Toddlers explore their world primarily through action. They tend to be kinetic learners ... and are not easily deprived. Traction altered our daughter's life in that she was confined to a fixed space, dependent on the traction device itself. But she retained a level of independent mobility in traction. Now, she has significantly less independent mobility, but more freedom as to where she may travel- per others' ability to carry her there. Consider how many adults would react to such a sudden and inexplicable prevention of movement by those we trust to protect us most. How must a toddler feel? As parents, it feels like the onset of traction all over again and a second infancy as we develop new processes and adapt routines.
While in traction, we did our best to reinvent and color her environment, despite its geographical limitations. Now, we are tasked with reintegrating her into society and providing her the confidence and tools to do so without the use of her legs. As she could require repeated surgeries throughout childhood, there is no better time than now to aid her coping abilities.
With that said...
We had been experimenting with positioning for our hippie and she was thrilled with the opportunity to lay on her tummy. Her favorite cartoon was on tv, so I padded the couch's surroundings with bean bags and hopped into the kitchen to pull a snack together. I returned to discover this:
There is a story about my husband as an older teenager, in which he deceives his parents and skips school to go bungee jumping. This story immediately came to mind as my heart sped and I silently thanked my hairdresser for convincing me to hide the accelerating greys with my first dye job this month. If narcotic-worthy pain and a body cast can't hinder her spirit at 22 months of age, just where will she go in life?
We transitioned her to the floor, as that appeared to be her aim. Soon, we made her a tad angry by swiping her beloved pillow and placing it out of reach. Fueled by emotion, she wiggled and clawed her way to obtain it. For evolution fans out there, we pondered whether this is what the first creatures to emerge from the sea and pull onto dry land looked like. But it answered our question- she can move and we can inspire her to move. Give her a week or two, and I anticipate she will be quite the handful.
Speaking of such things, curiosity led me to pull out Big Sister's rocking bee. She received this as a gift several years ago and I was curious as to how Hip Chick would respond. It has turned out to be a remarkable assistance, as she is happy to rock in the chair while watching tv.
After a frustrating morning, two thoughtful deliveries brought some cheer.
She immediately requested the elephant cookie ("pees!") and she indulged in part of it. How could Mommy say no?
Mommy needed to return to the office today and felt guilty for doing so. The photo above is how I left her this morning. Daddy earns high honors for mastering diaper changes with no leaks or spills today. We have developed a good routine. Also, I am pleased to report that all dresses I had selected for the spica phase seem to work this far- most of them in a size 2! We have learned that loose dresses, with a stretchy bodice or no waist at all most easily accommodate her cast.
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