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Thursday 18 August 2011

Maddox's past few weeks...

Maddox has a new baby cousin, Adriana! She is so cute and little! Maddox was such a big boy and visited the hospital with mommy.
Successes: 
~Maddox is riding his new RAZOR bike like a "professional" now! I'm so proud of him for taking this big step and really trying to peddle, steer and enjoy his freedom riding his cool bike! (Peddle, steer, go and stop are the trigger words we use when he rides to keep him focused. I didn't want to overwhelm him by having too long of explanations, so the trigger words keep him motivated).
***New update! He rode his bike with training wheels today all the way around block! He's doing great! He needs a little motivation pushing both peddles forward (because when you get tired, your feet slide back and you are "breaking" both peddles and stoping the bike).
~Maddox is continuing to do excellent at swim class. This past week he did not cover his ears once! (Due to his increased sound sensitivity, Maddox was covering his ears a lot during unexpected noises and "white noise" type of sounds like a fan on or water running from a fountain, etc.) He loves when his instructor Jon, "chases" him in the pool. Maddox loves to be chased and he giggles endlessly! He has been swimming underwater like a pro and is doing really well at longer distances in the pool. He can tread water for days it seems! His breathing control is so good and he really enjoys himself. The staff at SwimWest in Fitchburg are really amazing and friendly. They have accommodated Maddox to come in early prior to the other students and he gets the pool to himself. It really helps him with his sound sensitivity. He would swim well before but he was totally distracted by covering his ears the entire time. I think it was just too much input with the fans, other children, instructors, etc. Thank you SwimWest!
~Maddox once again is eating sausage links! Another added protein to his diet.
~He is really doing great using his "speaking" app on his iPad-Proloquo2go. It's an amazing app that has the same features as most $7,000 speaking devices. He is opening the application and chooses a category from the "Home" page (typically he goes to the "I WANT" category and chooses "Something To Eat" and then Makes a selection from the pictures of foods. As he chooses these categories and sub-categories the device speaks in a slow paced, lower toned, child's voice  (to mimic his voice). I modified everything on the app in order to best suit Maddox and his sound sensitivities (that's why I made the voice lower/easier on his sensitive hearing). It's amazing all of the options that the application offers! We are using it during horseback riding and during our daily routine. He even uses it to tell me when he has to go potty when we are not at home. The goal is not to "replace" his speech with this device, it's just to help him have a voice. He can make choices, see our reactions and realize that asking for things and communicating serves him many functions. He has really started to mimic the sounds more and more everyday too. What a wonderful tool! Go buddy! ***Side note: We have purchased the iPad and applications ourselves. We were on a waiting list with the state to receive a speaking device and were denied. (Talk about ridiculous...Maddox is non-verbal and entering school.) We were re-applying but it could take 1-2 years at the rate we have seen additional parents waiting. We are very fortunate that Matt could provide this device for Maddox's needs. I'm very sad for all of the parents waiting on State aid. I know this must change! The State will need to fit this into the budget asap as the need is so great, with so many children having speech delays. However, the school districts are slowly but surely receiving these devices and adapting them into their therapeutic programs.
~The past few days we were able to get back on track with Maddox's bowel issues. He's gone #2 for 4 days straight now! We had gone almost 6 days without and that effects everything (concentration, irritability, illness, appetite, etc.). We were able to reduce again the amount of gluten free carbohydrates that Maddox consumed and increased the probiotics he takes along with added exercise that work his tummy muscles. As Maddox was ill from time to time over the past two weeks, I feel that the lack of productive exercises and altered diet didn't help his potty problems. The Brain Balance physical activities have really helped keep him regular and we continued to re-introduce them the past few days. Maddox is doing well with recognizing when he has to go potty and heading to the bathroom. This is great! My goal is to get him potty trained prior to school starting on Sept. 6th or soon after. Go Big Boy!
~Maddox has been doing well at helping with small chores around the house like putting dishes away with my continued aid and folding towels and his clothes. I do a lot of "hand over hand" prompting and encouragement.
~ I've started teaching him to tie his own shoes. This will be a slower process but he is starting to take interested.
~Maddox played "ball" back and forth with Matt at Grandma Paula/Brian's house. He likes standing at the top of their long driveway. He was engaged in tossing the ball back and forth for over 5 min. It was amazing! I know Maddox can do anything he puts effort towards! He just needs to have motivation and nothing can stop him!

