1 Amazing Year!

Hello from sunny Arizona!  
We are almost hitting 100 degrees already, and it's official.
It's SUMMERTIME!  
Usually I get ill at the thought of facing another summer, but we have had a super busy year, so we are ready to chill out a little bit, enjoy swimming and splash pads, and go on plenty of ice cream dates to cool off. :)
Tomorrow is May 20.  Exactly 1 year ago my Lucy had her Dega Pelvic Osteotomy.  If you aren't sure what that means, here's a link to describe her surgery.  (YIKES!)
It doesn't feel like a year ago at all… It feels like a really, REALLY long time ago.  I guess that's because Lucy is amazing me every single day, and I honestly don't feel like I have as much of the constant worry that I used to.  (Notice I said 'as much.'  There's still a ton of anxiety and worry every single day, but it's better.)
So, what have we been up to?!  
Lucy just completed her first year of preschool.  It was probably the best decision we have ever made, putting her in this school.  She has the nicest friends, who have the nicest parents… therefore we are all going to be friends for life!  Her class put on a Mother's Day tea party for all the moms, and sang us a few songs, and it took every ounce of my strength not to bawl the whole time.  Seeing her sing, 'I LOVE MOMMY' made my heart burst with pride and joy. 
HERE IT IS!!!  Cutest ever...
We still are attending physical therapy, but will soon be done, and on a monitoring basis.  Lucy still… STILL has trouble going up a stair without holding on, with her left leg.  It's crazy how much muscle strength she is still working on gaining back.  
We have her enrolled in swim class, and it's been really great for her!  Our physical therapist said she gets a lot of propreoceptive input in the water, so she can really go to town!  I watch her swim every week, and I can't believe that she is the kid in the water… she looks like a 6 year old in there!  Again… PROUD!!! So proud of this girl.
The difference one year has made… 
I see all of these new parents on our hip group, and my heart really goes out to them… however, I am so happy to share our story and remind them that things will get better… I feel like my Lucy is a success story, and will continue to be a success story.  
So, with that said, the babes are waking up…
I just wanted to do a ONE YEAR post and say this:

#TAKETHATHIPDYSPLASIA

My little fish!

Buddies for life!

You know, just hanging out playing FROZEN!

Did you know?!  Anna and Elsa live here...

Celebration lunch after the last day of school

PURE JOY

If there is an hour that goes by that she isn't dressed up and singing LET IT GO, it's a miracle

Saying goodbye to our favorite doctor and the best surgeon in the world… Thank you Dr. Segal for treating Lucy like she is your own!  We love you!!!! 

At Disney on Ice….

Our Dr. Segal

Hi friends,

This post is one that I didn't think I would have to write.  One that I was hoping never to write.
Our beloved Dr. Lee Segal, Lucy's ortho surgeon, has left Phoenix Children's Hospital.  He is headed to the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
My first response was NO!!!!!!!!!!!!  No way could this happen!  Then, I calmed down a little, and began to realize that God sent Dr. Segal to us when we needed him most.  Dr. Segal was Lucy's angel.  I have no doubt! 

For those who don't remember, let me tell you how we found him.
We had our first meeting with an ortho at PCH. (Not Dr. S) He seemed like a great doctor, but wasn't a great match for us.  I was determined to get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinion, whatever it took.  I went home, did some research online, and saw Dr. Segal's picture and bio.  With the 'Director of Orthopedics' title, who wouldn't want him?!  I mean, that must mean he's the best, right?!  So I called.  My heart sank when the receptionist said, 'he doesn't have any appointments until May.'  (It was January.)  Great… I was really hoping to see him.  
She did give me the name of another ortho, and said he could see me in the Mesa clinic location of PCH on an upcoming Wednesday.  
We anticipated this appointment, hoping and praying that this doctor would be the right one.  If this doctor wasn't going to work, we would be heading to California for some other opinions.  Heck- I would have flown to the ends of the earth to find the right surgeon.

