Park Time

The public park a few blocks from our home has been under construction for quite some time.

A joint Village/Park District project meant to combat pesky storm water issues, the previous space was completely torn up so they could build a water detention system underneath the land.

The layout, landscaping, and equipment were all upgraded and it's quite beautiful. The soccer and baseball fields are not quite finished yet, and there are a few minor details to wrap up, but it's been open to the public since Labor day weekend.

Yes, there is a fountain and a covered picnic area. How fun!


Check out her dark stip of hair in the back. See how it's still dark at the roots?


There are two playground spaces, one designated for older kids and the younger playspace is on the opposite side of the square.

She looks so small on the equipment.

First Steps

It happened this past weekend ... she took her first successful independent steps!

We were in a neighbor's backyard for a labor day cookout. While the bigger kids were busy running around she took advantage of the deserted little tike chairs. We spaced them out for her and she spent the evening stretching her arms from one chair to another, then from a chair to the table. She was very tentative and wouldn't let go until she had a firm grasp on the next chair. She was happily cruising around, watching the big kids and making her way to our larger table once and a while for a quick bite of food when her dad decided to introduce a little challenge and increased the distance between chairs. And then it happened! Way to go little girl!

Her physical therapist says she'sdefinitely strong enough for walking now and Maryn's little orthotics were recently upgraded which provide greater sensory feedback for her ankles in addition to her feet. Previously she would often rotate one of her feet while standing so her weight was typically on one foot at a time. Apparently almost all kids do this type of exploration with their feet at some point before they begin to walk, but kids with sensory integration issues tend to be slower to move beyond it. They have trouble feeling where their feet are in space and so they need additional outside input (firmer shoes, orthotics, some occasional downward pressure through the joints). Couple that instability with her low core muscle tone and it's no wonder she has always been so hesitant to take the risk.

She's one step closer to walking and she'll get there when she's ready. We're so proud of her.

An Early Taste of Autumn

The cool Saturday weather inspired an early morning drive to pick apples and enjoy some fresh cider doughnuts.

The wind ended up being a bit too brisk for Maryn so we decided to save the orchard for another day. We explored the farm store and grounds, bought our doughnuts, and enjoyed them on the patio.

Like her parents, she has a fondness for apple cider doughnuts. YUM!