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Odds and Ends of Life



I often end up posting a lot of stuff about doctors and not about much else going on in our lives, so I thought I'd do a post about the little things that have been going one. We only have one appointment this week (praise God!). I do have a couple of little updates about doctor stuff though. Maddy finally saw her PT on Friday and she was really impressed with how her neck was doing. She hadn't seen her in a little over a month. We got some new stretches and positions to do with her to help her contract the muscles on the right side of her neck in order to help her hold her head straighter. A big praise is that I emailed the neurosurgeon about recovery time and recurrence for Maddy's surgery. I was under the impression from several that recovery time from this surgery requires at least 48 hours on the tummy. Not so! She can even sit upright a few hours after the surgery. The recurrence rate with a routine tethered cord is less than 1%. These were both very relieving things for me to hear and definitely gave me more peace about the upcoming surgery.
Okay! Onto the trivia. This weekend we got some house plants to replace some that had died. The picture above is of an ornamental pepper plant. It is so pretty and unique. I hope it lives. Some of our house plants do great and some do not. Hopefully the climate of our house will be conducive to life for this plant. (Wow, that sentence sounds like I just beamed down from the U.S.S. Enterprise.)
We are continuing to train for the 1/2 marathon in December. Yesterday we ran 38 minutes so we are making progress. I think we are doing the hardest part now because we are trying to get in shape and it is always quite hot when we go run, even in the evening, so once it gets cooler and we are in better shape, we should have it made. Maddy really enjoys the runs as well. She love riding in the stroller, especially if there is a little breeze blowing in her face.
The video below is of Maddy eating. She has learned a lot about that as you will see. She is really close to being able to roll over on her own. Right now we have to help her a little bit. I will roll her on her tummy and she has finally figure out how to push herself back over. She is also on a talking jag again and practicing quite a few new sounds. She is also trying out new volumes and pitches. Right now she is is being really loud to get my attention. It is funny. We have been looking at books lately. I will read the book to her and then set it up by her head so she can keep looking at the pictures. When she gets bored of a page she cries so I will come turn the page. It is so funny. She will look at that page for awhile and then cry again for me to turn it. It cracks me up. She also really likes sitting in the boppy pillow and playing on her play gym.
I finally got around to painting the letter for her name for her room this weekend. Sad, I know. The poor girl's room still isn't finished and she's almost 5 months old.
So those are a few things that have been going on in our little everyday world.

Comments

Chrissy Cross said…
Those letters look great! And I am glad the neurosurgeon had good news.
Shannon said…
I was so glad to hear from you! I looked over your blog. First, let me just say that Maddie is adorable! Second, boy have you guys been through a lot since she got here! It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job navigating all the doctor appointments and therapy. Is your doctor sending you to urology before your daughter's surgery? We are still waiting for our appointment. I hope that I will be able to answer questions for you before you guys go through the surgery. I am very open so you can feel free to ask anything. I am so anxious about the surgery, but I know that it has to be done. I'm just curious, what made them suspect a tethered cord with your daughter? Aren't you glad that these doctors were able to find it so early! My email is gsbbking@aol.com if you want to communicate that way. I have a contact of someone whose daughter went through this surgery about 6 months ago and she lives in the Dallas area. I'm sure she'd be glad to answer any questions also. Looking forward to being in touch! Shannon
Good job holding the bottle Maddie! The little boy that I watch who is 8.5 months old still can't do that. Way to go!
Good job holding the bottle Maddie! The little boy that I watch who is 8.5 months old still can't do that. Way to go!
Jess said…
that is great that she is able to hold her bottle. She truly is amazing!

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