tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53789210023127937892024-02-19T19:26:15.780-07:00Sarah + Joe's Adventures in UtahSarah and Joe Myers are a young married couple from New England, who relocated to Utah in 2005.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-24139164987898852722012-07-12T11:58:00.000-06:002012-07-12T12:00:04.134-06:00What is HippotherapyLast year, our friends organized an amazing event called Crest on Cruisers to help pay for Charlie’s hippotherapy. This year, we’re paying it forward by raising money for a wonderful little girl named Halle. So to help people understand what hippotherapy is, I put together this little video showing Charlie’s lessons and the progress he's made. Enjoy!
What is Hippotherapy? from Joe Myers on Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-76994649493903981372012-03-26T15:31:00.000-06:002012-03-26T15:31:08.203-06:00Most Amazing WeekendOn Saturday, Charlie had another absolutely amazing hippotherapy session. Tiffany (therapist), Tulip (horse), Allie (handler), Jim, and Don (volunteers) make the most incredible team. Charlie played the puzzle games and gave high-fives all around as they worked on his flexibility and strength.
See all the photos from the session on Flickr
Then we were off to the playground with Pow-Pow where Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-31497630323682008522012-01-03T09:43:00.000-07:002012-01-03T09:43:16.167-07:00Hippotherapy UpdateCharlie just finished his first round of hippotherapy session before the holidays at The National Ability Center. As you may know from the previous post, the first two sessions presented a bit of a challenge for Charlie who was resistant to the equipment and unhappy to be separated from Joe.
Thankfully, we stuck it out to the third session which was truly the turning point. Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-3221802566157804382011-11-09T10:00:00.011-07:002011-11-09T11:37:03.756-07:00Hippotherapy - Getting StartedCharlie had his first two hippotherappy sessions at Park City's National Ability Center. As expected it was a bit of a challenge with so many new things at once. He didn't like the required helmet, so he fixated on that right away. But he LOVES his horse, Captain Brownie. Captain Brownie is small and fuzzy and amazingly patient. He moves slowly and reliably on verbal commands and he's extremely Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-75834678550691643422011-10-25T10:45:00.004-06:002011-10-25T11:08:10.300-06:00Great Strides! Charlie's first stepsCharlie took his first independent steps this weekend, just after his second birthday. It was a quiet evening at home and we were horsing around. I propped him up against the couch and we did some lunging. I backed up an inch or two at a time and started patting his feet. Before I knew it he was taking a step, then two, three, four! I cannot express how overwhelmed I am with joy. I want to Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-86811538240281331162011-09-26T16:10:00.003-06:002011-09-26T16:31:54.561-06:00Crest on Cruisers RecapThank you all.We cannot express how grateful we are for everyone's generosity and thoughtfulness in putting together Crest on Cruisers. The event was fun and silly and it raised about $3,000 for Charlie's Hippotherapy. We have been overwhelmed with the support of this amazing community and cannot thank you all enough. We received donations from friends and family, and even some strangers. We madeJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-28048884981048746142011-08-22T13:54:00.004-06:002011-08-22T14:30:24.908-06:00Crest On CruisersCharlie’s Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy was not a surprise to us. But for our friends and family, it has struck a nerve. Several of our friends in Park City have decided to organize a unique fundraising bike ride to help pay for Charlie to attend private hippotherapy sessions at Park City’s National Ability Center. Needless to say, this has touched us deeply and we’re so appreciative.The bike ride Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-25916950029560417822011-08-16T10:39:00.001-06:002011-08-22T14:30:57.427-06:00“I Go”Three mornings a week I drop Charlie off at Daycare. I typically carry him in while all the other kids his age walk in independently, mostly because I am late for work. Joe, my mom and I are all reading various books about parenting children with CP and one thing to note was that we need to adapt to create a sense of independence for Charlie. So today I brought his walker to school with us and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-11730401890949097432011-07-29T21:05:00.000-06:002011-07-29T21:05:31.640-06:00Shapes and ColorsJoe and I had such a wonderful evening. When I arrived home Charlie and Joe were heading our for a walk. Charlie started on his usual path connecting all the manholes in the neighborhood. It makes me so nervous because of the way everyone drives around here. M&M (aka Mrs Myers) had said it appeared that Charlie was rounding the bases. This gave me an idea to cut shapes in some neon printer Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-82069792720659363542011-06-21T11:51:00.015-06:002011-06-22T09:49:31.227-06:00Cerebral Palsy, Our New ChallengeIf you've been keeping up with Charlie's progress, you may know that he's fallen behind on physical milestones. Typically, a 20-month old child is running around and talking with some proficiency. Charlie has required some extra help so far, and his recent MRI confirmed that he has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. What are we dealing with here?Cerebral Palsy is a sort of catchall phrase for a Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-13228730488699140242010-10-16T21:43:00.002-06:002010-10-18T17:00:39.414-06:00My Big Little ManI can not believe that one year ago (give or take a day) I was woken up by a strange feeling. Little did I know in those wee hours of the morning that my life was about to change so drastically. You have proven to be the most amazing life lesson. I no longer expect things to go as planned. Life is truly about the journey. I have an amazing family who support me and make me a better person/Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-70327296906193803732010-06-14T22:11:00.000-06:002010-06-14T22:11:36.910-06:00Charlie UpdateCharlie is on the brink of his 8 month birthday. He has been sleeping through the night for almost a month now and he even is so kind as to sleep in on some weekends. This weekend he cut his first tooth. It was a big surprise to Joe and I since he has not been particularly fussy lately. He is eating solid foods 2-3 times a day. I am making all of his foods which gives me such a sense of pride. AsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-55386884268849011312010-03-08T16:19:00.003-07:002010-03-08T16:29:06.764-07:00Bike MS: Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride 2010!Joe and I just registered for a two-day 150 mile bike ride to benefit MS. I am so excited to finally commit to this ride and also to have Joe as a team mate. I have wanted to participate in the ride on The Canyons Team for the past 3 years but couldn't make myself commit mostly because I hate fundraising, it always feels like I am asking people to give ME money. This year turned out the be The Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-21684330048605001082010-02-15T09:33:00.009-07:002010-02-15T09:46:11.946-07:00Hanging with the grandparents.We are fast approaching Charlie's four-month birthday. He is growing so fast. Last week he got to spend some quality time with my dad, grandpa and my mom, Umi. Taking a nap with Grandpa Umi and the Bandit Roxie being a good sport.