Monday was a nasty day to be driving, although I was thankful it was only rain and not the 1-2" inches of snow and ice that had been predicted on Sunday night. Sarah Kate and I headed back to Birmingham, with a last minute location switch that put us a little behind schedule. We made it on time, though (both of us with drive-thru taco on our face), to her OT/PT appointment.
Sarah Kate is still nervous about letting go to do things, but she is improving every day. On Monday she stood approximately 20-25 seconds independently, and took 5-6 good independent steps. Lisa made the statement after observing her walk that she has it in her to do it, if she can just get over that fear she'll be walking by herself. Sarah Kate also spent some time in the swings - suspended (picture flying like Superman) in a harness, and then standing on a flat swing (picture a scale) holding on while it moved. She was even able to walk around the swing. The purpose of the swings is to help with her proprioception.
Sarah Kate will have some new canes soon! The current quad canes that she uses are big and bulky, and actually probably slow her down a little bit because the bases are so large that they get in the way of her feet. Her new canes will be made of PVC (homemade canes - Daddy will be proud!) and will have "duck feet" bottoms. The "duck feet" base is actually a flexible tripod style rubber base - more stable than just a tip, but less bulky and awkward than the quad canes. It's a visible symbol of progress!
We also received our dates for the intensive therapy program. The program is four hours/day, five days/week, for three weeks in Birmingham. It's purpose, as I understand it, is to really "fine tune" her skills. After the program she will continue to have therapy, but much less frequently than she is now. She will start the program on April 24 and end on May 12.
Sarah Kate is doing very well in her therapy. She cooperates and pays attention (better than most 3 year olds, anyway, is what I was told) and she works very hard. It's easy to tell when she is afraid, but she presses forward, anyway. I am very proud of her! She's getting lots of suckers and M&M's these days. We are both exhausted - it is not unusual for her to climb back into her bed just a few hours after getting up.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Romans 5:3-4
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