Maelee got new AFOs this past week and what a change it has been. To see her legs point the right direction and her heels not come off the ground are wonderful but what amazes me the most is her knees are not allowed to hyperextend and with that she moves so much easier. Of course with new braces comes challenges of relearning how to do somethings correctly. One of the biggest challenges is stairs at this moment.....she has to use muscles she has never used before and really struggles after just 2 stairs but I know she will get there. Watching her walk on uneven surfaces is still hard since her balance is not the best however this week she was able to catch herself much better before she landed on the ground. One thing that really impressed me was her ability to go from sitting to standing, it's like her muscles finally are getting in sync with her body!
To aid or not to aid that is the question of the week!!! Maelee's ear function came back "normal" but what this meant we weren't really sure. After speaking to the doctor and reading the results ourselves, Maelee has mild hearing loss in her left ear and minimal in her right ear.....so what next!? As a team of parents, doctors, therapists we have decided to see what she does. Watch her and repeat her behavioral hearing screen in 6 months. She is learning new words and when she is in doubt we make sure to say it clearly and on her right side...since that is the better ear. She may get hearing aids in the future and we are ok with that, especially to help her learn everything she is capable of knowing. But for now we have to sit back and watch what she can do, only she and God know what her plans are and we are just along for the ride.
Maelee turned two September 3rd and this not only means she is growing way to fast for the Momma to wrap her mind around but that she finally gets to stay on the horse for the whole 45 minutes in Hippotherapy!!!! Watching her last Thursday on Cappy (such a sweet horse) my mind couldn't wrap around all the amazing things that were happening in those moments. She was more relaxed, her muscle tone was decreased, her core strength looked better than it ever had, she was saying words like she had been talking for years, and most of all her smile was from ear to ear! She was engaged with the staff helping her, she was taking in the whole world around her, she gave great eye contact and followed directions well. She touched the horses hair, used both hands, and held on with such a grip. We feel 100% in our choice to start this therapy and just know that it will make such a difference for her sensory processing and physical growth.
With all the changes happening I want to always remember to take in each moment, treasure each step of the way, and wrap my arms around this miracle every second of the day! Our sweet peanut is growing up, changing, and becoming the most amazing individual! Her determination, strength, stubbornness, willpower, and love are just a few of the attributes that make this little girl the biggest blessing around! Our miracle is showing the world what she is made of.....pure joy and love! :)
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