We get to the PCH clinic, and upon check-in, the receptionist told us, 'that doctor isn't here today.  He doesn't work here on Wednesdays.'  For those of you who know me, you know that I would have not made a mistake on the appointment day and time.  I even had a voicemail reminder call!  I got teary eyed, and told my husband, 'let's just leave.  This isn't meant to be… we need to start checking out other hospitals and doctors…'  That may not sound reasonable to some, but to very confused and scared parents, overreaction is a daily occurrence.  
Sure enough, the receptionist came to us as we were headed out the door and said, 'Wait.  We have one ortho here today, and he is overbooked.  He just got here, so let me see if he could see you.'  She came back after a few minutes and said, 'yes.  Come on back, he will be right in.'

A few minutes later, the door opened, and it was Dr. Segal.  I recognized his photo from the profiles page on the hospital's website.  I said, 'you're the doctor I have wanted all along.'  He looked at me and said, 'why?!  Why would you want me?!'  and laughed.  I knew right then, this is our doctor.  He was so normal.
He spent close to an hour with us.  He explained things.  He did an exam on Lucy. He got down on Lucy's level and would play with her.  He treated her like a little girl, not just his first patient of the day. He comforted us.  He gave us a 'road map' of what we can expect in the future.  
We left the appointment with our beautiful 12 month old daughter, and I told Aaron, 'As much as I don't want to do this, this is the right doctor.'  He agreed.  It was a strange feeling we had leaving that appointment...strange in a good way.  Like a big, warm feeling of comfort is the only way I can explain it.  
  
Since that day, Dr. Segal has never disappointed us.  

Who knew that when we showed up for an appointment on the wrong day, that we would be so lucky to get him?!  
Prayer, my friends! Prayer.  We prayed and prayed and spent so many nights crying our eyes out, hoping that we would find some comfort in this awful diagnosis.  I remember saying, 'God, please. Just give us a sign.  Give us a sign that Lucy will be okay.'  Dr. Segal was our sign. 
Dr. Segal entered our lives with everything we could ask for, and more.  Expertise, love, kindness, understanding, professionalism… I could go on for days.  He walked this journey with us, as a member of our family, not just a doctor.  He gave my Lucy the opportunity to have a normal life.  
I will never forget when we were just about to send Lucy off with him for her first surgery… Feb. 16, 2012.  I was laying with her in the pre-op bed, and just holding her, and studying her little legs and tummy and thinking about how I am going to miss those things so much!  To say I was upset doesn't quite cover it.  I was a total wreck.  Dr. S said to us in his calm tone, 'Guys.  I will take care of her like she is my own.'  Can you imagine what that meant to us?  Confused, scared, anxious parents in a pre-surgery room with their little baby about to be put in a body cast. 
It meant the world.  It meant the world because we knew that he meant it.
He is our partner through this, not just our doctor.


Having him be Lucy's doctor is probably one of the best things that has happened to us.  Not only did we get the best doctor, we have a member of our family for life. (His beautiful wife, too!)  Truly, the kindest and most caring people I have ever met.

So, for those of you who are in the Wisconsin area and needing an ortho, don't hesitate. You will write me and thank me for the referral. :)
For those who are doctors and need to learn from someone, don't wait.  He will lead by example, and anyone who becomes half the doctor he is, consider yourself lucky.
For those who want the best, Dr. Segal is the one.  He WILL take care of your child like he/she is his own.  

Be sure to tell him, 'Lucy says hi.'

Where do we go now?  I don't know.  Honestly… our next appointment isn't until January 2014, so I have plenty of time to interview some recommended orthos and pray for someone as amazing as Dr. Segal.  (Although I don't think anyone will ever compare.) 
Would we travel to see him?  Absolutely.  It won't be November-March, but after that… heck yes.  Only the BEST for my baby!

(here he is with M & M on his cap. Long story, but Lucy's first pelvic osteotomy was actually cancelled due to her sneaking an M & M.  So at her 2nd appointment, he showed up in pre-op with this on.  We were cracking up.)

Thank-you God for leading us to our angel.  

