PT part Uno

Physical therapy (for Emma) doesn't seem so bad. The therapist's room is full of toys to dig through, climb on, and explore. The view from her third-story window of the parking lot is perfect for my little munchkin who enjoys watching people and cars. Plus, the therapist is super nice.

However, there isn't a lot of actual therapy for us to do. You can't make a stubborn 17 month old flex and stretch. As the therapist put it, Emma has her own agenda. Thankfully, the kid does a bunch of good "exercises" on her own, just by playing and running around. All of our go-home instructions start with the word "encourage." Encourage tummy time (to help her knee). Encourage her to go up on her toes and reach for things (to help her ankle). Encourage her to crawl (to help her wrist). It's all good and well in theory, but Emma doesn't participate in ANY activity for more than a minute or two, so these range of motion exercises won't happen much. I just hope they happen enough to make a difference.

On a positive note, the therapist was quite impressed with the Bean's verbal skills and vocabulary. That made me feel happy and proud. Especially since she only got a small sampling of Emma's conversational skills.

Making Connections

Earlier this week Emma and I made a trip to the pet store for some kitty necessities. When we visit any location with animals, I like to take the time to show Emma all of the different critters. She loves animals, and I will do everything I can to encourage that love.

After looking at the birds, we made our way over to the fish tanks. We came to one with cute, little orange tetra swimming about. Emma saw these little fish and pointed.

Then she started saying, "Nack! Nack!"

"Nack" is Emma's word for "snack" which more specifically means "cracker." What do you suppose is Emma's favorite cracker (and therefore her favorite snack) in the world?!?

She loves the fishes 'cause they're so delicious!

When I realized the connection my little girl had made, I could help but laugh!

*These are not my photos. I found them on google. Thank you, internet. 

I feel like Potter tonight, like Potter tonight!

I gave Emma her first methotrexate injection yesterday. It went really well. If she could just hold still for 30 seconds it would have gone a little bit better, but that's okay. She really hates being restrained, so Daddy's going to have to figure out how to hold her hands without her realizing that he's up to something. It will get better and easier with time. Thankfully, she tolerated the medicine well and seems a-okay so far.

In other news, Barry and I are going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two tonight! Yay! I'm so excited! I'm looking forward to it for my own enjoyment, but I'm also excited to talk with Barry about it afterward. He's never read the books, and though I've told him some things about how it all ends, I haven't told him everything. Since I can't read the series over again for the first time, I can at least enjoy Barry's first experience of it all.

The week is off to a good start. I'm hoping it stays that way!