Proof is in the putting

     My step dad use to always say "the proof is in the putting." Except that with his thick Southern accent I thought he said "the proof is in the pudding," which made no sense to me. Now, as an adult it finally does. All of the putting (the massages, the exercises, the stretches) that Amaya and I did this weekend paid off. This morning I could tell her muscles weren't as tight as they have been. At physical therapy she exceeded her number from Friday and our goal for today. When we got to physical therapy Amaya made her goal of 105, I thought and hoped she'd reach 100, or at least 98 (that's what she got on Friday). On her first attempt Amaya got 95. Cassie had her hold it for a count of 30. The next bend was at 98 degrees. She also held that for a count of 30. Both of the bends were hard and hurt her. On her third bend she got 105! Wow! I was so happy and proud of her. I knew at that moment that all of our hard work had paid off.  Cassie could tell that Amaya's muscle was still tight, but not as bad as it has been. She massaged her knee then got to work. After the bends Amaya used the bi-scooter. She went down the hall, then returned going backwards. I could tell a huge improvement from when she first did it last week. Then she walked, using the walker, down the hall, up the hill and back. Her steps were so much lighter, smoother, straighter and quicker.
    On our way to therapy we stopped by our old school, Clare Cherry. It's always nice going to visit, like going home. We went to be a part of their Earth Day recycled instruments parade. Amaya made a drum/shaker out of a gallon bottle. Lidie reused her recycled shaker from when she went to pre-school there. The girls loved seeing old friends, talking to old teachers and being a part of the parade. After the parade we visited the kindergarten and first grade class. We saw bullfrog tadpoles, butterflies and all the beautiful art they had made. When we were there the class was talking about promises they could make to the Earth to help take care of it. Ms.Shannon asked Amaya if she had a promise and Amaya said, "whenever I see trash I promise to pick it up."
     After therapy we ran some errands. We went to Costco to buy children's Tylenol for Amaya. We got four bottles for nine dollars (what a bargain). Since that's the only medication she's on right now we made sure to have enough on hand. We've completely weaned her off of the Tylenol w/codeine. Next we went to Fresh N Easy to get some groceries. We had quite a few things to get so we ended up getting a shopping cart. Amaya pushed herself part of the time, other times I pushed her and pulled the cart. Some of the time Lidie rode on the shopping cart and at times she pushed the shopping cart for me. I'm not sure how we did it, but we did it. In fact two different ladies stopped us to compliment the girls on their behavior. I was so happy to see the girls working together to get our shopping done, and its nice when others notice too. As we shopped an elderly couple asked Amaya what happened to her. I told them that she was lengthening her bone. They were so excited for her. They said that it was pretty amazing and congratulated her. She showed them her fixator and they were impressed by her. They told her that she looked so healthy, strong and great. Amaya smiled and thanked them. Interactions like that are a rarity and much more encouraging than the stares we normally get.
     Amaya said that she slept good last night, and didn't remember that she woke up at midnight in pain and having to use the restroom. Tonight we'll try the same routine and see if we can get the same results.

The kids at Clare Cherry marching in the Earth Day recycled instruments parade.

Here's Lidie and Amaya with their instruments.

Lidie played in the ball pit today. She kept laughing and wouldn't sit still for a picture.

Amaya doing her stretches with Cassie.

Amaya transferring from the walker to the bi-scooter.

Lidie riding the scooter down the hall, while Amaya uses the bi-scooter. You can see the length of the hall that she works in. This was her on her way back, going backwards.

Getting ready to walk down the hall and up the hill.

Lidie and Amaya walking back. Lidie never wants to go too far ahead, she always waits for Amaya.

Here's Amaya walking to the hill. Isn't she fast?

Amaya walking up the hill. I love her little hop halfway up. She's so funny!