Friday, August 27, 2010

Kaitlyn's Baby Treadmill

Last week, after much anticipation, Kaitlyn's treadmill arrived.
Kaitlyn will be using it 8 minutes a day, in 1 minute intervals, 5 days a week.
A study was done at the University of Michigan lead by Dr. Dale Ulrich. What they found is that infant/toddlers with Down syndrome, who would typically walk at an average of 24-28 months of age, walk sooner when exposed to treadmill therapy. Most kiddos who routinely use the treadmill walk between 18 1/2-19 1/2 months old.
The study is done, but because of further funding they are able to allow other children with Ds to use the treadmills. So we will see! We are excited for this opportunity. Kaitlyn already is stepping. I will update on her progress. Below is a video telling about the training along with a few pictures of Kaitlyn and Dr. Ulrich. If you have any questions please let me know!










Saturday, August 21, 2010

Another BIG Milestone

I apologize for my lack of blogging! We are 3 weeks in as a family of 6 and I will admit we are having some CRAZY, chaotic moments. But we also have some wonderfully "normal" moments where life is amazing and our family feels complete.

Even though things are different in our house having a newborn again, Kaitlyn hasn't missed a beat. We are on a PT/OT therapy break until September and honestly she has made more progress in the last weeks than all of last year. Her gross motor skills are developing FAST! She is crawling everywhere and getting into everything. She keeps us on our toes!

2 weeks ago on a Tuesday, Ty and I came home from the hospital. It was a busy day. I was glad to be home but it was crazy. That night the kids went to bed late. We laid Kaitlyn down in her crib, walked to the door to shut of the light, turned around and guess who was standing up.....yep, Ms. Kaitlyn. One day shy of her 1st birthday, she pulled herself to standing. She's amazing!!! We are so proud! That night, we were sooo tired. Blair right away at 10:30 at night had to take her crib apart and lower her mattress. Silly girl! Since that day she has been pulling herself up on everything.








More exciting news,
Yesterday Dr. Dale Ulrich from the University of Michigan made a house call and delivered Kaitlyn her baby treadmill.
We are so grateful for this opportunity.
I will blog about this tomorrow with pictures and a video!
Below is a picture of Ty taken by Blair last week, he was 2 weeks old.
This little 8 pounder has stole my heart!
Our family, my husband, the boys, Kaitlyn and little Ty have my heart overflowing!

Ty David, 2 weeks old!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Happy 1st Birthday Kaitlyn!

What a special day today is, our little girl is one. Emotions are high as we reflect back on the last 12 months. She has brought us such joy and we thank God each and everyday for allowing us to be her parents. Below is a video montage that I created. It has taken me weeks to make and I am so excited to share it. It is a little long, it was too hard to cut things out. She had an amazing first year! Take the time and watch the video to the end. It gets better and better as it goes on. Enjoy!
-Refresh the page if you can't see the video-

(Pause the music at the bottom before pushing play)