"People pay the doctor for his trouble; for his kindness they still remain in his debt." - Seneca

Summer time

Summa-summa-summa time!
Well, I am really not THAT excited that it's the middle of summer.  In Arizona, we have had temperatures that will fry your skin off!  118 degrees a few weeks ago... yuck!  We try to get all of our stuff done in the morning, then stay inside after noon... Gotta love Phoenix...
Anywho...
Today was a great day.  Lily had her 6 month precautionary x-ray with Dr. Segal.  She already had her 6 week ultrasound, and all was okay, but an x-ray will only show bone once the baby is 6 months.  All was great!  Her angles were 25 and 26, and her hips are in the socket and looking perfect.  Thank goodness.  She hasn't had any of the signs thus far, but it's been in the back of my mind for awhile... I couldn't sleep at all last night.  I kept thinking, 'oh my gosh, what if she has to have a surgery.'  I was scared.  We can put that to rest now.  Dr. Segal said for peace of mind, he wants to do a 1 year x-ray to give an all clear.  That will be right around the same time as Lucy's follow up, so I am hoping for a Christmas gift of TWO all clears!

We have been staying so busy getting ready for our San Diego trip!  We are taking Lucy to the beach to celebrate her recovery.  (Seems to be a tradition) We are going to La Jolla again.  Lucy LOVES the ocean.  She loves sand buckets.  Dolphins.  You name it.  Anything ocean- totally her thing.  I think that she must think the Bubble Guppies live there.  Hope she isn't disappointed... :-)  Maybe seeing Shamu will keep her mind off the guppies.

Today the wheelchair place came and picked up the wheelchair.  So glad to see that thing go.  Strangely enough, Lucy LOVED that thing.  I mean, LOVED it.  In the hospital, we decorated it with Bubble Guppies stickers, and we told her it was a Guppie stroller, and that the guppies sent it for her.  From that moment on, it was called a guppie stroller.  Every morning when she wanted to get out of her bed, she would say, Guppie stroller, mama.  Even the other day, as we were walking hand in hand to her Gymboree class, we walked past a handicapped parking sign.  She said, 'what's that?' and I said, 'a man in a wheelchair.'  She said, 'No, guppie stroller!'  Every time she sees anyone in a wheelchair, she gets excited and yells, GUPPIE STROLLER!  People are probably like, 'what is up with this?!'
So funny how kids are so awesome... She's at the perfect age to 'fudge' a little and tell her things to get her through.  If she would be a little older, she may not buy what we tell her. :)  Hey--- gotta do what you gotta do to get through the day.

Lucy's walk is improving, but still far from 'right.'  She flails her arms a lot for balance and is very weak on the operated side.  I always remind her when going up stairs or a curb, to 'start with your other foot.' When going down, I tell her to start with her right foot. (weight shifting over the left leg)... so that's a constant in our lives, has been for over a year actually.  May be forever... who knows.

Yesterday was 'one of those days.'  Just a lot on my mind and had a panic attack over Lucy's future.  I think with Lily's appointment, things just built up and I lost it a little... Hearing and seeing stories of what hip dysplasia has done to some people scares the be-Jesus out of me... I know I can't control it, I know I can't change it, I know a tree could fall on me tomorrow... Some things are just out of our control.  Days like yesterday is when I just say to Lucy, 'Mommy will ALWAYS fight for you and do everything she can to make your life the best EVER!'  Then she looks at me in between her Ipad games and says, 'yah okay... ice cream cone?!?'  Really deep, huh?!

Her scar is healing well, I am using the Mederma for kids cream every day and massaging it in.  Hopefully that will help it.  Dang- it's a big scar.  She was standing up in the tub last night and it took my breath away a little... it's long.  Her body is so little that it's just heartbreaking to see this huge scar on her.

Lucy is officially enrolled in a pre-school program!  It's only 2 days a week for 2 hours a day.  Just enough time for me and Lily to go grab a coffee and do some shopping. :)  Her BFF, Hannah is also going to pre-school at the same place.  Gonna be awesome!  The kicker is this... She has to be potty trained.  UMMMM... yah.  We started that months ago.  Then had to stop due to surgery.  So we are going to be in 'potty training boot camp' when we get back from our trip.  We are also moving her in to a big girl bed, and Lily into a crib and out of the bassinet.  Good times ahead.  Ha!  Wish me luck...

I have asked a few people from our hip group to do a guest post for me... I am so excited to get it and post it for everyone... One lady is from California, and the other is from England.  Both have been through this for too long.  They are going to have an interesting post...

That's all for now- but be prepared to be on 'photo overload' once we get back from vacation. :)  Last year she couldn't walk on the beach, so this year---watch out.  The babe in the pink tutu bathing suit will be taking over San Diego. (Let's just hope this same babe SLEEPS at night since we are all in one room... )



Here are some pics and video.  ENJOY!

Lily happy after a good hip report!

She is getting so big!  And yes, her braids melt my heart!

Two loves of my life!

Working those hips in the pool at Grandma's house

3 Farrish girls (excuse the no make-up, I have no time for it anymore)

Lily loving kisses form us!

Lucy rockin' her HOPE THE HIP HIPPO SHIRT while 'petting' her sister

Cousins <3

Dancing with her BFF, Hannah

Final x-ray!

WHEW!

We are home from the dreaded x-ray! 

We got to PCH children's center early, and Grandma and Grandpa Farrish met us there.  I was doing okay until we pulled in the parking lot.  Right when we pulled up I felt my heart racing and a sick feeling.  There was a little voice in my ear saying, 'what if this doesn't work?'  

We got in fairly quickly, and Aaron took Lucy in for the x-ray.  (She always wants daddy to take her in.)  We get in to a room, and in walks Dr. Segal. 

Lucy's face lights up when she sees him.  She loves him all of a sudden. :-)

He bends down to her wheelchair, takes her pillow off, and shoves it in the trash!  I mean SHOVES it! He looked at me and smiled, and I knew all was perfect!  BEST FEELING EVER!  

He did a full exam, leg length check, knee height check, had Lucy bend her knees... He then picked her up, put her on the ground and said, 'walk to mommy.'

I looked at him and said, 'are you serious??'  He said, 'yah, of course I am.'  (He really isn't the joking kind...) 

Lucy got the biggest smile on her face, and took 3 steps and landed in my arms.  I can't even explain the look of joy on her face.  I got tears in my eyes, and almost felt frozen in time.  I did not expect her to walk for weeks, let alone same day... 

Dr. Segal said that her angles are still a little high, but he is hoping that when her cartilage turns to bone, that will lower the angles of the hip.  (The AI angles are measured from the bone, and surrounding the bone is the cartilage, so it doesn't count in the angle measurement.)  

Anyways... we don't have to go back in for another 6 months!  I asked him if she has any restrictions, and he said NOPE!  Let her do what she wants, and LOTS of swimming.  

It was so busy in there today.  We had to wait for a room to see Dr. Segal.  I didn't get a chance to take a pic of the x-ray... darn it!  Sorry!  All I needed to hear is that 'the bone is healed.'  

Thank you God!

We got home and Lucy said, 'Lucy WALK!'  She walked in the house and ran straight to the fridge and played with all the magnets, then went and tore the play room upside down.  I am currently sitting in a tornado of a mess!  Toys EVERYWHERE!  I am loving it.  SO happy my little lady is back. :-) 

(I am also so happy that both girls are napping.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhh)

Tomorrow we are going to Grandma's house to swim, then my husband and I are going on a date!  My sister is going to come over and watch the girls.  We need a break.  It's been a heck of a month!

Again, thank you to our wonderful friends and family!  We love you all!

Here are 2 videos of my perfect angel a few minutes after pillow removal!  ENJOY!

Hope and honor!

Happy November friends!

I wanted to do a special post today about a new, special friend that Lucy has.

Her name is Hope.  Hope the Hip Hippo!

I am truly honored to say that I happen to know the authors of this book... they are 2 beautiful, amazing and strong moms of little girls that are battling DDH.  Both of their beautiful daughters, Mia and Abby, have bilateral DDH, meaning both sides.  They were both picked up on late, therefore treatment has been very difficult and extensive.  (When I say 'late' I mean anytime after a few weeks old is 'late!  I believe their kiddos DDH wasn't found until after they were both 2 years old.) These 2 moms have seen a lot.  They have been through a lot.  They know the tough realities of DDH.  These are 2 women who had a calling to make a difference!

