September Updates: Stanley’s School and Health Journey
September has been a busy month for us as we prepared for Stanley’s transition to secondary school. We’ve been organising and setting up new systems to ensure a smooth start.
At the end of August, Stanley began experiencing chest pains. While this initially caused concern, we had to carefully consider all symptoms. Stanley’s condition makes it challenging to interpret his complaints, as his reactions can amplify symptoms. We adopted a cautious approach, monitoring him closely while downplaying the situation to avoid unnecessary stress.
Despite his complaints, Stanley continued to play and eat normally. After several weeks of persistent chest pain, we contacted his associated hospital in London for advice. September involved multiple trips to clinics, doctors, and undergoing blood tests and heart scans to identify any underlying issues.
The results showed nothing obvious, and the recommendation was to keep monitoring him. If concerns arise, we were advised to take him to A&E.
Living with Williams Syndrome: Our September Adventures
We don’t often discuss how having a disabled child affects our holidays, day trips, and general lifestyle because we wouldn’t have it any other way. Stanley, who has Williams Syndrome, brings far more to our lives than he takes away. This condition has shown us how wonderful life can be, but also how terrifying simple or fun activities can become.
Facing Fears and Embracing Adventures
Activities like swimming, riding a bike, or visiting theme parks can send Stanley into a frenzy of worry. He often panics about potential dangers, like falling off a bike or being scared by rides and slides. Our motto is to try everything once. If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t have to do it again. This approach has mostly led to joy and a sense of accomplishment for Stanley, even though there have been some rides he’s hated passionately.
September’s Health Check-ups
September also brought eye tests for the whole family. Malorie has perfect vision, but Stanley, Jon, and I needed glasses. It was Stanley’s first time needing glasses, and he had a love-hate relationship with trying them on. He was particularly fond of a pair of gold-rimmed aviators, which, although unsuitable, made him look hilarious.
Cherishing Everyday Moments
September seemed to fly by with school and work routines. Despite the busyness, we cherished small moments like watching “The Rookie” with Malorie in the evenings and enjoying morning snuggles before school. Reflecting on our busy, adventure-filled summer and planning for what’s next has been much needed. Jon developed a new passion in cooking meats long and slow searing meat spikes and basically anything involving meat and flavours. He has managed to produce the most mouth watering meat dishes I’m looking forward to whats next on the menu!!
Malorie and I got back out on the bikes but ventured to a jump park which was way too advanced for us, but that being said its always nice to get out in the fresh air and ride the bikes. I came off and nearly lost my saddle (if you know what I mean). I was sore for a fair few days after that hahaha. From dog walking in our local woods and testing out some new lines the local boys had created I seem to be enjoying the bike more and more. Stanley doesn’t love exercise so we have now joined him to our local trampoline park as he absolutely loves bouncing its sociable fun and he has no idea its exercise so its a win win…
Growing Our YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel is growing nicely, with videos of the van and short clips on the bike proving popular. Documenting everyday life is wonderful, and I hope it’s something the kids will look back on fondly. Being at home and enjoying our surroundings is as special as planning our next adventure.
It’s the small things that often bring the most pleasure. A slow September has left us eagerly anticipating the Halloween madness of October!
Don’t miss out on our family videos, where we share our adventures, custom build projects on Monster Jam cars, and tips on packing the campervan for our next big trip.
Join us in having fun, living life to the fullest, and getting into a Daily Groove!
Some of our new videos you can access from these links they are campervan packing and Jon and I gaming of an evening. If that isn’t to your liking take a look at our other videos.
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDailyGroov
