Amazing Physical Therapists...

I have much gratitude in my heart for physical therapists.  Almost from day one of Claudia's life there has been a physical therapist involved.  Doctors have the pleasure of seeing Claudia once in awhile, but our physical therapist becomes more of a fixture in our lives.  They don't have all the answers but their advice is unmatched.  

They have helped us negotiate walkers, seats, ramps, wheelchairs, school desks, toilet seats, braces, etc. etc.  When the insurance gives us grief they have helped with letters, alternatives and sympathetic ears.  Claudia has become a wonderful self advocate with their encouragement.  They have reinforced acceptance of herself and her abilities.  I consider them all best friends!!

So today I thank all our physical therapists: 

Helen, Vicki, Erin, Lindsey, Ann, Stephanie, and new to the list: Megan.  

Smiles, are a great way to start!

Leaping Lizard

For the most part we are really enjoying our move here to Arizona.  Sure, there is much to be missed about Minnesota.  Especially friends and family that we really miss.  The climate has been an adjustment too and I would be remiss not to mention all the paperwork that we have had to complete related to Claudia's needs.  However for the most part people have been friendly, the kids are all thriving at school, and enjoying the climate.
The kids have made remarkable progress in the pool.  Eloise is doing backstroke and rotary breathing, Claudia has worked hard to be able to turn herself and take a breath in the water all by herself.  Vincent, our little fish, is swimming independently all over the pool and loves to dive (with help) underwater.  Julianne, my slightly anxious baby, has just learned to swim to the side and back independently.  It's fun... and easy to step outside and enjoy the pool.
But today held an excitement of a different sort.  See, Eloise is my true animal lover.  As an eight year old that means that she likes to catch the animals.  As a former pet keeper I admit that I encourage the interest.  So today I wasn't surprised to see her with a net in hand the minute Dad spied a lizard in the garage.  Much to our naive Midwestern minds the first thing that you should do when trying to catch a lizard in the garage is to shut your house door.  So enjoy these little videos of our friend visiting inside the house!!  Julianne was cooped up in Vincent's top bunk.

First Day

We made it!  The first day was especially hot here in Arizona (120 degrees hot).  It was a little difficult to watch all the already-formed friends be reunited and miss our friends back in Minnesota.  I told Eloise that I think she made it through the toughest day so hopefully I'm correct!  Claudia was a semi-rockstar training everyone on her care.  This is a brave step for the girls and a growing experience for all of us.  The teachers and staff all seem to be knowledgable, kind and most importantly flexible.  Onward we go to the second day!!

Meet our Teachers

Starting over

Little by little we are plugging the kids back into activities.  Eloise was the first to try back at gymnastics.  My heart ached for her when she came running out of class with tears because she wasn't sure how to do a new skill.  With a little reassurance, she very bravely tried again and is getting more and more confident by the day.  I'm very proud of her for getting back out there and giving it her best effort.  She is working so hard that her new coach recognized her at the end of the week for her efforts!!  Way to go Eloise!