On the Road Again

I've gotten a lot of questions about the blog (in particular, how frequently I plan to post) now that we are home. I've been torn about what to do - the real world is squeezing my time, unlike when we were at the apartment when so many things were "on hold" - so I think I've decided to post twice a week for awhile. We are going to Birmingham twice a week (Mondays and Fridays as of right now), so I'll try to post following each visit.

Physical therapy in Decatur went well this past week. The therapists that worked with her were impressed with her progress thus far. We actually even ran into Sarah Kate's previous physical therapist (from Early Intervention), Rhonda, and she, literally, could not take her eyes off of Sarah Kate. She even expressed an emphatic "that's not fair" while she watched the PT stretching her, because she was doing with ease what Rhonda had struggled with for over two years. Seeing Rhonda gave me a boost, because being with Sarah Kate every day it's more difficult to see the big picture. Sarah Kate was very well behaved at the sessions - mostly, I think, because it was a new place with new "stuff" and new people. We will be in Decatur for therapy Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for now and in Birmingham on Mondays and Fridays. We got a loaner stander from the PT office here, but it's a lot different than the one she used in Birmingham. Instead of being stationary, it rolls (think of it as a wheelchair that you stand up in). She is using it to strengthen her standing posture and stretch her hamstrings, and she thinks it's great fun because she's learning quickly how to maneuver it around the house. Our freshly painted living room and kitchen walls are in serious danger!

Friday afternoon we were back in Birmingham with Carrie. Sarah Kate did really well, and tried something new this time. She was standing on an exercise mat with a wide leather belt around her waist. The belt was then connected with bungees to the walls of a cage on either side of her. She stood catching and throwing a ball and also practiced jumping up and down. The bungees were moved around to give less and less support. She also stood unassisted for several seconds without fear (and without awareness that she was doing it!) We will not be seeing Carrie for the next several weeks, and when we were leaving Carrie told Sarah Kate that the next time she came back she wouldn't need to use the canes. I am cautiously optimistic about what she said. I don't want to be disappointed or grow impatient, but I also believe strongly that Carrie wouldn't say something like that directly to Sarah Kate without a great deal of confidence that it will be true. If she's right, what a miracle that will be!

I've received once again the verse that has been shown to me at every turn along this journey, beginning with scheduling this surgery way back in August, so I'll reprint again today.

...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31