What to do when your kiddo refuses to do any more PT:

Here's one of the many reasons I love our PT. When I have to pry Sadie out of her car seat and throw her over my shoulder in a fireman's carry while she's kicking and screaming get her through the doors of physical therapy, our therapist doesn't say "um maybe today isn't a good day" she says "Sadie how did all those cars in the parking lot get so dirty? I think we need to do a car wash!"

Get that bug slim off! (with your feet flat and knees flexed)

At this point Sadie started announcing "free car washes for everyone!"

This window is extra dirty! We better use those tummy and back muscles to make it shiny again.

"Let's walk all around the car to make sure we didn't miss a spot....Maybe we should walk around again to double check!"

New leg brace

Beebsism: Sadie has always had to wear her leg braces at night and she has grown to tolerate them pretty well. Her left leg and foot are still getting really tight despite her recent heal cord surgery. So we had to have a KAFO made. It's a brace that she will have to wear at night and it goes all the way up her leg to keep her knee straight. This one is also supposed to flex her foot up as she relaxes. 

What we do: Bribery usually works for Sadie. Since she picked dalmatians to adorn her leg brace I surprised her with Ember Flicker Flame. Sadie collects these Lalaloopsy dolls and was so excited that Ember had a Dalmatian just like on her braces!

We made a chart and the deal was that she had to wear her brace 3 nights in a row and then she would get Ember and her puppy. This has been super hard! For me and her! I have been putting the brace on her an hour before bed time but by the time midnight rolls around there is major whining and crying. (PT stop reading here) I have been giving in and taking it off! I figure 5 hours a night is a good stretch and we will keep working our way up. Oh and yes I gave in to the doll too after 3 -5 hour nights. I can't keep that girl from her Lalaloopsys! 

Flat feet or no dessert!

Remember when "stop hitting yourself" was something funny that Pee Wee Herman would say. Well in my house it's said quite literally. Instead of "No running in the house!" I say "No popping wheelies in your walker!" Another very frequently stated rule in my house is "Flat feet!" or more so"For the love...FLAT FEET!!!!" (Sadie giggles when I say that one). This is not only a Beebsism it is now a

Broism: Bro is walking on his tiptoes constantly. Ahhhhhh nooooo!!!! (thats what you were thinking, right?) Coupled with his ever so ridiculous picky eater syndrome I have been a bit paranoid about a sensory problem.

Our Solution: I traced and cut these feet out of shelf paper and placed them on our tile. One row is for walking with straight, flat feet. I tell my kiddos that walking across them and out the door ensures that they bring their flat feet with them outside. The other set is a set to practice a side step down the hallway for better balance and coordination. Both are a reminder to use FLAT FEET!!!! 

As far as Bro's eating habits go, lets just say I'm ready to try hypnotism. He likes something from each texture group but he's a major gagger. I hope I'm just paranoid because of our experience with Sadie. But I won't be one of those moms who desperately turns away not wanting to deal with yet another special problem. No sir, I am informed and therefore responsible (dang it). I found this Sensory Processing Disorder checklist. Luckily I only checked off a few boxes for Bro where as Sadie would fill 80 percent of the test.That calms me a bit. It's a start and I intend to bring it to the pediatrician on Bro's next visit. Better safe then sorry. 

BTW: if you have pretty wood floors unlike me maybe don't try this

Just traced little shoes

I will now be moving these closer to the wall due to Sadie's surgery set back.

How to get a special needs bike

I will be the first to admit that sometimes I dream a little too big. Let me tell you of my Christmas morning fail. So when deciding what to get the kids for Christmas I knew that I really wanted to get Bro a balance bike. It's a two wheeler bike without pedals made for kids ages 1-3. I went down to our local bike shop and picked up a really awesome matte black bike with matching pirate scull helmet- super cute! After I took it home I started to think of all the fun he would have on this bike at the park and in the drive way, popping wheelies and squealing with glee. I then pictured Sadie feeling sad because she couldn't ride a bike.  The trike we first bought for her at age 2 has a push along handle and so that is all we could do was push her along because pedaling at that angle was super difficult for her. The wheels in my head started turning . I convinced my husband (meaning he didn't exactly say no but just gave me the "your crazy look") that if I could some how get a bike without pedals and that still had training wheels she could scoot along and have much needed bike riding fun with Bro. I had thoroughly convinced myself that this was the most brilliant idea and that I was a genius. The thought that Sadie might have a physical activity that she enjoyed made it all that easier to rush down to our bike shop and lay down a good little chunk of money on a shiny pink bike. The "bike guy" was super accommodating and put together the bike without pedals and made the training wheels a little more stable. I had dreams of my two children scooting around on there push bikes in childhood bliss.

