Rambling about Ryder: December 2011

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!! :)

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Crocodile walk

Just two weeks until we leave for camp!! With Christmas being right around the corner I know the time is going to fly by! The donations have not stopped and we are left feeling SO loved and supported. Please know that even though we have raised enough money for camp, the remainder is going towards great thing for Ryder. His new walker being one and his leg braces are next on our list. Thank you all so so much!!!

We received an early Christmas present on Friday morning.....Ryder's walker FINALLY came!! Honestly at the rate it was moving I really didn't think it would get here before we left. It sat at customs for over two weeks and in total we waited a full month for it to arrive. Next time we need something we will have it shipped to the states and just go pick it up ourselves. Lesson learnt. None the less, it is here now and Ryder is one happy little boy using it!

We have been having a hard time walking outside as it's getting colder, so tonight we thought we'd take the drive out the Qplex to try out the walking track. It was awesome. It would have been better if there wasnt a hockey game going on, as Ryder was VERY distracted but he had a lot of fun and really that is all the matters. The track is 1km when walked around five times. Ryder managed to walk around two full times, which i think is absolutely amazing! For sure the furthest he's walked to date.

Here the boys are getting distracted again... haha

And here is the boy in action!! :)

I just wanted to also talk a bit about the walker for anyone who may come across this and is interested in buying one. This is the fourth walker he has tried and to me the best. It is called the Crocodile Gait Trainer made by Snug Seat. So far I am in love with this walker and really think it is one of the best out there for transitioning from a full on gait trainer to rear walker. The walker comes just as a basic rear walker and you can add as much supports as needed, this being the reason I think it is classified as a "gait trainer" on most sites. The wheels are awesome! They come standard with the walker and have speed control, anti reverse back wheels (unlike a lot of other walkers when put in anti reverse they don't slip or slide back at all!) and you can have the front wheels either swivel or lock straight. The wheels are also on the larger side making it easier to go on uneven ground and even grass :) We purchased the pelvic pad and lateral supports to help keep Ryder centered, an attendant bar to help steer him while he's learning and a fold down seat for when he get's a bit older and can pull it down when he may need to have a rest. Very happy with this purchase :)

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!