My husband and I were married in 2007 and we became parents to a wonderful little girl in 2010. Mackenzie was diagnosed with Ocular Motor Apraxia at 15 months old and Joubert Syndrome at 26 months old.
Mack's Mom - Joubert Syndrome & Ocular Motor Apraxia
I think the best part of having a child with special needs is the joy that we receive over every little milestone. It seems like we are celebrating something new every week with Mackenzie. I added a few new videos of Mackenzie on youtube (www.youtube.com/bjwhitmack) and noticed that there are now 37 videos, all of which are so exciting for me to watch.
This post is mainly centering around Mackenzie walking outside. Back in July I posted videos of Mackenzie walking inside the house and also included one of her walking outside (http://youtu.be/Aywhs85SwNM). After posting that video Mackenzie still wouldn't walk outside without holding onto someone's hand. It reminded me of how Mackenzie took her first steps in April however didn't really walk on her own until July. Mackenzie is finally taking off on her own when we are outside and refusing to hold onto someone's hand. The following pic/videos were taken at the end of September (I am a little behind with posting:)).
Mackenzie standing on her own in the driveway. For the first time ever I told Mackenzie that she was too close to the road and I had to chase after her.:)
The beginning of Mackenzie taking off on her own all throughout the yard. She even raced Daddy around some too!
Once she started, she didn't stop!
I'm not quite sure why but the mat that Mackenzie stands on helped her take her first steps and helped her with walking outside. Please note that Mackenzie dressed herself before this video was taken. She thinks she is quite stylish with her beach hat and pant leg rolled up.:)
Now onto a more recent video:
Mackenzie is working on running. She enjoys taking off while at Romp N Roll. I love seeing her go so fast!
Below are several pictures from end the of September till now.
She constantly makes me smile!
Daddy's girl!
Mackenzie works hard at Romp N Roll every week. She recently mastered hanging from the rings and lifting her legs up for a long period of time!
Pumpkin Patch!
Mine and BJ's 5th annivesary.
Mack mastered blowing bubbles on her own! She spent 30 minutes that day blowing bubbles (which is one of the exercises the speech therapist has Mackenzie do).
Halloween! Mackenzie had fun being a princess and trick or treating with her 2 cousins who were Mario and Luigi.
Enjoying the Halloween candy!
We went back to the beach the beginning of November. Mackenzie immediately took off on the sand this time around! LOVE seeing her get around the sand so easily!
She's cute and knows it!
Once again- Daddy's girl!
Mackenzie traded in her beach hat for the winter hat. She goes around the house saying "brrrr, cold!"
I ran a 5K Thanksgiving morning. Mackenzie motivates me to run as many races as possible!
Thanksgiving: So thankful for my family!
Mackenzie is doing very well (as you can tell from the videos and pics posted above). Can't say enough how proud I am of her hard work and determination!
