Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Bittersweet News
We're sorry to report that Phoebe's pt from Harford County Infants and Toddlers program, Teresa DiPietro, passed away Sunday night shortly after delivering a healthy little boy, Rocco William. He weighs in at 8lbs, 12oz. Teresa was like an angel before she left us; I imagine she's already in Heaven watching over us, especially her loving family.
She was always patient, gentle, playful, quick to smile. I remember how excited she was the day she hinted to us that she was pregnant. We had the pleasure of meeting Dave at Phoebe's 2nd birthday party, and she just delighted our relatives. Phoebe adores Teresa: they had at least a dozen tea parties at the play kitchen over the months. Phoebe actually looked forward to her therapy sessions with Teresa-it breaks my heart to know that the next time we meet will be for a final goodbye. We didn't take any pictures of Teresa, much to our regret, so we're blessed to see the memorial at the funeral home's website. A pose we saw every week for 15 months-a beautiful smile.
She became a part of our family, and we will miss her terribly.
She was always patient, gentle, playful, quick to smile. I remember how excited she was the day she hinted to us that she was pregnant. We had the pleasure of meeting Dave at Phoebe's 2nd birthday party, and she just delighted our relatives. Phoebe adores Teresa: they had at least a dozen tea parties at the play kitchen over the months. Phoebe actually looked forward to her therapy sessions with Teresa-it breaks my heart to know that the next time we meet will be for a final goodbye. We didn't take any pictures of Teresa, much to our regret, so we're blessed to see the memorial at the funeral home's website. A pose we saw every week for 15 months-a beautiful smile.
She became a part of our family, and we will miss her terribly.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Early Thanksgiving
Some pics are from dinner here with some of the Schaum clan. Chris used a turkey fryer for our first Thanksgiving dinner, and made 2 pumpkin pies from scratch. I just picked out the pumpkin seeds. They roasted (and popped) in the oven. Everyone else brought the side dishes. HMM Mmm...
Weekend
Friend Barb and I took the kids to APGFire Department for their open house. It was great for the kids-lots of craft projects, letters mailed to Santa, and they saw Spongebob, Dora and Santa. As for my semi-diet, it came to a screeching halt. Cookies, fruit punch, hot chocolate, more cookies. It was so worth it, though:()
New breakthrough
We're thrilled to share these new pics, showing how far Phoebe's come...and some cute ones of Paul, Aunt Donna, Cousin Calib and buddy Jacob.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Two updates for previous blog
1. Dad is making progress w/rehab. Standing seems to be getting easier for him. Just had the last staples out of left knee. Anyone know where to find a bedboard?
2. Paul getting kudos for school. Working well with all the kids. The families are very nice and encouraging. BTW, anyone an expert knitter, expert enough to offer some starter tips?
3. Phoebe's turning into a parrot. Just watch what you say around her...
4. So I can't count-here's a 4th update! Not much new for me and Chris...a member on amcsupport.org is launching a new site all about a documentary. The address: amcdocumentary.org.
2. Paul getting kudos for school. Working well with all the kids. The families are very nice and encouraging. BTW, anyone an expert knitter, expert enough to offer some starter tips?
3. Phoebe's turning into a parrot. Just watch what you say around her...
4. So I can't count-here's a 4th update! Not much new for me and Chris...a member on amcsupport.org is launching a new site all about a documentary. The address: amcdocumentary.org.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Phoebe's spurt
The orthotist just adjusted her kafos as long as they will go. He of course suggested that they reapply the pelvic band to correct external rotation. With Reenee's sewing elastic suggestion, she should be able to do it by that cue. The walker is wide, but the toy train is narrow enough to force her legs closer than a cowgirl's stance. Either way, she cries when I even suggest she use the walker to go down the hall. My lack of patience is spoiling this child;)
Paul is about to complete his second week of preschool. He's having a blast! He's sending home lots of artwork to tape to the bare living room walls. Phoebe likes to contribute as well! We girls are bonding but saving our energy for a trip to the mall, lol. Don't worry Chris, it'll be mostly window shopping!
