To Therapy We Go

On May 5th 2009 I was in a fog as I packed up our things in preparation to leave the hospital.  We basically were given this devastating diagnosis and then just sent back out into the world to carry on.  It was strange because nothing had changed, and yet everything had changed.  They handed me a brochure for our county's Infant and Toddler Connection Early Intervention Program and told me to call and get Callie enrolled.  As we drove home I read the brochure.  It said "Babies begin to learn from the moment they are born.  Every baby is different.  Some babies may need more help to learn than others.  By starting early, babies begin to develop the skills they will need for the rest of their lives."  I quietly started crying, still unable to believe our baby girl was one of those who needed more help.  I got a hold of myself and called the number right there from the car to get the process started for Callie as quickly as possible.  Less than one week later a kind woman from the county stopped by the house to drop off paperwork and explain the program.  Two weeks later two therapists were back at the house assessing Callie and within a month we had our first therapy session.  Little did I know how much this would soon be a part of our daily lives.

Fast forward 9 months later.  Callie's typical week includes PT, feeding/speech, and two OT sessions.  We are also just starting to work with a developmental specialist every other week.  Two of these sessions are through the county and the others are private.  In addition, I recently learned about the Fendendrais Method of therapy.  It focuses on movement and can supposedly be very beneficial for children with neurological disorders.  I am looking into this for Callie.  In addition, we will most likely eventually try aquatic therapy and hippotherapy/Equine Assisted Therapy (which uses the movement of horses to help with things like core strength, balance and flexibility).  

Callie is a busy little girl and works so hard during her therapy sessions!  She is making great progress.  Currently she is great with tummy time, is enjoying rolling, can sit unsupported for short periods of time, can bang objects together, just started transferring objects from one hand to the other, and loves to play while kneeling or standing (with support).  I am so proud of every single little thing she accomplishes!