Progress and Pez!

This is a video of Claire at her physical therapy session this week. Denise, our handy-dandy PT, was throwing the ball at Claire. She was balanced and hitting it back to Miss Denise! You can see Noah behind her, but he is not holding her. She is standing and balancing on her own! Last week, while I was not there of course, she took TEN steps across the room! Miss Denise is measuring her for a new pair of Loftstrand forearm crutches, so that Claire can begin to transition from the walker to the crutches. The next exciting step. And they said she'd never walk!

Last week I ever-so briefly mentioned that Claire had a follow-up with her orthopaedist. We do love Dr. H's bedside manner. I just don't know if we completely trust her yet. We see so many doctors with Claire. Some come with reputations. If her urologist had said the word surgery, we would know..... by his reputation, that it was necessary. Period. Dr. H is relatively new. Our pediatrician, trusted and experienced with most doctors around here, had not even heard of her. We feel that she is easy to deal with and definitely cares about Claire. It's just that hip surgery can be a big deal. Some children respond well to it, some....not so much. Claire has come so far. We just need to know that it is necessary before we jump. We have a call in now to our beloved Dr. Dobbs in St. Louis. Claire has to go out there for a follow-up with him this summer and we are hoping we can get our 2nd opinion there with him or another Shriner's Doctor. Haven't heard yet.

These pictures were taken after Miss Denise gave Claire her first Pez dispenser. All American kids should have this experience! Even if they have mothers that are health food nuts......and don't usually let them have much c-a-n-d-y. :)