Friday, July 11, 2008

Nate's & His Feeding (YouTube Video)

This is how we give Nate medicines and feedings. As most of you know, Nate cannot swallow and that is why we have the feeding tube.

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1ud0hEDnVM&feature=related

Nate driving his Power Chair (You Tube video)

Nate's driving at the school. He uses his middle finger on a mini joystick to operate it. He's doing great, but still needs a lot of practice!


Here is the link:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJb3wIknyxA

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Nate & The Cough Assist (You Tube Video)

Here is the You Tube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXnLAQ-OuVs&feature=user

Nate & his VEST (You Tube Video)

Okay, so now we are going to be addicted to posting the kids on YouTube! We didn't realize how easy it is and I know for family and friends, who live out of town (many of whom have never been able to meet the boys in person), this is a gift to be able to see.
We are posting some of Nate's treatments that he does everyday. This is of Nate in his Vest that we use twice a day. It breaks everything up in his lungs and then we use the cough assist right after to get it all out. These two machines have been lifesavers and have helped keep Nate's lungs clear. He doesn't seem to mind either one - he's a tough little boy! He makes the cutest sounds while doing his vest (they aren't as loud in this video, but you can still hear them). The video also shows his room, which he loves.
Next post is of his cough assist and tonight we will post how we do his feedings and medications. And then we'll probably do one of him in his ceiling lift and portable lift. Then back to more fun stuff, like Nate in the pool and driving his chair. And we won't forget Owen either!

Here is the You Tube Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkzqlXoGvM

Monday, July 07, 2008

Nate in his slings ON YOUTUBE!

Many of you check up on Nathan & Owen and see only pictures of the boys and the "things" we talk about. Now, for the FIRST TIME EVER, we are posting a VIDEO of Nate in his slings!!!!

Like all SMA Type I kids, Nate has EXTREMELY limited movement with his arms and legs. The only time he can really freely move his arms & legs is when gravity is taken out of the equation (when he is in his slings or in water).

We have taken an aggressive approach with physical therapy and are convinced that this has helped him develop all of the movements you will see in this video and future videos as well. Every evening about 7PM, we put him in his slings to kick and turn on music for him to listen to. It is one of his favorite things to do (along with being in the water) because he can MOVE and he loves it! Because of the exercise he gets everyday either in the slings or in the water, he has developed some movement when he is sitting in his chair or laying down. He will move his legs back & forth, roll his arms and move his hands around. We shot this video of him tonight and we'll post others of him in the pool and driving his Power Chair.

Click on the link below to see Nate on You Tube. The video is just over 7 minutes long and and we hope you enjoy it...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZjMQHoi9yU

Click on "Watch in High Quality" to get a better video and turn the volume up so you can hear all of Nate's cute sounds!

Jen and Trey

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Happy Fourth of July! (Part 2)

Here are pictures from Friday evening...


Watching from our driveway

Watching in the street with Mom & our neighbor, Mikey

Happy 4th, everyone!