Sassy Grow up Cup

Hailey has a new cup and i’m so excited! Something most of us take for granted every single day is the ability to use our tongue, the ability to chew and eat our food, and the ability to drink from a cup. This is something that has always been very challenging for Hailey and for most people who have Cerebral Palsy. C.P. is a mobility impairment that affects the gross and fine motor skills, your tongue uses fine motor skills while eating and drinking, so you may imagine how it can be difficult for her to control her tongue. The ability to suck, swallow and chew is also compromised as well as the ability to speak. There is a famous myth that the tongue is the body’s strongest muscle...it’s not true, but it doesn’t make the tongue any less impressive, or less important. This is the way Hailey initially got her water...

Then her sucking got a little better and she was able to drink from this cup...It is the "Platex Lil Gripper" because Hailey also has trouble holding onto things the handles were key here and also the straw to help her with her sucking motion, the straw was also made of very hard plastic which was important so that it didn't constantly collapse like other flimsy straws. She used this cup for a long time. The problem was when Hailey tried drinking from this cup, often times she couldn't seem to concentrate on tipping her head back, so her head was always in the downward position, and when she sucked up, the water just kind of fell back out of her mouth

But now she has this cup. It's the sassy grow up cup. No spill, no spout. This cups looks a bit more appropriate for Hailey's age as well. She can experiment with getting the cup to her mouth without the liquid being gone by the time it gets there. Cuts down on her frustration level and hopefully she will get her drinking requirement each time she takes a drink and maybe, just maybe it will help her transition to an open cup.

The Life That's Chosen Me

The first time I heard this, I heard it on one of the sites that I write for on a regular basis, I am proud to be part of The Kidz Krew. We are a team of bloggers who write regularly about our challenges and our triumphs, we share knowledge and inspiration, we share ideas and we share tears. I have learned so much from these amazing woman, most of them Mothers to children who have special needs. If you haven't been over to the site and want to learn more about children with special needs you should head on over to Kidz This song really helps to relay a strong message, if you listen to the words you may better understand the life that so many of us live.

Source: kidzorg.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

Adaptive Bikes

Looking for and finding the right bike for a child who has poor muscle tone and other related issues can be an overwhelming task. We have looked at so many for Hailey and have come up completely empty. Last spring we purchased a bike for her and then had to return it as it did not suit her specific needs, but recently Hailey has been offered an adaptive bike by another parent who Natalie networks with and we are so blessed and I hope it will be a good fit for her. After doing the necessary research, we discovered how difficult it is to find the proper bike. I was so pleased to run across this helpful article written by the Friendship Circle Blog I have listed only a few options, but to see the entire list and their links please visit their site.

Trailmate Mini Tike The Mini Tike is great for young children that have mobility challenges. The low step-through design makes access easy. The bike comes with a rear basket and additional options are available. Price: $379 Ages: 3-6 Purchase from: Trailmate

Skuut Wooden Balance Bike The Skuut is a wooden bike for children. It has no pedals and no training wheels. The Skuut is perfect for learning balance, steering, coordination and independence. Having mastered balance on the Skuut, the transition to a traditional two wheeler bike is easy. Price: $60-$70 Ages: 2-5 Purchase from: Amazon.com

Glide Bikes Glide Bikes use special balance bike technology that allows children of all needs and skill levels to quickly and easily learn how to ride a bike. The low center of gravity and ease-of-use makes it easier for children with special needs to ride a bike. Price: $100-$300 Ages: 3 & up Purchase from: Amazon.com

Fat Wheels Fat Wheels is great for adults or children with special needs who have balance issues but want to ride a bicycle. Fat Wheels come in a variety of sizes. Price: $90-$200 Ages: 4-8 Purchase from: Fat Wheels

AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle The AM-12 AmTryke features a combination hand/foot drive. Designed to build strength and coordination for a wide range of children with disabilities. The hand /foot cycles are intended to stimulate reciprocal movement and increase range of motion. Price: $750-$900 Ages: 5-12 Purchase from: AmTryke

MacKenzie and Griffin

I love this one of Mackenzie and Griffin from Georgia Soo Adorable

"Just The Way You Are" Matty B

This video has been on the special needs circuit for quite some time now, but it makes me smile every time I see it. I wonder if Bruno Mars has ever seen it?

SIgn Language Video

As some of you know, awhile ago my blog was nominated for the About.com "Readers Choice Award" for The best Grandparent blog, I recently found out that I am now one of the top 5 contestants (Whoo Hoo)!!!!! Thank you for those who took the time to vote for me. I appreciate it. But anyway, the reason for my blog is while I was taking the time to peek at my competition, I ran across a blog called "Grandma's Briefs" (I couldn't help it, the title of the blog peaked my curiosity) When I looked at the blog I was pleasantly surprised to find a video that she had made after learning some basic sign language from baby signing time. This is all the rage for typically developing kids to be able to communicate earlier than they are able to speak. It cuts down on frustration and is also known for encouraging speech at an earlier age. I also need to get up to speed with my sign language in order to be able to keep up with Hailey's communication, she has learned a bit in school and I want to be able to understand her when she is trying to tell me something. I hope this helps dome of you as well. Thank you to Grandma's Brief's If I don't win the contest, I hope that you do!

"Just Because"

This was a poem I wrote last year for Hailey on Valentines Day.
You have my heart there is no doubt,
my fragile flower, I can’t live without.
my heart is yours, as well my soul
I love you more than you’ll ever know.

A little girl, with long brown hair
her smile it spreads from ear to ear.
her words unspoken, I don’t care
I know she loves me, i’m well aware.

Her future holds no certainty,
but then again who’s does
i’ll just take it day by day
and love her just because.

xoxo Copyright by Janet Harrold

For Natalie and all of "The Special Moms" out there