Regressions:
~Maddox had accidentally taken his brothers regular chicken strip (2 weeks ago) while driving and scarfed it down before I could fix the issue. I was hoping zero side effects would be seen from this. However, Maddox has had a rash develop and worsen over the past two weeks. At first I thought is was from our newer toilet seats and Maddox taking so long to go potty and his legs rubbing the seat. But, after researching it last week and contacting my mommy friend on Facebook I discovered it was eczema due to multiple causes. Maddox is very allergic to egg, cow's milk and  gluten (wheat protein)...all ingredients in the chicken Gavin was eating.(FYI this is why I try to keep Gavin and Maddox on same diet as much as I can because this will not occur then). And Maddox was slightly exposed to the lawn maintenance team that sprayed our yards last week. I never let him outside that day but he did sneak onto the screen porch a couple of times. I have a feeling the three factors described are causing this flare-up on the back of his legs. I have used Aquaphor ointment and looser clothing and of course avoided any additional food allergens. Here's additional information on eczema:
~Eczema outbreaks, or "flare-ups" are caused by an overreaction of your skin's immune system to environmental and emotional "triggers". These can range from irritants such as chemicals; to allergens, such as dust or mold; to stress.
For those with eczema, it is very helpful to identify and avoid exposure to such triggers. However, because there are so many potential triggers, this can be challenging.
The following sections explain different triggers that may lead to eczema outbreaks:
TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY::Extremes in temperature and humidity can worsen or trigger an eczema flare. While it may be tricky, maintaining a moderate and stable temperature and humidity all year is helpful.
When it's warm and humid in summer, make sure the temperature inside remains cool with an air conditioner. Also keep in mind that air-conditioned air may also be drying to your skin, so be sure to use a moisturizer.
In the winter, the air tends to be drier (cold air holds less moisture, and heating systems generally introduce very dry, hot air into homes), which makes it easier to develop dry skin. Since dry skin is more prone to itching, using a humidifier during the winter months can keep the humidity at an optimal level.
IRRITANTS:Irritants can be both physical and chemical. Avoid products containing potentially irritating chemicals. Usually, these are easy to identify—things like pesticides, paint strippers, etc.,—but others may not be as obvious. Ingredients such as alcohol, astringents, and fragrances may trigger or worsen eczema. These ingredients can be found in cosmetics, emollients, cleaners, air fresheners, toilet paper, etc. Reading ingredient lists on products is a smart way to avoid contact with irritants.
CLOTHING:Something as simple as the clothes you wear can have a great impact on eczema management—from the types of fabrics to how you care for them.
It's best to avoid materials that feel "itchy," things like wool, burlap, etc. Try to wear soft fabrics like cotton, which tend to be less irritating. It's also a good idea to wash all new clothes, linens, and towels before using them for the first time.
Many detergents and fabric softeners may contain chemicals such as fragrances that can irritate our skin. Always read the list of ingredients to avoid contact with irritants. Generally, it is good to choose a mild liquid detergent and put your cloths through an extra rinse cycle when they are brand new.
ALLERGENS:If you experience allergic reactions such as asthma, breathing difficulty, hives, etc., you may already avoid some allergens. It is also important to identify the allergens that specifically trigger your eczema flare-ups.
Although people with eczema are more likely to develop allergies to food (milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts) and airborne allergens (dust mites, molds and pet hairs), it is important to note that allergies can occur independently from eczema. Pay attention to any allergy that may worsen or trigger your eczema, and let your doctor know.
