Two-for-one!

Well, because I couldn't pick which one to post first -- here are two videos!!

Morgan and her letters...cracks me up!  I am so proud of her :)

I ask Jack to take a step -- instead he's being a little silly!

Walk this way :)

Only when I watch a video like this is when I realize how TALL our Jack Riley is!! Jack loves to walk around the house with one hand held. He is very brave these days taking "risks" and trying to step on his own. You can see the nice boo boo on his cheek as he caught himself on the end table last week (with his face!).

Jack is a former 25 week preemie diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This video was taken a few days after botox. Although he's a little looser -- there's nothing too different in the video itself.

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes!

Here in this video he is naming body parts when I point to them and ask him "What is this?" We did eyes, ears, nose, hair, cheek, chin, mouth, elbow, knee, toe, leg, arm, head, belly, boo boo, shoulder, and fingernail. You'll notice some words are very clear, other words he leaves off the end, and for words like fingernail it's an approximation "fa, fa, fa" but we'll take it!

Her Name is Morgan, She Likes to Dance!

Hope this makes you laugh!

It was 90's weekend on VH1

We have no idea where she gets her moves...

Dancing Machine...

Jack loves to dance -- this is Lil Jon "Snap Yo Fingers" a silly song my kids LOVE! Never mind what Morgan is wearing -- it's one of Jack's under shirts she pulled out of his drawer and wanted to put it on!

Tickles and Giggles

Sharing

Just had to share this again :)

Pool Par-tay!

Project Jason -- Daddy's Den!

Sorry I have been MIA as a blogger... but here's why:

Finally, got the video to work -- sorry, there are no "before" pictures, because I was too embarrassed about the mess we had let our downstairs become! It was what I referred to as the "dumping ground" for things that didn't have a home...

Over the past month I made decisions, keep, sell, donate and TRASH -- then when that was all over I started on the project (the same day Jason left for San Diego). I had my friend Sara help me paint, but other than that I was able to complete the project while the kids were sleeping.

The video only shows two of the 4 rooms I worked on...the laundry room and workshop/storage area were cleaned and organized as well!

The whole point of this project was to give Jason a place to "retire" to when he needs space. I focused on his favorite things, music, reading, drawing...and relaxing! I painted some old pieces of furniture to match (Oregano Green), and the only "major" purchase was the futon (it was really cheap), the floor pillows and baby gates.

He LOVES it and was totally shocked!! The kids love their space as well and before Jack even gets out of bed in the morning he asks to go play "house" lol!

Anyway, here it is, our "new" space!

Swimming Fun!

We had so much FUN this weekend swimming and cooking out with Papa and Jan :) This was Morgan's very first time swimming -- she was unsure at first but by the end she was leading us towards the waterfalls! Jack jumped right in and did NOT want to get out...he's always been my fishie kid!

Can't wait to do it again!

"Jack Riley - On the Move" Movie...

Okay, so I tried my hand at creating a movie with Windows Movie Maker. I must admit I've watched it over and over again...(I can't wait to make more -- and play with more of the features!!)

Enjoy!

The Young@Heart Chorus

"It is possible to age gracefully.
It is possible to grow old without growing boring."

http://www.youngatheartchorus.com

I am inspired and truly hope to one day see them perform! To see more videos go to youtube and type in young@heart chorus...they have many great covers. I love this song by Cold Play...

Possibility Place Videos...

A few short clips from the playground!

Team Myles...

Meet Myles -- and grab a tissue! I am in awe...he reminds me very much of our Jack Riley!

up...Up....UP!!!!!

Two kids -- two different milestones...one happy ma ma (although with a few gray haris)!

I find Morgan doing this.....EVERYWHERE! GOOD JOB MORGAN!!!



Now here's Jack -- what a major feat!!!!!!! WAY TO GO JACK!

I've Been a Bad Blogger!

And for that I apologize! I am not even sure where to begin!

I have been taking Jack to outpatient therapy (PT and OT) several times a week in the mornings before school. He is working so hard without a fuss and it makes me so proud. The Botox injections really worked well for Jack this time around. He is able to be stretched more easily and it's carrying over into walking, standing and even sitting better. Every chance I get I've been taking Jack with me on errands/appointments and using his walker. It's not always easy -- but the boy is so motivated! We get lots of onlookers stopping in their tracks and most people are supportive and patient even giving Jack a few words of encouragement along the way. He's come so far with listening to my directions and not wandering off on his own or trying to crash into store displays (YIKES)...usually I go a bit in front of him and let him explore but try to keep him reigned in and on task. I am so proud -- my heart swells each time I see the look on his face as he's walking! I can't wait for warm weather so we can REALLY get out and explore the world!!

Miss Morgan is crawling -- quite fast, and with the intent on touching and eating everything she's not supposed to! It's amazing to see her grow and develop into this little person. She's babbling a lot as well -- she babbles dada, nanana, and lots of coos and goos, giggles and squeals! She and Jack are funny together. She is interested in EVERYTHING he's doing. She eyes up his food, the way he crawls, she dances when he dances to music, laughs when he laughs and wants every toy he's playing with. Jack goes with the flow and is a very nice, loving big brother. He is so gentle with his sissy and loves to touch her soft hair and give her hugs and kisses! See the video for a great example of the fun at our house lately!

We are preparing for Jack's annual IEP -- which is always nerve-wracking and stressful. This year we have a lot of meetings and preparations because we are going through the process of transitioning him from a special education preschool setting to KINDERGARTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe he's going to be 5 in a few weeks?!?!?! FIVE. I am without the words to express how that makes me feel! We will be attending meetings to figure out what kind of program would best suit Jack's needs. I know we have several options. I will let you know as we learn more.

New pics are in the January 2008 album and here is a video of the kids I took last night...enjoy and have a great weekend!!!

Go, Go, Go Morgan!

Morgan wanted her own post about being on the GO! She's getting ready, don't you think?

How Jack is Moving Post Botox...

Besides the fact that he's cute ; ) -- I wanted to show the video of Jack post botox at one week. He's having an easier time getting to standing. His left foot seems to be turning in a lot more than usual. Perhaps releasing some of the high tone is causing this. I don't know but will be mentioning it to the physiatrist in two weeks. His right arm is totally straight -- which is nice.

This morning we went for a walk with his walker outside (we're having a "heat wave" in January!!) and he did well -- he had enough high tone left to hold on with his right hand (previously after botox his right hand became too weak to hold his walker) and he walked well with the nagging exception of the left foot turning in.

Here he is moving and crawling inside this morning:

Mornings Like This...

And sometimes I wonder how I don't get anything done?!?

The Out-Takes...

Bloopers, out-takes, boo-boos, bungles...whatever you call them they sure are funny! This weekend we attempted to take the kids' pictures in front of the tree for our Christmas Cards. We ended up getting a decent shot but I wanted to share the not so Christmas-cardy stuff! LOL