Daily/Weekly Thoughts

February 2019

A Winter Video!

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Winter: It'll Be Over Soon!

Can you believe that it is almost the middle of February! Here in the Fraser Valley we can believe it because winter weather really didn't get here until February. Our almost springlike January is now a figment of our imagination as we have to deal with temperatures that have actually dipped down below freezing! Of course, the rest of Canada isn't feeling too sorry for us with our last minute winter. We cannot complain as this winter has been awesome - and for far more reasons than the temperate weather conditions. This winter has been one of really good health and we absolutely celebrate that. Plus Emmett is really enjoying the snow! So how upset can we be over a few snowflakes!

Every time of the year is disinfectant time, but even more during winter which could also be known as cold and flu season. Sneeze near Emmett and he will likely tell you to wash your hands. Cough and you'll be told to disinfect! This little boy knows that staying healthy is important and he follows the lead of his family. Alisha and Josh really appreciate how everyone who comes in contact with Emmett and themselves takes steps to ensure they all stay healthy!

Now back to winter, while some days have been miserable enough that Emmett stayed inside, others were so incredible that Emmett had to go outside and play. Somedays the snow was just a light covering, but there were also days when it was perfect sledding weather! And Emmett - decked out in the only hat that he allows to cover his ears - was out and taking full advantage of it. Mom and Dad also welcomed the opportunity to play in the snow rather than playing hours upon hours of Fisher-Price, Playmobil, RV, Winnie the Pooh, and doll house!

Emmett got to have four Christmases that went almost to the middle of January. For a three year old who loves everything about Christmas, this was absolutely fantastic. Of course, he also got to see family from all over. Aunt Jenny, Uncle Ben, and cousin Henry came to visit from Calgary. Aunt Katie and Uncle Josh were here visiting from Melbourne, Australia - apart from video chats they haven't seen Emmett in 2.5 years so that was a great reunion. Uncle Ben and pretty soon to be Aunt Alesha were around a lot. Of course, his grandma's and grandpa's were around to visit also. 

As you can imagine, four Christmases led to a great number of awesome presents. And Emmett probably got spoiled. He misses out on a bunch of other things in life, so a bit of spoiling here and there is okay. Playmobil camping toys, lego, clothes, stuffies, a doll, and I'm sure there is much more that I haven't listed. (BTW, If you are nearby and have a 3 D printer could you contact us? Cliff needs some custom AFO's (ankle and foot orthotics). Cliff is the doll that Emmett got for Christmas and he has wonderful hair! But a set of AFO's would be awesome. Let me know if you think you can help us out.)

Emmett has had a really good winter. We are happy to report that he has been healthy. His voice is getting stronger and stronger with his language becoming even more understandable. He is able to stick his tongue out now - something he could never do before. SMA not only affected his limbs, ability to swallow, and his breathing, it affected his facial expression and ability to control his tongue. Obviously that affected his speech so this chatterbox is becoming even more of a chatterbox. His imagination is incredible and he simply loves playing. He plays almost everything. The different voices that he gives his giant hippopotamus Po, along with Winnie the Pooh and friends, is fantastic. Emmett is also continuing to grow. He will be four next month and he is tall for his age plus has a solid build. As a result the homemade wheelchair that he has is gradually becoming less comfortable for him. Emmett's support team came to the rescue with a loaner mini-wheelchair which is absolutely incredible but, believe it or not, almost too small for him. This little boy is really not so little any more. Alisha really feels it as she is lifting him multiple times each day.

Adding to the back strain is that Emmett is having success (some days) at potty training. Some of you are likely saying isn't that late for a three year old while others are likely wondering how it is possible. Sure it may be a bit late, but considering the physical challenges that Emmett has sitting up it is understandable. He had to wait for the appropriate 'potty seat' that wouldn't wear out the care giver. Once again Emmett's team came up with a great solution. There aren't any photos although the other day Emmett, as he was sitting on the potty seat, ordered his mom to take a photo and post it on FaceBook! How does he even know about posting pictures on FaceBook! Smart kid! But there will not be any potty photos!

 

 

 

 

Next month Emmett will be turning four. He'll also be visiting BC Children's Hospital for another Lumbar Puncture and injection of Spinraza. The progress that we have seen over the last 3.5 years since Emmett began receiving this drug has been amazing. Thank you for your support, your calls and emails, your prayers and your best wishes. They help and are appreciated more than you can guess!

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