There is such little information available to parents regarding DDH.  I can't tell you how many times someone joins our Facebook group and is totally freaking out, with an older child, wondering how this was never picked up on.  I can't tell you how many times they aren't even aware that the treatments for DDH vary SO much from state to state, country to country.  There is no set 'yes or no' treatment plans.  I truly believe OUR children who are facing DDH now, are the 'research' for the DDH kids of tomorrow. 

I remember when I first found out about my sweet Lucy having DDH. I couldn't even get the words DDH out of my mouth.  It sounded too much like a 'defect' or a 'syndrome' and my daughter appeared 'normal.'  She laughed, she played with toys, she was starting to say words... It was the HARDEST time in my life, and I scrambled to find a resource to help me cope with what was ahead.  When you google DDH and see the pictures of a spica cast, it will seriously scare the pants off any parent.  Especially if your child is mobile.  Not to mention, how are you supposed to explain this to your child??  With Lucy, we couldn't explain anything to her since she was only 13 months old, so we had to have her jump in feet first and face the hard reality of waking up 'stuck' in a body cast.  (Makes me SICK thinking about it.)  There are just some events in your life that you can think about, and you FEEL the exact same way you did that day.  Those feelings and memories never will leave you.  This last year with DDH has been that way.  Even though we are 9 months post surgery, I still think about her in a cast and it brings me right back to that time.  No child should have to face DDH, let alone without any resources helping them to cope.

Parents of DDH babes, look no further.  

Gina and Julie are the authors of 'Hope the Hip Hippo.'  Hope loves to dance... she loves to play... she is a normal toddler.  She is diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia and requires surgery and a cast.  The book is for children, and it takes them on a journey with Hope through the hospital, cast and post surgery... It is so darn adorable... The book was recently released, so we ordered 2 copies.  One is for Lucy, of course.  I am going to write her a very special letter inside of it.  I am tearing up thinking about that, but I want her to know when she is able to read this book herself, that her mommy LOVES her, in a cast, out of a cast, and ANY road we have to take in life.  ANY road.  As long as I am in it with my husband and babes, NOTHING will stop us.  When the books came in the mail, I envisioned Lucy reading it to her kids someday, showing them what she went through as a baby.  The book represents how far we have come personally, but it also is upsetting to know that so many little kids are reading this while they face yet another surgery.  Bittersweet.

The other copy I purchased was for Lucy's surgeon, Dr. Lee Segal.  He has been our 'knight in shining armor.'  I owe my life to that man for being so wonderful to my daughter.  God brought us to him for a reason.  I am going to have Lucy put her handprint in it, and we will write him a short thank you note.  I also want to put in there, 'please Dr. Segal, pass this book on to the next little girl around Lucy's age that you diagnose with DDH.  I know her parents will be as scared as we were, so please, give them some HOPE.'  

What I really think he will like about the book is that his patient, MY Lucy, is mentioned in the dedication.  Yep, you heard it!  She is mentioned in the beginning of the book along with a few other children we know battling DDH.  Are we honored or what?!  One of the authors pointed out how much she appreciates my help to new parents that need it.  I am always here to help someone, since I know how awful it feels... I have a feeling someday- little Lucy will be quite the spokesperson and fundraiser for DDH. :) 

What I am saying is this book is a must have. Period.  If your child is facing surgery, it's a no brainer.  You have to have this book.  

Lucy has requested that we do a fun 'giveaway.'  Leave a comment in the comment section of this post, and tell us why you think HOPE will give your child HOPE.  I am going to 'pay it forward' and give 2 books away, shipped directly from the publisher to you!

If you already have a book, you can't enter the giveaway. (SORRY!)

If you would like to order a book, here is the link:
http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000006629335
OR
http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Hip-Hippo-Gina-Jay/dp/1460200624/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352068272&sr=8-1&keywords=hope+the+hip+hippo

It costs a bit more to order from the first link, but MORE $ goes to the IHDI.

                                     

Daddy reading HOPE to his favorite girl...

Lucy's review after reading the book!

SO CUTE, huh!?

Um, yes. You have read it right. 

