Matai Loves Polyfest Practice

 

Matai has really enjoyed the polyfest practising that has been happening at preschool.  He seems to like two of the songs especially and knows that the end part is akin to the haka.  It is great seeing him feel a part of something and just generally enjoying the singing and dancing.  I hope we will see more of him on stage down the track...

 

Preschool Bus Trip

Matai loved the bus!!

In the first week of December, Gladstone took the kids to Rowena Jackson to sing carols and on to the McIntyre Christmas house at West Plains Road.

Matai was very surprised (stopped in his tracks) and excited to go on the bus.  He loved looking out the window and it was a kick for me to be along and see his interest. 
It was also nice to see him get involved with the songs at the rest home because he had opted out at the Christmas party a few nights before.

I am not sure he understood why we were at the house or what the fuss was with the lights etc but he really enjoyed being with everyone and with his mum :)!

Thank you preschool teachers, what a lovely morning!

 

 

 

 

Preschool Disco!

Just because photos is what I do!

We all had a great time at the preschool disco recently.  Matai loved the lighted floor and being with his friends.  Aaron and I loved having fun with our kids and catching up with other parents.  And the surprise of the night was how much Mia loved to boogie!

Thanks to the Gladstone crew for the effort, we appreciate it.

What is this blog all about?

The purpose of this blog is to allow for a shared space where the people who are working, playing, caring for and spending the most time with Matai on a day to day, week to week basis, can see and share his progress and development. 

I will document milestones, share goals and hopefully fill in some of the background of what is happening for Matai.

My hope is that you will learn some information about Matai, Down syndrome in general, get some ideas and be able to share your own ideas, stories and information about Matai as feels appropriate, along the way.

This need for a 'sharing space' has arisen because I am finding that I am often interacting with many people on a weekly basis about how Matai is progressing.  I glean many gems of wisdom from various professionals and often there are important ideas, information and experiences that I wish that other people in Matai's world could know too. Until now I am the only person that holds and facilitates all that information, and I feel that if I share it better, then a 'whole picture' of Matai's progress might help the different 'parts' be able to plan and be more focussed in their work (or play :).

Please know that there is no obligation to read here frequently. I know you are all very busy people!
I offer it as an option and hopefully a way of making your job easier.

These are the people that are currently working regularly with Matai:

Occupational Therapist - Kath Macdonald (fortnightly, Early Intervention, Southland Hospital) -
Private Speech Therapist - Bridget McArthur ( weekly, Shout Speech Language Therapy, Alexandra)
Early Intervention Teacher - Jenny Tattersfield (weekly, Ministry of Education)
Gladstone Preschool - Jacqui and her lovely crew of early childhood teachers (Monday and Wednesday mornings)


Equally important as the above professional services,  Aaron and I have two large extended families here in Invercargill who are very involved in Matai's daily life.  He is lucky enough to have 4 doting grandparents, 7 cousins that we have regular contact with, and many committed Aunts and Uncles.  He is a lucky boy! Some of these family members may also choose to read here as they are just as involved in his development.