Rambling about Ryder: Clap with me! :)

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Clap with me! :)

Just wanted to pop on quick before bed and let everyone know we are now at just over $800 in donations!! Again thank you all so much!

Two very generous donations were made today that touched my heart more than these fine ladies could possibly know. One came from a dear friend who lost both of her twin boys at 24 weeks due to premature labor. Her loss rocked me hard. We were both pregnant with our twins at the same time but I did not even have the chance to share it with her. She helped me through my early stages of grief by just being there and letting me know I was not alone. The other came from a loyal friend who I love, yet have actually never met in real life! Our unique situation brought us together and I can honestly say I don't know where I would be without the support and guidance she has given me. She also lost one of her boys to TTTS and has a survivor with disabilities. The little critter has given our whole family such hope and inspiration as we follow his progress. Thank you both so much! xoxo

I also just wanted to share a quick video of Ryder from today. For the past couple months he has been able to knell behind a diaper box and actually play upright. This was huge for him as he still can not sit and always had to play laying on the floor. Well yesterday he slowly started to let go of the diaper box and balance on his knees! We have to watch him as sometimes he will slip into the "W" sitting which is a big no no from his therapists but this is such a HUGE deal for him and us! Anyhow today he started balancing more and more without the box and just for some shock therapy for his mommy he added some clapping!! It was so cute I just thought Id share :)

2 comments:

PiperlyneJuly 3, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Love it!
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Megan B ♥July 5, 2011 at 3:10 PM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!! Look at him!! LOOOOK AT HIM!!!!!!!! Big boy!!!!! Go, Ryder!
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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!