2nd line, it says LUCY.  :)

The 2 pictures are the author's daughters... Aren't they sweet??

And in the words of HOPE herself....

Now if you will excuse me........... 

I have to go dance...............

(with Lucy of course!)

X ray day!

Some of you know, we originally had an x-ray scheduled for October 17th... well, it got moved.  Pushed back more like... to no other day than Halloween!  I was convinced that this is BAD LUCK!  Well, today proved me wrong... (I love being wrong in these situations!)

We show up at Phoenix Children's and we know the wait will be long... So, daddy goes in and gets us all checked in and the girls stay in the car watching none other than YO GABBA GABBA!  35 minutes later dad comes out to get us- we were called back... only to get so lucky and wait some more in the x-ray section... That actually went by pretty quickly- only about 15 more minutes.  They call her name, and Aaron takes her back to the x-ray room since I can't... She was so cute and little walking in there, and then she looks back at me and I say, 'it's ok baby!!!  You can do it!' She starts screaming and pointing and saying MAMA!  Goodness gracious.  I was doing okay until I heard that... 

So while Lucy is in the room crying for me, I am in the waiting room crying for her.  :-)

Finally that is over and we are moved to Dr. Segal's room.  He pops his head in after a few minutes and says 'hi guys!  Can I see Lucy walk please?!'  Ummm, hello- that must mean he saw something bad on the x-ray right?!  I put her down and she walks between Aaron and I, meanwhile I am beginning to panic... He smiles and says, 'she looks great.  I will be right back.'  WAIT!!!!!!!  Where are you going!

I turn to Aaron and say, 'he said the word GREAT so that's good, right!?'  It's funny how you begin to analyze every single word when you are worried... 

So Dr. S comes back in and has us come over to his desk to see x-rays.  He starts from the ones back in March which made my heart sink... He showed us that her AI angles were almost at a 40 back then!  That's NOT good... Then he is scrolling through and shows us in July they were approx 33.  Now today they are between a 29-30.  So I am going with 29!  Basically- we want them to keep going down!  That means the cup is being formed over the femur... 

The sense of happiness that came over me- I can't even explain it!  

He showed us pretty significant growth in her femur as well. Since it was out of the socket for so long, it didn't grow and neither did the 'cup.'  So the simple fact that both have grown in a few months is AWESOME.

Now, he explained to us he doesn't need to see Lucy for another 6 months... We are going to hope and pray for MORE growth and for those AI numbers to go DOWN.  He said if they don't, or if they remain the same for a long period of time, that's when she may need another surgery.  YUCK.  

So, we want SO badly to be a one-surgery success story... 

The femur is in perfect position for growth.  So at this point, I do what I have done my whole life.  FREAK OUT a little- then continue every single night and day to PRAY.  YES, you heard it.  I truly believe that God has a reason for everything, I may not understand or accept what he does some days, but someday I will understand... Lucy's life- and her hip- is all in His hands.  Plain and simple.  God has been SO great to us... Yes, we have had to deal with hip dysplasia, but you know what!?  He has also given us the BEST LITTLE GIRL to ever walk this earth.  I also have a feeling in January that I will have the OTHER best little girl to be born in her sister, Lily. :-)  Hey, what can I say, bias maybe?!

So in the middle of all my happiness today- I continue to thank God for every blessing in my life!

Here are a few photos of our day, and I am going to post links to a few videos from the last month or so of her walk... 

Happy Halloween friends!

Waiting with daddy in Dr. Segal's room

YAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X-ray was awesome!

Yesterday at Gymboree class:  (You can guess who the star of this show is, right!??)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v58ZAU7pu6o&feature=g-upl

Walking 3.5 months out of her brace:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_gNHhhIUw8&feature=g-upl

Walking:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCpflYHcOi0&feature=g-upl

First day of physical therapy

Today was the babe's first day of PT.

I am really happy with how it went!  Her therapist's name is Ms. Hilary.  She was very, very nice, and knew not to get too close just yet... (Lucy is skeptical of new people!)  

