Therapy and Doctor's

Seems like we are once again seeing alot of people and doing many appointments. While Cora takes it all in stride and with smiles, I get questioned about the same things over and over.  Sometimes it is tiring for me and yet when I look at the progress Cora is making I know that her purpose is worth the "brain strain".

This week has been an eventful one for Cora.  Monday she had physical and speech therapy.  By the time the hour was over Cora was ready for some milk and a nap.  She is learning to keep her legs together and in midline instead of swinging them out to the sides and then to the middle.  We were given homework and have been working on it for a few minutes (about 3 minutes) off and on throughout the day.  Cora is so cute becuase she thinks it is playtime and doesn't even realize that these exercises are going to help her crawl, sit, walk, etc. 

The speech teacher taught us a new sign.  Cora is now learning the sign for "toy" which is the same as "play" only we modified it for Cora.  The sign is given with one hand because Cora doesn't have the coordination yet to use two hands at the same time.  We were also given the homework of playing with two hands in the midline and tapping two toys together to make a sound.  This will get Cora using her hands at the same time instead of trying to play with her toys out to the side of her body.

Yesterday we visitied with the pediatric cardiologist and found that Cora is doing well in her continued recovery from the last heart surgery.  Alhtough she continues to loose weight she is in great spirits.  Katie held her for a little while and showed her off to the other nurses.  Cora was definately comfortable in Katie's arms, but was hesitant to spend time with the other nurses.  The first sign of Cora being uncomfortable is when she clasps her two hands tightly together and she was doing this a little bit yesterday.  Cora is getting great at letting me know when she is uncomfortable and when she is scared.  I love seeing the advanced communication from her instead of having to guess at what she is feeling.  Using the new sign for "Cora" also helps.  Yesterday she was definately using the "all done" sign and not shy about letting anyone know that she was done with the appointment.  She did lie quiet for Stacy during the echocardiogram and gave her severl smiles and this made Stacy feel special and loved. 

Today has me on the phone with the dietician and the finding the new cardiologist visit times.  So much to do in so little time.  But seeing Cora grow and discover makes the work not seem like a burden, rather a challenge to be met and achieved.

We leave you today with this cute picture of Cora trying to talk with herself.  She has just discovered mirrors and finally has the coordination to lean forward and reach for herself while she babbles her baby talk.  Do you think she is saying, "Oh girl, you are so cute!"?