Physical Therapy Began 3/31/06

Maggi went for her first PT visit with Miss Debbie at Scottish Rite. We learned so much and also, cried a little. It is tough watching your little one struggle at things that are challenging physically, when you know that it something that they should already know how to do without a problem.

We learned that Maggi is on a One to Two Month Developmental Level during this session. It was a shock to us, as we had expected maybe a four to five month level. Now we know what we need to work on with Maggi and can help her improve daily at home with the exercises we are learning.

Maggi does not have a lot of muscle tone, as can be expected. She is holding up her head well on her own and has yet to achieve complete "sitting up" by herself. Because of the weight of her head and the scoliosis, Maggi tends to "stack" with her head, sitting back and into her neck/shoulders. It is so important that she learn how to use her muscles to keep her head "midline", which will provide her stability and it will eventually increase her mobility! How exciting!

Well, she is a fast learner and Miss Debbie saw a major improvement within one week. She praised us for working so well with Maggi at home. It would be so nice to have one of those EXTREME HOME MAKEOVERS and have a room just for Maggi with all of the special equipment she needs to improve physically and with eating. We have become quite creative in building our own little wedges and things...

Maggi also got the thumbs up from speech therapy to experiment with different textures, allowing her to learn how to chew. Maggi tends to suck and not chew because she simply doesn't know how...so, we are presenting all kinds of cool stuff to her...supervised! Carrots, twizzlers, french fries, dried fruit and veggie puffs. We are so proud of her, she really tries hard and is such a fighter.

We love all of you and hope that you continue to keep her in your prayers as we head back to Scottish this week on the 13th to have her EKG, Ecocardiogram and Renal Ultrasound done. Also, her bloodwork will be done and sent to Philadelphia for testing.

Keeping the faith,
Donna, Patrick, Zack, Michael and Maggi