Christmas morning came, we tried her "balance bike" and she went a little ways before saying she needed to rest. I thought if we just get out every day and practice that she would eventually get it and start to have fun. No such luck. I went to my Physical therapist with my frustrations. They had just received a special needs bike to demo so we put Sadie in it. There was all kinds of straps and buckles and her feet where even buckled to the pedals. Sadie peddled that thing around with very little effort and had the biggest smile of satisfaction on her face. I couldn't help but tear up, she was having so much fun on it. Her physical therapist showed me that because she didn't have to worry about trunk control she could focus on pedaling plus the angle of the pedals were positioned in a way to make it easier. "I need it! How much is it?" I immediately asked. Her therapist answered "probably as much as a used car". My heart sank. She then quickly explained that there was a wish list that we could get on, but it takes a while. It is through AMBUCS. I was all for it but it was a lengthy process. Let me break it down for you:

• You need a super gung-ho Physical Therapist who agrees your child will benefit from this "mobility device".
• Then your PT must write up a request and have your pediatrician sign off on it.
• A mobility equipment company has to come out and get measurements to order the bike with all your childs specific needs.
• The mobility equipment company submits to insurance and YOU WILL GET DENIED, but you need this denial letter to send in to Ambucs.
• Yourself, your PT and any specialists willing must write a letter to AMBUCS as to why one of there trykes would benefit your child. Go  HERE  to get the other forms needed.
• If your approved you will put on the wish list and then you wait. You are pretty much guaranteed to get one at this point but it takes from 4 months to a year.
• Need help writing letters? Click here to see my sample letters

I got my letter of approval just last month. Now we wait. In a perfect world I would get this magical bike in a month when Sadie's cast comes off. That way she can start strengthening again. Apparently there are donors that go on the website and contribute. The faster they contribute to your child the faster you can get a bike. You can even shamelessly petition for people to specifically donate for your child which is what I will now be doing at this point:

Should you be a sympathetic millionaire here is what you can do to donate to Sadie's bike as we still need 875$ more dollars. Go to http://www.active.com/donate/amtryke > fill in amount from 10$ and up and click continue> click sponsor specific rider> fill in Sadie Smith-  CA.

I strive to make all our "equipment" as cute as possible. If you fancy my fancy ideas here are the links from my collage.

1. amtryke 1416 by Ambucs 2,3,4,5 bike bells from etsy 7,8 Betty Basket liners 9.nantucket lightship basket 10.Basil Memory Bottle Basket 11.night owl bell   12.white bike streamers 

pay no mind that I totally forgot the number 6 completely:) I think Sadie will totally go for the cat with a mustache!

The case of the purple cast

Yesterday went very well, as well as sending your little five year old off to heal cord legthening surgery can be. We arrived at San Diego Children's Hospital at 5:30 am. Sadie was quite cheery at first. She broke out into song during the check in process. It was really a loud serenade for so early in the morning but there was none who dared stop her. After a while we were taken to a secondary waiting area where Sadie would change into her hospital clothes. Although children's hospitals do there best to make these clothes fun, Sadie was quite disenchanted having had to wear them before for other procedures. The astronaut kids and puppies were in no way appealing to her and as she put them on she started to say she was scared. I was ok until then. All I could do was reassure her that mommy and daddy would keep her safe and that the surgery would be fast. I then reminded her that she would have a fun colored cast that her friends could write on. She went on and on about how she wanted yellow or purple(I prepped her to have 2 color choices). After more waiting, multiple nurses and doctors came to check up on us. I inquired to each one about the colored cast and each one had the same reply. There was only white in the surgery department. Now for those of you who know Sadie you know the face she makes when she is devastated. It is the sadest thing you will ever see. Her lips curl down in such a way that wrenches your heart. This face only occurs in matters which are of great importance to Sadie. As tears welled up in her eyes she choked out"white casts are only on shows!" She was right, white casts were for the big screen. Here in real life we get to pick a neon colored cast people! Especially at a children's hospital for goodness sake! For about a half an hour I planned a secret ops mission to run to the next building to the clinic were we have gotten colored casts before. It would involve stealing scrubs for a disguise or hunting down someone in the clinic who recognized me or just walking fast avoiding eye contact like I had a purpose. My mastermind train of thought was broken as a nurse named Francis plopped a package of purple casting material down on the desk in front of me. Sadie gasped in happy surprise. " I have no words to describe the difference you have made today, thank you!" I told her. Francis saved the day!