It may be a good idea to enlist the help of a specialist to determine what you are allergic to and what you should avoid.
STRESS:Sometimes, it's hard to stay relaxed, especially when your eczema flares-up. Yet research is now showing that keeping a calm head and good mental outlook may be one of the best ways to help keep eczema in check.
Emotional stress is a well-known trigger of eczema flare-ups. Patients can have difficulties with anxiety, anger and hostility caused by having eczema. This only adds to the problem. Learning to reduce stress may lessen the frequency.
Meditation, relaxation techniques and stress management can help.
You may also find that you feel more in control if you keep a diary or other record of flare-ups.
Support groups are another way to help you feel better. The National Eczema Association for Science and Education (NEASE) can provide information on groups near you. 
Therapies:
~Maddox had 20 + hours of WEAP therapy this past week 
***WE ARE VERY discouraged by the recent actions of Maddox's in-home intensive therapy provider (WEAP). After his yearly testing, WEAP has sent us a letter stating that due to the lack of progress shown by Maddox during this past year of therapy and issues with scheduling due to our additional therapy commitments, that it would be "unethical" for them to treat Maddox anymore and we will need to find Maddox an additional service provider by the first week in September. As most of you can imagine we were very taken back by this abrupt end to our child's services. We had already had concerns due to the turn-over rate with Maddox's line therapists, but were trying to push forward and enroll Maddox in additional therapies to fill the voided downtimes. We have since had a meeting where I respectfully expressed disappointment in how this was handled and also that this determination was "in their eyes" based on lack of progress on Maddox's part and scheduling concerns with our family. We have dedicated this past year to WEAP and it's program. We have seen a total of 6 therapists quit our son's team (due to personal issues, schooling issues, moving issues, vehicle issues, etc.) As my blog clearly demonstrates...Maddox has all of the potential in the world and this is sad that our children can slip through the cracks if someone isn't there to advocate for them. This happens with many children in all kinds of circumstances but, my child doesn't have a voice to stand up for himself yet and I will. It's very sad that the State doesn't provide better pay for their line-therapist as they take on a hard role and do a nice job with the training they are provided. However, the travel the job requires and the massive amount of scheduling I'm sure makes it tough to stick with the job unless your heart is really in it. I want to thank them for the structure they were attempting to establish for Maddox and the skills they were hoping to teach him. I will continue to educate myself more and more and plan to provide Maddox's in-home therapeutic needs. We have additional providers to consider, however, the same staffing issues can occur with all of these programs. I'm always here for my Maddox and that stability is key. 
~"Brain Balance" road-trip to Cedarburg-due to his Doctor falling ill and then Maddox being run down, we were unable to attend his sessions the past 2 weeks. However, we have still been working on the exercises at home.
~Hippotherapy (horseback riding 30 min)ends until mid-Sept. fall sessions
~Swim session (30 min)
~Speech therapy thru WEAP (1 hour) two weeks ago and we were able to pay for an additional session for me to focus on iPad training. We are using Proloquo2go on Maddox's iPad as a speaking device. It's an amazing application, and is used in many school districts. It is very comparable to the more traditional DynaVox speaking devices, expect the iPad plus the Proloquo2go application together are still much less expensive then the DynaVox devices. 
~Play therapy session and "dyad" with 3 other friends his age at Common Threads in McFarland-Maddox was unable to attend this past week as he was run down and had a fever.


Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
~Maddox successfully tried sausage links pan fried in olive oil. This use to be a favorite many months ago. Good protein for my buddy. Maddox also has been doing well with Allergy Free brand Chicken fingers. I was so happy he tried them again this last week, along with sweet potato straight fries and organic potato chips. It sounds funny but I can only remember Maddox eating potato chips one or two other times in his life. 

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics (not the past 4 days...waiting on shipment)
Kirkman's hypoallergenic Children's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Capsules(x1)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
Kirkman's hypoallergenic Children's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Capsules(x1)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics(not the past 4 days...waiting on shipment)
Melatonin 3mg (1/2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

                                                                                                       Videos: 
(I'm having troubles getting videos to post to youtube from my laptop but, I hope to post more soon. Or check out my Facebook page for tons of pictures added weekly).

Saturday 16 July 2011

Go Big Boy Maddox!

Successes: 
~Maddox & I were very lucky and were able to spend our afternoon in Cedarburg (after our Spine Center-Brain Balance work) with his special God Mommy~Charlotte. We missed our Char! Maddox enjoyed her (& Soren's) beautiful new home & new puppy "Rhen"...we love you too Ella-Char's other sweet doggy. I'm very excited to bring Gavin with one of these times too! Maddox liked being mischievous and climbing in windows, bouncing on the bed and did a nice job going potty there too. 
~Maddox is really thriving at his "Brain Balance" activities. We are building up his core strength and he is making great strides forward in his exercises. His eye contact is improving more and more. He is giving me high-fives with greater authority and his ball throwing/catching skills have improved. We are implementing more activities to "work" his left side, which in turn stimulates his "right brain." We are having him catch the ball on his right side...(a blue colored ball that stimulates the right brain as well). He is doing jumping, while slowly spinning to his left side. We do "wall angels" to keep his body aligned while moving to the left. As we build up his "right brain" we will be adding activities to his right side. Army crawls have been helping his core strength as well. Many of these activities I can achieve with him on our new outdoor trampoline. It's a lot of work for him and physically for me too but, really fun to bond and help my sweet Maddox!
~Maddox is doing a great job interacting with me on the trampoline. Mimicking word sounds, saying "more" quickly after prompting, high-fiving me without prompting, hugging & kissing many times (my favorite!), sitting when I sit, and catching and throwing his blue ball. Another wonderful first is him "chasing me" on the trampoline. He thinks its so funny that I say "you can't get me and start laughing" ...he giggles and starts chasing me. It's great!!!
~Maddox rode his new "Razor" bike down the block and back by himself!!! It took some mommy persuasion and persistence at first but, it only took about five houses down for him to push the bike peddles and steer by himself! I was so incredibly proud of him! It was a perfect setting for him to thrive...we were alone, none of our neighbors were outside and there were no distracting noises outdoors. He needed verbal prompting often to keep his feet on the bike peddles to move forward. What a great job!
~Maddox did a wonderful job making a choice and selecting the PEC (picture exchange communication)that he wanted to go outside and ride during horseback riding lesson. 
~Maddox did an amazing job swimming underwater during swim class. What a fish! He is does such a wonderful job at breathing control and body control while in the water. I think he was meant to be an olympic synchronized swimmer! Guess I'm moving to Europe with my buddy...It's a big sport over there! Go Mr. Maddox!
~Maddox has been back on track with going #2 on the potty. He was getting a few too many carbs in his diet last week and I slowly cut more out in order to allow his system to regulate. I added a powder form of gentle laxative, once a day for two days, in order to aid the process. He has been back on track for the remainder of this week without any additional meds/supplements. In addition, we ran out of Maddox's probiotic and were waiting for the shipment. We were unable to supplement with any additional probiotic(as his systems is familiar with the specific flora in his probiotic.) Here's the info for his very effective probiotic:
Klaire Labs THER-BIOTIC® COMPLETE POWDER
This high-potency, hypoallergenic blend of 12 certified probiotic species offers the most complete spectrum of microorganisms in the Klaire line. Ther-Biotic® Complete Powder is a unique combination of colonizing and transient strains providing broad coverage to support a healthy balance of microflora across the entire gastrointestinal tract. Scientifically formulated with a full spectrum of synergistic and complementary species, Ther-Biotic® Complete Powder is designed for individuals who require significantly higher amounts of several different types of probiotic species to help support intestinal health. Formulated with 100+ billion CFUs per 1/4 teaspoon, Ther-Biotic® Complete Powder uses our proprietary InTactic™ technology to ensure maximum delivery of live microorganisms throughout the intestinal tract.
FUNCTIONS OF PROBIOTIC STRAINS IN THER-BIOTIC® COMPLETE POWDER
• Produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, other compounds naturally antagonistic to pathogenic bacteria, yeast &viruses
• Interfere with binding of pathogens to the intestinal mucosa
• Compete with pathogenic organisms for nutrients
• Produce short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) that nourish the colon
• Support innate and acquired immune defense mechanisms
• Reduce production of proinflammatory cytokines
• Improve immunological gut barrier function
• Synthesize vitamin K and B vitamins
• Produce lactase enzyme that helps digest the milk sugar lactose
• Support activity of detoxifying enzymes and removal of ammonia and phenol
• Produce analogs of the DPP-IV enzyme that break down opioid peptides

