Today Evelyn is three months post-op!

The last two months at home have been very busy so it is no wonder it feels like we were JUST in St. Louis.  Evelyn continues to have therapy 4 to 5 days a week.  This includes Conductive Ed, physiotherapy, Medek, strength training and sometimes the G-EO System (“The Robot”).  She has also been participating in a pre-school program that focuses on getting kids ready for school.  We felt it was important for her to have something non-therapy that she enjoys and she seems to really like this program.  It also focuses on her fine motor skills.

In addition to these, Evie has also been busy meeting with her future school.  She has had an orientation as well as a school meeting with the SERT (Special Education Resources Teacher), a PT, a OT and her Child and Infant Development worker.  This was a great meeting where we discussed Evie and our concerns with school (ie. transitions to and from the class, bathroom).  They have ordered some equipment for the bathroom and will make notes of things that will make school easier for Ev in terms of her mobility (ie. giving her extra space at the desk so it is easier for her to move in and out).  We will also be giving the staff in her class a lesson on her orthodics closer to the fall.

Lastly, Evie also had an eye appointment with her ophthalmologist in May and is now scheduled for her second strabismus surgery.  It will be taking place on June 12 (next week!!).  We are hoping correcting her one eye will remove her double vision and improve her balance, fine motor skills and depth perception.  Hoping this is it for surgeries for a while (if not forever)!

Throw in social events, other appointments for the rest of the family and the odd illness and the last few months have been a whirlwind!  In the next two weeks a few programs will be ending and summer will start!  We will be switching up a few things over the summer months.  Hopefully this helps keep Evie focused as I feel she is already getting therapied out.   I don’t know about other CP warriors but the heat really affects Ev and last week was rough in terms of her exhaustion and attitude.  I’m hoping to do more “secret therapy” by taking her to various parks, swimming, camping etc. as opposed to traditional therapy every day.  We will see, just need to keep the girl active!

Evie has been working on some new skills the last few weeks.  She started star and pencil jumping.  Claire, a new PT she has been working with, is going to focus their sessions on these types of skills to get ready for school.  Evie’s coordination has improved since this video was taken already!

During a recent visit to Santa’s Village (highly recommend this adorable amusement park to anyone with young kids!  They also accept the Access2Card) Evie climbed a giant cargo net (Daddy was very close by of course).  She was very nervous the first time.  Every time another child or adult went by, the whole net shook which was scary and frustrating for Ev.  Once she got to the other side, Evie said she wanted to do it again.  This time with practically no help from Brian.  I was SOOOOO proud of her.  She took her time and used her strength and did it. I don’t think this would have been possible without SDR.  

Even though she still has some weakness, specifically on her left side, and still pops up on her toes, Evie continues to get stronger.  It is always exciting to see new skills develop and see Evie doing things she couldn’t before.  Her flexibility and fluidity continues to amaze me!  Can’t wait to see what she does next!

As far as her incision, it is healing up nicely (other than being a tad itchy sometimes)! Evie is also more than willing to show anyone her “Warrior Scar.”  A warrior she is indeed!!!