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-49739677734500220732010-01-25T13:38:00.004-07:002010-02-15T09:43:42.948-07:00Cross-Country SkiingYesterday Joe, Charlie, the dogs and I went cross-country skiing at Round Valley, a network of groomed trails in Park City. It was the first time we had taken the Chariot out with the ski attachment. Joe and I took turns pulling Charlie along. We went for about 2.5 hours and didn't hear a peep from the little man except the faint sound of snoring. He slept through the whole adventure and ride Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-19702880940598304412009-12-22T10:42:00.006-07:002009-12-22T16:27:59.164-07:00A Very Charlie Christmas to AllWell Charlie finally turned ZERO the other day. After two months out in the world, Charlie’s due date came and went so he has shed his “preemie” label. He is now over two months old although by conventional standards, the clock starts now. So his “adjusted age” is now zero.Having him home has been wonderful, albeit challenging. Sarah has already begun transitioning back to work part time and Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-12328831286792393222009-12-22T10:30:00.009-07:002010-02-15T09:45:13.000-07:00Charlie’s Rookie CardWell, we finally put out a birth announcement of sorts. Check out Charlie’s Rookie Card!(click to view larger)Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-73744507766143482762009-11-30T10:26:00.004-07:002010-02-15T09:45:00.412-07:00Charlie-Man-TasticAfter about 10 days at home with Charlie, we're settling into a routine. Sort of. Charlie eats every three hours which doesn't leave room for much else. Once we've paced him, burped him, changed him, calmed him down, convinced him to sleep and successfully put him down...we're already 5 minutes late for his next feeding.But we're still having a good time. The dogs are still enamored with him and Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-70128566174381922532009-11-27T18:45:00.005-07:002010-02-15T09:44:10.504-07:00Our First ThanksgivingYesterday, we celebrated Charlie's first Thanksgiving. My parents came to the house and cooked an amazing dinner for all of us. We all took a walk around the block while the turkey was cooking, this was Charlie's first walk outside. While pushing him all bundled up around the block I began to daydream of all the fun outings we have planned; visiting Yellowstone and the Scanlons, meeting his GreatSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-7615260726458970682009-11-21T18:26:00.004-07:002009-11-21T19:49:50.913-07:00Home. Safe. Finally. First couple days alone.Charlie-Man (AKA King Charlemagne) is finally home, discovering new challenges and new adventures. We brought Charlie home on Wednesday night and introduced him to his new world. He breathed fresh air for the first time; he rode in a car; he saw his house; he met his dogs... all for the first time. Then, as if on queue, the daunting reality set in that we’re alone with this little man. No Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-69357418020885482952009-11-21T17:42:00.004-07:002009-11-21T19:47:04.792-07:00JAIL BREAK!!That’s right. Charlie was discharged on Wednesday from Saint Mark’s Hospital after 31 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. We were nervous about taking him home as we had grown quite accustomed to the amazing care he received there. But we were also very excited about starting our lives together, a little stronger for the experience.Charlie’s vital signs were good and he met all his Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-90654856721403103722009-11-16T14:18:00.005-07:002010-02-15T09:44:47.923-07:00Week Five: Getting Closer...Charlie-man is doing incredibly well these days. He has completed 4 full weeks in the NICU and is hitting all of his benchmarks. Now at 5 pounds 12 ounces (he was born at 4lb. 2oz), he’s breathing well, his temperature is great, and he’s now eating 100% by mouth. So the nurses have removed his feeding tube, which means you’ll soon be seeing pictures of him without tape or tubes on his face. He Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-31313990066272853692009-11-11T10:36:00.006-07:002010-02-15T09:44:26.995-07:00New Kind of LoveI just got home from going down with Joe to feed Charlie his am feeding. When we entered the NICU we were delighted to see that Charlie was enjoying his new digs, that's right he is now in a bassinet. This also means that he is wearing clothing...we will see how long that lasts at home...and is swaddled up in blankets. He was moved last night after 8 pm and his temperature 12 hours later was 98.8Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-30581508950138650482009-11-09T10:50:00.007-07:002009-11-09T12:51:46.895-07:00Week FourClick to View LargerWell, Charlie’s romance with the world grows stronger with every day. Yesterday we celebrated his three-week birthday. While our emotions continue to crest and trough with his daily battles, our sense of stability gains traction in light of his overall progress. We had an uplifting consultation with his doctors and nurses the other day, which gave us a great big picture Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490973473248458005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378921002312793789.post-16737971248848519942009-11-03T05:23:00.007-07:002009-11-04T10:19:47.378-07:00Week ThreeWe officially started week three since Charlie's arrival. Joe's parents flew out for the weekend just in time to celebrate his two week birthday. It was wonderful for Joe, Charlie and I to celebrate the occasion surrounded by the loving support of all four grandparents. The past two weeks have been trying both emotionally and physically. Last Wednesday, Charlie and I both had a rough day. I was Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03628410965757001592noreply@blogger.com1