Regressions:
~Maddox did not go #2 for nearly 3 days this past week...we fixed the issue as of now and he is back on track. Less carbs and getting probiotics back into his system regularly.
~Maddox hasn't wanted to drink his "ni-night" juice and has had a harder time getting to sleep at night. 
~Maddox has once again expressed major melt-downs while around Gavin. I'm really trying to introduce games we can play together but, due to the age difference and Maddox's sound sensitivities, it makes it extremely challenging for one person to do alone. 
~Maddox was "stimming" a lot during our trip down to Mequon area this week. He was very vocally loud. I had to wear the headphones partially myself and listen to music. It can get very stressful. On the way back home he was much better and did a nice job keeping his seatbelt on. However, I needed to do verbal prompting every five minutes to leave it on please. He would listen nicely but, it get's exhausting driving and prompting many things constantly. Thursdays are long days for Maddox and me.

Therapies:
~Maddox had 25 + hours of WEAP therapy this past week
~Brain Balance road-trip to Mequon this week.(1 1/2 hour session once we arrived)
~Hippotherapy (horseback riding 30 min)
~Swim session (30 min)
~Speech therapy thru WEAP (1 hour)
~Play therapy session and "dyad" with 3 other friends his age at Common Threads in McFarland(1 hour 40 min.)


Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
~Maddox successfully tried and ate these foods that are challenging for him: (Daddy made Mr. Maddox) homemade Allergy free pizza crust with kale, broccoli and pumpkin seeds blended into crust before baking...Success! I put a layer of pizza sauce & cut organic pepperoni into quarter sized circles...the first time I had to be persistent and waited him out 1 1/2 hours and re-heated it after his activities. Then he ate 3 pieces! He has eaten four pizzas since the first one. He ate organic gummy snacks (which is great because he hasn't for months) and it's nice for him to have a chewy snack that can stimulate him orally in order for speech therapy to be more effective. Allergy-free apple bars by Enjoy Life food company...yummy. 
~Maddox refused: he didn't want to eat his organic dinosaur chicken nuggets for a few days but, we figured out he didn't like them too hot or too cold...needs be just right:-)

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics (not the past 4 days...waiting on shipment)
Kirkman's hypoallergenic Children's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Capsules(x1)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
Kirkman's hypoallergenic Children's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Capsules(x1)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics(not the past 4 days...waiting on shipment)
Melatonin w/ Magnesium Oxide (2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

***Gavin was a trooper this past week. He's attending part-time daycare now with Amelia "Mi-Mi" as he calls his cousin! So cute! He needed to learn some social skills and I need to be able to run to all of Maddox's therapies and focus on Mr. Maddox. He seems to be enjoying his days and liking his new friends. (Much better then being in a van running Maddox around during part of the week...) XOXOXO Gavin! He is doing amazing at saying many words. He copies nearly everything I ask him to say. Go Gavi!!!

