The Rabush World...

	Madison's Developmental Milestones (Gross Motor) Head Control December 2001 Between 8 & 9 months...her head control really improved...finally got those belly pictures!! Play with rattles/ baby gym October 2001 Maddy was a people person for more than 1/2 of her 1st year of life...preferred people over toys...at 5 months she would hold onto a dolly and bat at her gym...but not on a regular basis yet. Rolling from back to belly March 27, 2002 2 days before her 1st birthday...what a sight!  What a Celebration we had!! Madison rolled from back to belly first because of the hypotonia...she had more control this direction. Rolling from belly to back April 14, 2002 The date of her big birthday bash...marks her mastering of this skill...approximately 12 1/2 months old.  As soon as she mastered this...she immediately began to roll around the house!!  She's the Rolling QUEEN! Sitting   WHAT A LONG LONG PROCESS!! September 24, 2002 18 months old (can tripod for severl minutes)     March 2003 23 months old (sitting unassisted)   June 2003 27 months (sitting is nearly perfect)   July 2003 28 months ("W" sitting more and more...UGH)   May 2005 50 months 4 years old (We don't think Madison's sitting  will improve any more than it is now.) YIPEE!! Madison began to sit unassisted for 5 minute intervals at a time.  She is wobbly but can control her sitting somewhat.  She uses her hands for support (tripod position) and her legs are spread wide.  She can not sit up straight but this is a HUGE start and an awesome accomplishment.  Two months ago...I would have told you I wasn't sure if she'd ever sit...now I KNOW SHE WILL!!  Madisons sitting continues to improve...she (at 20 months) is still relying on her arms for support but it is improving and can hold a sitting position for about 10 minutes.  Are goal for Madison is to have her sit without hand support by 24 months.  Well...it happened...23 months and counting she really has nearly masted sitting!  She can get up into sitting from several different positions... And now currently at 27 months she's a pro...she still has her moments and is very wobbly but she can compensate now and avoid spills!  I can't believe my 27 month old is sitting well...I never thought I'd be able to say that.  On a negative note...she has begun to "W" sit...which needs to be watched as it can have negative affects on her hips and legs.  Right now...we are just happy she is doing this stuff on her own...if we tell her to "FIX" her legs she will sit correctly.  She still can't sit in water...her legs float up and her balance is still very bad...so she falls...we have a bath seat coming!!   Believe it or not at 38 months...she still isn't very good at sitting...this has got to be the longest process ever...we get lots of BOOS from falling over!!!   At 4 years old...Madison continues to fall over...not as often but this is consistent with her lack of balance and dys-equalibrium.  This might not improve but she has learned great compensation skills and it doesn't often factor into daily life anymore.  Her falling over hasn't discouraged her motivation! Sitting with support February 27, 2002 Can sit in a tripod position supporting self with hands for 10 seconds...presently at 16 months she can sit unassisted in the tripod position for just over 60 seconds...great improvement from February to July!! Weight Bearing End of April 2002 Madison was about 13 months old when she began to weight bear well...she is doing it will her knees in the locked position but as her hip joints increase with strength she will be able to tolerate this correctly!  At 20 months...with the help of DAFOS (Dynamic Ankle/Foot Orthosis)...Madison can stand at the coffee table her knees are still locked but she doesn't mind bearing the weight on her ankles and feet anymore.  The DAFOs give her a new security that has proved very helpful.  Madison also toe points and the DAFOs correct this and keep her foot at a 90 degree position.  Madison is very unbalanced doing this and needs constant parental supervision...but she does like to stand...so we take time out often throughout the day to let her stand and play.  Having sensory input into her feet and ankles are making her more aware of her body! Commando (Army) Crawl June 24, 2002 (2:52 PM) THIS IS HUGE...Madison began commando crawling at 15 months old.  She uses her arms to pull her body around the floor...looks much like an inchworm better known as the Army crawl.  We are working on her ability to support her weight up on her knees...once she is strong enough she will "hopefully" get around faster and easier up on her knees. I say "hopefully" because her physical therapists think she may actually learn to walk first. Crawling  April 2003 25 months (Getting into Quad position ~ Up on all fours ~ can rock)   October 2003 2 1/2 (30 months) years old (Can finally crawl short distances in Quad ~ but prefers to combat crawl ~ She's faster and exerts less energy this way!)   December 2003 (33 1/2 months ~ FINALLY crawling in Quad!!)   May 2004 (38 months old ~ Crawling in Quad about 1/2 the time ~ Is very good at it...but prefers to combat crawl...SHE'S FASTER that way...lol!!)   