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.

Diaper Day

Heat and humidity have been the norm for the last couple of weeks. We can only really use our screened in porch for about 6 months of the year so I try to take advantage of the time we have. Which for us involves mornings (and entire days when possible) with the doors from the house to the porch wide open. But lately, with all the humidity, the doors have remained shut. One day last week we braved the humidity and kept the doors open most of the day. Maryn seemed most comfortable in just her diaper, so that's what she wore. She even enjoyed dinner and some books at the table afterwords clothes free.

Check Out My Shirt!

That's right, a little brother or sister will be joining the family in early 2011!