The place we go to is called Horizon Pediatric Therapy in Mesa, AZ.  It's a home that has been turned into a PT place.  What's nice about that is it doesn't have that sterile, cold feeling like a doctor's office does.  

Hilary was actually very pleased with Lucy as she is!  She said that her range of motion in her leg is really good, and her posture is near perfect!  What we are focusing on is for Lucy to re train herself to trust her leg and hip again.  Hilary said the muscle tightness would/could 'eventually' work itself out, maybe.  BUT, if you start PT right after a surgery, you will teach the baby to walk using the hip first, not their knee and leg.  She said it's a lot harder to correct a gait when a child is older.  It seems we are getting Lucy in at the perfect time.  Hilary also told us that she is impressed that Dr. Segal recommended PT, because most orthopedic doctors don't.  She feels that EVERY child who has been in a spica cast could benefit from PT.  So, if your child has been in a cast, or will be soon... push for PT!  What can it hurt?!  

I asked her how long she thinks it will take Lucy to re train herself and to walk... she said 'very soon!'  She is proud that Lucy has the desire, and tries to walk on her own already.  (She falls flat, but hey... she is trying!)  She said having the desire is half the battle.  

Lucy has only been out of her brace for 2 weeks.  We are so proud of how well she is doing!  I forgot how it feels to have her crawling on me. Smothering me.  Not stopping for a second.  I can't complain ONE bit about it, because I remember her in her cast just sitting there.  I will take EVERY single thing I can, as long as she is moving and happy!  (Please remind me of this when she is running in a million directions and I am carrying a newborn and chasing her at the same time.)

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the things the PT suggested we do.  They aren't 'huge' big things, but I can absolutely see how this will help her.  I will explain as we go...

Remember, these were meant for Lucy at her stage, so don't take this as generic for all babies her age after surgery. Ask your doctor before starting anything! :-)

Sorry it's on it's side, no clue how to fix it. :)

Anywho... have the child on your lap and have them stand on their own to play with magnets on the fridge. This will strengthen the LEG muscles. Don't let them push backwards first.  Always have them shift the weight forward.

I thought this would be cool.  You can use a child sized swimming pool and fill it with balls, toys...whatever. Have them crawl in and out of it.

Kicking. It seems like L will mostly kick with her 'good leg' aka the right one.  We need to work more on her kicking with the left.

This is to stabilize the hips to get them in shape for walking. 

L tends to turn her foot outward, so the PT said to keep forcing it straight. 

(I think this is all I am going to be doing for the next month. Putting her foot straight.)

She said the repetition of doing this, it will train her to put it straight.

Our PT room :-)  Daddy came too!

I have noticed L will usually only re shift weight to her right side, not her left.  This will force her to use that hip!

She said to use a stool and have them practice getting up and down

This was another thing we were supposed to do! (Notice her left foot turning out.  Drives me crazy and I have to keep correcting it.)  Balancing on one leg... 

Pool... instead of just letting her free kick, sway them horizontally.  Let the water flow do it's thing!  It will help loosen the muscles.

Weird picture, huh?!  No clue why the kid is wearing a weird hat, but anyways... 

This is pretty self explanatory...

YAY I am awesome at this!

This is what is going to keep me busy.  I will upload a video of Lucy's crawl.  She goes FAST, but has her left leg extended out straight.  It's like a scoot more than a crawl.  I am supposed to follow behind her, put her legs in line, and give resistance.  Great.  I can see knee pads in my future!

Would you know she had a cast on 8 weeks ago?!  Seriously?  I have a future ROCKETTE on my hands...

This was another big one.  Again, the weight shift.  L doesn't do this yet... we need to work on this one...

She also said don't let her sit in the 'W' position, which is where both legs are almost tucked behind them.  It makes it WAY too easy to not use the hips.  

Lunch after!  YAH!

This one sounds fun.  She said if they are crawling up hill, or over pillows, they can't scoot.  They will be forced to use their hip.

Her Gymboree class has inclined mats, so those are going to be great! 

So all in all, it went really well.

We have tons of new things to do with her... 

I am also glad that she feels Lucy will be able to walk really well and really soon!  YAH!

Over and out from SUNNY Arizona... home of the 110 degree daily weather...