Dancing Lila!

Here is Lila showing out at Panini's during lunch.  Never a dull moment.

Sure Steps

James goes to physical therapy once a week. Sally, his physical therapist is absolutely wonderful! I am not sure what we would do without her. Not only is she intelligent and up-to-date on all the latest information relevant to motor development, but she is also compassionate and really cares about her kid clients. Sally informed us a few weeks ago about how Sure Step orthotic braces could help James develop proper movement patterns. These braces are unrestrictive and provide great ankle support for children with low muscle tone. If your child has low muscle tone and is starting to pull up and take steps you may want to talk to your physical therapist or orthotist about Sure Steps. Here are some pics of James sporting his new braces.

Sensorimotor themes

Last week I went to a workshop on Sensorimotor issues in children which was presented by Jenny Clark, OTR,/L, BCP.  I got some great information that I would like to share with parents. As infants we learn about our surroundings through sensory experiences. Therefore, sensory experiences are very important to our development. Sensory Integration Theory is a framework of how our brains process sensations and how this affects our motor skills, emotional responses, attention span, and behavior. Here are two websites that give the lowdown on sensory processing and how it can affect development:

www.SPDconnection.com

www.spdfoundation.net

Lunch at panini

Tuesday we had lunch at Panini, and it seems like we can never just have an ordinary meal out. Usually this is because of our divine dancing diva princess, aka Lila, but lately James has decided to show off his sparkling personality too. There were red silk flowers on our table and lila insisted that we put flowers in our hair and be"ariel".  Then she decided to get on the "stage" and do a little number. This is not the first time she has decided to break out in dance, (and song) during lunch, and I am sure it won't be the last. I am just glad that the new iphone has video capabilities so I can start capturing these wonderful moments. I will try to figure out how to add video to the blog, but for now here are the pictures.

Christmastime

The Rayner household has been very busy the last couple of weeks enjoying the Christmas season. Lila's school, Plein Air Montessori School, participated in the Oxford and Taylor Christmas parades. Their float was themed Rockin' Christmas and all the children enjoyed jamming out on the float.  Last week we decorated our house and Christmas tree, and this past Sunday we visited Santa Claus and had lunch with Bradley's family.  It has been such a busy December, and I can't believe that we only have 10 more days until we celebrate the birth our Savior and Santa arrives. I love Christmastime! I hope everyone feels as blessed as I do!

Lila Rockin' out on the float

 The float took us several days to finish but for our first attempt, I think it turned out pretty well. Especially for the small Oxford and Taylor parades.

 

Everyone is excited about decorating for Christmas! And Lila is in princess role...again.

Lila was truly a good helper this year with the Christmas tree.  She has made sure that "Curly" our shelf elf pays attention to all of her good deeds this Christmas season.

This was the first year Lila has been excited about seeing Santa up close. James just takes everything in stride as usual.

 Lila and James love spending time with cousins Mary Morgan and Sharp!

Catching up

I am posting a few pictures of Bradley and me because I have such wonderful memories from our great RV adventure. We took a 5 month long trip across the country the year after we married (2004) with our two dogs, Harley and Tye.  I am also posting a few pictures of Lila's first 2 years and baby James

Our second stop on the RV trip, Washington DC for 4th of July fireworks on the Lawn

Here we are in the Teton National park on a trail by Jenny Lake

Santa Monica Pier

Grand Canyon

Lila at 3 days old with Mommy, Lila at 6 months old, and Lila at the pool (15 months old).

Lila on Halloween (19 months) and Lila and Lila at the beach (2 years)

Lila and baby James (2.5 years & 6 days old)

James half-year birthday cake

Lila and James goofing off

James' first birthday party

Welcome

So here it goes, my first post.  I have had this blog for about 2 months, but hesitated to start. Wow, I think this is going to be very exciting! Welcome to my family. Where to start? First of all, my name is Jenny and I am wife to wonderful Bradley and mother to Lila (3 years) and James (14 months). Second, I am  licensed professional counselor and was operating a private practice, primarily working with children, until September of last year when my son was born. I decided to put my practice on hold for a while to attend to the needs of my two beautiful children. I realize that they are only young once and I want to enjoy them while they still want "mommy".  It is a busy, joyous life I am leading and I would not change it for the world. "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!!... I hear that a lot from my precocious little princess or dog or reindeer, (which is quite often this Christmas season). Lila is definitely in the fantasy stage right now, which is a great stage, and a lot of fun when I can remember which part I am supposed to play in her little continuous drama.  James is curious and sweet, and thinks his big sister is a constant hoot! I am just afraid he is not going to know what her real name is because it is always changing from sleeping beauty, to Lady (lady & the tramp), to Rudolph. I can't wait to see what name he chooses for her.

James was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down Syndrome, a week after he was born. I believe that this was definitely a changing point in my life, our entire family's existence.  I almost feel like my life has been split in two parts. Life before finding out about James' diagnosis, and life since. The first year of James' life has been quite an experience. Grieving the loss of the boy I had expected, learning about what this diagnosis might mean, figuring out how to manage the different therapies that James needs, and most of all loving him with a mighty fierce "momma bear's" love that makes me confident that I can face all challenges ahead like a steamroller.  I have learned to be a teacher, an advocate, and possibly an even better counselor through the experiences I have had this year. I am thankful for the loving support that I have received from my family and friends. I am overjoyed at the amount of love I have felt from so many. I am glad to have new friends in my life.  People who have stepped up during a time when I needed them, and friendships I have made particularly due to James diagnosis. 

I hope to use this blogspot as a place to share my experiences for my own benefit, as well as occasionally posting helpful information for families with special needs.  Welcome to Raynerworld!