Keep my dad in your prayers. He's recovering from double knee replacement and it's gonna be rough going for a few weeks. My mom needs some too, running back and forth. She took a fall at the hospital parking lot last weekend, but says she's okay.
Paul is about to complete his second week of preschool. He's having a blast! He's sending home lots of artwork to tape to the bare living room walls. Phoebe likes to contribute as well! We girls are bonding but saving our energy for a trip to the mall, lol. Don't worry Chris, it'll be mostly window shopping!
Keep my dad in your prayers. He's recovering from double knee replacement and it's gonna be rough going for a few weeks. My mom needs some too, running back and forth. She took a fall at the hospital parking lot last weekend, but says she's okay.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Catching Up...
The latest from our neck of the woods...actually happened in Columbus, OH. We saw many old friends from last year's convention. Happily, many new faces, lots of beautiful kids, not to mention new presenters. Check out http://www.positiveexposure.org/ for some great photos by Rick Guidotti, former fashion photographer. He was the keynote speaker at the dinner.
Phoebe is happy, actually requesting, to wear her new night splints! She and mom got a little crazy last visit to duPont so she's sporting a deep REGAL purple splint with hot pink straps. Only problem is the one velcro piece keeps unsticking itself. That's "fashion before function" I guess.
A solution to her fear of using the walker unassisted? Sewing elastic! Does this keep her happy while she's using the walker? No!
Paul and Phoebe are getting on each other's nerves lately too. Paul is doing anything he can to help, at least how he perceives being helpful at four. Phoebe is bullying him and trying to do the same with her parents. So we're doing a lot of refereeing and it may not let up anytime soon.
If I don't figure out how to add the photos, keep checking http://www.amcsupport.org/
often, where they may get a new slide show started.
Phoebe is happy, actually requesting, to wear her new night splints! She and mom got a little crazy last visit to duPont so she's sporting a deep REGAL purple splint with hot pink straps. Only problem is the one velcro piece keeps unsticking itself. That's "fashion before function" I guess.
A solution to her fear of using the walker unassisted? Sewing elastic! Does this keep her happy while she's using the walker? No!
Paul and Phoebe are getting on each other's nerves lately too. Paul is doing anything he can to help, at least how he perceives being helpful at four. Phoebe is bullying him and trying to do the same with her parents. So we're doing a lot of refereeing and it may not let up anytime soon.
If I don't figure out how to add the photos, keep checking http://www.amcsupport.org/
often, where they may get a new slide show started.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Whoa, getting behind
Well, Phoebe had 2 different casts in December to get her feet to 90deg, and yesterday we spent most of the day at the hospital, to wait in the lobby, meet up with another amc family, remove the cast, wait in the lobby, meet Phoebe's "new legs" as Paul put it, wait in the lobby, then have the pt make final adjustments. The kids are still recovering, but it's been worth it! Phoebe's straighter than she's ever been and we can't wait to see what she'll do in her hkafos next!
Even though she hates it, she can stand unassisted for up to 1 minute in these. Now these are braces which include a pelvic band, the usual straps that velcro across her thighs and ankles, locks at the hips and knees, and some stylin kneepads with buckles galore. Will post some action shots to show you what she's doing.
As for Paul, he's signed up for a short preschool session that's meeting once a week starting next week to get his feet wet for the fall. He can't wait to ride a bus! They're growing up fast...
Even though she hates it, she can stand unassisted for up to 1 minute in these. Now these are braces which include a pelvic band, the usual straps that velcro across her thighs and ankles, locks at the hips and knees, and some stylin kneepads with buckles galore. Will post some action shots to show you what she's doing.
As for Paul, he's signed up for a short preschool session that's meeting once a week starting next week to get his feet wet for the fall. He can't wait to ride a bus! They're growing up fast...
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