Homecoming and Hug Swings....
I figured I would go ahead and post a few of the pictures we've taken recently. (Yay for having a camera again!!!) The first pictures I'm posting are from IUSB's homecoming basketball game. Mike is on the University Alumni Board and went to the game to staff an informational table about the alumni association. So, we made it a family affair. The kids had fun cheering on the Titans, even though we went home without a victory. =( Madeline got some pom poms and sat up front cheering with the Titan cheerleaders, and Timothy mostly occupied himself with Super Mario Bros. on his Nintendo DS, but he did have on a red shirt....that counts for something! After the game, the kids got to go down and get a picture with a friend of mine (and Mike's) who is a cheerleader. So here are some pictures of Madeline and Timothy (who's not so sure about the whole deal) with our friend Yuki.


Something else I have finally captured on film is Timothy's occupational therapy or OT. Occupational therapy? What is his occupation? I usually get asked with a laugh, when I tell someone I'm bringing our little man to OT. The fact is his occupation is being a kid....and kids play! Because of some of Timothy's sensory issues, he hasn't been as adventurous and active as the average kiddo his age. He also still has trouble processing some sensory information, which is why he is often easily overwhelmed at things that may seem trivial, or even enjoyable to the average child. So, his occupational therapy works to help strengthen him and increase his coordination, as well as provide "sensory input" that helps him to process things and integrate the sometimes overwhelming information that life throws his way. (This may seem like gibberish, but let me tell you, I have quickly become familiar with lingo such as "sensory diet" "proprioceptive input" "vestibular sense" and found that knowing is half the battle when it comes to managing our little man's sensitivities.)

This first video is of Timothy in the "spider cage." It may have a silly name, but Timothy has fun doing all sorts of different things in it and gets quite the work out at the same time. (Not to mention the fact that it works on his body sense and spatial awareness.)

This next video is of Timothy in the "hug swing," which is probably Timothy's (and my) favorite piece of equipment at OT. It is really nothing more than a multi-level hammock made of lycra, but it is soothing for two reasons. First, the lycra "hugs" his body while he is in it providing the previously mentioned "proprioceptive input." Second, the swinging motion provides "vestibular input," which apparently is something Timothy has always sought due to its ability to soothe him. From the time he was old enough to sit up in a swing, it was the only thing he was ever interested in at the playground. He'd spend his whole summer swinging if it was possible! =)

Racing down the hall on scooter boards builds upper body strength....plus his OTA is always sweet and lets him win =)

Speaking of his OTA (short for occupational therapy assistant). You may have overheard her name, Stephanie, in the first video, and she is a gem! She has been working with Timothy twice a week for several months now, and he loves her....so do I! I'd like to ask for your prayers for Stephanie and her family. She has two beautiful little gals, whom Timothy likes to race on scooter boards and play games with, if they're hanging around OT, and her husband Jeff is an active duty soldier who is overseas right now. He's been gone for the better part of a year and won't be home for good until April. In addition, they're looking to move, ( We love moving! =P) and I'm sure you can imagine what it must be like for Stephanie as she juggles her job, plus trying to arrange a new mortgage, and a move to a new town as a "single" mom. So, if you happen to be thinking about Timothy and his adventures in OT, send up a prayer for Stephanie and Jeff. She is leaning on the Lord, and He is ever faithful, but extra prayer warriors would certainly be appreciated!

Well, after an afternoon slaving away at OT, what did Timothy end up doing when he got home? More OT! This time on the trampoline with big sis. (In keeping with the theme of how God provides from my previous post, I'd like to point out that both Timothy's OT and our trampoline were provided to us through grants for which I applied. The trampoline is from an organization started by Charlie Weiss, the ND football coach, called Hannah's House. The OT that Timothy receives is being taken care of by an organization right here in Nappanee called "Through Our Eyes." Just wanted to take the opportunity to give God some of the glory that He is due. He is so faithful to provide for us!)

As far as moving news goes.....we're coming along. Most exciting for the kids is the fact that their much emptier room now contains unbunked beds! Yup, they thought they were pretty big stuff when they crawled into their "new" beds. Oh, and moving will be lots of fun in the foot of snow we just got dumped on us! OK, maybe not a foot, but it was enough to get school canceled! I heard the kids playing in their room this morning and had to go take a video of some of the exchange. So I'll warn you now. Timothy sleeps in his underwear. If you're not a fan of Elmo underoos, this video may be too much for you =P

That's all for now. We've got the big move ahead of us this weekend. Hopefully next blog will be new home pictures!

-shannon