We always say it but it's true...Ava's doing great and she's such a blessing. More specifically...
-Occupational Therapy: Ava's OT is someone I've gotten particularly close to. She is always amazed at Ava's progress and how fast she learns. Miss Wendy really "gets" Ava. She knows how to get her to do things. TELLING Ava to do something is not usually going to work. You really have to make things a game and act goffy with her if you'd like her preform. We have seen her using that right hand a whole lot more which is so encouraging. There is SOOOO much in the area of OT that Ava needs to work on and we are planning on moving up to three days a week once the new year hits.
- Physical Therapy: We haven't pulled the triger on Botox yet. We are just waiting waiting waiting untill Mama feel totally comfortable and until we've heard several different doctors suggest it. We are seeing an orthopidist tomorrow and I'm anxious to hear what he says. I'm sure he will suggest it since the muscles in her right leg are so tight. She wears her brace like a CHAMP! She's never complained about it or fussed about putting it on. NOT ONCE. I was warned by so many Mom's about the transition to the brace and I was very nervous about my little strong willed girl but, it seems there was no need to worry. It hasn't seemed to bother her in the least.
- Speech Therapy: Ava gets speech at school and we are working on getting her into private speech. We are having trouble with our insurance right now but we will keep fighting it. For now, I have decided to use a therapy called Beckman Oral Motor Therapy. We are tying it at home and I'm hoping to get more professional training in the near future. The testimonies from those who've used it are strong and we are excited to see the changes that these stretching exercises will bring. So far Ava's been great about going through these stretches each morning and night. I don't know how many five year olds would be ok with someone poking around in their mouth. Again she's awesome. It's funny with her b/c in so many ways she is delayed and behind but when it comes to therapy I think she's incredibly mature and brave. It's almost like she knows that this is helping her grow and will help her succeed in the future. That's God's Grace in her life for sure!
We've had a wonderful time this December enjoying all the festivities with a little one. Really this Christmas has been very emotional. I am so happy that our girl is home but I've also had many moments this season when I've cried. I've cried for those children ALL over the world who are alone. I'm watching Ava love the Christmas season and we've been able to share with her the true meaning behind this holiday. I cry that so many children will never have the opportunity to enjoy Christmas with a family or hear how Jesus loves them. I have also hurt for families waiting for their child to come home. We know that pain. I know there are families waiting for a child who they've never met, but love. And I know there are families who have met their child but are separated from them due to various senseless reasons. Anyway, if you are reading this and you are in pain, I'm so so sorry. If you are reading this and your world is all as it should be, hold your loved ones close and be thankful. That's what we are doing during this very special time of the year.
Okay, now for some fun stuff!
Mimi's Christmas Parade:
My mom won the teacher of the year award and got to ride in the Christmas parade in my hometown. We had a blast and Ava was so proud of her Mimi.
Christmas Tree Hunting and Visiting Santa:
We had a great time hunting for our little tree. And, surprise...Santa was there! We weren't expecting that but Ava was very brave and sat with him for a picture!
Tree Decorating:
We don't have much room in our new place and I wasn't even sure we'd have a place for a tree but we found a spot and really, I don't think she would have cared where that tree was or how big it was, she had a great time with it!
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