Lots of work!

Today was the first full day of therapy for Emily and her new braces. Our first appointment was at 10:00 and it was an icy, frosty morning in Oregon. We set out at 8:00 in order to allow enough time to get to the hospital. With a minute to spare we arrived on time. The session began with a recap of yesterday's instruction (for mom) and then more hands on training of putting Emmy in her brace.

Once upright, we began the long process of "walking" through the hallways of the hospital. Up one corridor, down another. Emily tolerated her instruction beautifully. Though it is extremely exhausting (we were told for a child who has never walked to get up and walk with these braces, it is like us trying to run a marathon without any training) she just keeps on going. She doesn't complain and she doesn't cry. She does however let us know when she has had enough by signing "all done".

During our afternoon session Emily's PT said that he could feel that she was just starting to "help" do the work. He can feel her leg making small movements and can feel her muscles contracting. It will be a while before she actually figures out how to make them work though.