Videos:

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Maddox's Wonderful Week!

Successes: 
~Maddox had a great week! He did amazing at his swim class last Tuesday and did well during horseback riding. He didn't have Brain Balance this past week in Mequon but, we did have WEAP therapy during Thursday. 
~Maddox had tons of fun over at Grandma & Grandpa Doyle's house for the July 4th weekend! We visited with many family members and friends. Maddox slept in our 5th wheel parked in the backyard and did amazing. His own personal apartment on wheels! It's not as noisy in there and he sleeps well.
~Maddox did a great job trying his new "flipper water shoes" out with his instructor this past week. He's a fish!
~We also stopped at Evansville festival "days" and played at the fun park on the hill. Maddox and Gavin did a good job playing on the playground together with mommy & daddy. Maddox did well around the other children and didn't cover his ears much for noise, which is good.
~We went to Middleton Aquatic Park and Maddox had fun playing in the sand play area. However, he was very sound sensitive while in the swimming pool outdoor area, so that's when we switched to the less noisy sand area.
~Maddox has consistently gone #2 nearly everyday this past week.
~Maddox did well during his Methyl-B12 shot we give him in the AM every 4 days on average.
 (Methyl-B12 supports an important biochemical system in our body called methylation. Methylation chemistry is critical for a variety of essential physiological effects including proper sequencing and production of brain chemistry such as dopamine and serotonin which are necessary for motor coordination, mood and focusing. Methylation supports healthy brain cell function by augmenting the production of glutathione which is necessary to protect the cells against toxins. Without methylation and the physiological support of Methyl-B12 our ability to function from a cognitive and speech/language standpoint would be greatly compromised. Therefore, we use Methyl-B12 as a supplemental therapy...subcutaneous injection is the method we use for Maddox.)

Regressions:
~Maddox had a handful of meltdowns again involving his little brother, Gavin. I'm sure it will gradually get better as they have more in common as Gavin gets older.
~Maddox had an allergic skin reaction(as did I) to the new WEAP facility in Middleton. It's an amazing new building with many rooms, etc. However, due to all of the new building materials(carpeting, paint) we both were itchy and his skin on his face and arms was turning splotchy and red. We are switching our sessions to their new little gym area with wood flooring. It smells like chemicals everywhere but, the gym is ventilated better.
~Maddox really was covering his ears constantly at the Middleton Aquatic Center swimming pool. He seemed so distracted and overwhelmed. Our intentions were a fun summer swimming experience but, it backfired. You never know...but, the sand play area was nice and enjoyable(Gavin had a blast!)


Therapies:
~Maddox had 35 + hours of WEAP therapy this past week
~No Brain Balance road-trip to Mequon this week.
~Hippotherapy (horseback riding 30 min)
~Swim session (30 min)
~Speech therapy thru WEAP (1 hour)
~Private Speech Therapy (1 hour 15 min)
~Play therapy session and "dyad" with 3 other friends his age at Common Threads in McFarland


Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
~Maddox successfully tried and ate these foods that are challenging for him: Blueberry Coconut Yogurt, organic raspberries (not dried), Homemade/allergy free pancakes/ingredients: blended pumpkin seeds, kale, blueberries, bananas, broccoli, coconut yogurt), a whole banana
~Maddox refused to try: homemade/Allergy free pizza, organic chicken sausage links(which he once loved)

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics
Multivitamin "Rhino" gummies(2 gummies)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics 
Melatonin w/ Magnesium Oxide (2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

***Gavin had a special day with Grandma Paula at the Zoo! This time without brother, so he was able to enjoy some alone time with Grandma and the animals. Gavin did an amazing job with his letters and new words this week! He is still too loud and aggressive for Maddox's personality but, it's a process and he's only 19 months old. Little skunk! Gavin had so much fun at the Middleton Aquatic Center! He loved splashing around a jumping into the water. His favorite was drinking water in the sand play area. What a smooch! 

