What an incredible whirlwind of fabulousness these past few weeks have been. The documentary for McMaster Children’s Hospital which feature my ladybug aired last weekend and was fantastic. Now it’s back to our typical routine of doctors appointments and packing for the move. Which is in 10 days. (Freaking out just a bit, as packing isn’t even close to being done)
The most anticipated and fought for appointment was last Friday. Our little ladybug finally got fitted for her very first pair of AFO’s. AFO stands for ankle-foot orthotic. It is a brace (usually plastic) worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the correct position, and correct foot-drop.
The process was actually quite easy. An orthotist put a cloth sleeve on the itty bitty legs and feet then she wrapped ladybugs leg from her knee to the tip of her toes in a fiberglass casting material. After some smoothing out the cast had set and was ready to come off.
The same was repeated on the opposite leg and then we were done!
We will head back on the 21st of June to pick them up. I can’t wait to see them. Long gone are the days when prosthetics and orthotics look like they belong on a manikin. We were able to flip through a binder full of different patterns that ranged from camouflage (sadly no pink), fish, butterflies, hearts and many more. Keep an eye out to see which pattern we decided on and how absolutely adorable they look.
She has been trying with all her might to stand but just doesn’t have enough muscle strength to last for more than a second or two. Put that together with her love of bouncing/jumping especially in her Jumparoo and the AFO’s will be the first step in allowing her to take a first step.
With a pillow underneath for leverage my little ladybug has discovered that she can bounce herself in the jumparoo. I can only imagine what she will be able to do once she gets the AFO’s at the end of the month.
Little Ladybug Hugs 