Wow, it’s been a while since our last update. As you can imagine, things have been busy around our house as summer turned into fall and Ava started going to preschool for the first time! She’s in a special education preschool with the Fairfax County Public School system and loves every minute of it. The first few days she started out riding the school bus, but the ride takes so long that we bring her to school in the van each day instead. Sometimes when class is over, Ava just wants to stay and play with the other kids and has to be ‘convinced’ it’s time to go! Ava especially likes her teacher, Ms. Janelle. Here are some pics of Ava riding the bus her first day to school.
Just before school started, Ava got the chance to visit the Reston Zoo. The zoo describes itself as “a thirty-acre, family-friendly zoo: an oasis in the middle of the city!” And it really is. Ava is an animal lover and always gets to pet the animals, feed them and is looking forward to ride the pony there every time and even knows his name. One day we’ll take her to a farm vacation. She also had much fun chasing a goose around the park in her powerchair (see some pics we added here). Notice how tough and rugged her Permobil wheelchair is out in the park. It’s like having a Safari SUV for your wheels!
And finally, Ava had a fun Halloween with the other children in the neighborhood, going door to door looking for treats. She was dressed up as an elephant, her favorite animal and was very proud of her costume and her pumpkin candy bucket. She also got a chance to try out her new head and tail lights we installed on her power chair, so she could maneuver around at night with all the parents and kids. Click here to see some more pics of her on Halloween. Afterwards we all went to a neighbors house and all had more Halloween celebration with kids and adults. Ava had fun wheeling herself around in her little manual wheelchair around the people and kids and we were happy watching her having fun.
Now, Ava is looking forward to Christmas, being a good girl, wearing her new braces to correct her jaw line, being better at eating fruits and veggies and standing in her stander all for Jesus and Santa who will bring gifts for Christmas.
Hack
1November 24th, 2008 at 1:21 am
I enjoyed seeing determined Ava chasing the goose. The music added to the excitement! Ava made a darling elephant for Halloween. The costume was perfect for her with her love of animals. Your family is a blessing to all who know you. We are thankful for all of you this Thanksgiving Day!
With love from,
The Turners
2November 24th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Oops, I forgot to add – WOW, Ava is now a school girl. How awesome!!! We know your teacher and classmates enjoy having Ava in their classroom. She is already so smart – look out, world!
Love,
The Turner Family
3November 29th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Hello. I found your site a couple months ago and have been checking back for updates. I was so excited to see recent pics today. Your Ava is such an inspiration. My 20 month old, also named Ava, is in the process of being diagnosed with SMA. (awaiting blood test) I would love to chat with you if you can make the time. (Esp. in regards to the clinical trial info.) I believe our Ava’s have alot in common. Looking forward to it. -Johanna E. (NC)
4December 17th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Dec 16, 2008
Nonna and Poppa just watched Ava chasing the goose (whereby her Nonna would have been running away from the
goose), riding her bike (which was wonderful to see), and brushing her teeth. It’s late at night and I should be packing
for the trip to see you’ll in two days, and we are really looking
forward to that. We really enjoy what you’ll do on here.
We love you’ll and we’ll see you soon. Give our little sweetheart a kiss for us. Mom and Dad
5March 20th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I enjoyed your site.