Tanat Valley Parents and Carers Support Group

Myself and a friend are setting up a group to offer support for parents and carers of children with autism and other additional needs. The group will run workshops and invite guest speakers as well as offer a loader voice when fighting with authorities.

We plan to meet on August 31st at 10 am and will be providing entertainment for children.

Mean while we have also set up a facebook group so support can continue outside of our meetings.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/235081049859778/?id=235266863174530

If anyone wants me info or can offer help or support to the group please message me. 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal Trip

Monday this week saw us Meeting a canal boat at Llangollen for a trip over the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, we have walked over the aqueduct many times, but it was great to have the experience of going over by boat. Though it was crampt and there was little room for Arrianna in her Car seat the staff were wonderful and helpful. Through out the Trip there was a commentary which was both informative and hilarious. The trip lasted for 2 hours and was lovely and relaxing. 


The Aquaduct was built by Thomas Telford and completed in 1805. It stands an amazing 1,007 ft (307 m) long, 11 ft (3.4 m) wide and 5.25 ft (1.60 m) deep. and carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee. 

http://www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk/

Whittington Castle Summer 2011

 Whittington Castle will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Kellyn, Ceienna and myself and recently we took an early morning trip over to the site. The castle is basically now a ruin occupied by ducks and swans and other wild life. it is a lovely place to walk and is fully accessible with the pushchair. there is also a cafe book shop on site and the castle regularly hold event to raise funds toward restoration of the castle.

Pistyll Rhaeadr The highest waterfall in Wales

Lake Vyrnwy Summer 2011

Royal Welsh Show Bulth Wells

Start of Summer Holidays 2011

Arrianna has been on lots of adventures recently with the family. Earlier in the week we attended the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells and it was wonderful to bump into so many familiar faces there. Arrianna now being on solid foods was able to have her first picnic which was lovely. We have also been up the Lake vrynwy and Llanrheader Waterfall. We also met up with on of the groups we are involved with to wonder around Park Hall, near to Oswestry. We have had a great time together as a family recently. I cant wait for the rest of the holidays we have so much planned.

Down Syndrome Creed

Down Syndrome Creed
My face may be different but my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry. I take pride in my gains.
I was sent here among you to teach you to love,
As God in the Heavens looks down from above.
To Him I’m no different; His love knows no bounds
It’s those here among you in cities and towns
That judge me by standards that man has imparted
But the family He’s chosen will help me get started.
For I’m one of His children so special and few
That came here to learn the same lessons as you.
That love is acceptance; it must come from the heart.
We all have the same purpose though not the same start.
The Lord gave me life to live and embrace
AND I'LL DO IT AS YOU DO - JUST AT MY OWN PACE

What a week this has been Earlier we headed out to Newtown to meet up with our paediatric Consultant to discuss Arrianna's needs and her future, this was a hard thing to talk about especially knowing that things could go wrong very quickly. The Doctor talked me through things i need to be constantly aware of being Arrianna's Carer, This was never going to be an easy conversation but we have no choice than to discuss these things. On a brighter note the Doctor was very impressed by the progress Arrianna has made strengthening her neck muscles and her new ability to roll over, but he have concerns over her low muscle tones in her back and we are now waiting to see the Physio.

Also this Week Arrianna has started on solid food and using a cup. She has done ever so well, even managing to hold the cup herself, though she was laughing quite allot first time making drinking hard. But she has took to solids wonderfully she holds the food in her mouth and despite having an oversized tongue copes wonderfully with her new challenge.

Currently i am working on getting Arrianna to use both hands as she currently favours her right hand she needs to be able to use her left as well. We are doing lots of playing hoping to build her co ordination.

Kellyn and Ceienna have finished School this week and we have already had lots of fun we have been baking and we have also moved our sitting room around creating more space for Arrianna and her equipment we are currently using.

I am currently revamping our ebay shop, i have added a few items which are on sale to raise money for the Downs Syndrome Association. Please check out my ebay shop, New items currently being added daily. 

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Georgies-Independent-Traders

Arrianna at 18 Weeks.

Arrianna is now 18 weeks and developing wonderfully. On Thursday we went to our local playgroup and she held a rattle for the first time while joining in at music time. Arrianna loves being around other children especially her own brother and sister, both adore her and she responds very well to them both. Now Arrianna is mobile she is rolling around the floor Kellyn and Ceienna both lie with her talk to her and encouraging her, its just wonderful to see. Both the oldr children enjoy sharing books with Arrianna and in return Arrianna loves to be included.

As well and now being mobile Arrianna has learnt to laugh and giggle this is very infectious you just can not help but to smile when you look at that beautiful little girl smiling up at you. We have lots of visitors now and each one loves coming just to see her smile. It great to work with such a responsive baby. I have been doing a life coaching course recently and when Arrianna is brought to me the whole course stops as each of the other attendants just wants to talk, hold and look at Arrianna which is just wonderful.

School term is coming to an end this week so we will be very busy Kellyn and i have made lots of plans of places we want to show Arrianna. Kellyn has proved to be my golden boy recently after receiving an outstanding report from school i am one very proud parent. Also Ceienna had a excellent report she is taking part in activities aimed well above her age group at he nursery which is fabulous, despite everything these children have been put through but inconsiderate people, They have shine when they have had every right to crumble. i am so proud of all three of them, our future looks so bright now, we have worked hard to put so much behind us and in the process have become very close together as a family. For me as a mother i have realised to much in such a short space of time, regained my strength which was drained out of me from years of abuse and finally regaining self worth. September holds open so many new doors for our family i cant wait to walk through them, but for now bring on the summer holidays and fun, fun, fun all the way for us. Keep checking out our blog for stories of our fab adventures.

Central Wales Down’s syndrome support Group

Recently we visited the Central Wales Downs Syndrome Support Group. It was a beautiful day in truly beautiful surrounds, attended by very Special People. We all had a wonderful time. The Barbecue we had was just Yummy. 

The Leader of the Group a lovely lady called Anita who is  A.B.M. (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) mother supporter and also has been recently appointed role as breastfeeding adviser to the D.S.A.

Anita is now supporting me in having Arrianna Fully Breastfed. She is a love and very approachable lady i would recommend to anyone. Please visit Anita's website for further details on the group and breastfeeding help and Support.  http://oakwellbarns.co.uk/