Videos/Images:

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Field Trip to ZOO!

Successes: 
~Maddox ate his homemade allergy free pancakes (ingredients blended into pancake mix: kiwi, broccoli, carrots, kale, plain coconut yogurt-3 tbsp, pumpkin seeds and whole blueberries once cake started cooking in cast iron pan with coconut butter spray) I used an egg substitute and gluten free pancake mix. He ate 3...success! And Gavin ate 1 pancake, Amelia ate one later that day too! 
~Maddox did an amazing job at our little Henry Villas Zoo mommy field trip! Our friend from WEAP (Wisconsin Early Autism Project Therapist) joined us and it went really well. Maddox had great recognition of the animals and good eye contact. He held hands with us and walked calmly throughout zoo. His favorite things were the "big tree" play structure with slides, the duck & black swan area, seals and prairie dogs. He also did a great job viewing the camels and lions. Gavin was very loud during part of the walk but, Maddox handled it by covering his ears and we split the boys up while walking. 
~Maddox went poppy today...(after two days of no). Hope can get back on track.

Regressions:
~Maddox didn't want Gavin to jump with him on outdoor trampoline as usual but, did well swinging next to him.

Therapies:
~2  1/2  hours with WEAP therapist(Wisconsin Early Autism Project). He really enjoyed going to the zoo with his WEAP friend! He had great attention & awareness.
~15 min of exercises/x4 times today (Maddox working with mommy)-Brain Balance exercises (methods stimulating the different areas of his brain where there's a lack of proper connections, and working towards simultaneously raising them to the same level for real-time integration) Sensory-Motor Exercises, Coordination and Balance

Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
Breakfast~ 3 homemade allergy free pancakes (ingredients blended into pancake mix: kiwi, broccoli, carrots, kale, plain coconut yogurt-3 tbsp, pumpkin seeds and whole blueberries)
Snacks~ 1 1/2 cup GF pretzels, 1 cup GF Whole-O's cereal, 2 cups green grapes
Lunch~ 4 allergy free dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets, 1 cup raisins
Dinner~  5 pieces of nitrate free Turkey bacon, 1 cup applesauce
~4 bottles of water throughout the day

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics
Multivitamin "Rhino" gummies(2 gummies)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics 
Melatonin w/ Magnesium Oxide (2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

***Gavin was a little cranky at the zoo but, really enjoyed seeing the animals when they were out. He was super cute making goat noises! He did well playing with Amelia after the zoo. 

Videos/Images:

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Tried new food today!

Successes: 
~Maddox ate blueberry coconut yogurt for the first time in months!!! Variety in his diet is very important. Healthy buddy!
~Maddox did a wonderful job interacting with me on his outdoor trampoline. He said "mo, mo, more" after prompting. Maddox is so sweet! He often comes up to me and rubs my face and then kisses me! Lucky mommy!
~Maddox did a nice job trying to say "up"...good job trying buddy!

Regressions:
~Maddox had a meltdown as we parked at the grocery store to get more apple juice. He has a very hard time traveling with Gavin due to his auditory sensitivities. Maddox covers his ears very often (nearly always when he's around Gavin). I attempted to "model" headphones for Maddox but, after many attempts he had zero desire to try them. I will try to re-introduce them next week.
~No poopy today again today.  

