Tis the season!

How is it December already!?  We have been enjoying the holidays for a few weeks now but time is flying (like I always comment in every post. haha).  We have been busy shopping, decorating and making cookies…all the fun holiday stuff!  Our Elf Tinsel (Elf on the Shelf ) has also returned and the kids have been enjoying looking for her each day.  We also went and watched our local parade and tree lighting and visited Santa at the mall which was super exciting and no tears!!

This past month Evie received her first swimming badge!  She was super happy.  She has become very comfortable in the water and will now be working on “big arms” and swimming unassisted.  She also just went on her first field trip today to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. Evie had a blast and did really well with all the walking.  She was also excited to be on her first school bus!  She really enjoys school and we are looking forward to her winter concert coming up (she has been practicing a lot).  Also, a few weeks ago she had her ophthalmologist follow-up appointment.  He is happy with how her eyes and vision are doing and we will see him again in 6 months.

Evie is now 9 months post-op.  In the last month she has continued with her regular therapy schedule and has continued to work hard.  We think she just had or is currently in a growth spurt as her appetite has increased and she seems a bit off and tired.  We tried the night splints again as we were worried she would get tighter with the growth and that was a disaster and her sleep suffered.  We will have to try our best to get some longer stretches during the day.  Honestly, finding the time can be tough with school and our therapy schedule but we will be putting more of an effort in stretching her.

After Christmas we are making a few changes to her activities.  As much as we LOVE Conductive Education, we have decided to take a break during the winter months.  Evie is going to stay a bit closer to home and have personal training sessions at Train Like Heroes .  We went for a consultation earlier this week and Evie was very excited to work out there.  It has a very welcoming and positive vibe and what kid (or adult) doesn’t love Super Heroes?!  There are posters all over for motivation.  I think Evie really liked that a young woman was there working out.  These sessions will focus on building strength in her legs and ankles.  We have our first session in a few weeks.

Evie is also signed up for skating lessons!  Skating was suggested as an excellent activity for her so we thought we would try it.  It will be great for coordination and balance and it will be a nice way for Evie and Daddy to spend time together as she is in a parent and child class (and Brian is the better skater).

Stay warm out there!