shoe stores around her carry anything bigger than an 8??
Odd.
Anyways, anyone who has experience with supportive toddler shoes, I would love your opinions on good brands (that also support a wide foot).
Thank you all and Happy Halloween!!
Gabi: Mommy..Flush me down the toilet please..
Me: Why in the world would you want to be flushed down the toilet? (trying not to laugh my head off)
Gabi: Big slide to the ocean Mommy? Beach!! (like DUH mommy I should have known).
Me: Ohh I see, but it really isn't a slide to the ocean so please don't try to go down there EVER!! haha but you are right the water does go to the ocean.
Gabi: But fishies in the ocean Mommy..flush Mommy down the toilet?
Me: um no thank you.. haha we can go to the beach when the weather is warmer..we can go there in the car
Gabi: Okay YAYYYY
It goes on an on but you get the point..
Last nights conversation:
Gabi: Mommmmmyy storryyyy
Me: Okay what story would you like
Gabi: Zamboni..
Me: Zamboni's ..what do zamboni's do
Gabi: make the ice sparkley
Gabi: And Don Cherries dog Blue mommy.
Me: okie dokie.. umm Daddy will need to help us out here
Gabi: YAyy Daddy
Okay someone has brainwashed this child to like hockey a little too much hahaha
On another note, we had a receint physio appt. and are in need of some toddler shoes with arch support. Because Gabriella has virtually no arch in her foot we need to ensure she has arch support so we do not need orthotics in the future however, I am having a heck of a time finding toddler shoes with any arch supports.
These are the brands I have been told are good:
New Balance
Beeko
Naturino
But finding a 9 in any of these brands have been almost impossible for me -which is weird don't you think.. it seems none of the kiddie shoe stores around her carry anything bigger than an 8??
Odd.
Anyways, anyone who has experience with supportive toddler shoes, I would love your opinions on good brands (that also support a wide foot).
Thank you all and Happy Halloween!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Time Management!
Okay so long time no blog.. but I've thought of a great topic. TIME MANAGEMENT.
Something I used to actually beam with pride about.. you know being the one who was great at organizing and remembering special dates and being puntual.. well with the exception of still being punctual I think I can say goodbye to the other "pesonal skills" I may have once had. At least that is what I feel like. So here is my list of questions for all you Mom's out there. Perhaps you can help me get back on track?
1) When do you find the time for yourself? -my time is 9pm-12pm and I squeeze in "my time" with working from home time and husband time.. so really.. my time? NADA
2) Luxery-spa? make-up. (seriously I'm so tired of whipping makeup on in 3 seconds flat) needless to say I'm not the "polished Mom" you see walking into your kiddie class with her blackberry in one hand, starbucks in the other and the pristine little angel child who doesnt' look like he/she has ever touched dirt in their lifetime.. how dull
3) Excercise.. well this is my big stress reliever but I never seem to find time to do it. When am I supposed to go to the gym? in between bedtime, working from home time, husband time and me time.. I'd be up for 24 hours straight so sadly "exercise time" falls to the wayside.. but Gabi and I do walk Everywhere we possibly can.
Alright..please please help me.. give me some good tips ladies..I'm in desperate need.
Something I used to actually beam with pride about.. you know being the one who was great at organizing and remembering special dates and being puntual.. well with the exception of still being punctual I think I can say goodbye to the other "pesonal skills" I may have once had. At least that is what I feel like. So here is my list of questions for all you Mom's out there. Perhaps you can help me get back on track?
1) When do you find the time for yourself? -my time is 9pm-12pm and I squeeze in "my time" with working from home time and husband time.. so really.. my time? NADA
2) Luxery-spa? make-up. (seriously I'm so tired of whipping makeup on in 3 seconds flat) needless to say I'm not the "polished Mom" you see walking into your kiddie class with her blackberry in one hand, starbucks in the other and the pristine little angel child who doesnt' look like he/she has ever touched dirt in their lifetime.. how dull
3) Excercise.. well this is my big stress reliever but I never seem to find time to do it. When am I supposed to go to the gym? in between bedtime, working from home time, husband time and me time.. I'd be up for 24 hours straight so sadly "exercise time" falls to the wayside.. but Gabi and I do walk Everywhere we possibly can.
Alright..please please help me.. give me some good tips ladies..I'm in desperate need.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Random thoughts
It's been forever since I've posted. I guess I'm going through the "I'm not sure why I have this blog anymore" phase. It was intended to be a resource for other parents of stroke survivors, a support system for me and a place for me to connect with people who were going through the same thing I was at the beginning of Gabriella's diagnosis so that I could gain as much knowlege about this as I could. I've met wonderful friends who have guided me, given me excellent resources and knowlege and in general have helped me through many a rollercoaster ride whether they were aware of it or not and I will be forever grateful for that.
At this point in time I am at a loss for words and as Gabriella is getting older I find that I have nothing to write on this blog that could be of any use to the "audience" I intended it for.
I am having a tough time giving this blog up though as, mentioned above- I have met wonderful people who have emotionally been there for me through this whole thing and I am also somewhat supersticious that if Iclose this door, I may need this blog more than ever. Gabi is only just 2 years old and it is possible that we could still be facing challenges in the future.
So in writing this I have come to the conclusion that I will not end this blog for now but perhaps will continue to update sporatically as before. I'll try and make them more informative and less "in my mind banter hahaa"
Cheers,
Christine
At this point in time I am at a loss for words and as Gabriella is getting older I find that I have nothing to write on this blog that could be of any use to the "audience" I intended it for.
I am having a tough time giving this blog up though as, mentioned above- I have met wonderful people who have emotionally been there for me through this whole thing and I am also somewhat supersticious that if Iclose this door, I may need this blog more than ever. Gabi is only just 2 years old and it is possible that we could still be facing challenges in the future.
So in writing this I have come to the conclusion that I will not end this blog for now but perhaps will continue to update sporatically as before. I'll try and make them more informative and less "in my mind banter hahaa"
Cheers,
Christine
Monday, June 15, 2009
Heart & Minds -BC Heart and Stroke Foundation Newsletter
June is Stoke Awareness month and the Heart & Stroke Foundation approached us to do a follow up article on Gabriella and her progress. We we're very pleased to be able to share Gabriella's story in the newsletter and be apart of this years Big Bike Event. The more money raised for the cause, the closer we are to answers and solutions for our little ones who have experienced tough beginnings.
To read article click here: Gabi's Article
June 9th was also Gabriella's Second Birthday!! I can't believe she is two already. Time really does fly by :) I've attached some birthday pictures below.
To read article click here: Gabi's Article
June 9th was also Gabriella's Second Birthday!! I can't believe she is two already. Time really does fly by :) I've attached some birthday pictures below.
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