Heart & Mind Chronicles

08/10/2025

So as many should be aware by now Marcel is minimally verbal with some medical professionals classifying him as non verbal.

We noticed his delays when by 16 months old his only word was “mom”

This is actually fairly common when kids have had heart surgery early on in life. So common in fact that throughout the country there is Cardiac Neurodevelopment centers:

(Cardiac neurodevelopment includes all aspects of motor, language, cognitive, social-emotional, and psychological development throughout life for individuals with pediatric and congenital heart disease. Children with heart disease can have challenges in one or more of these areas.)

We saw one of these centers at 18 MOs old. That center wanted us back around 4 years of age (now!) but we relocated. I’ve located a closer one and will be following up but I encourage heart parents to research these centers for your own children. 💜

08/09/2025

Forgive me guys for not posting much on here! We’ve got so much going on but not at the same time I’m always at a loss on what to post!
I’ve got some things I want to share in upcoming posts if I can get them worded correctly. Thanks for supporting our journey!

08/06/2025

Hello!

If you or someone you know uses AAC devices would you consider taking about 10 minutes of your time to take this survey related to communication tools?

Please share with your networks.🤞

08/03/2025

The library is such a fun free resource available in most communities. Make sure to check them out.

08/01/2025

How to add a corresponding page to the button a user will press within tdsnap.

07/29/2025

We had family pictures done and my little guy has familiarized himself with the prompt “say cheese”. So we practiced a little before our session time.
He did great. We did do a mini session which was perfect considering his tolerance.
It’s often times difficult for special needs families to get pictures done especially for long sessions. Many times families won’t do it but I’m so glad we went ahead with it and hope to get them done more frequently in the future. (It’s been 3 years since our last one!)

07/21/2025

This is an incredible resource for those who need alternative communication!

07/15/2025

Check out these designs! How cute are they

07/14/2025

Check this out😍

I can’t believe I’ve only made 3 of these!
Yes I have on hand designs! It is beautiful! 😍

06/17/2025

My little gentleman has been in a loving mood lately. Love seeing him happy🥰