Alison & RPA

Since joining Essential Baby forums a few years ago, as I have mentioned I have met lots of lovely ladies of children with special needs, one of these ladies...Alison I have also had the pleasure of meeting a couple of times now in person aswell.

She has 3 lovely daughters, but her youngest 2 are twins and were truly miracle babies. You can read all about Alison and her girls on her blog I'm Thinking of Starting a Blog - A blog about life in the 'burbs with 3 children - one of whom happens to have multiple disabilities.

For Australian readers of my blog, tonight on RPA - Where are they now? Alison and her hubby will be on there with their daughters. They have been on the show a couple of times now and I look forward to watching them and their gorgeous family again tonight on Channel 9 @ 8.30 Eastern Time.

2009 Wellsphere Health Blogger Awards

I don't normally ask for votes, but here goes. ..I am hoping to better Violet's blogs position from last year when we came 87th, still very privileged to make the top 100 though.

Voting closes 15th December.

If your keen please click on vote now button below, thanks!

for
Sarah

http://violetsjourney.blogspot.com

Serial Casting Time Again & Orthotist Appointment

Today Violet had her next installment of casting...post Botox. She will be wearing this cast for the week and we go back on Monday for another one to be put on.

I think casting in 40 degree heat should be made illegal though, feel awful making her wear it in this heat...but it has to be done!

After the casting appointment, we had her Orthotic Appointment to pick up her new static AFO. It fits so much better and with the added straps keeps her foot in a much better position.

Felt a little weird only picking 1 AFO up, but don't get me wrong so pleased it's now only 1 needed!

Step & Rail

Back in April I ordered a Step and Rail for Violet.

I decided to call TAD on Tuesday about where it was all at, as it has taken forever. The lady I spoke to was very helpful and said it had taken way too long for it to be finished and delivered and said she would personally follow through my inquiry and get it to me asap.

Today...finally it was delivered and painted pink as Violet requested!

Botox & Orthotic Clinic Appointments

Botox Clinic first this morning...Violet as usual was very uncooperative for the therapists assessing her today. They mentioned they would like Violet to see someone at the hospital about her anxiety (of appointments, treatments etc) to hopefully help. It's not like her appointments are going to be finishing anytime soon, so I guess it wouldn't hurt. Just hate adding another thing to our to-do-list.

They made the decision to leave her arm/elbow/hand this time around only because they thought this could give them the chance to give her the maximum doses needed for her calf. They agree her foot has become a big problem and sadly Violet has more casting starting in 2 weeks.

She also had her Orthotic Appointment while we were there and she was casted again for her new AFO...did you notice I said AFO meaning only 1 this time! They are happy with her left side as her toe walking on that side has minimised enough to not need one! They will instead organise an inner shoe orthotic for her left foot as she has the difference in leg lengths. She chose the same design as she has already for her right AFO.

After picking up some meds from the pharmacy there, Violet talked me into going to the Starlight Room. She had been reasonably well behaved so I let her get her face painted as a reward...as you can see by her smile it sure worked!

Now fingers crossed we see some good results from the Botox...She has her Follow-up Botox Appointment 30th November.

My Mermaids

Preschool Orientation

This morning Violet had her Preschool Orientation from 9.00-10.15am.

She thoroughly enjoyed herself and besides smacking another boy on the hand cos he wanted to use the computer that she was pretending to play, she behaved herself.

Being in these settings always concrete the fact that Violet is not the "usual" 4 year old. Seeing other children run around, playing on play equipment, complete tasks with great ease are just some I can mention without going into detail. As much as I love seeing other children being able to do these things, it upsets me that Violet can't and has such difficulty. I guess with time I will come to an acceptance that is just the way things are and all we can do is keep trying to implement steps for her to try to learn different things.

Dave and Emily came with us so they could see her Preschool and Dave gave the Manager a bit of run down on his concerns for Violet attending the centre. It's weird how wherever you go in life you immediately see the dangers for Violet...uneven ground, play equipment, sandpits, steps, tree roots exposed to name just a few.

While we were there one of the staff members came to talk to me and mentioned that she has a 22 year old daughter who has Quad CP and attended the same Preschool and although she has had many struggles with her life and therapies, she is now driving and working, it was lovely to hear all about her and great to know someone there understands CP first hand.

The Manager and Staff have been very accommodating for Violet's medical conditions and special needs which has helped make the decision to send her to this Preschool alot easier. It's always nice to know your child feels welcome regardless of their additonal needs.

We have an appointment on the 27th January with the Manager and all the staff to further discuss Violet's needs and her medical health action plan, so everyone will be as aware as they possibly can before she starts.