Therapies:
~3 hours with WEAP therapist (Wisconsin Early Autism Project). He did great! He really does well with his programs. He also really enjoyed going on their wagon ride walk.
~15 min of exercises/x5 times today (Maddox working with mommy) -Brain Balance exercises (methods stimulating the different areas of his brain where there's a lack of proper connections, and working towards simultaneously raising them to the same level for real-time integration) Sensory-Motor Exercises, Coordination and Balance

Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
Breakfast~ 5 pieces of nitrate free Turkey bacon, 2 cups of green grapes
Snacks~ 1 1/2 cup GF pretzels, 1 cup GF Whole-O's cereal with dried organic raspberries added
Lunch~ 5 allergy free dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets, 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Dinner~ Blueberry Coconut Yogurt, 3 pieces of nitrate free Turkey bacon, 1 orange 
~3  bottles of water throughout the day

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics
Multivitamin "Rhino" gummies(2 gummies)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics 
Melatonin w/ Magnesium Oxide (2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

***Gavin did a great job tracing his letters on the iPad and is doing amazing with using new words! Go Gavi!! Also, it was his first time eating organic ketchup on nitrate free/organic hotdog. He loved it and says "hot dah"! Its super cute!

Videos/Images:


Sunday 26 June 2011

New 14ft outdoor Trampoline is Priceless!

(I say "outdoor" trampoline because we Maddox already has his 8 ft trampoline downstairs and a 5 ft trampoline that travels between the screen porch and the living room...anything for our Maddox's needs. Gavin hit the jackpot on all of these therapeutic toys he gets to share now!)

Successes: 
~Maddox played really well with his little cousin, Amelia outside on the play-system and on the trampoline. They were very funny together and he was actually acknowledging her and they were laughing at each-other bounce around the trampoline! He let her slide with him and climb on the same apparatuses. Great parallel play all afternoon!
~Maddox said "more" for me today after prompting and waiting 2 min. and giving him some space. He also did amazingly well mimicking my actions on the trampoline again tonight. He was very engaged in playing with me...he helped me get up, and hugged and kissed me a lot. My favorite!
~Maddox said "Yeah" to me twice in conversation! I typically talk to Maddox as if he is talking back (as I realize how frustrating that would be to want to respond and have a voice but, just can't get the words out) and he responded appropriately with a smirky smile, "yeah" twice in conversation!
~Maddox overall did a great job going "pee-pee on the potty" today.

Regressions:
~No poopy today but, I'm sure first thing tomorrow. He just loved that trampoline so much today that I think it was hard for him to focus on what his body was telling him. I will help him with tummy exercises in AM and hope that does the trick. 

Therapies:
~2 hours with his Senior WEAP therapist (Wisconsin Early Autism Project)went really well. Again, he really enjoyed doing some of his set programs outdoors on his trampoline. 
~15 min of exercises/x4 times today (Maddox working with mommy) -Brain Balance exercises (methods stimulating the different areas of his brain where there's a lack of proper connections, and working towards simultaneously raising them to the same level for real-time integration) Sensory-Motor Exercises, Coordination and Balance

Food Journal: (All foods are organic & free of gluten, egg, casein, soybean, strawberry)
Breakfast~ GF (Gluten Free) buck-berry waffle, 4 pieces of nitrate free Turkey bacon
Snacks~ 2 cups of green grapes, 1 cup GF Whole-O's cereal with dried organic raspberries added
Lunch~ 3 allergy free dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets, 6 dried large pieces of mango, 2 cups allergy free pretzels
Dinner~ Attempted Tortilla pizza, no success. Ate 1 1/2 cups green grapes, 1 cup applesauce. 
~3  bottles of water throughout the day

Supplements: (Mixed with 1/4 cup Aroniaberry juice diluted & pressed-organic apple juice)
~AM~ 
DHA 2.5 mL(1/2 teaspoon)
Pure Vitamin D(4 tiny drops...each little drop=1,000 IU
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)
1/4 teaspoon Probiotics
Multivitamin "Rhino" gummies(2 gummies)

~Lunch~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~Dinner~
Digestive Enzymes w/Isogest(1 capsule)

~PM~
1/4 teaspoon of Probiotics 
Melatonin w/ Magnesium Oxide (2 capsules)
Zinc (1 capsule)

***Gavin did really well reading books today with mama! He loves copying everything Amelia says when she visits! Super funny.

Images/Videos: