Hi Everyone
Things are going great here in New Zealand. We've had a lovely end to our summer with a month of great weather.
Ashling is getting stronger every day. She’s walking quite confidently now, especially indoors, as you’ll see in one of the videos below. She still finds unlevel surfaces very challenging like grass, bark, paths, steps etc. However, she’s not really pushing her stroller much anymore; she’s walking independently most of the time, or just holding an adult’s hand. Ashling and Jamie continue to get on great and are quite protective of each other. Even though Jamie is 2 years younger than Ash, we’ve already noticed her looking out for Ashling when they are around other kids. It’s really cool!
Ashling is continuing to have regular Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and this is helping her to get stronger and to use her hands better. She has started letter writing and finds it challenging but she’s getting a better handle on it recently. The O T is convinced that Ashling is naturally right-handed but because her left-hand is more functional and has a stronger grip, she’s tending to use her left hand, but not easily. Ashling will be starting school at the end of October so we’re trying to start getting prepared for that. Yikes!!!
Other things that Ashling is doing is weekly swimming, which she’s really enjoying. It’s just another form of therapy/exercise for her but I think she has a bit of a crush on the male teacher so that’s helping her to persevere! Yay for that! She’s going to be starting RDA (Horse-Riding) soon and we’re quite excited about that, as it is supposed to really help with stability and core strength. She’s been on the waiting list for 2 years.
Ger and I are well and enjoying this easier phase of life with Ashling’s appointments. It’s so great to not have any planned surgeries for the next year. Hopefully that won’t change.
Well that’s all for now.
As always, thanks a million for taking the time and interest to read this.
Lots of love, Car and Ger xx
Below are some videos that we took over the last couple of days, nothing too exciting but probably worth watching..... We recently visited the Zoo, took the girls to the Circus and Jamie had her first visit to the cinema (just to give you a bit of a back ground to their stories!!)
1. Ash chatting...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3grNdUb13UY
2. Jamie Chatting...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRBvR7EoF-g
3. Ash walking...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km57SyhfKu0
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Hello again