 Soon after we wheeled Sadie to her surgery room. They told my husband and I that one of us could go in with her while she was going under. I went in. The worst part is right when they put the mask on. Sadie looked so frightened and I had to put on my bravest face. I told her she looked so silly with that mask on and she was making me laugh. She soon drifted off and I was suddenly an emotional wreck. I pulled it together and joined my husband in the waiting room. I had thought earlier that I would blog about the day while I was waiting but at this point I was paralyzed. I only wished I cold turn off my brain until Sadie was out. After a minute my husband sweetly asked if he could get me something to eat or drink. I think my eyes glowed red as I snapped" No! I can't possibly eat right now! Why would I want to eat right now?!" he then squeezed my hand and handed me an ear bud connected to his iPod. He showed me the screen. He had downloaded the newest episode of Sherlock, my very favorite show next to Downton Abbey. Thats just what I needed, to not have to think for an hour. Just before Sherlock and Watson were going to be introduced to Irene Adler we were paged.

 The Surgen said that everything went perfectly and they were able to get Sadie's foot past neutral by 10 degrees (which is a normal range). Sadie's first words waking up were "Is my Cast so cute?" She then asked a multitude of questions in a listless voice. "am I still cute? Was I so brave? Are my toes okay?" The Doctor had told us Sadie would be in pain for a few days and then sent us on our way. Since we have been home, Sadie has been in high spirits. She hasn't been cranky or in very much pain if any at all. She had a couple care packages come today from her dear friend Abby and from Ninah (her grandma) and I think that made for a pretty awesome day. She has fallen asleep easily the past couple nights. I just feel like I'm getting the hugest break ever!Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers especially those who payed that I would be able to get some sleep:)

P.S. Lately Sadie has been into saying "the case of...(she makes up something here)" Hence the post title. Just thought it was more fun then " This is how the surgery went down"

2 days until surgery

I'm a bit scared tonight. It seams that Sadie is most definitely having her surgery this tuesday. The orthopedic surgeon is going to lengthen her heal cord on the left side and take out a muscle sample for further testing.  It's been officially scheduled for a month now but there were so many variables in which could postpone it. All the many tests the doctors have been running were to see if something else could aid Sadie's muscle development. Usually this surgery isn't done on children until there about 8 to 10 years old however in Sadie's case, the way she walks tip toed and turned in, threatens the proper development of her foot and the bones therein. I feel good about the surgery and hopeful about the outcome but I'm still scared. I'm scared about the recovery. I have to be prepared to start at ground zero again. All her gain will be wiped away and we will be virtually starting all over with strengthening her leg to get her to walk again. I'm not so worried about the actual surgery or the three weeks in the cast. I'm just worried about the inevetable aftermath. In this case I will really need to be in therapist mode and I'm not always the best at that. 


I have been prepping Sadie the best I can. She will have a temporary black wheelchair as opposed to her pink one to keep her leg up. The one was delivered to our home this last week so I have been able to talk about the change with her. All we have to say is that it's black like Zoey (my sisters dog) and Sadie is totally cool with it. She is also quite excited about her friends getting to draw on her cast. When I tried to ask her what flavor she was going to pick for the anesthesia mask she said "I've already picked all of them and none of them are very good" What could I say to that? I suggested that she should pick two like strawberry bubble gum to trick the doctor. She giggled and agreed that that would be funny. I don't know what else I can do. Hubby has that day off to go to the Children's hospital with us and Amazon just delivered a much wanted Lala Loopsy doll that I'm saving for the occasion.  I just always pray we are doing the right thing and concerning this surgery I have the overwhelming feeling that it is what we are supposed to do for her. 

Knee pads with style

Beebsism: Sadie cannot go from floor to standing without assistance and she cannot go from standing to floor without plopping down hard on her knees, making me cringe at the sound and sight of it.

Our Soloution: As much as I wish I had a magic wand to make her cute little legs work correctly I do not so I spent a good long time on the web trying to find a comfortable knee pad that would fit a giant crawling five year old. These knee pads from lil' melon are perfect. They have 2 designs that come in the bigger toddler sizes. They are soft and breathable. Not only do they protect Sadie's knees when she descends to the ground but they also protect her ever so cute Gap yoga pants from obtaining a hole when crawling around.