Jamarama 2015

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Julie B

On Friday, October 16th, Little Tulips Family Child Care participated in Jamarama, in support of the Janeway Children’s Hospital. We had so much fun wearing our pajamas, and we were happy to be able to donate to such an important cause! Wearing pajamas is a sign of solidarity and support for the brave little ones in the hospital who don’t get to change out of their pajamas. It lets them know that we understand what they are going through and that we are fighting for them. Our children use the services of the Janeway on a regular basis, and so we know how important it is to offer our support.

Little Tulips Family Child Care raised an incredible $823.00 for the Janeway through Jamarama this year! Thank you to all who donated, for your participation, and for helping to make a real difference. It is because of engaged and caring community members – people like you! – that the Janeway can continue to provide the best possible pediatric health care in the province. Remember, every little bit counts!

“There’s a lot of money in here! You’ve got to give it to the doctors so they can make people feel better. The doctors will be so happy and they will smile at us!”

*Update* This week, we presented our cheque to the Janeway Hospital Foundation!

Arthrogryposis Awareness Day

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Julie B

The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has recognized June 30 as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day, to promote greater understanding of the condition and those affected by it. http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/health/0630n03.aspx

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is described as congenital (from birth) joint contractures in two or more areas of the body. A contracture is a condition in which a joint becomes permanently fixed in a bent or straightened position, completely or partially restricting the movement of the affected joint.

Our friend, Ava was born with a type of Arthrogryposis called Amyoplasia, which is characterized by severe joint contractures and muscle weakness. You can read Ava’s story here – http://www.throughthetulips.ca/2015/06/tulip-tales-ava.html

On June 30th, we wore blue to show our support for Ava, and all other families who are affected by Arthrogryposis!

Snow Days

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Julie B

After the late Winter storm we just had, and with more snow on the way, we have to find creative ways to enjoy it! When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives us 50 cm of snow.. we eat it! That’s right! Today, we made Snow Ice Cream!

I found this recipe HERE.

This is an easy, quick and super fun activity to do with kids.

You need just four simple ingredients, and a big bowl of fresh snow!

Make sure to get the snow from a clean, untouched area. There’s tons of it out there!

Mix all ingredients until it’s a nice “ice-cream-ish” consistency.

Then top with sprinkles, and serve to the little ones – and yourself! Enjoy!

Of course, we were also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today! We all wore green and danced jigs and reels to some fabulous Irish Newfoundland tunes. Erin go Bragh!

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Happy Easter!

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Julie B

To celebrate Easter, the children at Little Tulips Family Child Care had an Easter egg hunt, coloured paper eggs, made hand print bunnies, read stories about Spring and devoured some yummy treats! We love to celebrate the holidays and to make exceptional days out of ordinary ones. We take every opportunity to create meaningful celebrations with our family and the children in our care.

I ordered an Easter Treat Box from Angela and Kate, the two girls behind “Happiness is Homemade Baked Goods”. A portion of the sales of their treat boxes went to the Janeway Children’s Hospital. “The Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organization created to raise funds to benefit the healthcare of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most precious resource – our children. Easter is such a joyous time for children, let’s help make it extra special for those who are living with health and medical issues.”

Always happy to do our part!

However you celebrate Easter, let it be colourful, let it be meaningful, let there be memories!

Happy Easter, peeps!

Happy Anniversary to us!!

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Julie B

This month, Little Tulips Family Child Care is celebrating it’s first anniversary!
That’s right.. we are one year old!

It has been an awesome year, and a busy one! We have had some very special visitors to our home, including horses and therapy dogs. We have been entertained by story-tellers, local musicians and performers, and we have created partnerships with some wonderful organizations like Project Grace and 3E Love.

We work closely with the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre and have had visits from physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, early intervention specialists, and developmental and behavioural practitioners. We have hosted ISSP meetings and have witnessed the remarkable things that can happen when people work together!

Great things are happening here every day. Over the past year, we have witnessed our children achieve many milestones in their lives, including learning to crawl, walk, communicate and gain independence. It is a tremendously rewarding role that we have as educators and child care providers, and we don’t take that for granted.

We are extremely thankful to the many individuals who have been a part of our success this past year. We have a wonderful home visitor and Inclusion Consultant, and I know they both enjoy spending time with us.

We have an amazing little group of children here, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work with each and every one of them!

We are striving to make a difference. We are striving to improve the quality of life for children with special needs, their families, and our community.

Thanks to kim at carter’s Cupcakes for our lovely treats!

We are excited to see what the next year has in store for Little Tulips!
Here’s to many more!

-Julie and Andrew

Fun with Drums

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Julie B

Our friend Gillian from Project Grace came by recently with percussionist Jonathan Hicks to do a drum session with our group. Jon brought a variety of percussion instruments, from large congas, and a djembe, to chimes, and small shakers from around the world.

Drumming is often used in music therapy. Therapists use drum and percussion experiences to help children with special needs in the areas of motor strength and control. We noticed that our own children enjoyed standing up to the tall drums and would shift their balance as they tapped with both hands.

Drumming and drum circles can also contribute to significant social and emotional improvements for the participants involved. For children with special needs, drumming can be a powerful tool to help them address many areas of development, such as communication, fine and gross motor, social, emotional and cognitive needs.

We had a great time trying out all of the instruments. Thanks so much for sharing them with us!