AFOs After the Party

I knew I had lots to do today. When John called to tell me the kids were headed back home from the bus stop because it was a foggy day--- well that through me off completely. It didn't help matters that three of my kids decided to get on each others nerves-- because in the process, they got on mine. In the end-- according to them, it was the other person's fault which only started more bickering. So I made the decision (as the consequence) that we would not be going on our traditional family outing tonight. After I made the call, I was bummed of course, but it turned out that John had to work late making tonight not a good night anyway.

After the older kids were driven to school, I took Alex and Dennis to their Christmas party--- which was a lot of fun.

Teacher Gina is both of the boys' main teacher-- and she is wonderful with them. Here she is with Alex helping him make reindeer crackers.

The boys made graham cracker houses. I ended up frosting the houses so that Alex and Dennis could decorate them with candy. I'm not sure if more of it ended up on their houses or in their mouths.

Alex has some issues with fine motor skills, so this was a fun challenge for him.

Dennis wanted only candy on his house, but I sneaked in a couple of animal cookies to be playful.

Dennis was too cute doing this project. He wanted only the dark red macaroni for his necklace. Every time I would give him a green macaroni he would shake his head and say, "No thank you." And when Alex and another boy came over to join him, he quickly snagged all of the dark red macaroni for himself. That stinker!

Alex on the other hand didn't really care what color macaroni he got-- and after he strung five or so, he was tired (it's the fine motor thing I was talking about) so I just tied it up and said all done.

I had to slip away for a half hour to take Andrew and Annalyn to the dentist for fillings---- and what do you know--- Santa visited the pre-school class while I was gone. But thanks to Teacher Debbie, I will get pictures of Alex and Dennis with Santa. I heard that neither of them cried, and Alex just loved Santa's soft velvety outfit.

Alex and Dennis made these beautiful Christmas trees, so of course, I hung them up when we got home. Washed a few loads of clothes, changed the dogs' bedding, planned dinner, and ran to the grocery store.

After lunch, I took Alex to finally get his AFOs. They were supposed to be in two days ago so that he could wear them to his Orthopaedic appointment yesterday, but it didn't work out. Before I forget, the Orthopaedic surgeon, who was in essence our second opinion, thought that it would be beneficial for Alex to have hip surgery after all to correct his dislocated hip. Of course, he is going to check with his colleagues before the final decision is made, but after considering how the surgery can make a huge difference for Alex, we are going to pursue this if the doctor says it is a go.

Now back to his AFO appointment.

It was neat seeing how Alex's braces were cut down to size to fit his feet just right. In the end, it was decided that Alex should have straps around his calves to help stabilize him more. That took 15 extra minutes.

While that was being done, Alex's knee immobilizer was cut to fit his little leg.

Of course Alex needed some bigger shoes to accommodate the braces, so he picked out these Buzz LightYear shoes. Pretty cool if you ask us!

Two weeks ago, if I held Alex up at the thighs while he was standing, he would bend over at the waist unable to hold his torso up. He muscles were that underdeveloped. We started rigorous physical therapy ( at home based on what the physical therapist showed me) and within a week he was able to hold himself up for two and a half minutes. Fast forward to today, and I held Alex up at his calves and he was able to stand for a solid minute! He is gaining strength everyday--- he is so amazing!