Some of our favourite moments include playing at the accessible water table at Science World, seeing Gemma get so excited swinging with her cousin, and watching her sit on a pony!
This is the story of our beautiful little girl Gemma, who was born by emergency cesarean two months premature on February 18, 2010 at BCCH with a rare unsuspected neuromuscular disorder. She endured a difficult start to this world, including resuscitation, a brain bleed, femur fractures and weighing in at only 3 lbs. Gemma spent the next 307 days in the NICU filled with extreme challenges. On December 22, 2010 we were overjoyed to welcome Gemma home a few days before Christmas.
Summer Outings!
With Gemma's health continuing to do well we ventured out to enjoy the Summer!
Some of our favourite moments include playing at the accessible water table at Science World, seeing Gemma get so excited swinging with her cousin, and watching her sit on a pony!
Some of our favourite moments include playing at the accessible water table at Science World, seeing Gemma get so excited swinging with her cousin, and watching her sit on a pony!
First Family Trip - Cultus Lake
With Gemma being more stable we wanted to go away somewhere for our first family trip.
We decided on the following criteria:
-Somewhere within 2 hours drive
-Close to a lake with pathways suitable for a stroller
-House accomodations with electricity and wheelchair accessible
-Bringing a nurse with us for night shifts
So we decided on Cultus Lake!
Fortunately we found the perfect house and after the owners had learned about Gemma they were so kind as to offer us use of their vacation home! It was large enough that my sister and her family were able to come with us.
http://www.cultuslakehouse.com/property
We brought a bed for Gemma and the nurse stayed with her on the main floor. We were a block from the lake and there were plenty of walking trails. There was also a nice hot tub for the adults to enjoy! Gemma enjoyed looking at the scenery and getting to touch a lake for the first time.
Gemma did really well for the three nights we were there as well 2hr drive there and home.
We had such a great time and we are so glad we went!
We decided on the following criteria:
-Somewhere within 2 hours drive
-Close to a lake with pathways suitable for a stroller
-House accomodations with electricity and wheelchair accessible
-Bringing a nurse with us for night shifts
So we decided on Cultus Lake!
Fortunately we found the perfect house and after the owners had learned about Gemma they were so kind as to offer us use of their vacation home! It was large enough that my sister and her family were able to come with us.
http://www.cultuslakehouse.com/property
We brought a bed for Gemma and the nurse stayed with her on the main floor. We were a block from the lake and there were plenty of walking trails. There was also a nice hot tub for the adults to enjoy! Gemma enjoyed looking at the scenery and getting to touch a lake for the first time.
Gemma did really well for the three nights we were there as well 2hr drive there and home.
We had such a great time and we are so glad we went!
Summer 2012
The warm sunny weather had arrived!
Gemma's health continued to improve, which was a huge relief because one of the respirologists was concerned in March about on-going complications, however another respirologist was hopeful that Gemma would improve with the warmer months as 'these kids' generally do much better after the Winter months, so fortunately that doctor was right!
Gem's garden was in full bloom and looked amazing after all the work we did. Charlie had installed a retaining wall and we planted tons of flowers! We love our garden oasis! Such a peaceful place for all of us to enjoy.
Everyday Gemma is showing improvement, both physically and cognitively. I've said this a lot but for a child we were once told 'wouldn't have purposeful movement' she continues to amaze everyone with all she can do. Gemma is always learning new things and gaining strength, another thing that wasn't expected of her. She is playing with musical instruments, extends her reach to play with a ball toy, puts pieces in their place (ie: Mr. potato head), and has started to learn how to colour. She has always had so much determination so it is amazing to see her come so far.
With the warmer weather we have had a few family respite visits to Canuck Place and in August we are looking forward to taking our first family trip!
Gemma's health continued to improve, which was a huge relief because one of the respirologists was concerned in March about on-going complications, however another respirologist was hopeful that Gemma would improve with the warmer months as 'these kids' generally do much better after the Winter months, so fortunately that doctor was right!
Gem's garden was in full bloom and looked amazing after all the work we did. Charlie had installed a retaining wall and we planted tons of flowers! We love our garden oasis! Such a peaceful place for all of us to enjoy.
Everyday Gemma is showing improvement, both physically and cognitively. I've said this a lot but for a child we were once told 'wouldn't have purposeful movement' she continues to amaze everyone with all she can do. Gemma is always learning new things and gaining strength, another thing that wasn't expected of her. She is playing with musical instruments, extends her reach to play with a ball toy, puts pieces in their place (ie: Mr. potato head), and has started to learn how to colour. She has always had so much determination so it is amazing to see her come so far.
With the warmer weather we have had a few family respite visits to Canuck Place and in August we are looking forward to taking our first family trip!
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