Our Motto

Our new motto:

When Life Hands You Casts...

DECORATE!!!

As part of Ellie's treatments, she receives soft casts for the weekends. During the week, she receives a new pair of KAFO's custom fit for her legs and feet every other day. We do therapy all week long. But on the weekends, we take a break from therapy and she wears casts all weekend long.

So, I did what any new mom would do and decorated the sweet things -

with her monogram of course!

(Will helped with the dots. It was our arts and crafts for the week. :))

Here she is in therapy on Friday. It took 3 hours to get the casts right - poor B & R (her therapists) - Ellie's feet weren't cooperating so they had to do the casts 3 times! They even worked on her legs while I was feeding Ells - what a mom (& loving therapist team) won't do for their baby! (R wouldn't let me post that picture on the internet - I am covered but it's obvious what we are doing. :)) I should be keeping a record of the number of medical doctors, nurses, specialists, x-ray techs, therapists, etc that I have breastfed in front of - it's a bit ridiculous! Thank goodness for my ingenious new breastfeeding strap cover thing!

It was a long morning but I am thankful for how observant and cautious her therapists are in making sure the fit is right.

I was also extremely thankful that a friend took Will for that appointment so that he wasn't there the whole time. Thanks, L & C for taking the "twin."

And they have to deal with my hormones & emotions & endless questions.

It was a nice break not having to take her splints on & off all weekend. However, when we took off the casts tonight and the tape Ellie squealed and squealed in pain. Actually, I don't think it really hurt her so much as pulled the skin like lots & lots of tight bandaids would.

I sobbed with her. I told her how very sorry I am. There's something about holding your newborn in your arms while you torture them that will just break your heart and spirit. I love her and I want the best for her - that is what I keep telling her (& myself.)

But, in the moment, it doesn't make the pain any easier.

Thankfully, giving her a bath finally redeemed the situation. And finally getting to rub her little feet some.

By the way, she will get new casts every weekend and I will need some creative help! Any ideas (keep it simple- I am not an artist!) for decorating them would be appreciated!