May 2005 (50 mos ~ 4.2 years old ~ Madison still crawls 50% of the time in Quad and the other 50% in combat.  She is faster and more confident with the combat.  We don't see much improvement in this area either!) Madison can not crawl "normally" yet at 28 months... but we are working really hard with her.  She is pulling her knees in on a regular basis and sometimes can even get her belly off the floor now in Quad Position.  Her arms are getting stronger and on occassion she will even extend them up and will rock back and forth.  This last for only a couple of seconds before she "topples" but with perserverence and practice she will get stronger and more cooridinated.  I forgot PRAYER is also an important factor!! At 30 months old Madison is able to crawl a few steps in quad position...boy does it look good...she prefers crawling combat method...as she is faster this way.  Crawling in quad takes much coordination and energy...something Madison still lacks...but at least we know now...she CAN do it if she wants too. Standing July 2003 (28 months) ~Standing will holding onto furniture with much support   May 2004 (38 months) ~ Still only standing with supports! ~ But is doing it a lot more often and is getting up herself and getting down herself.  She is my daredevil!!   June 2005 (51 months / 4.3 years) Madison can not stand without some sort of support.  She has to hold onto something to maintain a standing position.  Her balance or lack of is the biggest obstacle of all for standing and walking.  Her compensation and manipulation is outstanding and often hides her lack of balance!   May 2007 (6.2 years) Can stand for a few seconds (5) without falling over The therapists and doctors don't know when Maddie will be able to stand independently.  This has been no easy task and she lacks balance and strength in her trunk and hips...these are important for standing.  Madison can stand with the support of her DAFOS while holding onto something...but she can not stand alone, at 28 months. Madison at 30 months (October 2003) can pull to stand at the coffee table and the sofa.  She is doing well with this especially if her DAFOS are on.  She still can not stand independently.  At 34 months she is pulling to stand nicely and can cruise on the sofa.  She still can not stand independently...   At 6.2 years old, it is unlikely that Madison will ever stand for more than a few seconds independently.  Balance isn't something you can teach and unfortunately when they were handing out balance they missed Maddie!! Walking May 2004   (38 months) ~ Walking independently for Madison might be a stretch ever...we won't lose faith...she is walking with supports for short distances. Can walk with a medical walker independently for about 10 steps...HEY it's STILL WALKING!!   June 2005   (51 months / 4.3 years) She can not walk independently and this is very far off.  Maddie can walk with a walker for only about 10 steps still...not much improvement.  she tires quickly.  It is still walking though...so we are thrilled!  Madison can use her wheelchair very well.  She is slow with it but maneuvers it beautifully!   May 2007   (6.2 years old) It is unlikely that Madison will ever walk independently but she is running with a reverse walker,  called a wenzelite.  She is terrific in her wheelchair when she is exhausted from walking. At 28 months, Madison is acquiring some prewalking skills...If you hold her hands and say "Madison take a step" she will take steps and try to walk...she likes doing this...she feels like a big girl!  Mommy's back on the otherhand is BREAKING!  Madison is not yet cruising furniture...but recently was fitted for a new back/trunk orthosis which should give her more support.  Between this and her DAFOS...perhaps she will feel secure enough to try to cruise??    October 2003 ~ Madison is 30 months and will try to cruise while holding onto the sofa.  She is actually take nice side steps using mostly the strength of her arms to drag her legs around.  It is a huge milestone for us one that we hope keeps improving.    Madison is walking with a gait trainer (Rifton Pacer ~ with full supports) and does this quite nicely.  She can not move it on our carpet which limits the places we can actually use this...we've been walking through the mall with it...lol.  Madison can not walk with out supports but we are not giving up the hope that she eventually will.  She is being fit for a wheelchair to aide her transition to handicap preschool.   At 34 months, Madison can also walk a few unstable steps with a Guardian Reverse Walker.  It is scary for her but she has the motivation to keep trying.  THANKS for your support.   Walking independently is a goal we'd love to see happen...however at 38 months it is unlikely to happen any time soon...if ever...I have to admit we have started to let go of this goal.  It just isn't so important to US anymore...if it happens HURRAY...if not...that's OK too!  Her biggest problems with walking is her bad coordination and balance.  Can't teach her to have BALANCE!!    At 6.2 years old Madison is walking with a walker.  It is walking just with help!!  She won't ever walk without assistance.

