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:

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: