Park Play (and some other stuff)

Yesterday was our second time at Kindermusik. I prepared myself for what was sure to be another tantrum filled session. How did it go? AWESOME! Delilah had a great time. She happily participated in all the songs and dancing. There were only two moments when she got a little fussy, walking around the circle and snack time ending. Even then we were able to re-direct her to a new activity and she was happy. I really hope this continues.

We also had our first appointment with a Pediatric Orthopedist, Dr. Killian. It was recommended, by Dr. Miller, as PWS patients have a higher risk of Scoliosis. We also wanted to discuss her feet turning in while she walks. I am happy to report all looks good with Delilah. Her spine is great, which is a relief. As for her feet turning it, it is due to her walking knock-knee and needing the balance. Apparently our little girl can turn her knees outwards 90 degrees, but only 30 degrees inwards. Not a big deal, but it leads to knock-knee walking. It also explains why she likes to W sit. W sitting is when she sits with her legs bent like a W. All our therapists have discouraged this sitting position, but we have been unsuccessful at getting her to stop. Dr. Killian explained to me that it can't hurt her, and she only does it because other ways of sitting are more uncomfortable. So glad to hear it. He also said that it should all correct itself within the next two years, as she walks more and gains better balance. He did prescribe us some shoe inserts, for her feet turning in, but other than that she is golden and come back to see him in a year. One less thing to have to worry about.

On Monday I took Delilah to a really nice park in Trussville. I am ashamed to say, this was our first trip to a park. I know I should have taken her sooner, but I am taking her now and that's what really matters. Anyhow, she loved it. As soon as I set her down, she took off like a bullet. She was all over the place. She didn't seem to have much of an interest in the equipment, all she wanted to do was walk/run. The park is set up with three different areas all with a cushy surface. There are a few concrete paths linking them, as well as a bike path circling the park. Between the different areas of the park are a few patches of grass. As Delilah was walking she would avoid the grassy areas at all costs. The girl HATES grass. It was so funny to see. Anytime she would walk up to a grassy spot she would come to a halt and turn around. Here are a few pictures from our day. (I wish I had more, but it was getting hard to keep up with her and take pictures.)

Hope you are all having a great week!

Busted

I've been terrible about taking photos lately, especially of Delilah. I just never seem to have my camera handy. I am working on fixing that. Luckily, I had it right next to me when I saw what Delilah had done. First I will let you see the photos.

Those blue marks aren't some crazy birthmark. Little girl decided to "taste" her crayons. I am happy to report that she didn't think they taste all that good. However, these particular crayons take on a marker form when you get them wet, hence the blue marks. As you can see, she is pretty proud of herself! Love that smile!

I also need to tell you about our first Kindermusik class, last Tuesday. It was more of an introduction/getting to know you day, but we did do a few songs. Let me tell you my observations. Delilah HATES Circle Time. During the few (as in 3) minutes I was out of the room going over specifics with therapists, the teacher and other therapists did a short Circle time. I walked back into the room to find Delilah screaming at the top of her lungs and struggling to get out of the circle. I know it wasn't because I had left, because she continued to do it when I sat down with her. She is just an independent little girl who wants to do what she wants when she wants. I know she will learn to like circle time, but until then I may have to bring my earplugs!

In other news, I have decided to start a home business. As many of you have seen, I am an avid Digital Scrapbooker. Delilah will never have to worry about Mommy preserving her precious memories. I am lucky to have the time, but a lot of families are not. With multiple children and full time jobs, many people don't have the luxury to sit down and scrapbook their memories. That's where I come in. I am starting a Scrap 4 Hire business, where I make scrapbook layouts with your photos. If you would like to learn more check out my other blog, Confessions of a Craft-a-holic.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Attention all Carpenters

A friend of mine (thanks Lindy...my husband certainly wants to thank you..lol) pointed me towards a link for the most amazing princess bed I have ever seen! Those of you who know me, know that I am a bit obsessed with the whole "Princess" theme. I really love those Disney Princesses, and, luckily, I have a little girl to decorate for. (Lord knows John would not be into turning the house into a Pink Palace.) Well, this bed that I have to have costs a whopping $47,000.00. Just a bit out of our price range. (Seriously, who pays that for a bed?!?) Unfortunately, I can no longer settle for anything else. So, do any of you have amazing carpentry skills? Could you re-create this beauty for me? I know I am reaching for the stars, but seriously, I HAVE TO HAVE this bed! I think I will have to embrace disappointment, but a girl can certainly dream!

