March 19, 2008: PT doesn’t stand for “Party Time”
Most people who’ve ever had to go through physical therapy will say that it’s a lot of hard work. I don’t remember it being this tough for Haley when we were in the hospital (then again, it was an easy time relative to other things she had to endure). Luciana the therapist is very nice, and very encouraging of Haley. But Haley wants nothing to do with her other than wave at her from my lap. And after 10 minutes, it was clear: I can’t actually be in the same room as Luciana and Haley; Haley won’t go to her otherwise, and it’s really hard for Haley to trust her when I’m around.
Looks like the only hand-holding contraption tall enough for Haley that will get her walking is some trampoline toy. The theory behind the trampoline is it helps you walk by helping you jump, or something like that. Don’t worry- Haley won’t go unattended (there is a side rail, plus it’s from a physical therapy catalog, and they wouldn’t put anything in that catalog that can actually be dangerous, right?). I have a feeling Anna will be on it just as much as Haley. And of course, I will have to test it out occasionally.
Today, Haley has refused her bottles outright. I’m hoping she’s teething/has a stomach virus. All recipes are welcome. ALL recipes. even the weird ones. Especially the weird ones. Please. Anything.
Next blog: Haley’s picks for the Big Dance. They’re mostly good. She’s definitely the risk-taker between the two of us. Her passion-pick: Georgetown, since they saved her life.
I’ve got my thinking cap on about food for Haley. She’s a tough one. I’ve witnessed it myself! I had a quick thought about giving her lollipops just to get her to enjoy food, but then I thought, would she eat chicken after a tootsie pop? Probably not. Hmmmmm….. I don’t remember, have you tried pediasure in her bottle? That might be better than plain milk or infant formula.
Sounds like Mommy and physical therapy don’t go together. Well, take a good, trashy novel and enjoy the free time while Haley learns to walk with Luciana. Being exposed to and learning to trust someone new is a good lesson for her in and of itself. Watching her move around, my guess is that she’ll be walking by summer.
I’ll root for the Hoyas this year for that reason alone!! Dana
March 19th, 2008 | #
One of my grandchildren had eating problems due to totally different reasons from Haley’s but a feeding therapist was a big help. As far as the trampoline, the same child could not jump —physical therapy worked beautifully — and that trampoline (it had a bar to hold onto and it was in one of those catalogues) was a wonderful aid. All the children loved it. It promoted controlled jumping — it’s not built for jumping high in the air. Haley and Anna will love it. Sometimes it is hard to hand over your child to another adult and leave, but as we preschool teachers know, separation is hard and necessary. Both you and Haley will be OK allowing Luciana to do her thing. Good luck. This, too, will pass.
Happy Purim!
Eudice
March 20th, 2008 | #