The happiest little peanut!

The girls and I made it to Texas yesterday afternoon, had some time to visit with friends before getting settled in our hotel. It was not easy getting this little bundle of excitement to sleep but I finally succeeded. All three of us slept well and were up bright and early to be at Scottish Rite at 8am.

Her first stop was with Dr. Johnson to have the cast removed. She did really well but it was challenging. Tears were shed and she was anxious and afraid it would hurt. When the cast was off she cried because it felt strange. She said it didn’t hurt but definitely felt strange and that was unnerving to her. It is always hard to see her so upset but thankful we have learned so many techniques over the last two years to help her calm and cope so she is better able to tell us what she is thinking or feeling. There was one bubble, wound on her hip at the top of the incision that needed some attention but they got that taken care of quickly. She went to x-ray and checked that box. The doctor said everything looked good on the xray which was wonderful to hear.

Next stop was OT to make sure we were comfortable with transitions, transportation, dressing, bathroom and all of the things. That was a helpful appointment and then we were out the door after a quick detour for gumballs for both girls from the giant machine. Alex had been saving her dimes for this! LaRue had been doing her schoolwork in the lobby during the appointments. We met up with her and in true LaRue fashion she celebrated Alex having her cast off and encouraged her with sweet comments and hugs.

We came straight back to the hotel for the long awaited bath. Before today Alex’s last bath was January 31st. She had been counting down the days. She sunk her little body down in the water and was a picture of pure joy. She said she was going to stay in the tub all day! She lasted about an hour and enjoyed every minute.

We ventured out to find some lunch, go by the store, and go play at the Scottish Rite playground which opened back up today. Alex asked if she could try to use her walker so we had both wheel chair and walker and once she got up on the walker she wouldn’t quit. The girls played on this playground for an hour and when they closed both girls asked to go to the other park to play at that playground so we took a walk. One of the challenges with Alex is determining when to let her push herself as hard as she wants to and when to help or force her to slow down and take breaks.

We came back to the hotel for snacky dinner and I was exhausted and ready to crash but these girls still had a lot more in them. A movie with dinner, many rounds of charades, and a dance party, followed by LEGO building and listening to me read. Just lidtening to their lego play conversation. LaRue says, I give up, it’s not going to work. Alex replies, LaRue you can’t give up, you never give up. You try until you succeed! Of course they laughed over this.

How do they still have so much energy? Mama is exhausted and having a cup of tea before bed. Tomorrow morning she starts again. Pray particularly that she is able to be strong and willing to do the hard work. We have talked a lot about how there are some hard things that she will need to do but the reward is getting strong and back on her feet.