Rambling about Ryder: 2012 : Ryder's year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

2012 : Ryder's year!

The Christmas season is finally over. It's a hard season for me and it's always nice to know the new year is coming. This year I am extremely excited for the new year. I know this is Ryder's year! As some might imagine, his first two years were a bit of a struggle. First year we rode the NICU roller coaster, lost Wyatt and tried to plain out "survive". His second year we spent trying to process his new Cerebral Palsy diagnosis and figure out what was next. But this year I know is going to be great, it's gotta be! We have amazing family, friends, doctors and therapists all supporting us and it feels awesome. So many people following Ryder's journey and cheering him on all the way. We really can't thank you all enough for the donations, support and positive energy you have put out in the world for Ryder. He really is such a special boy and I am so grateful for all the opportunities he has been given thus far.

Were almost on our way, just two more day until we leave for Toronto!! Getting excited but mostly nervous right now. A little worked up about the travel part, up until I meet my mom in the airport when her flight comes in an hour after mine. Just thinking about me trying to collect all my luggage all alone, is giving me an anxiety attack. I will have Ryder, my carry on, his stroller, two large suit cases, his car sear and his walker!! I know I'll be fine and be able to manage just like I always do in these situations but I really will be happy and more relaxed once that part is over!

We will be staying in Toronto for two days then head to camp on the 1st. After that it's five full weeks of intense therapy. I will try my best to keep the blog going through our stay. Wish us luck! We are on our way!! :)

1 comment:

Megan B ♥December 30, 2011 at 8:04 AM
I am so excited!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
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Ryder's Story

Ryder and Wyatt are our identical twin boys that were born 12 weeks premature. They suffered from a "rare" disease called Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS affects 10-15% of identical multiples sharing a single placenta. Basically what happens is there are crossed vessels in the placenta forcing one baby to have way too much blood, nutrients & oxygen and the other not enough. Left untreated this heartbreaking disease has a astonishing mortality rate of 90%. Unfortunately I was not diagnosed until I had already gone into labor at 24 weeks gestation so not much could be done. Thankfully the doctors were able to stop my labor and we all made it to 28 weeks. The boys entered their nicu fight together but sadly on their 24 day of life we had to say our goodbyes to sweet Wyatt. Our hearts broke in a million pieces but somehow we picked up a few and continued our fight for Ryder. Ryder stayed in the nicu for 67 long days and was finally able to come home 2 weeks before their anticipated due date. It was a bittersweet day for many. We were told by every doctor that Ryder was just a "normal" baby and not to worry. I never felt right about this and knew there was something more to come. When he was 11 months old he was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. Our hearts broke once again and we were left to wonder what his future would hold. When we started this blog Ryder was 19 months old and still could not sit, crawl or walk unassisted. Since then he has made tremendous leaps but he still has a long way to go. He see's his physio therapist and occupational therapist twice a month and speech pathologist once a month. This is what our government will offer and we don't feel it's enough. He has so much determination and we know given the proper tools and therapy nothing will stop him. With your help we sent Ryder to Ability camp in January 2012 and there are many other treatments and alternative therapies we want to give him the opportunity to try. Thank you for supporting Ryder and following his journey!