A new Cousin; Peter Pan

The kids have been looking at pictures of Peter Pan aka Jeremy and we have talked about how the baby that was in Auntie Laura's belly was born. They were very excited to have a visit!

 

We went through all the steps. If they got to hold Jeremy, he was very small, they had to watch his head, they had to watch the boo-boo on his hand, and only if it was ok with Auntie Laura and Uncle Jamie.

 

Katheryn was very good holding him, and Laura even took her hand away for a picture!

 

 

The first thing Nickolas said when he saw the baby. "I get to hold Peter Pan"

 

 The thought the baby was really cute.  Until there was some crying.

 

Katheryn stayed very interested in everything Jeremy was doing.

Even under the covers!

 

 Once Jeremy was nice and happy again, I got to have some snuggles!

I'm so happy that everyone is home and settling in - even with limited amount of sleep - as expected with a 1 week old.

NDT

Last year we found out about an opportunity for some free therapy. It is called the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach.
They were looking for participants between 2-12 years old with a neuromotor diagnosis.
There is a website for this type of therapy http://www.ndta.org/

The purpose is to identify strengths and weaknesses and use a hands-on, problem solving approach to optimize functioning. The therapy is guided by reactions through each session.

Reading from the pamphlet we were given, I'm not quite sure how this approach is different from traditional physiotherapy. Don't all the therapists look at what is strong, what needs improvement and work on this, and if something isn't working then try something else?

The purpose of the therapy is for practitioners to gain experience. There are 7 blocks throughout the year. We went to the first block; 3 days in a row for 2 hours.

The timing was great, because we just finished our block of physio for another 2-3 months.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend myself, but Kyle went and took pictures.
It was all very positive. They were focusing on gaining core strength and activities he liked to be doing.
Of course playing pirate was a huge hit!

He's pretty much standing by himself here, I think the hand behind him was just if he fell back, and of course trying to keep those knees apart!

They worked on balance

And some basic goals like reaching and working on central muscles.

 

And playing, playing, playing!

 

Basketball seems to be an total body workout for Nick. Reaching down, pulling up, throwing!
And then all over again!

The 3 days seems to have really help Nickolas. Even today at home he has been more comfortable testing his abilities by trying to stand unassisted. Up to 5 seconds today!
We have some more play-time ideas to play-on

Meeting Peter Pan

Some big things happened in my extended family. My little sister became a Mommy!!!

(Right in the middle of the biggest snowstorm in 5 years).

 

There is a long story, but it isn't my story to tell.

 

At the end of a very long night, day, night I got the pleasure to be there when my new nephew was born! And Peter Pan (good for a girl or a boy) was a boy!

 

 

He is beautiful!

I brought a little Peter Pan doll from Katheryn and Nickolas.

 

I love watching the joy and awe on  Laura and Jamie's faces when they look at the little baby boy they created!
(And of course photographing it - even if Laura didn't want to be in any of the pictures)

I got to have some baby cuddles before heading home (in the snow storm).

Laura and Jamie decided on the name of Jeremy William Mack.
He looks like Jamie, but his hair has that reddish tinge to it that Nick's did when he was born.
Happy Birth Day Jeremy!!

Expanding our rockband

Nickolas has decided to expand his rockstarness!
He insisted that he wanted to play the guitar! He wanted to be in a rockband and play the guitar, and Katheryn can play his drums and mommy can sing (we have the microphone) and daddy can play the guitar too.

Of course we got him one (I know the kids are a bit spoiled)
But he has to stand, not support himself with his hands and play.

Lots of leaning right now, but the more he plays the more excited he gets and the more upright he gets. While having lots and lots of fun!
Now I just have to get us all ready to start rocking out together!

Star Boy and Lightening Girl!

Superheroes to the rescue!