Physical Therapy

Morgan's physical therapy appointment went GREAT today. She did everything she should be doing. She is hating having her neck stretched now as much as I hate having to do it! We will have to keep massaging her neck and TRYING to do her stretches. We will not go back for another physical therapy appointment until after she gets her helmet off. I wish that was going to be next week but it looks like it will be sometime in May after her first birthday.
We are thanking God for Morgan's amazing improvements. It has been so encouraging to see the results we have been praying for. God is Good!
Thanks again for your prayers and support. It is very encouraging to be able to read your comments (and your emails)!

Two Months Down and Two to Go!

We had another appointment at Vanderbilt this week. Dr. Kelly said he could see a little change this month. He felt we were moving in the right direction. Will and I didn't see as much of a change this month as we did the first month. She just didn't grow very much. She is due a growth spurt so hopefully we will see a lot of change before our next appointment in April. Her helmet was very loose so they added a few inserts between the foam layers around her forehead and neck to keep the helmet from moving around on her head so much. It is very snug now. It fits her just like it did the day we got it. Hopefully this will help her progress more over the next few weeks. Two months down and two more to go.
Yesterday was a fun day. I took the girls to have pictures made at the park. We had several made of Morgan without her helmet on and then a few with her wearing it as well. It was so fun to see her hair blowing in the wind. She didn't know what to think of feeling the sun and cool breeze on her head. Avery also had a wonderful time. She had her picture made while climbing a tree. She hasn't stopped talking about it.
We have had unseasonably warm weather the last few days. The girls and I are trying to take advantage of the warm temps and have spent a lot of time outdoors. I have been reminded of how thankful I am that Morgan will not be in her helmet this summer. Her little head gets very hot under her helmet on warm days. We should be getting it off just as the temperatures really heat up.

Look out! Morgan is on the move now!

Yesterday's Physical Therapy appointment went very well. Morgan was ready to show Mrs. Karen all of her tricks. She crawled across the room with her hips up and using both legs and arms, she stood up and set back down, and she crawled up the stairs like a pro! I was very proud. She agreed that Morgan has made very impressive improvements in just one week. All of our hard work has finally paid off. She is now just like every other 10 month old. The only problem we have left to concur is the knots on both sides of her neck. The knots are from the torticollis and they just don't want to go away. We have been doing stretches and massaging her neck three times a day since December. I am a little frustrated that they are still there. One thing at a time I guess. As for physical therapy, we will go back in two weeks. That's right not one week but two week! We are very excited. If she is still doing this well in two weeks we will be on our own for one month and then back for a follow up visit. After that we will go once a month until she is walking well just to make sure she is 100%! So for now, I only have to worry about doing her stretches. It is such a stress relief to not have to worry about doing "therapy" with her anymore. We will of course continue to watch her and encourage her, when needed, to use both arms are strengthen her legs. She will be running around here before long.
We have an appointment at Vanderbilt next week. Morgan has been wearing her helmet for 2 months now and is expected to be in it for 2 more months. I am praying we go next week and he says he thinks she will be out of it next month. We are seeing so much improvement and she has the cutest little head now. I can't wait to get the helmet off so we can admire her sweet little head anytime we want.
Morgan's incredible progress over the last week is such an amazing answer to prayer. Thank you to all who have been praying for her. It has been my prayer that Morgan's helmet journey would bring our family closer to God and closer together. I am daily seeing this prayer and so many others answered.

Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

This is a just because picture! Morgan keeps very warm in her helmet even in the snow!

It is so fun to see your little one experience their firsts. Their first smile, first laugh, first time to roll over or walk. It is even more fun to see those firsts when you have been working so hard to help them accomplish one. At physical therapy this week we worked very hard with Morgan to help her pull up to a standing position. Her little legs just didn't seem strong enough to hold her up for more than a few seconds. The next morning we went in and she was standing up in her bed holding on to the side rail just smiling at her Daddy. What a proud moment. Now she is pulling up on everything. Hopefully this new found skill will really help to strengthen her trunk. We are still working on getting her hips even, and trying to strengthen her trunk. She is really doing well. It is amazing how fast she is changing. Everyday she is learning a new skill. It is very rewarding to be able to see her finally accomplishing the skills we have been working on for so long. I feel like we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know in a few months from now she will be running around this house and I will be trying to keep up with her. I am sure at that moment I will be wondering why we went to physical therapy!

I praise God for Morgan's progress and for being able to learn more about his wonderful faithfulness through this experience. As we have gone through this experience and all of it's ups and downs, I have been reminded of His amazing grace. We are always in the grip of his hand and never far from his comfort and love. I have found so much comfort in knowing that God is still in control!