More on The Bell Center

As I stated in the last post, we are on the top of the wait list for another class with The Bell Center. Well, I just received the phone call today, from Ms. Betty, that we now have a spot in their 'All About Me' class, which meets twice a week, starting in February. (I should blog about these things more often, it may be the ticket to getting things to happen faster.) Here is the summary of the class which I got from their website.

All About Me

Toddlers in All About Me groups come to The Bell Center either twice or four times a week. Each toddler is assigned a specific volunteer who provides one-on-one direction as the toddler works on his or her individual goals. Led by a professional team which includes a special education teacher, a speech therapist and an occupational therapist, All About Me  groups have circle time with stories and songs, snack time to concentrate on feeding and language skills, group art projects and time for work on individual gross and fine motor skills. In addition to the professional team, a physical therapist and classroom aide are assigned to the group, and a nutritionist is available on a consultative basis. The four-day All About Me groups also have a weekly creative movement class led by Children’s Dance Foundation.  And every All About Me group participates in animal assisted therapy with Hand-in-Paw.

I cannot tell you how excited I am for Delilah to start this class. As you can expect, she doesn't spend a lot of time away from me. She also doesn't spend much time with children her own age. This class will give her the opportunity for more of both. It's only 1.5 hours long, so we won't be apart for long, just long enough for Delilah to build some independence and social skills.

I just have to figure out what I am going to do during the class. It's at 8:15am on Wednesday and Friday in the Hoover area, which means no going all the way home. Any suggestions that don't cost anything? I checked the library, but it doesn't open until 9am. Sure wish I had a Kindle (hint, hint dear husband).

Update

I know I have been MIA for a little while. I haven't posted since December, eek. I blame the weather, but so does the rest of the country, right?!? The weather has been a bit crappy here. The ice/winter storm we were hit with, this past weekend, had us confined to our homes. Alabama just doesn't know how to handle winter weather. I could have used my confinement to blog, but I scrapbooked instead. You can see some of my many pages on my other blog.

Anyway, you probably want to hear about Delilah. Am I right? Well, she is AMAZING! Our girl is a WALKER!!!!!! She is on the go and nothing can stop her now. It is so magical to watch. She really loves when we are upstairs in the loft. She gets to walk from the loft, down the hall, into her room and back again. She is constantly bringing me things from her room. She may be making a bigger mess now, but I couldn't be happier. She also loves playing 'chase'. She will stand up a few steps from one of us, turn back to look at us(or 'show her tail' as John puts it), and then take off. It is so funny and just plain FUN!

We are also seeing a lot more communication, mostly signs. The girl can sign quite a bit. My favorite lately is 'please'. So glad she is learning to be polite. She is also beginning to sound out some words. When we say "night, night" she will say "ni, ni". She also says "sna" for snack. I am constantly repeating words and trying to coax more words, but I know it will take time. Thank goodness for signing.

Her understanding has also grown. When I ask her if she fed her baby today, she will go to the baby and feed it it's bottle. CUTENESS! We are working on 'soft' touches with the pets. She likes to grab the cat and pull. The cat's not really a fan. She is getting better.

We are excited to be starting Kindermusik at The Bell Center next week. (We were suppose to start this week, but everything shut down due to the ice.) It will be a great opportunity for Delilah to socialize with other children. We are on the top of their wait list for a spot in one of the other classes as well.

Well, thats all for tonight. Wait. I haven't posted a pic and that just wouldn't be right. Here is my new favorite pic of my beautiful girl. I have finally managed to get pigtails into her hair. Isn't she adorable? (As if I really have to ask!?!)