Hanging with Maddie
Maddie, no!

climbing on mama

Pushing her truck

Pulling out all her clean pj's

the sock or the block?

Cousins & Growth Update

These shots were taken a couple of months back when some of M's cousins came for a visit. At that time the youngest who is about a year younger than M weighed about the same as she did.

Maryn had a fantastic follow up with her neurologist today and we were able to update our numbers.

M is now between the 25th and 50th% in both height and weight! Wow, I remember the stressful times when we were anxiously weighing her every week with fears of a G-Tube in her future. And it wasn't too far back that her height seemed stable, but her weight still struggled to catch up.

What a relief. Perhaps it was a little competitive spirit ... she saw that cutie sitting next to her and thought, "I'm not going to let this baby pass me up!"

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!

Stokke w/o the Plastic Harness

We finally took the plastic harness off of Maryn's Stokke chair this weekend. She really hasn't needed it for some time, but she was still thin enough to fit and it made putting her in easier for us.

The first time we pushed her up to the table sans harness she promptly put her leg up on the table. Hmm ... not really appropriate dinnertime manners.

Don't encourage her dad ... besides you aren't really flexible enough ... best to leave this to the professionals!

Today I fed her lunch and was able, for the most part, to keep her foot down. Sometimes I firmly but calmly told her, "No, no feet on the table." Other times I placed it back under the table without any comment. She is certainly unhappy about the no feet on the table rule, but seems to be getting it.

G.G. Elise

Maryn's great grandmother Elise passed away on Friday.

We had just seen her the weekend before when she came to visit with us, Shelly, Trish, Jim & Brynn. She told us how much she enjoyed seeing Maryn and hearing our baby news. She hoped we would have another girl.

"It was the highlight of my year," she said of the afternoon before leaving for home.

We miss you already GG.