3-24-10

Hi everyone!
Sorry we didn't send an update last week. Ayla didn't have OT or PT because of one person being sick and the other on vacation. So this week is extra busy.
Monday Ayla had OT. It actually went very well. Only a few cries when they were stretching her further that couldn't be done "in play." The OT says her range of motion and stiffness in her shoulders, elbows, wrists, trunk, fingers is so much better than when we last saw her over a week ago.
Tuesday (and tomorrow) we had PT. PT is much less fun for Ayla because that's the part that involves walking and standing. But even this week was better than ever. She still protested and the initial standing was hard, but once she got walking she did great! And even...was having fun...we think. You could tell she was holding back a smile. She walked about 20feet with no crying...usually 5 steps is traumatic. She walked to some half stairs (4 inche stairs, about 6 stairs) and climbed them with the PT supporting her and helping her rock her leg out (knees are locked b/c of magic legs). She did this twice:) She also slid down the stairs on her bum with me doing it next to her. Same thing...trying to hold back a smile. After that we played hide and seek with bikes! Ezra and Ayla each got their own trike (appropriately sized with straps that would hold Ayla's feet on the peddles). Ezra and i would go up ahead and hide and then Ayla, Ryan and the PT would come and find us. It was great fun. Ayla was pushing a little on the peddles with some help from Ryan behind. But she was even laughing and talking...which she never does with the PT!
The PT also brought in an assistant Phsyio to help. We are hoping that Ayla would get used to seeing her and we would be able to go more times a week. The APT can do the same things as a PT just doesn't have a license so does it under supervision.
The rehab place in Toronto has been in contact with our PT a few times. They have not yet contacted us. Thursday they arranged to have a phone conference with us, the PT, the OT, Dr., and Rehab intake while we are at the physio place here in Windsor. We are pretty well decided that we are not going to go. When thinking of all the transitions of everyone in this family (especially Ezra and Ayla), childcare for Ezra (i'm a stay at home mom and ryan works away monday-friday), and the mental state of Ayla right now (while she's finally enjoying herself and the people) we just can't picture starting over again. We have prayed and prayed and feel led that this is the right decision unless some circumstances change. We are fine with slow and steady if it's easier on her emotionally.

I guess that's all for now.
I'll let you all know what the outcome is thursday.

Thanks again for the continued love and support. We continue to be blessed in many ways.