Way too long...................

WOW, it has been so long since my last blog and so much has happened in Olivia's life. 

Where to start, oh yeah the best news ever that Olivia began to walk independently in December of 2010 at the age of 5 years old.  With lots of tears and determination, my husband was the great therapist that made his little girl start to walk.  It was the best joy that I could see radiating from both their eyes, something we new in our hearts that Olivia would accomplish despite what the doctors told us.  In January of 2011 we took Olivia to Peru for some natural treatments which was an amazing experience with great results.

During that same year Olivia was out of day care and into pre-k at Ecole Jean-Piaget, what an experience that was for me as a mom.  My first steps into a special needs school was like a slap in the face for my reality, something I guess I wasn't ready for.  It was the hardest thing that I had to do, the school is amazing, as so is the staff the student's in the school range from 5 to 21 years old with a variety of physical and severe intellectual disabilities.  They are all beautiful and innocent with great big smiles on their faces everytime they see you.  Olivia loves going to school and will be starting Grade 2 in September 2013, where does the time go.  Although the school is great, there is a lack in therapy services due to the Ministry of Education cut backs in the schools.  Something that we will have to battle in the new year, although probably a losing battle.

In April 2012 Olivia was diagnosed with Epilepsy after suffering from more that 20 seizures in 2 months.  It was very scary to see your child seizing and not be able to help them, but my husband and I have learned that staying calm is the best help we can give Olivia, something that is not always easy to do.  Although with the proper medications Olivia was seizure free for over a year up until June 5, 2013 when she had 3 seizures.  Children with Epilpsy are much more suseptible to seizures when they are sick, and that is the case for Olivia...a mere case of Strep Throat will trigger 3 or more seizures.  A quick visit to the pediatrician and some antibiotics and the she is all better.

We are so grateful for all the milestones Olivia has been able to attain in the last few years, some that we never thought she would do, and many that we are hope that she will attain.  She still has a long way to go but has come such a long way.  She is a vibrant little girl, so full of life and determination.  Although after almost 8 years we still have no diagnosis, we have not given up and continue to have her tested appoximately every 6-9 months, and continue to provide her with all the special needs that she requires. 

We thank you all for your continued support and words of encouragement.

Franca, Gino and Olivia