	Madison's Fine Motor, Language and other "FUN" Milestones Smile June 8, 2001 2 1/2 months came the first smile for her MOMMY!!  Madison has been smiling ever since...her therapist think she is the "Happiest baby ever" Giggle August 7, 2001 At 4 months Madison giggled first for Christopher, the big brother, then the rest of us!! Play With & Manipulate Toys March 6, 2002 Really began touching and "playing" with toys finally at 11 months old...at 16 months still learning how to "play" and manipulate toys...nothing has come easy for our girl...she even has to work on playing!! Pick up small objects June 2002 Just over 14 months Madison began to pick up little objects...Honey Combs, cheerios, little bits of bread...she is finally beginning to feed herself.  This fine motor skill has been very difficult for Madison...her pincher grasp is still not totally refined at 16 months. First Tooth December 10, 2001 8 1/2 months old and no more "GUMMY BEAR"...this is probably the only part of Madison's development that hasn't been delayed...and yet her first one is a little late. DADADA / MAMAMA Babbling sounds with consonants December 17, 2001 Almost 9 months before DADADA graced her vocab...but soon after followed...BABABA and NANANA, TATATA and last but not least MAMAMA...speech has shown some delays...7 months later and still no real words...at 15 months finally began using MAMAMA with a purpose and now when she sees Daddy...she will say DADADA. First Real Words September 2002 17 months old   May 2005 50 months old 4.2 years old   (Madison's speech is unclear and labored ~ She has dysarthria.  She is still only saying first syllables of words and doesn't talk often ~ but she understands EVERYTHING.  She will probably always have difficulties with speech...she does sign and has a Dynavox for communication) Madison at 17 months began calling me "MOM" with a purpose.  She uses it all the time when she wants something.  It is her only true word so far.  Madison receives speech therapy twice a week and her therapists are pretty sure she "will eventually talk".  The Hypotonia has affected her ability to speak (all muscle related).  Madison understands some simple "signs" and hopefully will be able to use them as she grows stronger.  As far as understanding words she is pretty receptive and we know she understands...mommy, daddy, kitty, dog, Chris, No, Where'd it go?,  Bye Bye, Hi, etc...Mostly simple words. Currently, at 30 months, Madison has about a 75 single word vocabulary or should I say annunciations of certain words..."WE" understand her but others do not.  Madison will not attempt two syllable sounds/ words.  She usually does not initiate conversation, but she understands everything you say to her.  She is even following simple directions.  Her receptive language is incredible but the expressive still lacks.  She is more curious with babbling and sometimes will talk with her dollies or bears.  We are still signing to Madison and she understands a lot of signs but can not manipulate them unfortunately because of her coordination/dyspraxia issues.  We have recently begun using Augmenative Communication in the form of the PECS system.  We won't know how this works for awhile, but I have HIGH hopes as her cognitive function is high. Table Food March 2002     July 2003 28 months   (Madison can finally eat just about any type of table food ~ Still gagging with some mixed textures ~ Popcorn is still a NO NO ~ as well as some meats ~ BUT SHE LOVES TO EAT NOW!! Most of Madison's nourishment is dependent on her bottle still...she still eats mostly 2nd stage baby food...we have begun to introduce her to table foods very slowly...Madison has had severe gagging and swallowing problems (hypersenitive gag & sensory integration issues in her mouth only) because of the hypotonia...any new textures are met with a gag and a vomit...this has been our biggest feat because she is borderline "Failure to thrive" and can't manage to keep weight on.  This month Madison has been able to swallow and chew some soft table foods for the first time...bread with butter, mac & cheese, PB & J sandwiches...anything in little itty bitty pieces that breaks down easily. At 16 months Madison is learning to chew better and can now feed herself the itty bitty pieces but still can not swallow anything other than easily chewed foods...carbs mostly...her carrots, meats and veggies are still 2nd stage foods...Mixed textures are a definate NO NO (rice pudding, rice, jello, cereal with milk)...these foods are two confusing for a brain connection...she doesn't know if she should swallow or chew...the therapist tell me that with time a perserverence this "too shall come".  In the meantime we are still coping with a lot of vomitting and have had to put her on pedisure and carnation instant breakfast for calories and nutrients...they say if Madison can not hold her own weight and growth...she will need a feeding tube...we are trying to avoid this at all COSTS.  Don't be confused...Madison does not have a reflux condition...only mixed textures cause her to vomit...but her body isn't utilizing its nutrients which is causing the "failure to thrive"...Madison eats plenty...all day!! Baby Games November 2001 Likes to play PEEK A BOO only if you manipulate the sheet...by 16 months...Madison does the sheet herself...just learned "baby so big" at 15 months...likes to play the "pretty little princess" at 15 months...is just starting to wave at 16 months!  Long hard road...but she's reaching that destination! At 20 months, Madison initiates the "peek a boo" game...can clap to clapping songs, waves still with both hands, and shows excitement by grabbing her head and smiling!!  It is getting increasingly harder for her to manage...her lack of communication is becoming frustrating for her, as well as for us. Holds Own Bottle November 17, 2001 Madison was 7 1/2 months before she would even try to hold her own bottle...through therapy and frustration as the motivator...she finally conquered this task...at 16 months though she still gets tired and likes mommy to rock her and hold the bottle for her. Sippy Cup / Cup May 13, 2002 Madison can not / will not drink from a sippy cup so in May (14 months) we began using a regular drinking glass with her...she can take little sips from it...she makes a mess but loves to try. The sippy cup causes her to get upset...she doesn't like it in her mouth...only her spoon and her bottle!  Madison can not make a "pucker" with her lips part of her low tone...we are working on the sippy cups diligently and own one of every kind!  We work on the puckering with sour candy and lemons! At 20 months she is finally "Getting it", although she still is dependent on her bottle for drinking! Now at 28 months she is drinking from most sippy cups, regular cups, and straws...she especially loves her big brothers...juice boxes!! Clapping October 2, 2002 18 months   July 2003 28 months   Madison is now a clapaholic...she claps all the time!! (appropriately) Madison has begun to Clap, it isn't very good and her coordination is off...but it definately has potential...and it's actually "cute" watching her try.  She misses at first but then concentrates to get her hands to hit together.